Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Costs 2026

Last updated: March 2026

📋 At a Glance: Understanding the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship costs and requirements is essential for investors looking to expand their global reach. The Citizenship by Investment Programme offers several options tailored to your preferences and financial goals. It's one of the quickest and easiest ways for high-net-worth individuals to experience Antigua and Barbuda's passport benefits.

Why trust Mirabello Consultancy with your Antigua application? As an IMC-accredited, ACAMS-certified investment migration firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, we have guided over 250 families to successful citizenship with a 99% approval rate. Our Swiss precision and personalised approach ensure your application receives expert attention from start to finish. Meet our team.

Understanding the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship costs and requirements is essential for investors looking to expand their global reach. The Citizenship by Investment Programme offers several options tailored to your preferences and financial goals. It's one of the quickest and easiest ways for high-net-worth individuals to experience Antigua and Barbuda's passport benefits. 

Considering Antigua citizenship? Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy to discuss the best investment route for you and your family.

In this article, we break down the Citizenship by Investment Programme cost and requirements for interested investors.

What Is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) was established in 2013 under the Citizenship by Investment Act. It is one of the most respected and longest-running economic citizenship programmes in the Caribbean, governed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) — the official government body responsible for processing and approving all applications.

The programme allows qualifying foreign nationals and their families to obtain full Antiguan citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment into the country's economy. Unlike residency-by-investment programmes, the Antigua CIP grants immediate citizenship and a passport — not merely a residence permit — meaning successful applicants enjoy the full rights of a national citizen, including visa-free travel, the ability to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda, and the right to pass citizenship to future generations.

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign twin-island nation in the Eastern Caribbean and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, CARICOM, and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Its passport consistently ranks among the most powerful in the Caribbean, offering access to more than 150 countries without a prior visa. For a broader comparison of top-tier programmes, explore our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes available globally.

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Costs: Investment Options Explained

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment costs vary depending on which of the four approved investment routes an applicant selects, as well as the size of the family included in the application. Below is a detailed breakdown of each option.

1. National Development Fund (NDF) — Non-Refundable Donation

The NDF route is the most straightforward and popular option. It involves a non-refundable contribution to the government's National Development Fund, which finances public infrastructure and development projects across the islands.

• Single applicant: $100,000
• Family of up to four (main applicant + up to 3 dependants): $125,000
• Each additional dependant beyond four: $15,000 per person

In addition to the NDF contribution, applicants must pay government processing and due diligence fees (detailed below). The NDF route is ideal for investors seeking the most cost-effective and time-efficient path to an Antiguan passport, as it requires no ongoing management of a real estate or business asset.

2. Real Estate Investment

Applicants may qualify for citizenship by purchasing approved real estate in Antigua and Barbuda at a minimum investment value of $200,000 (for shared/fractional real estate) or $400,000 for exclusive (sole-ownership) property. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years.

• Minimum investment (shared ownership): $200,000
• Minimum investment (sole ownership): $400,000

All real estate developments must be pre-approved by the CIU. This route is particularly attractive for investors who wish to acquire a tangible asset in the Caribbean — whether as a holiday retreat, rental income property, or long-term capital appreciation vehicle.

3. Business Investment

Investors may obtain citizenship by establishing or investing in a qualifying business in Antigua and Barbuda. The minimum thresholds are:

• Single investor: Minimum investment of $1,500,000
• Joint investors (two or more): Minimum combined investment of $5,000,000, with each investor contributing at least $400,000

The business must operate in an approved sector and demonstrate a genuine economic contribution to the country, including job creation for Antiguan nationals. This route suits entrepreneurs and corporate investors seeking to establish a Caribbean business base alongside their citizenship.

4. University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

A distinctive option unique to the Antigua CIP, the UWI Fund allows families of six or more persons to contribute $150,000 to the University of the West Indies. In addition to citizenship, one family member is entitled to a tuition-free, one-year scholarship at the UWI. This option provides exceptional value for larger families seeking both citizenship and educational benefits.

• Minimum family size: Six persons
• Contribution: $150,000
• Benefit: One year tuition-free study at UWI for one family member

Government Processing and Due Diligence Fees

Regardless of the investment route selected, all applicants must pay mandatory government fees. These are non-negotiable and non-refundable:

• Due diligence fee (main applicant): $7,500
• Due diligence fee (dependant aged 12+): $4,000 per person
• Processing fee (main applicant): $1,500
• Processing fee (each dependant): $1,500 per person
• Passport fee: Approximately $300 per passport

Professional advisory and legal fees charged by authorised agents such as Mirabello Consultancy will apply separately and vary based on the complexity of your application.

Eligibility Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

To qualify for citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda CIP, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria set by the CIU:

• Age: Main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: No criminal convictions in any jurisdiction. All applicants aged 17 and above are subject to thorough background checks.
• Good health: Applicants must pass a medical examination and must not carry a communicable disease that poses a public health risk.
• Financial soundness: Applicants must demonstrate that investment funds are derived from legitimate, lawful sources. Evidence of source of wealth and source of funds is mandatory.
• Not a citizen of a restricted country: Nationals of certain countries may be restricted from applying. Our advisers can confirm your eligibility during a consultation.
• No immigration violations: Applicants must have no history of visa refusals or deportations from countries with which Antigua and Barbuda maintains diplomatic relations.

Antigua's due diligence process is rigorous, multi-tiered, and internationally respected — a key reason why the Antiguan passport commands credibility in over 150 countries. Mirabello Consultancy prepares your application to the highest standard, ensuring all documentation is complete, accurate, and compelling before submission.

Who Can Be Included as a Dependant?

One of the most significant advantages of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship programme is the generous scope for family inclusion. The following categories of dependants may be added to a main applicant's application:

• Spouse (legally married or in a recognised civil partnership)
• Children under 26 years of age (including adopted children, where adoption is legally recognised)
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse (aged 55 and above), who are financially dependent on the main applicant
• Siblings of the main applicant who are unmarried and financially dependent

Each dependant is subject to individual due diligence and processing fees as outlined above. Adding multiple family members to a single application is often the most cost-effective approach to securing second citizenship for the entire family unit, particularly when compared to separate applications. For families, our advisers can help model the most value-optimised family structure for your application.

Application Process: Step by Step

The Antigua and Barbuda CIP follows a structured, government-supervised application process. Working with an authorised agent such as Mirabello Consultancy is mandatory — the CIU does not accept direct applications from individuals. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Initial consultation and eligibility assessment: Your Mirabello adviser reviews your personal circumstances, family composition, and investment preferences to determine the most suitable route.
2. Document preparation: We guide you through the full collection of required documentation, including certified identification, source of funds evidence, bank references, medical certificates, police clearance certificates, and passport photographs.
3. Application submission: Your completed application is submitted to the CIU along with all supporting documents, government fees, and the initial due diligence payment.
4. Due diligence and background checks: The CIU conducts a multi-level due diligence investigation, including checks by independent international agencies. This is the most thorough stage of the process.
5. Approval in principle: Upon successful due diligence, the CIU issues an approval in principle, confirming the application has been accepted pending receipt of the qualifying investment.
6. Investment completion: The applicant transfers the qualifying investment funds to the approved account (e.g., NDF, approved developer, or business).
7. Citizenship certificate and passport issuance: Upon confirmation of investment, the CIU issues the Antiguan citizenship certificate and passport(s) for the main applicant and all approved dependants.

You are also required to take an oath of allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda, which can typically be administered at the Antiguan High Commission or Embassy nearest to you — travel to Antigua is not generally required at this stage.

Timeline: How Long Does Antigua Citizenship Take?

The Antigua and Barbuda CIP is one of the fastest citizenship by investment programmes in the world. Processing times from submission of a complete application are generally as follows:

• Standard processing: 3–6 months
• Accelerated processing: The CIU does not currently operate an official fast-track programme, though well-prepared applications with complete documentation progress more swiftly.

The timeline above assumes submission of a complete and accurate application. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays. Working with Mirabello Consultancy's experienced team significantly reduces the risk of avoidable setbacks, as we perform a comprehensive pre-submission audit of every application before it reaches the CIU. Contact us today to begin your application with confidence.

Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport

The Antiguan passport delivers a compelling combination of travel freedom, tax advantages, and lifestyle benefits that make it a prized second citizenship for high-net-worth individuals and families worldwide.

Visa-Free Global Travel

The Antigua and Barbuda passport currently grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries and territories, including:

• United Kingdom — visa-free access
• European Union Schengen Area — all 27 Schengen member states
• Singapore — visa-free access
• Hong Kong — visa-free access
• Brazil and numerous other Latin American nations
• CARICOM member states

Favourable Tax Environment

Antigua and Barbuda imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax on its citizens. This makes Antiguan citizenship particularly attractive for entrepreneurs, investors, and high earners seeking legitimate tax planning optionality alongside a powerful travel document.

Dual Citizenship Permitted

Antigua and Barbuda fully recognises and permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. You are not required to renounce your existing nationality, making the programme compatible with citizens of most major nations.

Minimal Physical Presence Requirement

Unlike many residence-by-investment programmes that demand significant time spent in-country, the Antigua CIP requires only five days of physical presence within the first five years of obtaining citizenship. Thereafter, there is no ongoing residency obligation to maintain citizenship.

Commonwealth Membership Benefits

As a Commonwealth citizen, Antiguan passport holders enjoy additional privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth nations, including the right to vote in local elections in certain jurisdictions.

To explore how the Antigua passport compares with other leading programmes, visit our comprehensive golden visa and citizenship by investment comparison guide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Costs

What is the minimum cost of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment in 2026?

The minimum cost for a single applicant is $100,000 via the National Development Fund (NDF) donation route, plus government due diligence fees of $7,500 and a processing fee of $1,500, bringing the baseline government-side total to approximately $110,300 (excluding professional adviser fees and passport fees).

How long does it take to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?

Processing typically takes 3 to 6 months from the date a complete application is submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Delays most commonly occur when applications are incomplete or documentation is insufficient. Working with a qualified, authorised agent such as Mirabello Consultancy is strongly recommended to avoid avoidable setbacks.

Can I include my parents and grandparents in my Antigua citizenship application?

Yes. Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are aged 55 or above and financially dependent on the main applicant may be included as dependants in the application. Each dependant is subject to additional due diligence and processing fees.

Does Antigua and Barbuda allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda fully recognises dual and multiple citizenship. Successful applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality, making this programme accessible and attractive for citizens of most countries.

Is the Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment refundable?

Unlike the NDF donation, the real estate investment route involves the purchase of a tangible asset. Investors may sell the property after the mandatory five-year holding period. Any return on investment is subject to the performance of the real estate market and the terms of the specific development.

Do I need to travel to Antigua to complete the citizenship process?

Travel to Antigua is generally not required during the application process. The oath of allegiance can typically be administered at an Antiguan diplomatic mission in your country of residence or a nearby country. However, given the minimal physical presence requirement of five days within five years, many successful applicants choose to visit the islands at least once to enjoy the country whose passport they hold.

How does the Antigua CIP compare with other Caribbean programmes?

Antigua and Barbuda's programme is competitive in terms of cost, timeline, family inclusion flexibility, and passport strength. It is comparable to programmes in St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia. The UWI Fund option and the broad dependant categories set it apart from many competing programmes. Explore our full Caribbean citizenship by investment comparison to see how Antigua stacks up against its neighbours.