# Antigua and Barbuda

Source: https://www.savoryandpartners.com/programs/citizenship-by-investment/antigua-and-barbuda · Updated: 2026-10-09

Obtain Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship. Contact Savory & Partners Expert now to learn more about Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program.

## Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Requirements

The Antigua and Barbuda government launched the citizenship by investment program in 2013, making it one of the newer Caribbean programs.

To be able to apply for this program you should be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and without a criminal record. Unlike other Caribbean programs, as a future citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, you are required to reside at least 5 days within the first 5 years to retain your citizenship. Within this visit, you and any dependents above 18 years are also required to complete the oath of allegiance ceremony.

Additionally, you are required to make a non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund or make an investment in government-approved real estate projects.

## Main Applicant Requirements

- 18+ years of age
- Good health
- No criminal record
- Successfully pass due diligence checks
- Receive approval by the government
- Confirmed investment sources
- Reside for five days within 5 years from the naturalisation

## Eligible Dependents

- Spouse/future spouse
- Adopted or biological child/stepchild up to the age of 30
- Adopted or biological child/stepchild who is physically or mentally challenged of any age
- Dependent parents, parents in law, grandparents, and grandparents in law aged 55 or older
- Unmarried sibling/sibling-in-law
- Future spouse of dependent child
- Future child of dependent child

## Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Benefits

## Global Mobility

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship can support international mobility. Entry rules remain destination-specific and can change.

## Guaranteed by law

The program is based on the law & is guaranteed by the government since 2013.

## Straightforward process

Designed to be a smooth and straightforward process with a timeframe of 6 months to your new citizenship.

## Tax relief

Antigua and Barbuda has no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, dividends, gift, wealth and inheritance.

## Minimal residency required

A 5-day physical residency is required over the five-year period. (This requirement could be satisfied all at once or in parts.)

## Dual Citizenship permitted

There is no need to renounce your current citizenship(s), and your home authorities are not notified of your new citizenship.

## Legal Basis

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the top-rated options for obtaining new citizenship and a second passport.

The Citizenship by Investment Program was established following parliamentary approval and can be found in Section 6 of the Citizenship by Investment Act, 2013 (Act No. 2 of 2013). The Act was amended in 2014 and is compounded by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Regulations.

## Costs of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

There are three qualifying contribution options for the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program:

## 1) Contribution to National Development Fund (NDF)

A cash donation to the National Development Fund (NDF). This onetime payment is sent directly to an escrow account, which is managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the government.

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Donation for a Single Applicant | USD 230,000 |
| Donation for a Family of 4 or Less | USD 230,000 |
| Donation for a Family of 5 or More | USD 230,000 |

## Processing Fees

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| For a single applicant | USD 10,000 |
| For a family of 4 or less | USD 20,000 |
| Incremental amount from 5th dependent onwards | USD 10,000 |

## 2) Real Estate Investment

A property purchase to the value of $300,000 in a Government Approved Real Estate project.

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Minimum investment | USD 300,000 |

## Government Fees

In addition to the purchase of real estate, there are non-refundable government fees to be paid:

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Single applicant | USD 10,000 |
| Processing fees (Up to 4 family members) | USD 20,000 |
| Each additional dependent from family of 5 and above | USD 10,000 |

## 3) Contribution to University of West Indies - Investment Fund (UWI)

The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option is a mechanism for financing UWI’s fourth landed campus.

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Family of 6 (Inclusive of processing fees) | USD 260,000 |
| Additional qualified dependent after family of 6 per person | USD 10,000 |

## Due Diligence and Background Checks

There are compulsory background checks payable to the government preferred due diligence agency that will use Interpol, World-Check and other government agencies to screen applicants based on their application.

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Main applicant | USD 8,500 |
| Spouse of the main applicant | USD 5,000 |
| Dependents aged 12-17 | USD 2,000 |
| Dependents aged 18+ | USD 4,000 |
| Benefactor (if applicable) | USD 5,000 |

## Application Process For Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

The expected timeframe for the application process is 6 months. The first stage of the document collection can differ in length depending on the applicant’s ability to gather the documents. Our team guides this process with samples and best practice advice.

The reviewal stage is subject to the respective government schedule and can be impacted by factors which we, as authorised agents have no control over. Savory and Partners collaborates with the government throughout the entire process, and we aim to provide the quickest and smoothest experience for the applicant.

1. Savory & Partners will pre-screen your passport copy for government pre-approval. A down payment of the professional fees is required to open your application. The response is in 24-48 hours.
2. Savory & Partners' professional team will assist and advise you with the collection of the documents required according to the government checklist.
3. Your application is then submitted together with the due diligence fees. If taking the real estate option, a reservation of your chosen property must be made at this time. The real estate investment is fully refundable should your application not get approved.
4. The due diligence report is issued to the government. The government makes its decision on the granting of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship.
5. Once accepted you are invited to pay the NDF donation, or if taking the real estate option, pay the balance of your purchase.
6. A certificate of registration and passport are issued in your name. The balance of the professional fees is then paid.

## Application Process

6 months

## Client Success Stories

### Applying Through Unauthorized Agents

**The Challenge**

Our client, a Lebanese national living between Lebanon and Nigeria, had high hopes for an Antigua passport to expand his travel freedom. But things didn’t go as planned. He had applied through an unauthorized agent, and the process hit a major roadblock.

The Antigua Citizenship by Investment Unit flagged issues with his application and sent him an "intention to deny" letter. This meant there was something wrong, and unless it was fixed, his application would be rejected. Even worse, a rejection would stop him from applying for any other Caribbean citizenship unless he withdrew this application first.

**Our Solution**

When the client reached out to us, we immediately got to work. It didn’t take long to uncover the problem: his 28-year-old son, included in the application as a dependent, didn’t meet the eligibility criteria. The required documents to prove the son’s financial dependency were missing.

After withdrawing the Antigua application, we recommended a better route: applying for a St. Kitts and Nevis passport instead. This program not only aligned with the client’s needs but also offered flexibility in including dependents, provided their eligibility was properly documented.

We recommended the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) option for its speed and simplicity. Under this option, the client would make a non-refundable contribution to the government fund, ensuring a streamlined approval process.

Our team meticulously prepared the application, ensuring it met all requirements. Key steps included:

- **Documenting dependency**: We gathered proof of the son’s financial dependency, including university enrolment letters, tuition payment receipts, and bank statements showing regular transfers from the client.
- **Due diligence compliance**: We ensured all family members met the program’s rigorous background checks by compiling detailed records and working closely with our compliance team.

Every document was double-checked to make sure the application was solid.

**The Result**

With everything in order, the application was approved. The client and his son are now proud holders of St. Kitts and Nevis passports.

This passport opens up visa-free travel to more than 150 countries, including the UK, the EU, and Hong Kong. For the client, it means hassle-free travel for business and leisure. For his son, it unlocks world-class education and new career opportunities.

_Why Choose St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship?_

Securing Caribbean citizenship through a trusted and authorized agent is essential for ensuring the success of your application. Here is what you get:

1. Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK and EU
1. Fast processing with secure and approved pathways
1. A reliable citizenship-by-investment option with full legal support
1. Eligibility to extend benefits to your family members, including children and parents

## Download brochure

- Length: 4 pages
- Language: English & Arabic
- size: 1 mb

**Content**
- Antigua and Barbuda Country Profile
- Benefits of the Program
- Investment Requirements
- Investment Process

## About Antigua and Barbuda

- CAPITAL: Saint John’s
- TOTAL AREA: 442 km²
- POPULATION: 105,200
- LANGUAGE(S): English
- CURRENCY: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- EXCHANGE RATE: 1 USD = 2.70 XCD
- GDP – PER CAPITAL (2024): USD 23,220
- GDP – TOTAL (2024): USD 2.440 billion

### About Antigua and Barbuda

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are famous for their tranquillity and picturesque landscapes. The abundance of pristine white beaches and turquoise waters is evident through the local saying that Antigua and Barbuda has a beach for every day of the year. Many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Giorgio Armani, have recognised the beauty that this small country in the Caribbean has to offer and own holiday homes on the island.

Antigua and Barbuda is a Federation that has been a sovereign nation since its separation from British rule in 1981; however, it remains a member of the British Commonwealth.

Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system of government. An appointed Governor-General represents the reigning British Queen or King as the head of state.

Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The beautiful islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located in the Eastern Caribbean, just north of the equator.

- The capital St John's is in Antigua, the more mountainous island with Boggy Peak 1,330 ft. tall
- Antigua, the largest of these English-speaking Islands, is about 14 miles wide and 12 miles wide, totalling 108 square miles
- The islands are amongst the sunniest of the Caribbean with average tropical temperatures ranging in the mid 20 degrees to highs of 40 degrees and lower than average humidity all year round
- Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Association of Caribbean States, the Caribbean Community, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization
- The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is predominantly dependent upon tourism
- The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) which is pegged to the U.S. dollar
- Christopher Columbus named Antigua after an old picture of the Virgin Mary in Seville Cathedral, Santa Maria de la Antigua (the word meaning ancient in Spanish)
- English is the official language of the islands, and the people widely speak Antiguan and Barbudan Creole
- Antigua has 365 beaches – one for each day of the year

### Where is Antigua and Barbuda?

The tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are in the heart of the Caribbean, about a thousand miles to the east of Jamaica and half that distance from Trinidad and Tobago off the coast of South America.