Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide 2025

What is the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program?

Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program offers a straightforward and respected path to second citizenship for families and individuals. Launched in 2013, it was designed to attract foreign investment and has since become one of the most popular programs in the Caribbean.

Through a government-approved contribution or investment, eligible applicants receive full citizenship within a few short months, without the need to relocate, pass language tests, or renounce their original nationality.

The program grants you and your family the right to live in Antigua & Barbuda, enjoy visa-free travel to over 150 countries, and access a range of personal, financial, and lifestyle benefits, all through a legal and well-regulated process.

This is not just about getting a passport. It is about gaining flexibility, peace of mind, and a powerful Plan B for your future.

Why Choose Antigua & Barbuda?

Antigua & Barbuda offers far more than a passport. It gives you a solid foundation for freedom of movement, generational security, and global positioning, all from a country that is peaceful, politically stable, and internationally respected.

The beauty of the program lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You are not required to move, attend interviews, or meet complicated residency thresholds. In fact, to maintain your citizenship, you only need to spend five days in the country within the first five years. That’s it.

Antigua & Barbuda passport gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the entire Schengen Area. For many applicants, this means easier business travel, more lifestyle options, and fewer obstacles when making international plans.

Families are especially drawn to this program. You can include your spouse, children up to age 30, dependent parents or grandparents, and even unmarried siblings, all in one application. And unlike many programs, the rules are generous and clearly defined.

Perhaps most importantly, Antigua & Barbuda is a jurisdiction where your privacy is respected and your rights as a citizen are protected. Whether you want to invest, relocate, or simply have a backup option for peace of mind, this program offers a smart, secure, and accessible solution.

What You Get with Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship

When you become a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda, you gain far more than a passport. You secure a lifetime asset that brings stability, flexibility, and international opportunity. There is no need to give up your current nationality.

This citizenship gives you the right to live in Antigua & Barbuda, own property, open businesses, and pass on citizenship to your children. You are not required to move or reside in the country, but if you do, you will benefit from a peaceful environment, modern infrastructure, and no tax on foreign income.

The Antigua & Barbuda passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Whether you travel for business, education, or personal reasons, your mobility becomes significantly easier.

There are no taxes on foreign income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance. For internationally minded families, this program provides one of the most efficient and protective second citizenship solutions available.

Your entire family can be included in a single application. This covers your spouse, children up to age 30, dependent parents or grandparents, and in some cases, unmarried siblings. Everyone included receives the same full citizenship rights, both now and for future generations.

Investment Options and Costs

To qualify for Antigua & Barbuda citizenship, applicants must make a government-approved investment. The program offers several clear and flexible paths depending on your goals, family size, and financial preferences.

You are not buying a passport. You are making a strategic contribution or investment in exchange for full citizenship rights, backed by a well-regulated and internationally recognized framework.

Here are the main options available in 2025:

1. National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

This is the simplest and most affordable route, especially for families. You make a one-time, non-refundable donation to the government’s National Development Fund.

• $100,000 USD for a family of up to 4

• $125,000 USD for a family of 5 or more

• Additional government processing and due diligence fees apply

This option is fast, requires no ongoing obligations, and is ideal for those who are not interested in managing real estate.

2. Real Estate Investment

You can purchase approved property with a minimum value of $200,000 USD. The investment must be held for at least 5 years and must be part of a government-authorized development project.

• Can be residential or commercial

• May qualify for rental income if leased

• Additional fees and property costs apply

This option suits those who want a tangible asset, possibly with future returns, while obtaining citizenship.

3. Business Investment

Applicants can invest at least $1.5 million USD in an approved business project. Alternatively, two or more investors can jointly invest $5 million USD, with each contributing at least $400,000 USD.

This route is less common but ideal for entrepreneurs planning to establish a local presence or invest in specific sectors.

4. University of the West Indies Fund (for large families)

A newer option for families of 6 or more, this path involves a contribution of $150,000 USD to the University of the West Indies. One family member also receives a one-year tuition scholarship.

Who Can Apply for Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship?

The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program is open to a wide range of applicants. The process is fast, transparent, and designed to welcome families and individuals who meet basic legal and financial standards.

You do not need to be physically present during the application, and you are not required to relocate. This makes the program especially suitable for investors seeking a secure second citizenship without major lifestyle disruptions.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must meet the following:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a valid passport from a non-restricted country

• Have no criminal record

• Be in good health

• Make a qualifying investment under one of the approved routes

• Be able to prove that all funds are legal and from verified sources

You will also be required to spend a total of five days in Antigua & Barbuda within the first five years after approval. This is the only physical presence requirement.

Family Members You Can Include

One of the biggest advantages of this program is how inclusive it is. You may include the following dependents in your application:

• Spouse

• Children under 18, or under 30 if financially dependent

• Children of any age with physical or mental disabilities

• Parents or grandparents aged 55 or older, if fully dependent

• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse, if under 26 and with no children

All approved family members receive full citizenship and can enjoy the same travel, residency, and no tax on foreign income.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for Antigua & Barbuda citizenship is a structured and efficient process.

With the right guidance, most applicants complete everything within three to six months, often without the need to visit the country before approval.

At Havenbach, we manage the full process for you from start to finish, including all paperwork, legal coordination, and government communication. That way, you can focus on the outcome, not the bureaucracy.

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route

We begin by helping you select the best path based on your goals, family structure, and financial preferences. Whether it is a donation or real estate investment, we make sure everything is aligned and compliant from day one.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Due Diligence

Our team assists you in collecting and preparing all required documents. This includes proof of identity, source of funds, police clearances, and medical forms. A government-authorized due diligence check is then carried out to confirm your eligibility.

Step 3: Government Review and Approval

Once your file is submitted, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua & Barbuda reviews your case. If approved, you will receive a formal letter of approval and be asked to complete your chosen investment.

Step 4: Receive Citizenship and Passport

After fulfilling the investment requirement and paying any final fees, you and your approved family members will be issued Antigua & Barbuda passports. These are typically delivered to your location via secure courier.

You are now a full citizen, with the right to live, travel, and invest globally as a national of Antigua & Barbuda.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the process take?

Most applicants receive full approval and passports within 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the speed of document submission.

Do I have to move to Antigua & Barbuda?

No. There is no relocation requirement. However, you must visit the country for at least five days within the first five years to maintain your citizenship.

Can I include my entire family?

Yes. You can include your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and even unmarried siblings under certain conditions. The program is one of the most inclusive in the Caribbean.

Is this real citizenship?

Absolutely. Antigua & Barbuda citizenship is granted for life, with full rights to live, work, and invest in the country. You also receive a national passport, recognized internationally.

Will I owe tax in Antigua?

There is no tax on foreign income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance. You are only taxed on income generated within Antigua & Barbuda, and only if you become a resident.

Can I sell the property later if I invest in real estate?

Yes. The property must be held for a minimum of 5 years. After that, you can sell it without affecting your citizenship status.