Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship by investment
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Government-Licensed Advisory by NTL
Programme Highlights
- Minimum Investment: USD 230,000 (National Development Fund for family of 4) or USD 300,000 (Real Estate)
- CARICOM Mobility: Right to live, work, and study across 15 Caribbean Community member states
- Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 30, dependent parents 55+, and dependent siblings eligible
- No Residency Requirement: No minimum stay before or after citizenship grant
- Dual Citizenship: Permitted with no requirement to renounce existing citizenship
- Processing Time: 3 to 4 months from complete application submission
- Programme Since: Established in 2013, one of the longest-running Caribbean CBI programmes
About Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island nation in the West Indies, comprising two major islands and several smaller islands. A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Antigua and Barbuda maintains strong international relationships and regional integration.
Location
Eastern Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean
Area
442 square kilometers (171 square miles)
Population
Approximately 100,000
Capital
St. John's
Official Language
English
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Government
Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
Economy
Tourism, financial services, and light industry
Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 (No. 2 of 2013)
The Citizenship by Investment Act established the programme's legal foundation, providing the statutory authority for granting citizenship to qualifying foreign investors.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2014
These regulations, enacted pursuant to Section 11 of the Citizenship by Investment Act, set forth detailed procedures, investment requirements, fees, and processing requirements.
Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)
The CIU operates under the Prime Minister's Office and serves as the government authority responsible for receiving, processing, and determining citizenship applications under the programme.
Programme History
Established in 2013, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme is one of the longest-running CBI programmes in the Caribbean region, with established procedures and recognized international standing.
Investment Options
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme offers four qualifying investment routes established under the Citizenship by Investment Act and Regulations:
Additional Government Fees
In addition to the investment amount, applicants must pay government processing fees and due diligence fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee (Main Applicant) | USD 30,000 | Non-refundable government processing fee |
| Processing Fee (Spouse) | USD 30,000 | Non-refundable government processing fee |
| Processing Fee (Dependent 18+) | USD 30,000 | Per dependent |
| Processing Fee (Dependent 0-17) | USD 15,000 | Per dependent |
| Due Diligence (Main Applicant) | USD 10,000 | Background verification fee |
| Due Diligence (Spouse) | USD 7,500 | Background verification fee |
| Due Diligence (Dependent 12-17) | USD 2,000 | Per dependent |
| Due Diligence (Dependent 18+) | USD 5,000 | Per dependent |
Total programme cost includes: (1) Investment amount (NDF, real estate, business, or UWI), (2) Government processing fees, (3) Due diligence fees, (4) Professional advisory fees, (5) Additional costs such as medical examinations, document certifications, and translations.
Eligibility Requirements
Main Applicant Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years old |
| Health | Good health, no communicable diseases (medical certificate required) |
| Character | Good character with no serious criminal record |
| Financial Standing | Sufficient lawful funds to complete qualifying investment |
| Source of Funds | Legal and verifiable source of investment funds |
| Residence | 5-day minimum stay in Antigua and Barbuda within first 5 years of citizenship |
Eligible Dependents
The Antigua and Barbuda programme offers one of the most inclusive family definitions in Caribbean CBI programmes:
Legally married spouse of main applicant (marriage certificate required)
Biological or legally adopted children under 30 years of age, including adult children ages 18-30
Parents or grandparents of main applicant or spouse, aged 55 years or older, who are financially dependent
Unmarried siblings of main applicant or spouse, who are financially dependent and do not have children
Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship programme permits inclusion of adult children up to age 30, dependent parents 55+, and dependent siblings, providing one of the most comprehensive family inclusion policies among CBI programmes.
Ineligible Applicants
- Applicants who have been denied visas to countries with visa-free access for Antigua and Barbuda passport holders may face additional scrutiny
- Applicants with serious criminal convictions may be refused
- Applicants who pose security risks or have been involved in activities contrary to public policy may be refused
- Applicants from high-risk jurisdictions may require enhanced due diligence
Programme Benefits
Citizenship Advantages
Permitted with no requirement to renounce existing citizenship.
Spouse, children up to age 30, parents 55+, and dependent siblings eligible in single application.
Citizenship passes to future generations born after citizenship grant.
Only 5 days minimum stay within first 5 years required.
Applications typically processed within 3 to 4 months from complete submission.
No worldwide income tax for non-residents; territorial tax system.
Right to establish and operate businesses in Antigua and Barbuda.
Operating since 2013 with proven track record and international recognition.
CARICOM Mobility
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides the right to live, work, and study in CARICOM member states without work permits or additional visas.
CARICOM Member States (15 Members):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME): Participating CARICOM states allow free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states.
Global Mobility
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to over 150 destinations worldwide, including:
- Europe (Schengen Area): 90 days within 180-day period visa-free access to 27 European countries
- United Kingdom: 6 months visa-free access
- Ireland: 90 days visa-free access
- Russia: 90 days visa-free access
- Hong Kong: 90 days visa-free access
- Singapore: 30 days visa-free access
- South Korea: 90 days visa-free access
Note: Visa-free access policies are subject to change by destination countries. Applicants should verify current visa requirements before travel.
Application Process
Applications to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme must be submitted through government-authorized agents. NTL is an authorized agent licensed to submit applications to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Process Timeline
Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment
Comprehensive eligibility review, investment route selection, family composition analysis, and cost estimation.
Document Preparation and Collection
Gather identity documents, police certificates, source of funds documentation, medical certificates, and supporting documents for all applicants and dependents.
Application Form Completion
Complete government application forms with detailed personal, financial, and investment information. Forms prepared with assistance of authorized agent.
Payment of Due Diligence Fees
Due diligence fees paid to government at application submission. Background verification process initiated by CIU.
Application Submission to CIU
Complete application package submitted to Citizenship by Investment Unit through authorized agent.
Due Diligence and Background Verification
Government conducts comprehensive background checks through international due diligence agencies. Verification of identity, source of funds, criminal record, and security clearance.
In-Principle Approval
CIU issues in-principle approval after successful completion of due diligence. Approval indicates application has passed government review subject to investment completion.
Investment Execution
Complete selected investment route: NDF contribution, real estate purchase, business investment, or UWI Fund contribution. Payment of government processing fees.
Final Citizenship Grant
Following investment completion and payment of all fees, CIU issues Certificate of Registration of Citizenship.
Oath of Allegiance
New citizens take Oath of Allegiance at Antigua and Barbuda High Commission, Embassy, or before authorized official.
Passport Application
Apply for Antigua and Barbuda passport. Passport application processed and issued following Oath of Allegiance.
Applications typically processed within 3 to 4 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, completeness of documentation, due diligence requirements, and current processing volumes at the CIU.
Required Documents
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (certified copy of all pages)
- Birth certificate for all applicants
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (recent, white background)
Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificate (for spouse inclusion)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of dependency for adult children, parents, or siblings
Police Certificates
- Police certificate from country of citizenship
- Police certificate from country of residence (if different from citizenship)
- Police certificates from any country where applicant has resided for 6+ months since age 16
- All certificates must be issued within 6 months of application submission
- Certificates must be apostilled or legalized
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (6 months) demonstrating source of investment funds
- Source of wealth documentation (employment records, business ownership, inheritance, asset sales, etc.)
- Bank reference letters
- Professional reference letters
- Proof of net worth
- Tax returns or tax clearance certificates (if applicable)
- Business registration documents (if business owner)
Medical Certificates
- Medical examination report from licensed physician
- HIV/AIDS test results (applicants 12 years and older)
- Confirmation of no communicable diseases
- Medical reports must be completed on government-provided form
Investment Documentation
- NDF Route: Bank transfer confirmation and payment receipt
- Real Estate Route: Sales and purchase agreement, proof of payment, property valuation, title documents
- Business Route: Business plan, financial projections, proof of investment, incorporation documents
- UWI Route: Fund contribution confirmation and scholarship acceptance documents
Additional Requirements
- Curriculum vitae (CV) for main applicant
- Proof of residential address
- Declaration of any visa refusals
- Affidavit of support for dependent family members
Document Authentication: All documents must be apostilled or legalized by the issuing country's competent authority. Documents in languages other than English must be officially translated by certified translators.
Post-Approval Considerations
Residency Requirement
New citizens must spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years of citizenship. This requirement may be satisfied through multiple short visits or a single 5-day visit.
Investment Holding Period
- NDF Contribution: Non-refundable with no holding period obligation
- Real Estate: 5-year mandatory holding period from citizenship grant. Property may be sold after 5 years, including to other CBI applicants.
- Business Investment: 5-year holding period with business continuity requirement
- UWI Fund: Non-refundable contribution with scholarship benefit
Taxation
Territorial Tax System: Antigua and Barbuda operates a territorial tax system. Citizens who are not residents of Antigua and Barbuda are not taxed on foreign-sourced income.
Tax Residency: Tax residency is determined by physical presence and domicile. Citizenship does not automatically create tax residency.
No Worldwide Taxes: Antigua and Barbuda does not impose:
- Personal income tax on non-residents
- Capital gains tax
- Inheritance tax
- Wealth tax
Passport Renewal
Antigua and Barbuda passports are valid for 5 years for adults and may be renewed at Antigua and Barbuda diplomatic missions worldwide or in Antigua and Barbuda.
Programme Changes
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under the Citizenship by Investment Act and Regulations, which are subject to amendment. Investment thresholds, fees, procedures, and programme terms may change by government decision.
NTL: Authorized Agent Services
NTL is a government-authorized agent for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme, providing comprehensive application support with established CIU relationships and extensive programme experience.
Our Advisory Services
Eligibility and Suitability Assessment
Comprehensive review of applicant eligibility, family composition, investment route suitability, and programme objectives.
Investment Route Analysis
Detailed comparison of NDF, real estate, business, and UWI investment routes with consideration of family size, liquidity preferences, and holding period obligations.
Document Preparation and Review
Complete document collection, verification, translation, apostille/legalization coordination, and application form preparation.
Source of Funds Documentation
Guidance on preparing comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation to satisfy CIU due diligence requirements.
Application Submission to CIU
Submission of complete application package to Citizenship by Investment Unit as authorized agent.
CIU Liaison and Application Management
Ongoing communication with CIU, response to information requests, status updates, and application monitoring throughout processing.
Investment Execution Support
Coordination of investment completion following in-principle approval, including NDF transfers, real estate transactions, or business investment setup.
Citizenship Certificate and Passport Procurement
Coordination of Oath of Allegiance, citizenship certificate issuance, and passport application processing.
Compliance Standards
NTL operates in strict accordance with Antigua and Barbuda programme requirements and international best practices:
Government-authorized agent with established CIU relationships and submission privileges.
Comprehensive client verification and source of funds review prior to application submission.
All services provided in accordance with the Citizenship by Investment Act and Regulations.
Adherence to international standards for citizenship and residency advisory services.
Info & Useful Links About Antigua and Barbuda
Request Your Eligibility Assessment
Contact NTL for a confidential consultation on Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme. Our authorized agents will assess your eligibility, explain investment options, and outline the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment is USD 230,000 through the National Development Fund for a family of up to four persons, or USD 300,000 for real estate investment with a 5-year holding period.
Applications are typically processed within 3 to 4 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, due diligence requirements, and current processing volumes at the CIU.
Yes. Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship. Applicants are not required to renounce their existing citizenship.
CARICOM is the Caribbean Community, a regional organization of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies. Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides the right to live, work, and study in CARICOM member states without work permits or additional visas.
Yes, but it is minimal. New citizens must spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years of citizenship. This can be satisfied through multiple short visits or a single 5-day stay.
Eligible dependents include spouse, children under 30 years of age, dependent parents or grandparents aged 55+, and unmarried dependent siblings without children. This is one of the most comprehensive family inclusion policies among Caribbean CBI programmes.
Yes. After maintaining the real estate investment for 5 years from citizenship grant, you may sell the property, including to other CBI applicants who can use it to qualify for citizenship.
No. Antigua and Barbuda operates a territorial tax system. Citizens who are not tax residents are not taxed on foreign-sourced income. Tax residency is determined by physical presence and domicile, not citizenship status.
The NDF (National Development Fund) requires USD 230,000 for a family of 4 or fewer. The UWI (University of the West Indies) Fund requires USD 260,000 for a family of 6 or fewer but includes a one-year tuition scholarship to UWI for one family member. Both are non-refundable contributions.
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to over 150 destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area (90 days), United Kingdom (6 months), Ireland, Russia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
This page provides general information only. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 and Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2014, both of which are subject to amendment. Programme requirements, investment thresholds, fees, and procedures may change by government decision.
All applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents. Applications are adjudicated by the Citizenship by Investment Unit under the Prime Minister's Office. NTL provides professional advisory services to support compliant applications but does not guarantee approval, processing timelines, or investment outcomes.
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