Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, launched in 2013, allows investors and their families to obtain lifetime citizenship through one of the following options a minimum government contribution of USD 230,000, or a real estate investment of at least USD 300,000. Antigua is also known as a crypto-friendly country in the Caribbean, actively adopting blockchain technology and attracting digital entrepreneurs and global investors.

Home | About | Immigration | Contact

Overview of Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is located in the southern part of the Windward Islands, in the eastern Caribbean, and is well known for its luxury resorts. Tourism accounts for more than half of the country’s GDP.

This Caribbean island nation stands out for its safe living environment, pleasant tropical climate, and British-based legal system.

Antigua & Barbuda has a stable economy focused on high-end tourism and international investment. It operates a reputable Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, allowing investors and their families to obtain lifetime citizenship with broad global mobility, no long-term residency requirement, making it ideal for citizenship and asset diversification.

Would you like us to check your eligibility for this program?

Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!

Introduction to the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program

The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors and their families to obtain lifetime citizenship through qualifying investments that support the country’s economic development.

Located in the Caribbean, Antigua & Barbuda is known for its tourism industry, stable political environment, and investor-friendly policies.

Eligible accompanying family members include:

  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 31 years old who are financially dependent
  • Dependent parents and grandparents
  • Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse

Successful applicants receive full citizenship and a passport that provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide.

Learn more with AT Express about the program requirements, benefits, and application procedures below.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 18 years old
  • Clean criminal record (minor offenses or expunged records may be accepted)
  • Not under criminal investigation
  • Must not have been previously denied a visa to a country that has visa-free access with Antigua & Barbuda

    • Exception applies if a visa was later granted by that country

  • Good health for the applicant and all family members

Eligible dependents include:

  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 31 years old
  • Spouse and children of dependent children
  • Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or of the dependent spouse
  • Parents aged 55 and above

Investment Options 

National Fund Contribution

  • USD 230,000 for a family of up to 4 members
  • Additional USD 10,000 for each extra dependent

Or

  • University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund:

    • USD 260,000 for a family of 6 members

    • Additional USD 10,000 for each extra dependent

Real Estate Investment

Applicants may invest a minimum of USD 300,000 in a government-approved real estate project, to be held for at least 5 years. Approved projects include:

  • Antigua & Barbuda Nonsuch Bay
  • Antigua & Barbuda Moongate Resort
  • Antigua & Barbuda The Garden
  • Antigua & Barbuda Veranda Estates

Benefits of Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
  • Dual citizenship permitted, allowing investors to retain their original nationality.
  • Family inclusion, allowing the main applicant to include:

    • Legal spouse

    • Children under 31 years old who are financially dependent

    • Parents and grandparents aged 55 and above

    • Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse

  • Lifetime citizenship for the main applicant and eligible family members, with the right to live, work, and study in Antigua & Barbuda.
  • No requirement to reside permanently in Antigua & Barbuda, with only a minimum stay of 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship.
  • Stable and investor-friendly Caribbean jurisdiction, with a strong tourism economy and English as the official language.
  • Citizenship transferable to future generations, enabling children born in the future to inherit Antigua & Barbuda citizenship.
  • No worldwide income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax for non-resident citizens.

Authorized Representative

AT Express is the official government-authorized representative of Antigua & Barbuda, responsible for promoting the Citizenship by Investment Program in Vietnam.

Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Unit

Basic Investment Process

Consultation & due diligence

Clients schedule a consultation for an initial assessment of their profile. AT Express conducts KYC procedures, eligibility checks, and preliminary background due diligence, and advises investors on suitable investment options under the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.

Application preparation & submission

AT Express prepares the citizenship application and submits it through an authorized agent to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). At this stage, the applicant pays due diligence fees, processing fees, and government application fees.

 

Approval & investment

Once the application receives Approval in Principle, the investor completes the chosen investment option, such as a National Development Fund contribution, University of the West Indies Fund contribution, or investment in a government-approved real estate project.

Receive the result

After the investment is confirmed, the applicant and family members receive their Certificates of Registration and Antigua & Barbuda passports. Applicants must visit Antigua & Barbuda for at least 5 days within the first 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions?

The minimum investment for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship starts at USD $230,000 through the National Development Fund for a family of up to four members. For a complete family of four application, expect total costs of approximately $272,200+ including all fees and contributions. 

The typical processing time for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is 6-9 months, including application preparation, government approval, and passport issuance. While current backlogs may affect timelines, the process generally takes 4-5 months for government processing. 

Qualifying dependents include your spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, physically or mentally challenged dependent children over 18, unmarried siblings, and fully supported parents or grandparents over 55. This makes Antigua’s program ideal for large families seeking citizenship together. 

Antigua citizenship provides visa-free travel to over 150 countries including the Schengen Area and UK, eligibility for long-term U.S. visas, tax optimization advantages, and the ability to use cryptocurrency for investment. The program offers flexible investment options and can be completed remotely without initial residence requirements. 

No initial residence is required, but you must visit Antigua and Barbuda for at least 5 days within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship and take an oath. The application process can be completed entirely remotely, making it convenient for busy professionals and investors.

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda is crypto-friendly and allows cryptocurrency investments for citizenship applications. The country has implemented the Digital Financial Assets Act of 2020, providing a robust legal framework for crypto transactions. 

Yes, Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship, though you should verify your home country’s dual citizenship laws. This flexibility makes the program attractive for individuals who want to maintain their original nationality while gaining Caribbean citizenship benefits. 

Antigua and Barbuda tax residents are exempt from inheritance tax, income tax, wealth tax, and capital gains tax, though VAT and property taxes may apply. This tax-friendly environment is particularly attractive for crypto investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking tax optimization. 

Yes, you can use funds gifted by friends or family members for your Antigua citizenship investment. However, sponsors may need to provide additional documentation regarding their source of funds, with requirements varying based on the fund source. 

Investment options include contributions to the National Development Fund (minimum $230,000), real estate investments, or university contributions. Each option has different minimum thresholds and requirements, with real estate offering potential returns on investment.

The primary applicant must be over 18 years old, demonstrate good character, and make a qualifying investment. Certain nationality restrictions may apply depending on your country of origin. 

As a full CARICOM member since 1974, Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides access to regional trade agreements, business opportunities, and facilitated movement within 15 Caribbean member states. This regional integration offers additional business and investment opportunities beyond the primary citizenship benefits.