Antigua & Barbuda · Citizenship by Investment
A route to a second citizenship through the National Development Fund, the University of the West Indies Fund, approved real estate or approved business investment — reviewed with you honestly, without promising a guaranteed outcome, a fixed timeline or permanent access to any specific destination.
Current minimum contribution
Investment options
Physical presence in first 5 years
A private, no-obligation review of your profile against the current programme requirements.
Programme rules, fees and eligibility are set by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) Antigua & Barbuda and are subject to change. The programme is currently active. Any reported request to phase out the programme by Jun 1, 2028 is not a final government decision, and we verify the current position at assessment.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI) allows a qualifying applicant to acquire citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda through an approved economic contribution. Unlike a residency programme — which grants the right to live in a country — CBI leads to full citizenship and a passport.
The Antigua & Barbuda programme was established in 2013 under the Citizenship by Investment Act 2013 and is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) Antigua & Barbuda, the government body responsible for reviewing and deciding applications.
Applications cannot be filed directly by an individual. They are submitted only through an Authorised Representative / Licensed Agent and in line with CIU procedure — the role Caribbean Paradise performs on your behalf, preparing and presenting your case to the CIU.
A second passport can broaden travel access and simplify international movement.
Eligible family members can be included within a single application.
Once granted, citizenship is held for life, subject to programme rules.
Dual citizenship may be possible, depending on the laws of your current country.
Choose between the NDF, the UWI Fund, approved real estate or approved business investment.
A limited physical presence applies — currently 5 days within the first 5 years — subject to the latest CIU notice.
Any tax-related outcome depends on your personal circumstances. We do not provide tax advice — please consult an independent tax adviser for your situation. Travel access and physical-presence rules are set by the relevant authorities and can change.
There are four approved routes. Figures depend on your family profile and the current government schedule, and are confirmed for you at assessment.
A non-refundable contribution to the government's National Development Fund — the most direct route to citizenship.
Contribution
A one-time, non-refundable contribution to the NDF. No holding period and no asset to manage or resell.
Structure
Government contribution
Refundable
No
Applicants
Individual
Holding period
Not applicable
Current minimum
from USD 230,000
At a glance
The contribution route tends to suit applicants who prefer a straightforward, no-asset path to citizenship.
Best for
Simplicity
Government fees
Apply
Due diligence
Per applicant
Route status
Active
Family pricing
Confirmed at assessment
The applicant-profile toggle is for estimation only. Property and business routes may involve additional costs such as legal, registration and investment-related fees. The UWI Fund route is highlighted for larger families; the final amount for any route is determined after assessment and CIU review.
A contribution to the University of the West Indies Fund — a route highlighted for larger families of six or more.
Fund · larger families
A government fund contribution designed with larger families in mind, with its own family-size conditions.
Structure
Government fund
Refundable
No
Applicants
Individual
Best suited to
Family of 6+
Current minimum
from USD 260,000
At a glance
The UWI route is specifically highlighted for larger families; the final amount is set after assessment and CIU review.
Best for
Larger families
Government fees
Apply
Due diligence
Per applicant
Route status
Active
Family pricing
Confirmed at assessment
The applicant-profile toggle is for estimation only. Property and business routes may involve additional costs such as legal, registration and investment-related fees. The UWI Fund route is highlighted for larger families; the final amount for any route is determined after assessment and CIU review.
Investment in government-approved real estate, held for a minimum period before resale.
Real estate
A stake in a government-approved development project or property, held for a minimum period before resale.
Structure
Approved project / property
Refundable
On resale, conditional
Applicants
Individual
Holding period
Minimum period applies
Current minimum
from USD 300,000
At a glance
The property route suits applicants who prefer to hold an asset that may be resold after the holding period.
Best for
Asset ownership
Additional fees
Legal & registration
Due diligence
Per applicant
Route status
Active
Resale
After holding period
The applicant-profile toggle is for estimation only. Property and business routes may involve additional costs such as legal, registration and investment-related fees. The UWI Fund route is highlighted for larger families; the final amount for any route is determined after assessment and CIU review.
An approved business investment, made individually or as a joint business, subject to the programme's investment conditions.
Business
An investment in an approved business, subject to the conditions in force. Joint-business amounts are priced separately.
Structure
Approved business
Refundable
Conditional
Applicants
Individual
Joint business
Priced separately
Current minimum
from USD 1,500,000
At a glance
The business route suits applicants making a substantial, active investment; conditions and amounts are confirmed at assessment.
Structure
Active investors
Refundable
Apply
Applicants
Per applicant
Holding period
Active
Current minimum
Confirmed at assessment
The applicant-profile toggle is for estimation only. Property and business routes may involve additional costs such as legal, registration and investment-related fees. The UWI Fund route is highlighted for larger families; the final amount for any route is determined after assessment and CIU review.
We keep government costs and our advisory fee separate and transparent. The figures below are current published minimums; exact totals are case-specific and confirmed at assessment.
Processing, Due Diligence and Passport Fees
| Route | Current minimum | Processing fees | Due diligence | Family treatment | Refundability / holding | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDF | from USD 230,000 | Government fees apply | Per applicant | Priced by family size | Non-refundable | Contribution |
| UWI Fund | from USD 260,000 | Government fees apply | Per applicant | Designed for 6+ family | Non-refundable | Larger-family route |
| Approved Real Estate | from USD 300,000 | Legal & registration | Per applicant | Additional government fees | Resale after holding period | Approved project |
| Business Investment | from USD 1,500,000 | Government fees apply | Per applicant | Joint business priced separately | Conditional | Approved business |
Total Cost for Individuals and Families with 6 or More Members
| Applicant profile | Spouse | Dependent children | Parents / grandparents (55+) | Siblings | Indicative total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | — | — | — | — | Estimated at assessment |
| Couple | Included | — | Priced per dependant | Priced per dependant | Estimated at assessment |
| Family of 4 | Included | Priced per child | Priced per dependant | Priced per dependant | Estimated at assessment |
| Family of 6+ | Included | Priced per child | Priced per dependant | Priced per dependant | UWI Fund often reviewed |
Caribbean Paradise advisory fees are quoted separately from government costs — a full quote is provided after assessment. Joint-business amounts and fees for additional dependants, parents/grandparents and unmarried siblings are shown separately because each is priced individually. All amounts are subject to official change.
Main Applicant Eligibility
Eligible Family Members
Each dependant category has its own age, dependency and cost conditions, which we confirm against the current rules for your specific family before submission. Source of Funds and background checks apply to the main applicant and, where relevant, to dependants — explained to you in plain language, with your form information kept confidential.
Due Diligence, Interview and Restricted Nationalities
Restricted nationalities change over time
Rather than relying on a fixed list, we check the current CIU / authorised-representative position for your nationality as part of your assessment. A mandatory virtual interview, identity verification and due diligence apply to qualifying applicants — including the main applicant and eligible-age applicants per the latest guideline. Your information is kept confidential and used only for your case.
Application Process
Eligibility assessment & agent selection
We review your profile against the current requirements and confirm the authorised-representative engagement.
Documents & source-of-funds preparation
We prepare your file and the supporting evidence for your investment and source of funds.
Submission, due diligence & interview
Your application is submitted to the CIU, which conducts due diligence and the required interview.
Approval-in-principle, investment & final fees
On approval-in-principle, the selected investment is completed and the final fees are paid as instructed.
Certificate of registration & passport application
The certificate of registration is issued, followed by the passport application and planning for the physical presence requirement.
an indicative range, not a promise. Processing time depends on your case and the CIU's current workload; we share a realistic range for your profile at assessment, never a countdown or guaranteed date.
Your personalised checklist depends on your nationality and family profile, and is available once these are selected.
Citizenship and the passport are related but distinct. A limited physical presence currently applies, and it is connected to passport renewal — so we set out the rules plainly and verify the current position at assessment.
2013
Programme established under the Citizenship by Investment Act 2013.
2024
Amendments to programme prices and thresholds.
2026
Amendments to due-diligence requirements.
Ongoing
Subsequent official notices; we verify the current position for your case at assessment.
Passport Validity, Renewal and Physical Presence
A CBI passport is issued with an initial validity and is subject to renewal conditions. Citizenship and the passport are distinct: the passport itself does not create an automatic right of entry, residence or an automatic vote in other countries.
Renewal is connected to meeting the physical presence requirement, so the two should be planned together from the outset.
A current requirement is a minimum of 5 days in Antigua & Barbuda during the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship. This is linked to passport renewal.
Because this rule is update-sensitive, we confirm the latest CIU position for your profile rather than relying on older statements.
EU Visa-Policy Developments and Official Programme Notices
There is an ongoing dialogue between the government and the European Union regarding Caribbean CBI programmes. The programme is currently active. Any reported request to phase out the programme by Jun 1, 2028 is not a final government decision.
Travel access and programme rules can change following official notices; we present the current, verified position for your case and never rely on unconfirmed reports.
Please note. EPhysical-presence, passport-renewal, travel-access and programme-status rules are set by the relevant authorities and are subject to change. Nothing here is legal or immigration advice; we confirm the current, official position for your specific case at assessment.
Access varies by destination and can change. We provide a current, verified list for your file and always advise checking entry rules before travel.
Schengen Area
Visa-free
United Kingdom
Visa-free
CARICOM states
Visa-free
Visa-free
Visa on arrival / eVisa
Singapore
Visa-free
Hong Kong SAR
Visa-free
Selected destinations
Visa on arrival / eVisa
Entry rules can change at any time and travellers must verify current requirements before travel. A full, verified destination list is provided as part of your case.
Antigua & Barbuda permits dual citizenship. Whether you may hold it also depends on the law of your current country of citizenship — some countries restrict or do not recognise dual nationality. Please confirm your own country's position before proceeding.
The programme's current physical presence requirement is 5 days within the first 5 years, published only after checking the latest CIU notice. Any possible change to a different figure is not entered here without a confirmed official source.
Passport validity and renewal, and permanent residence in the country, are shown as separate matters so they are not confused with one another or with the physical presence requirement.
A neutral, high-level comparison. Exact figures for every programme are case-specific and confirmed at assessment.
| Dimension |
Antigua & Barbuda
|
Dominica
|
Grenada
|
Saint Lucia
|
St. Kitts & Nevis
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current entry amount | from USD 230,000 | At assessment | At assessment | At assessment | At assessment |
| Active routes | Four routes | Fund & real estate | Fund & real estate | Multiple routes | Contribution & real estate |
| Refundable option | On resale (real estate) | On resale | On resale | On resale | On resale |
| Family inclusion | Included (UWI for 6+) | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Processing guidance | Indicative range | Indicative range | Indicative range | Indicative range | Indicative range |
| Physical-presence rule | 5 days / first 5 years | Update-sensitive | Update-sensitive | Update-sensitive | Update-sensitive |
| Distinguishing factor | UWI Fund for large families | Established programme | U.S. E-2 consideration | Flexible routes | Long-established (1984) |
Capital
St. John's
Language
English
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Location
Twin-island, Eastern Caribbean
Programme history
Citizenship by Investment since 2013
A concise country snapshot for context. For detailed travel and lifestyle information, please refer to official national resources.
Our role goes beyond processing applications — we guide clients through one of the most important strategic decisions of their international life.
Our role, clearly. Caribbean Paradise acts as your Authorised Representative adviser: we prepare and present your application. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) Antigua & Barbuda is the government body that reviews and decides it. We never represent a decision as guaranteed.
"A second citizenship is a long-term decision. My role is to give you an honest, current picture so you can decide with confidence."
A longer, plain-language guide to how the programme works, who it suits and what to weigh before you apply.
The NDF route currently starts from USD 230,000, the UWI Fund from USD 260,000, approved real estate from USD 300,000 and business investment from USD 1,500,000, before government, due-diligence and family fees. We confirm exact government costs and quote our advisory fee separately at assessment.
The main applicant must be at least 18, in good health, able to make a qualifying investment, and able to satisfy due-diligence, source-of-funds and good-character checks. Restricted-nationality status is verified for your case.
Processing time varies by case and by the CIU’s current workload. We provide a realistic indicative range for your profile at assessment, presented as guidance rather than a fixed or guaranteed date.
Eligible family members — a spouse, dependent children up to 30, a child with a disability, dependent parents and grandparents from 55, and unmarried siblings — can be included, each subject to their own age and dependency conditions, which we confirm for your specific family.
Antigua & Barbuda permits dual citizenship. Whether you may hold it also depends on the laws of your current country of citizenship, so we recommend confirming your own country’s position.
A mandatory virtual interview, identity verification and due diligence apply to qualifying applicants per the latest guideline. We prepare you for what to expect as part of your case.
The decision rests with the CIU. Our due-diligence review before submission is designed to identify issues early, and we discuss your specific risk profile openly before you commit — without guaranteeing any outcome.
A current requirement is a minimum of 5 days in Antigua & Barbuda during the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship, and it is connected to passport renewal. Because this rule is update-sensitive, we confirm the latest CIU position for your profile.
The passport is issued with an initial validity and is subject to renewal conditions, which are connected to meeting the physical presence requirement. We set out the current rules so the two can be planned together.
No. The National Development Fund contribution is a one-time, non-refundable payment to the government, with no holding period and no asset to manage.
The University of the West Indies Fund is a government fund contribution highlighted for larger families of six or more, with its own family-size conditions. The final amount is set after assessment and CIU review.
Approved real estate carries a minimum holding period, after which resale is permitted subject to the conditions in force at the time. We explain the applicable rules for your chosen route.
Approved business investment currently starts from USD 1,500,000 and may be made individually or as a joint business, with joint-business amounts priced separately. It is subject to the investment conditions in force, confirmed at assessment.
Share a few details and a Caribbean Paradise advisor will review your case and follow up privately on your preferred channel.
Book a confidential consultation with our team to explore the right Caribbean citizenship option for your family, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans.