ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring second citizenship options. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, established in 2013, represents a robust and transparent pathway to acquiring full citizenship through economic contribution. This initiative not only facilitates enhanced international travel and tax planning but also supports the nation's sustainable development in tourism, infrastructure, and education. For those evaluating Caribbean-based programs, Antigua and Barbuda stands out for its balance of affordability, efficiency, and family inclusivity.
As of October 30, 2025, the program maintains its position as one of the Caribbean's leading CBI offerings, with over 10,000 successful applications processed to date. Recent regulatory refinements underscore a commitment to program integrity, ensuring long-term viability for participants. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing approval within 3-9 months.
WHY CHOOSE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CBI?
In an increasingly interconnected world, second citizenship serves as a strategic tool for risk diversification, business expansion, and family security. Antigua and Barbuda, a sovereign dual-island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, offers a compelling case for such planning. As a member of the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), it provides a stable political environment, English as the official language, and a burgeoning economy driven by tourism and financial services. The CBI Program aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to contribute meaningfully while gaining a passport that ranks highly for global mobility—visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 151 destinations, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs seeking regional market access, retirees prioritizing a low-tax jurisdiction, and families valuing educational and healthcare synergies across the Caribbean. The absence of worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes further enhances its attractiveness for wealth preservation. Moreover, the program's emphasis on sustainability—directing funds toward national development—resonates with clients committed to ethical investment.
Enhanced Global Mobility: Streamlined travel without the uncertainties of visa applications, fostering opportunities in business and leisure.
Tax Optimization: A jurisdiction with no personal income tax on foreign earnings, ideal for international portfolios.
Family-Centric Design: Comprehensive inclusion provisions that extend to extended relatives, promoting intergenerational security.
Minimal Residency Obligation: Currently requiring just five days within the first five years, allowing flexibility for non-residents (with forthcoming adjustments noted below).
Economic Alignment: Contributions that bolster local growth, offering indirect benefits through a thriving investment ecosystem.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other Caribbean CBI programs, Antigua and Barbuda provides competitive thresholds and processing times, making it a prudent starting point for due diligence.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA APART FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN PROGRAMS?
Antigua and Barbuda's CBI distinguishes itself through its balanced investment options and strong visa-free portfolio, including access to China and Russia—features not universally available in peer programs. This positions it as a versatile choice for diversified travel needs.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship extends beyond immediate acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: smoother international relocations, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior Travel Privileges: Visa-free entry to 151 countries, encompassing 90 days in the Schengen Zone, six months in the UK, and seamless access to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Qatar—enhancing both personal and professional horizons.
Fiscal Neutrality: Exemption from taxes on global income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth, providing a neutral base for international holdings without domicile obligations.
Lifestyle Integration: Freedom to reside, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda or fellow OECS and CARICOM members, complemented by high-standard international schools, private healthcare, and eco-luxury resorts.
Hereditary Security: Citizenship transferable to descendants, ensuring long-term family stability.
U.S. Visa Pathways: Eligibility for extended B-1/B-2 visitor visas and E-2 investor treaties, facilitating North American engagement.
Commercial Leverage: Entry to Caribbean markets, bolstered by an English-speaking, business-friendly locale with robust banking secrecy.
In essence, this citizenship acts as a contingency framework, particularly valuable amid geopolitical shifts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any CBI application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The Dominica Programme offers two principal pathways, each vetted for compliance and impact. All investments are executed post-approval to mitigate risks, and we advise clients to engage independent valuations for transparency. Minimum thresholds remain at USD 200,000, positioning it as the most accessible Caribbean option.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution | USD 230,000 (single or family up to 4); USD 245,000 (5+ members) | A non-refundable donation to support public infrastructure, healthcare, and education initiatives. This option is favored for its simplicity and speed, requiring no ongoing management. |
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund Contribution | USD 260,000 (for families of 6+) | Targeted funding for the regional UWI campus in Antigua, promoting higher education. It waives additional fees for the principal applicant and up to five dependents, appealing to education-focused families. |
Real Estate Investment | USD 300,000 | Acquisition of approved shares in government-certified projects, such as luxury resorts or condominiums, with a mandatory five-year holding period. This route offers potential rental yields of 3-5% annually and capital appreciation in a recovering tourism market. |
Business Enterprise Investment | USD 1.5 million (individual); USD 400,000 per investor (joint ventures totaling USD 5 million) | Direct equity in a new or existing enterprise that generates at least two full-time jobs for nationals. Suitable for active investors, this option demands a detailed business plan but can yield operational returns. |
In practice, the NDF route suits those prioritizing expediency, while real estate appeals to property enthusiasts. We recommend modeling scenarios based on your portfolio to optimize returns and compliance.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA APART FROM OTHER CARIBBEAN PROGRAMS?
Antigua and Barbuda's CBI distinguishes itself through its balanced investment options and strong visa-free portfolio, including access to China and Russia—features not universally available in peer programs. This positions it as a versatile choice for diversified travel needs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating the CBI application demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate this through structured support, minimizing administrative burdens. The end-to-end timeline averages 3-9 months, contingent on document completeness and due diligence outcomes. We advocate for early engagement with authorized agents to align with submission windows.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select an investment option, incorporating personalized risk assessments.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, medical reports, and police clearances—translated and notarized as needed.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU); expect comprehensive background verification.
Virtual Interviews: Conducted remotely for qualifying family members, typically lasting 30-45 minutes.
In-Principle Approval: Issued within 4-5 months; proceed with investment transfer.
Oath of Allegiance: Administered in Antigua and Barbuda, at an embassy, or virtually in exceptional cases.
Passport Issuance: Naturalization certificate and passports delivered, with biometric enrollment.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing iterative refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the Antigua and Barbuda CBI is designed to attract reputable individuals, emphasizing integrity and financial prudence. As consultants, we stress the importance of thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. The process is inclusive, accommodating diverse family structures, but mandates rigorous due diligence to uphold program standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Solvency: Demonstrable proof of lawful wealth sources, including bank statements and asset valuations covering the investment amount.
Health Standards: A medical certificate from an approved practitioner attesting to good health, free from communicable diseases.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from all jurisdictions of residence, verified through international databases.
Family Provisions: Inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 31 (including their spouses and children if applicable), parents or grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings of any age. Post-approval additions are feasible with supplementary fees.
Interview Protocol: Mandatory virtual interviews for individuals aged 16 and above, focusing on intent and background.
Nationality Considerations: Applicants from high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Yemen) undergo enhanced scrutiny, potentially leading to ineligibility.
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
From full submission to passport in hand, the Antigua and Barbuda's CBI application process spans 3-9 months, with due diligence comprising the longest phase—expedited for straightforward cases.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The Antigua and Barbuda CBI Programme evolves in response to global standards, with key adjustments in 2025 reinforcing its credibility. In August 2024, minimum investments increased to USD 230,000 to deter speculative applications and fund national priorities. More notably, as of October 2025, a regulatory reform introduces a 30-day residency requirement over the initial five years for new citizens—up from the prior five days—aiming to foster deeper connections and address international scrutiny on "passport sales."
This change, announced mid-October, applies prospectively and does not retroactively affect existing citizens. Processing efficiencies have also improved, with digital submissions reducing timelines for 70% of cases. Demand from U.S. and Asian investors persists, driving a 15% application uptick year-over-year. Prospective applicants should monitor CIU announcements; we assist in navigating these transitions to ensure seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for Antigua and Barbuda CBI? The baseline is USD 230,000 via the National Development Fund for singles or families up to four, with escalations for larger groups or alternative routes.
How long does the full application process take? Approximately 3-9 months, influenced by due diligence thoroughness and submission quality.
What residency requirements apply post-citizenship? As of October 2025, new citizens must accumulate 30 days in Antigua and Barbuda over five years, promoting sustained engagement.
Which family members can be included? Spouses, children under 31, parents/grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings qualify, subject to dependency proofs and fees.
What tax advantages does the program offer? No impositions on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance, rendering it a favorable jurisdiction for non-residents.
Does it permit dual citizenship, and what travel benefits follow? Yes, without restrictions; the passport enables visa-free access to 151 destinations, including key European and Asian hubs.
Are there eligibility restrictions based on nationality? While open to most, enhanced due diligence applies to applicants from specified high-risk countries, ensuring program security.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.