By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program works, what it costs, its unique perks and obligations—and how to apply step by step. Let’s dive in.

What Is the Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program?

The Citizenship by Investment Act, launched in 2013, lets you become a full citizen in exchange for a qualifying investment (overview on the government’s Citizenship by Investment website). It’s one of the newer Caribbean CBI schemes and has since evolved to match global compliance standards and investor needs.

A Brief History of the Program

Antigua and Barbuda introduced its CBI Act in 2013 to diversify its economy beyond tourism and agriculture. Over the years, the government has tightened due diligence, expanded eligible dependents and added a virtual interview option to streamline remote applications (insights from IMI Daily).

Why Many Choose Antigua and Barbuda

Becoming a citizen here opens doors you might not imagine:

• Visa-free travel to 151 countries, including the EU Schengen zone and the UK (Henley Passport Index ranking)
• No personal income, capital gains or inheritance tax, letting you manage your wealth more efficiently (tax profile from KPMG)
• Dual citizenship permitted, so you won’t have to renounce your current nationality

Passport Power and Validity

Your new Antigua and Barbuda passport is valid for 10 years (adults) or 5 years (children under 16) (details on passport validity from Maples Group). With it, you enjoy access to markets and leisure destinations worldwide.

Your Investment Options

Antigua and Barbuda offers four routes—pick the one that suits your goals:

1. National Development Fund (NDF)
   • Single applicant: US$100,000 donation
   • Family of four: US$125,000 donation
   • Larger families pay scaled fees (e.g., US$260,000 for six) (full breakdown from Global Citizen Solutions)

2. Real Estate
   • Minimum US$200,000 in approved projects
   • Some developers offer financing to meet that threshold (approved real estate projects details at Arton Capital)

3. Business Investment
   • Minimum US$1.5 million for a standalone project
   • Or US$400,000 each in a joint venture of at least US$5 million total (investment thresholds outlined by Invest Antigua & Barbuda)

4. University of the West Indies Fund
   • US$150,000 contribution for up to four applicants (University of the West Indies Fund guidelines)

Meeting the Requirements

Who Qualifies?

You, your spouse and:
– Children (up to age 30)
– Parents or grandparents (55+ years old)
– Unmarried siblings (up to 25 years old)
– Other extended family in special circumstances (detailed eligibility criteria on the CIP Unit site)

Due Diligence & Interview

• You’ll undergo background checks, financial vetting and source-of-fund verification.
• Applicants now complete a citizenship interview, which can be held virtually (process explained by International Living).

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare documents (passports, birth certificates, police clearances).
2. Choose investment and reserve funds or property.
3. Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
4. Due diligence (3–6 months official timeframe, though backlogs can extend this).
5. Make your investment upon approval.
6. Receive citizenship certificate and apply for your passport.

Residency Obligation

Within your first five years as a citizen, you must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda (residency requirement details on Nomad Capitalist).

Living and Doing Business in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers:

• Year-round warm weather and pristine beaches
• A stable, service-oriented economy with growing financial services
• English as the official language and a common-law legal system

If you plan to relocate, you’ll find modern healthcare, international schools and an expat community ready to welcome you.

Your Next Chapter Begins Here

Choosing Antigua and Barbuda means more than a second passport—it’s a lifestyle of freedom, flexibility and global access. Armed with this guide, you can chart your path through each requirement, compare investment routes and understand the unique perks that set this CBI program apart.