The first time you set foot in Antigua and Barbuda, you may have already envisioned yourself retiring there.
And you are not alone.
Over the last few years, numerous people, ranging from celebrities to politicians, have moved into this small country, enticed by its natural beauty and its promise of a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. It certainly helps that the government does not levy taxes for inheritance, capital gains, or even from income generated outside of the country.
Furthermore, you do not need to travel to the country when applying for citizenship. Once approved, you will acquire lifetime dual citizenship, allowing you to go to over 130 countries visa-free. This is why many consider the Antiguan citizenship program as one of the best in all of the Caribbean countries.
The quickest route to acquiring citizenship
How can you acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?
There are three options that you can consider: real estate purchase, business investment, and government donation. Among these three, government donation or contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) is the most economical option.
What is the National Development Fund?
Contribution to the NDF is a type of economic citizenship program that allows individuals to acquire dual citizenship and a second passport.
In an economic citizenship program, you can acquire citizenship upon undergoing the legal process of becoming a permanent resident of another country or naturalization through financial investment.
Antigua’s NDF is one good example of that.
The NDF was enacted through the Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013 with the primary purpose of securing funding for government projects.
Take note that the NDF is a non-profit program. The Antiguan parliament maintains transparency through detailed reporting submitted semi-annually. Furthermore, the fund is subjected to an annual audit.
How much will it cost?
The minimum donation to the NDF is pegged at US $230,000. This one-time payment applies to both individuals and persons with a maximum of three dependents. Dependents may include the spouse, children up to 28 years old, and parents aged 59 years old and above.
Apart from the contribution to the NDF, citizenship applicants will also need to shell out for other fees.
Solo applicants or families with up to four members need to pay a total of US $25,000. For families exceeding four members, an additional fee of US $15,000 will be paid for every additional family member. Ten percent of this government fee is paid upon submission of the application, and the remainder should be paid upon approval. This fee is non-refundable.
In order to ensure that only meritorious applicants are approved, all applicants over the age of 12 shall be subjected to third-party diligence. The primary applicant and his or her spouse will need to pay US $7,500 each. Their children aged between 12 and 17 need to pay US $2,000, while dependents aged 18 and above need to pay US $4,000.
Lastly, applicants need to pay for a passport fee for every family member submitting an application for citizenship in Antigua.
The application process
The application for economic citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda can be broken down into five steps.
- Submit requirements
All applications for economic citizenship can only be processed with the assistance of a government-authorized agent licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit or CIU. Your chosen agent will help you prepare all the required documents and submit these.
- Payment of fees
Upon submission of the required documents and forms, you will also need to pay for the fees broken down above.
- Diligence checks
Once your application has been submitted, and after the payment of required fees, the CIU can then proceed with its diligence checks. Depending on the complexities of your application, the process can take anywhere between 90 and 120 days.
After 90 days, your agent will receive a report on the status of your application, whether it has been approved, denied, or is still in process.
- Payment of fees
Upon approval of your application, you will need to pay your contribution to the NDF as well as the remainder of your balance for the government fees. Donations to the NDF are paid through the CIU.
- Oath-taking and passport application
Once you have paid your contribution and other required fees, your agent will give you your Certificate of Registration of Citizenship. You will need this certificate for passport processing.
Upon receipt of the required certificates and documentation, including your passport, you will need to go to Antigua’s high commission, embassy, or consular office to take an oath or to affirm your allegiance.
Enlist the help of professionals
To stay on track with your Antiguan citizenship application, be sure to work only with expert and authorized experts.
Having an experienced government-authorized agent by your side throughout the application process can make things a lot easier for you. Such a professional can provide you with much-needed advice and clear up any confusion that may arise from the outset.
AUTHOR BIO
Abire Mansoor is a Director and Licensed Agent at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in her home country of Antigua & Barbuda, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
Important Update: The NDF Minimum Has Changed
The figures in this guide are from 2021. They have changed since then. In July 2024, Antigua and Barbuda and the other Eastern Caribbean citizenship by investment countries agreed to raise their minimum investment amounts. The minimum contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF) is now US $230,000. This applies to a single applicant or a family of up to four. The old minimum of US $100,000 no longer applies. The real estate option also changed. The minimum real estate investment is now US $300,000. The business investment option starts at US $1,500,000 for a single investor. There is also the University of the West Indies Fund option. It costs US $260,000 for a family of six or more. It includes one year of tuition for one family member. Fees have also changed. There are government processing fees. There are due diligence fees for each applicant. There are passport fees for each family member. The exact fees depend on the size of your family and your age. Always check the official Citizenship by Investment Unit website (cip.gov.ag) for the current figures. Do not rely on old guides. A licensed agent can also give you the current price list. The prices in this guide are for information only. They are not a quote.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Options Compared
| Option | Minimum amount (from July 2024) | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| National Development Fund | US $230,000 | A one-time donation to a government fund for public projects |
| Real estate | US $300,000 | Buy approved property; it must be held for at least five years |
| Business investment | US $1,500,000 | Invest in an approved business, alone or with others |
| University of the West Indies Fund | US $260,000 | For families of six or more; includes one year of tuition |
There are three main ways to acquire Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. The first is real estate purchase. The second is business investment. The third is government donation to the National Development Fund. The NDF is the most economical option. It is also the simplest. You make a one-time donation. You do not need to manage a property or a business. The NDF is a non-profit fund. It was set up under the Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013. Its purpose is to fund government projects. The Antiguan parliament maintains transparency through detailed reports. The fund is subject to an annual audit. The application process has five steps. First, submit your requirements with a licensed agent. All applications must go through a government-authorized agent. You cannot apply on your own. Second, pay the processing and due diligence fees. Third, wait for the diligence checks. The government checks your background. This takes about 90 days. Fourth, pay your contribution and other fees once approved. Fifth, take the oath and apply for your passport. Citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years. This is a condition of keeping citizenship. The passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries. The exact number changes. Check the official list on the CIP website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Development Fund?
The National Development Fund (NDF) is a non-profit fund set up under the Citizenship by Investment Act of 2013. A contribution to the NDF is a type of economic citizenship program that allows individuals to acquire dual citizenship and a second passport.
How much is the minimum NDF contribution now?
Since July 2024, the minimum contribution to the NDF is US $230,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four. The old minimum of US $100,000 no longer applies. Check the official CIP website (cip.gov.ag) for current figures.
What are the other citizenship by investment options?
Besides the NDF, you can buy approved real estate (minimum US $300,000), invest in an approved business (from US $1,500,000), or use the University of the West Indies Fund (US $260,000 for families of six or more).
Do I need to travel to Antigua to apply?
No. You do not need to travel to the country when applying. Once approved, you will acquire lifetime dual citizenship. But citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years.
Can I apply for Antiguan citizenship on my own?
No. All applications can only be processed with the help of a government-authorized agent. A licensed agent helps you submit the right documents and guides you through the diligence checks.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment. Figures, fees, and rules change over time. Always check the official Citizenship by Investment Unit website (cip.gov.ag) for current details. This guide gives no investment advice for readers. Talk to a licensed agent and a lawyer before you apply.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026