Antigua and Barbuda: The Basics

Are you looking for a two island second-home spot with pristine pink and white sandy beaches where blue seas collide into blue skies? Join the likes of Oprah Winfrey and make Antigua and Barbuda your place of escape.

Antigua and Barbuda are two separate islands located along the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. A total population of 100,000 inhabitants, Antigua is the larger of the two islands and home to 90% of the inhabitants. Barbuda maintains raw and untouched terrain, with only 2% of the overall population living there. Take a small plane or ferry to go from Antigua to Barbuda. Between the two islands there are 365 beaches — one for every day of the year. Choose between completely secluded quiet coves or lively and happening beach spots near the capital of Saint John.

Tourism generates the abundance of the country’s revenue, around 65%. Antigua is considered a more luxurious Caribbean destination to visit, meaning it is one of the costliest in the region. Exclusive high-end resorts line the coasts of Saint John’s. Regardless of price, culture holds true to Caribbean style, the Antiguan and Barbadian people are incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming.

Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

Citizenship by investment in Antigua & Barbuda is a government approved programme allowing individuals and their families to obtain dual citizenship in exchange for investment into the country.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI programme is one of the leading in the Caribbean, especially for families. A great choice for high-net-worth investors looking to gain the benefits and securities associated with a second passport, such as visa free travel, tax efficiency and asset protection (and a second place to go — just in case).

Advantages of CBI in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment program shares some advantages and benefits common to all Caribbean CBI programs. It is reasonably priced, offers attractive visa free access benefits, and obtaining citizenship through the investment program can lead to improved global mobility and international career opportunities. The main benefits of obtaining the investment program offering Antiguan citizenship include
Cheapest Caribbean Option for a Family of FourUnlike other Caribbean CBI programs, Antigua and Barbuda allows the main applicant to include three other dependent family members in the process without any additional investment. This means the immigration process and costs remain the same irrespective of whether prospective investors are applying singly or as a family of four persons.
The cost of citizenship approval for the primary applicant, spouse, and two dependent children is $230,000.Visa free travel to 150 countriesOnce granted citizenship, the main applicant and family members will enjoy visa free access to 150+ countries including the Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia and more.Easy Eligibility RequirementsObtaining citizenship depends on your ability to fulfill the requirements of the Citizenship Investment Unit. There are no minimum educational or language eligibility requirements. In fact, the investment program offers citizenship to successful applicants without even a physical interview.No Physical Presence RequirementsComplete the process, pay the due diligence fees, passport fees, and other processing fees, finalize the national development fund contribution or real estate investment, and you can obtain citizenship without having to even visit the country.
To continue as Antigua and Barbuda citizens, one needs to visit and stay in the country for just five days in a year. Unlike EU countries where you must have maintained permanent residence, just a short vacation in this country with 365 beaches should be enough to keep your Barbuda passport secure.Tax BenefitsYou qualify as a tax resident after becoming a citizen, which means you will enjoy benefits like zero personal income taxes, no need to pay taxes on wealth, capital gains, or inheritances too. The only tax you may have to pay is a transfer tax for gifts.Commonwealth Country and Legal SystemAntigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth country which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and became a full member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. As a member of the Commonwealth, Antigua is part of an intergovernmental organisation of 52 member countries that are mostly former territories of the British Empire. Antigua and Barbuda therefore has a strong relationship with the United Kingdom and citizens can enjoy preferential benefits as commonwealth citizens.A Safe Haven in The CaribbeanAntigua and Barbuda is a safe country. The two island nation enjoys very low crime levels.Experienced programme with a strong track recordThe Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme has been in effect for 10 years, the process is smooth and seamless without skepticism of its legitimacy.Citizen of an island paradise Gain the privilege to call those pink and white sandy beaches yours!Request A CallbackLast updated: April, 2025

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Investment Options

You can choose one of these four options to qualify for citizenship.

• Make significant economic contributions to the National Development Fund
• Purchase property of value equal to or more than the minimum investment.
• Business investment equal to or more than the minimum investment requirements.
• Donate to West indies Fund, which is the University Donation pathway to fund a higher education institution through CBI funds.

All information is up to date with the 2025 Caribbean CBI's increased thresholds. Click here to read more.

Invest in National Development Fund (NDF)

Investment: Contribution of $230,000 to the National Development Fund for a family of four. An additional $25,000 for each additional dependent. 

Processing Fees: $30,000 processing fee for a family of four and $15,000 for each additional dependent.

Invest in Antigua Real Estate

Conventionally, real estate investment applicants make up a significant percentage of applicants to any golden visa or citizenship by investment program. However, real estate is not the preferred option for those seeking the passport.

Excessive reliance on tourism and the threat of hurricanes make real estate the riskiest among all investment options. Yet, it may prove to be an attractive option for somebody seeking dual citizenship and looking to own a holiday home in Antigua with the option of earning rental income along with capital gains.

Investment: Minimum investment starts at $300,000 and the property must be held for at least five years after qualifying though the Barbuda citizenship program.

Check out our is a list of CIU approved real estate options below.

Find out moreGovernment Approved Antigua CBI Project

Moon Gate Penthouses

Approved by Antigua's citizenship by investment program, the Moon Gate Luxury Penthouses offer investors the opportunity to acquire a freehold investment. Owners can use all the amenities attached to the affiliated resort. There is an optional income-producing rental program offering turn-key solutions.

Business Investments

Another option to qualify for the Barbuda passport is to invest 1.5 million into an approved business project in the country.

If two or more applicants make a joint investment and apply under the citizenship program, then the total qualifying investments must be not less than $5 million with each applicant investing at least $400,000.

One can use the business investment route to invest in national development projects and qualify for Barbuda's citizenship. These can be more attractive investment options as compared to investing in a real estate project.

Make sure you choose a project that has been approved by the government authority responsible to vetting the projects.

Donate to the University of the West Indies

The fourth route to qualify for Antigua citizenship is to contribute to the development of the fourth campus of the University of West Indies.

This route is open only to a family of six persons or more. To acquire citizenship, one must donate or contribute at least $260,000 to the Fund.

An additional advantage of using this route is that one family member qualifies for a one-year tuition only scholarship to study in the University.

Investment: Make a one-time $260,000 donation to the University of West Indies (UWI).

Additional Fees and Charges

Beyond the investment cost, there are additional fees for obtaining Antigua passport and citizenship.

Processing Fees

For those choosing the National Development Fund, real estate investment, or business investment, processing fees will be $10,000 for a single applicant, $20,000 for a family of up to four members, and $10,000 per additional family member for families with more than four members.

For those contributing to the University of the West Indies Fund, there is no additional processing fee for up to a family of six members. Beyond this, there is a $10,000 processing fee per additional family member.

Due Diligence Fee:

Above the government fees for processing, the fee for carrying out due diligence checks on all those included in the citizenship application.

$8,500 for the primary applicant, $5,000 for the spouse, $2,000 for each dependent aged between 12 and 17 years, $4,000 for each dependent over the age of 18 years, and $5,000 for each benefactor.

Passport Fee:

$300 per person

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment Requirements

Key Requirements

Key Requirements for the main applicant

The main applicant must:

• be at least 18 years old 
• have good character
• not have any criminal history
• be in excellent physical health
• make an approved investment
• spend at least five days in the country after getting Antigua and Barbuda citizenship within five calendar years of registering
• swear an oath of allegiance to the country either in Antigua and Barbuda or at an Antiguan Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.

Dependent rules – Who can apply?

Children, including dependent children of main applicant or spouse up to the age of 30.

Applicant’s spouse.

Dependent parents investor and/or spouse provided they are above the age of 55 years.

Unmarried siblings of the investor

Future spouse of main applicant for a fee of $50,000

Future spouse of dependent child when the dependent child is financially dependent

Future child of a dependent child (fees based on age)

Antigua and Barbuda CBI Required Documents

To obtain Antiguan citizenship, you will need to provide the following documents:

Required Documentation

To qualify for the citizenship by investment program, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Original or certified copy of a full birth record. 
• Certified, colored copy of current passport with name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country. 
• Photograph and signature certificate, or N/A for children below 18 or dependents.
• 6 original passport-sized photos taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression.
• One photo needs to be affixed to the Medical Examiner Declaration. 
• Proof of residential address, valid within the last 3 months, such as a certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement with full name and address. 
• Proof of name change, if applicable. 
• Permanent residence card, if applicable. 
• National identity card, if applicable. 
• Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable.
• Copy of military service card, if applicable. 
• Affidavit from spouse or ex-spouse regarding children.
• Affidavit of support for dependents. 
• Education certificates and transcripts. 
• Professional and academic certificates of all applicants over 18. 
• Professional reference letter, valid within the last 6 months, from an attorney, chartered accountant, or other similar professional.

Supporting Documentation:

• Certified copy of your current and expired visas
• Police certificate from your country of birth and any other countries in which you’ve resided for at least a year (no more than 6 months old),
• Custody or legal guardianship records
• Statutory declaration of a non-accompanying parent of a qualifying dependent under 18 indicating that they have no objection to their child acquiring St Lucian citizenship, and a certified copy of a photo ID of the non-accompanying parent bearing their signature.

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Citizenship By Investment in Antigua and Barbuda Process

Now that we know the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program requirements let’s take a look at the process in more detail.

How to get an Antigua Passport in 7 steps

1. Book a free consultation with Lincoln Global Partners

Our team of citizenship by investment specialists are dedicated to helping you find the right investment options that meet the necessary requirements to guarantee a successful application. They will assess your individual circumstances and present the best investment options for you based on your criteria.

2. Gather Documents for Barbuda Antigua Citizenship: 

A comprehensive checklist will be supplied and an experienced citizenship specialist will guide you through the documentation retrieval process. They will carefully inspect each document to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied.

3. File Citizenship by Investment Program Application 

To begin the application process, you can either work with an advisor or proceed individually through an authorized agent. A 10% fee of the government fee must be paid upfront before the application can be initiated; this is usually $3,000 for those who opt for the donation route.

4. Due Diligence Phase (3 months)

Expect the Antigua and Barbuda government to take three months to make a decision on your application. 

Upon receiving the Certificate of Registration of Citizenship you will have 30 calendar days to complete your investment and make all required payments. 

5. Receive your pre-approval

Once the Antigua and Barbuda government has reviewed the application and made a decision, you will receive an accompanying letter detailing the outcome.

6. Complete Your Antigua and Barbuda Investment

Upon receiving pre-approval for citizenship by investment in Antigua, it is time to proceed with your investment in the business or real estate project. Or, you can make the non-refundable contribution to the NDF or University Fund.

7. Get A Passport

To obtain an Antiguan passport, you will be required to visit an Antiguan Embassy, High Commission, or Consular office to take the Oath of Allegiance. After doing so, you will receive your passport, valid for a period of five years.

8. Maintain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Validity

To maintain its validity, you must visit Antigua and Barbuda five days per year for the first five years of citizenship. Subsequent passports are valid for a period of ten years and won’t require you to visit the country.

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Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program Background

Here is a bit of background information so you know just what you're getting into.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua and Barbuda was established in 2013. Throughout the years the programme has seen ups and downs. In 2017, investment minimums were lowered to be more competitive with other citizenship by investment programmes across the Caribbean. The changes made Antigua and Barbuda the cheapest option for a family of four through a $100,000 investment minimum.

Following this cost reduction applications for citizenship by investment in Antigua have skyrocketed, and Chinese nationals now constitute nearly a third of all applications. The other two-thirds are made up of citizens from Bangladesh (8%), Libya (7%), Russia (7%), Syria (5%), Lebanon (5%), and other countries.

The CBI programme was massively successful in 20190 as applications soared 66% from 2018 numbers. The investment market of Antigua and Barbuda has become a billion dollar market.

Life in Antigua and Barbuda

The minimum stay requirement is a mere 5 days. That's simply a must needed vacation. The vast majority of investors who acquire citizenship by investment in Antigua utilize the benefits of their newfound passport without actually living in the country.

However, If things go pear shape in your home country or if you simply fancy living in Paradise for a few months per year, then having a second passport in a beautiful two island nation can be far more than a global mobility asset.

Antigua and Barbuda offer a unique getaway experience, perfect for tourists looking for a taste of paradise. From the warm and sunny climate to the luxurious resorts and unspoiled beaches of Barbuda, this twin-island nation has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or just a chance to relax, Antigua and Barbuda have the perfect setting. Plus, with easy air connections to major hubs in North America and Europe, it’s plausible to have a second home here. Hosting over one million visitors per year, it's no surprise this destination is one of the most popular holiday spots in the world.

As a former British colony, Antigua and Barbuda have English influenced customs such as the driving and English being the main language. In true Caribbean fashion, the people are exceptionally friendly and laid back. Local stands sprinkle the roadsides selling fresh juices, jams and other local delicacies. And the scenery isn’t all beaches, there is Mount Obama too — the highest mountain peak honorarily named after U.S. former President Barack Obama.

Apply for Antigua citizenship with Lincoln Global Partners

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program is a great opportunity for individuals to gain citizenship in this beautiful Caribbean nation. The Antiguan program offers many benefits such as economic and investment opportunities, full immigration benefits, a second passport, and the ability to live, work and study in Antigua and the Caribbean.

Lincoln Global Partners is a specialist international investment migration firm with offices in the UK, UAE and Brazil.

Our professionals are experts in the field of citizenship by investment and we are ready to assist you every step of the way with your Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment application.

FAQ's Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions

Antigua and Barbuda recognizes Dual Citizenship?

Yes. You can qualify for the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program even if you don’t plan on giving up your first passport.

How do I buy Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?

You could make one of four investments to qualify for citizenship: (1) Contribute a minimum of $230,000 to the National Development Fund, (2) Purchase real estate valued at no less than $325,000, (3) Make a minimum donation of $300,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund. To be considered for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment programme you must have good character and health, have no criminal record, be at least 18 years of age, and be capable of making the minimum investment requirement.

What visa free travel privileges do Barbuda passport holders enjoy?

As of December 2024, the country’s passport offers visa on arrival access to 153 countries. Keep in mind this number can change as government policies change and more countries offer this privilege to Antigua and Barbuda.

Can a citizen of a restricted country apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?

No. You can apply only if your country is not a restricted country whose citizens have been barred from applying for citizenship Antigua and Barbuda.

How long does the Citizenship Antigua passport last?

Barbuda Antigua citizenship is a one-time process, which means you and your family don’t have to maintain economic ties, fulfill additional investment or comply with other requirements to continue being a citizen.

Contact us to start the process and become a Global Citizen in 2025!