Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: A Complete Guide to Getting It, Programs, and Benefits

Dreaming of a second passport that will give you visa-free access to over 140 countries worldwide, including the Schengen area, the UK and Singapore? Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is not just a tropical paradise, it is one of the most affordable and attractive citizenship by investment programs. You can get a passport in just 4-6 months without having to live in the country. The program offers several legal investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund, the purchase of real estate or an investment in an approved business.

Our lawyers will provide full support: from choosing a suitable option to obtaining a passport, guaranteeing the security of the transaction, compliance with requirements and confidentiality. We know how to avoid mistakes and speed up the process, even in difficult situations.

Get Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship!

Visa-free mobility
Visa-free access to 150+ countries, including the UK and Asia
Tax benefits
No tax on global income, capital gains, or inheritance—zero tax residency
No residency requirements
No visits or stay needed—citizenship fully remote in just 4–6 months
For the whole family
Include spouse, kids, parents, and siblings under one application

Why Choose Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship?

Antigua and Barbuda passport holders get visa-free travel to over 150 countries worldwide. These include the entire Schengen area, the United Kingdom (for up to 180 days per year), Singapore, Hong Kong, and other key international jurisdictions. This level of mobility is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, investors, and international business owners who want to move quickly between countries without bureaucratic delays.

Antigua and Barbuda offers attractive tax conditions. Among the main advantages: no tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax. At the same time, there are no tax residency obligations: you do not need to live in the country.

It takes 4-6 months to acquire citizenship in these Caribbean nations. There are no residency requirements before or after receiving the Barbuda and Antigua passport, no language exams, and no need to visit the country at the application stage. All stages can be completed remotely with the support of a licensed agent.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program allows for the inclusion of not only the main investor, but also a spouse, minor and dependent children, parents over 55, and siblings under certain conditions. This makes the investment program ideal for those who see migration as a strategic decision for the entire family.

Antigua and Barbuda is not only a legal instrument, but also a real place for comfortable living. The country offers a warm climate all year round, a stable political situation, a high level of personal security, a prestigious reputation due to membership in the UN, CARICOM, and other organizations. In addition, the possibility of actually living on the islands is a pleasant bonus for those who dream of life by the sea.

Citizenship by Investment Program

Citizenship by Investment Program

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme is the fastest and most popular way to get a passport in these Caribbean nations. This citizenship program requires making significant economic contributions and offers several options:

  1. Non-refundable National Development Fund contribution — from $100,000 for a family of four.
  2. Investment in approved real estate— from $200,000 with a minimum 5-year ownership obligation.
  3. Investments in business— from $1,500,000 individually or $5,000,000 collectively.
  4. Participation in the University Fund of the University of the West Indies— from $150,000, only for families of 6+ people.

The process takes on average 4-6 months and does not require residence in the country, language tests, or exams.

Naturalization by residence

Naturalization by residence

If you have lived in Antigua and Barbuda legally for at least 7 years, you can apply for citizenship. Applicants must demonstrate good character and a clean criminal record, integration into the local community, and financial self-sufficiency. The period of temporary residence may be partially counted if the applicant had a formal status, such as a resident or a work visa holder.

Citizenship by origin (repatriation)

Citizenship by origin (repatriation)

Under the Citizenship Act, a person may apply for citizenship if one of their parents is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda and the descent can be documented. This route is especially relevant for descendants of immigrants living abroad and does not require investment or long-term residence in the country.

Marriage to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

Marriage to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

Foreigners who marry a citizen of the country can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage, provided that the marriage is not fictitious, the couple has lived together in Antigua and Barbuda, and the applicant has no criminal record or other legal restrictions.

Important: The authorities carefully check the authenticity of the marriage, including interviews and requests for documents.

Exceptional merits and services to the state

Exceptional merits and services to the state

In rare cases, citizenship may be granted for outstanding achievements in the fields of culture, science, sports, or diplomacy, contribution to the international reputation and interests of Antigua and Barbuda. The decision is made by the government of the country on an individual basis. This route is not available by application and is usually initiated by the state itself.

Our team of lawyers will help you choose the best path, collect the necessary documents and go through the entire process without risk and delays.

Citizenship by Investment Program (Antigua and Barbuda CBI)

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) is one of the most accessible and flexible programs in the Caribbean. It is governed by the Citizenship Act and provides an opportunity to obtain a second passport in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy.

To qualify for citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Be over 18 years of age;
  • Have no criminal record or criminal investigations;
  • Provide proof of the legal origin of funds.
  • Successfully pass the security check.
  • Select and implement one of the investment options.
  • Pay all government fees and services of licensed agencies.

The applicant may also include family members in the application – spouse, children, parents, and even brothers and sisters, subject to certain conditions.

There is no residency requirement; however, to maintain citizenship status, you must visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least 5 days within 5 years of receiving your passport.

At the time of publication, the program restricts participation to citizens of the following countries: Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. However, if the applicant has long-term residence outside of these countries and has not resided in them for the past 10 years, exceptions may be possible.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program is highly confidential. The government does not publish information about new citizens and does not participate in automatic data exchange with foreign tax authorities. This makes the program attractive to those seeking security and financial privacy.

Investment options

The government authority responsible for citizenship offers several investment routes, each of which meets the official requirements of the program:

Donation to the National Development Fund (NDF)
The minimum amount is $100,000 for a family of up to four people to qualify for the Antigua citizenship. This method is the most cost-effective and fastest
Real Estate Investments
Purchase of an approved property for at least $200,000. The property must be held for at least 5 years. Joint investment option is also available
Business Investments
An individual investment of $1,500,000 in an approved business or a collective investment of $5,000,000 with an individual share of at least $400,000
Contribution to the University Fund of the University of the West Indies
The option is only available to families of 6 or more people. Required contribution: from $150,000, including tuition fees for one family member

Due diligence is a mandatory part of the process. It is carried out by independent international companies accredited by the government. The origin and legality of funds, the absence of criminal records and sanctions, business reputation, and political neutrality are assessed. The presence of serious violations or concealment of information may lead to rejection of the application without a refund.

Our team specializes in supporting applications for citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda. We help you choose the right option, collect all the documents, pass due diligence, and receive an Antigua or Barbuda passport without unnecessary risks.

Requirements, documents, and application process

The set of documents submitted under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship program includes:

  • A copy of a valid passport of all applicants;
  • Birth and marriage certificates (with apostille);
  • Police certificates from countries of residence for the last 10 years;
  • Financial documents: tax returns, account statements, documents on the origin of funds;
  • Medical reports confirming the absence of serious illnesses;
  • Declaration of sources of income;
  • Passport size photographs;
  • Documents confirming the family ties between the applicants.

All documents must be translated into English and notarized. A licensed agent will help you properly prepare and check the package of documents before submitting.

The procedure for passing the security check

Due diligence is one of the most important stages of the program. Antigua and Barbuda uses a multi-level verification system, which includes an initial check for compliance with the program criteria, analysis of the origin of funds and business reputation, verification in international databases (sanctions, criminal cases, terrorist links), collection of information on political affiliation and risks. The verification is carried out by independent organizations and can take from 30 to 60 days. In case of violations or discrepancies, the application will be rejected.

Stages of the procedure and terms

The procedure for applying for citizenship by investment includes the following steps:

  1. Consultation and selection of investment units taking into account the client’s goals and family composition.
  2. Collection and preparation of documents under the supervision of a licensed agent.
  3. Applying and completing due diligence after paying the initial fees.
  4. Approval of the application by the government if the verification result is positive.
  5. Fulfilment of investment obligations: transfer of funds to the fund, purchase of real estate, etc.
  6. Obtaining a certificate of naturalization after a full check and fulfillment of all conditions.
  7. Issuance of Antigua and Barbuda Passport.

Average duration of the entire process: from 4 to 6 months, depending on the speed of document preparation and passing of checks.

Fees, taxes, and additional costs

Citizenship applicants are required to pay the following categories of expenses:

  1. Government fees (varies by family size);
  2. Due diligence fee ($7,500 for main applicant, $4,000 for each additional adult);
  3. Passport fee ($300 per person);
  4. Services of a licensed agent and legal representative;
  5. Investment along the chosen path (from $100,000 to $200,000+).

It is also important to consider possible costs for notarization, translations, and courier services. Antigua and Barbuda does not impose a tax on worldwide income, making the passport particularly attractive to international entrepreneurs and investors.

The Role of a Licensed Agent

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda requires that all applications be submitted exclusively through licensed representatives. The agent conducts an initial check of the client, assists with the preparation of documents, forwards the application to the CIU (Citizenship by Investment Unit), accompanies the client at every stage, coordinates the payment of fees and the fulfillment of the investment condition, and oversees the receipt of the certificate of naturalization and passport. Choosing an experienced agent is the key to a quick and successful application without legal or administrative risks.

Our law firm offers a full range of services to support the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programs. That includes a detailed analysis of the client’s situation, assistance in choosing the best investment option, preparation and legal review of all documents, professional support for applying, monitoring the fulfillment of all formalities and deadlines, support after receiving a passport, including issues of taxation, visas, and residence.

Common difficulties and how to avoid them

One common problem is choosing the wrong foreign investment option. For example, donating to National Development projects may be economically viable for single applicants. But when applying with a large family, it may be more appropriate to consider investing in approved real estate projects or a university endowment. Many investors choose this route without considering the tax implications, the cost of owning the property, or the legal obligations.

Before choosing an investment option, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis, including goals, family size, prospects for further use of the passport, and economic strategy. This task is best entrusted to experienced legal consultants specializing in CBI programs.

Another common reason for delays or refusals of Caribbean citizenship is an incomplete or incorrectly completed package of documents. For example, missing apostilles, translations made without notarization, outdated certificates of no criminal record submitted, errors in forms, or discrepancies in dates and details of family members. The Antigua CIU regulator carefully checks each application. Even a minor inaccuracy can be a reason for suspending the process or requesting additional documents.

The preparation of citizenship documents should be carried out under the supervision of lawyers with experience in international practice. Our team draws up a checklist, independently conducts an initial check and interacts with authorities to obtain official certificates.

Risks of failure: how to minimize

Refusal is possible in the following cases:

  • The applicant conceals information about convictions, bankruptcies, sanctions;
  • The funds for investment are of unclear origin;
  • The applicant had previously applied for CBI in another country and was refused;
  • The applicant’s country of origin is classified as a “risky jurisdiction”.

Risks can be minimized by conducting preliminary due diligence by a law firm before formal filing. This allows potential red flags to be identified and their consequences to be addressed in advance.

Requests from the CIU for clarification or additional documents are standard practice. The main thing is not to ignore such requests or respond superficially. The Commission expects a legally verified and reasoned response, especially in sensitive situations (for example, if the applicant had old criminal cases, but the statute of limitations has expired, or business assets were previously at risk).

In case of refusal, it is possible to submit a new citizenship application, but only after carefully reworking the approach and eliminating the reasons for the refusal. Our experience shows that a properly prepared re-application after working with experts has a high chance of success.

Features of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship

The country officially allows dual citizenship. Once a citizen receives a passport, they are not required to reside permanently on the islands, but there is one mandatory requirement: they must spend at least 5 days in the country during the first 5 years.

Citizenship extends not only to the main investor but also to his immediate family members. Children can be included in the application immediately or added later under a simplified procedure. It is important to comply with the age and dependent criteria, which are regulated by the country’s legislation. Even if the new citizen loses the status of a tax resident of Antigua and Barbuda, his citizenship is retained. Cancellation is possible only in the case of serious violations or the provision of false information when applying.

For CIS citizens, the program is especially attractive due to the absence of tax on global income and visa-free access to more than 150 countries, including the UK and the Schengen area.

Comparison with other programs

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programs start from $100,000. By comparison, St. Kitts and Nevis’s program starts at a similar amount but has higher administrative fees. Dominica also requires a minimum of $100,000, but is less flexible in terms of adding family members. Grenada, while more expensive (starting at $150,000), provides access to an E-2 visa to the U.S., which can be an advantage for entrepreneurs.

All Caribbean programs are similar in terms of time: a passport can be obtained in an average of 4-6 months. However, Antigua requires minimal physical presence – only 5 days over 5 years.

Compared to the Caribbean countries, Malta and Cyprus look like more prestigious, but also more expensive options. Malta’s citizenship program (MEIN) requires a total investment of €690,000, rigorous due diligence, and a waiting period of at least 12 months before naturalization. Cyprus previously offered citizenship for investments of €2 million, but the program was closed in 2020 following international criticism and investigations into abuses.

How can we help you?

We begin our work with a detailed analysis of your profile, investment opportunities, family composition, and goals, be it tax optimization, security, legacy planning, or freedom of movement. Based on this information, our specialists will propose the optimal investment path.

We accompany the client from the first consultation to receiving the passport. Our team prepares and checks all necessary documents, interacts with licensed agents, and government bodies of Antigua and Barbuda. We identify possible red flags in advance, eliminate deficiencies in the dossier, and coordinate the translation and apostille of documents to avoid delays and refusals.

If you have already had a refusal or additional requests from the CBI Unit, we know how to work with it. We analyze the reasons, prepare legally sound responses, and help with resubmission. In non-standard situations, we offer proven solutions and full support.

Trying to go through the whole process on your own or through unverified intermediaries often ends in wasted time, money, and in the worst case, refusal. We guarantee transparency, legal accuracy,y and a personalized approach, providing peace of mind and confidence at every stage.

Ready to start the path to citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda? Contact us right now, we will do everything to make this process easy, safe, and effective for you.

Anatoly Yarovyi
Senior Partner, Attorney-at-law, admitted to the Bar (Certificate to practice Law #701 as of 28.12.2009)
With 20 years of legal experience, Anatolii Yarovyi specializes in advising private clients on second citizenship and residence-by-investment programs. His expertise in international law and cross-border mobility makes him a trusted advisor for individuals seeking secure and strategic global citizenship solutions.

FAQ

How much does Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost?

The minimum investment starts from US$100,000 through the National Development Fund. Additional fees include administrative fees, due diligence, and the services of a licensed agent. The total amount depends on the number of family members included in the application and the investment option chosen.

Yes, you can include spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, brothers and sisters of the applicant or spouse in the application, subject to certain conditions. The main thing is to prove the financial dependence of family members and the absence of a criminal record.

Typically, the process takes 4 to 6 months from the moment the full package of documents is submitted. Everything depends on the correctness of the dossier, the speed of the due diligence check, and the chosen investment route.

There is no requirement to visit the country in person at the application stage. However, after receiving citizenship, you must spend at least 5 days in the country during the first 5 years to maintain your status.

New citizens are not subject to tax on worldwide income, capital gains or inheritance. Taxation only applies to income directly received in Antigua and Barbuda. This makes the jurisdiction attractive for global tax planning.

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