Antigua and Barbuda Passport and Citizenship by Investment in 2026

Last updated: March 2026

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.

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

What Is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme was established in 2013 under the Citizenship by Investment Act, making it one of the most established and well-regarded programmes in the Caribbean. It allows qualifying foreign nationals to obtain full, permanent citizenship — and a second passport — in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution to the country.

Unlike residency-based immigration pathways, the Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme grants citizenship directly, with no requirement to reside in the country prior to or after approval. Successful applicants receive a fully valid Antiguan passport, offering genuine second citizenship with all the rights that entails. The programme is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a dedicated government body that ensures rigorous due diligence and transparent processing.

For HNW and UHNW individuals and families seeking an alternative citizenship, expanded global mobility, or enhanced tax planning flexibility, the Antigua and Barbuda passport citizenship by investment programme represents one of the most compelling options available in 2026. It consistently ranks among the best citizenship by investment programmes globally for value, passport strength, and family inclusivity.

Antigua and Barbuda Investment Options in 2026

The programme offers four distinct investment routes, each suited to different financial profiles and strategic objectives. All figures below are in US dollars and represent the minimum qualifying investments.

1. National Development Fund (NDF) Donation

The NDF route is the most popular choice for families, offering a straightforward, non-refundable donation to Antigua and Barbuda's national development. Costs in 2026 are structured as follows:

• Single applicant: $230,000 (including all government fees)
• Family of up to 4 (main applicant + spouse + 2 dependants): $230,000 total
• Each additional dependant beyond 4: $15,000

This route requires no ongoing property management, no waiting for a resale, and no capital lock-up beyond the donation itself, making it the fastest and most administratively straightforward pathway.

2. Approved Real Estate Investment

Investors may purchase approved real estate with a minimum value of $300,000, which must be held for a minimum of five years before being sold. Properties must be part of a CIU-approved development. This route appeals to those who wish to combine investment migration with a lifestyle asset — a Caribbean villa, resort unit, or fractional ownership in a luxury development.

• Minimum investment: $300,000 (held for 5 years)
• Government processing fees: Approximately $30,000–$50,000 depending on family size

3. Business Investment

This route requires a minimum direct investment of $1,500,000 into an approved Antiguan business, or a joint investment of $5,000,000 (minimum $400,000 per investor) with at least two applicants investing together. The business must create a minimum number of jobs for Antiguan nationals. This route is best suited to entrepreneurs and business owners seeking genuine commercial engagement in the Eastern Caribbean.

4. University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

This unique route supports higher education in the Caribbean. A family of six or more members contributes $150,000 to the UWI Fund, and one family member receives a one-year scholarship to the UWI. This is one of the most cost-effective routes for larger families and has proven particularly popular with families of five or more members.

• Minimum contribution: $150,000 (for families of 6+)
• Benefit: One-year tuition-free scholarship at UWI

To compare Antigua's investment options with those of other leading programmes, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes or explore alternative Caribbean options such as St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment and Dominica citizenship by investment.

Eligibility Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

The Antigua and Barbuda CBI programme maintains a thorough eligibility framework to ensure the integrity and reputation of its passport. Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Age: Main applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: No criminal convictions. Applicants from certain high-risk jurisdictions may face enhanced scrutiny.
• Good health: Applicants must not be suffering from any contagious diseases that pose a public health concern.
• Source of funds: All investment funds must be of legitimate origin and fully documented. Comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation is required.
• No inadmissibility: Applicants must not be subject to travel bans or listed on international sanctions lists (OFAC, EU, UN, UK).
• Residency obligation: Citizens must spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years of citizenship. This is one of the most lenient physical presence requirements of any CBI programme globally.

Nationals of certain countries, including Iran, North Korea, and Afghanistan (list subject to change), may not be eligible. Mirabello Consultancy conducts a confidential pre-screening assessment before any application is initiated, ensuring you invest time and resources only when approval is realistic.

The Application Process: Step by Step

The Antigua and Barbuda application process is structured, transparent, and fully managed by the CIU. Working with an authorised agent such as Mirabello Consultancy ensures each step is completed accurately and efficiently.

1. Step 1 – Initial Consultation and Pre-Screening
   Your Mirabello adviser conducts a confidential review of your profile, confirms eligibility, and recommends the most suitable investment route based on your family structure, financial goals, and timeline.
2. Step 2 – Document Preparation
   You will need to compile personal documentation including passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates (from all countries of residence over the past 10 years), bank statements, proof of source of wealth, and professional references. Our team provides a detailed document checklist and reviews every document before submission.
3. Step 3 – Application Submission
   Your completed application, along with all supporting documents and the applicable government processing fees, is submitted to the CIU through your authorised agent.
4. Step 4 – Due Diligence and Background Checks
   The CIU conducts a thorough multi-tier due diligence process, which includes checks by international third-party agencies. This is the most time-intensive stage of the process, typically taking 2 to 4 months.
5. Step 5 – Approval in Principle
   Once due diligence is satisfactorily completed, the CIU issues an Approval in Principle. At this stage, the qualifying investment must be made (or confirmed, in the case of real estate) and the government fees paid in full.
6. Step 6 – Oath of Allegiance and Passport Issuance
   Applicants take an Oath of Allegiance — which can be done at an Antiguan embassy or consulate — and passports are issued and delivered. The Antiguan passport is valid for 5 years and can be renewed thereafter for life.

Processing Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Processing time for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment typically runs from 3 to 6 months from the date of formal application submission to passport issuance, assuming all documentation is complete and accurate at the time of submission. Incomplete applications or requests for additional information can extend the timeline.

For applicants with urgent needs, Antigua and Barbuda offers an expedited processing option for an additional government fee of approximately $10,000–$15,000 per application. Under the expedited track, processing can be completed in as little as 45 to 60 business days.

Mirabello Consultancy's meticulous document preparation process is specifically designed to minimise delays and maximise the likelihood of a first-submission approval — a key factor behind our 99% approval rate.

Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport

The Antigua and Barbuda passport is among the most powerful in the Caribbean and offers a compelling combination of global mobility, financial advantages, and lifestyle benefits.

Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Travel

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

• United Kingdom — visa-free entry (subject to Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements from January 2026)
• Schengen Area — all 27 EU Schengen member states, visa-free
• Singapore — visa-free
• Hong Kong — visa-free
• Brazil and most of South America — visa-free

Note: Antigua and Barbuda does not currently have visa-free access to the United States or Canada. US nationals, however, may use Antigua citizenship to access markets and jurisdictions where their US passport may create complications.

Tax Advantages

Antigua and Barbuda imposes no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, and no gift tax. For non-domiciled residents, international income is not subject to local income tax. This makes Antiguan citizenship highly attractive from a tax planning perspective, particularly when combined with the correct residency structure.

Dual Citizenship Permitted

Antigua and Barbuda fully permits dual (and multiple) citizenship. You can retain your existing passport(s) while holding Antiguan citizenship — a critical consideration for many international families.

Citizenship for Life

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is permanent and passes to future generations by descent, providing lasting generational value well beyond the initial investment.

Business and Lifestyle Benefits

As part of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community), Antiguan citizens enjoy the right to live and work across CARICOM member states. Combined with the country's strategic location, English-speaking environment, and common law legal system, this makes it an excellent base for international business and family life.

Family Inclusion: Who Can Be Added to Your Application?

One of Antigua and Barbuda's most attractive features is its generous and inclusive definition of eligible dependants. The following family members may be included on a single application:

• Spouse of the main applicant (legally married or in a civil union)
• Children under the age of 18
• Dependent children aged 18 to 30 who are in full-time education or financially dependent on the main applicant
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and above, who are financially dependent
• Siblings of the main applicant (subject to meeting dependency criteria)

This family-friendly structure makes the Antigua programme particularly compelling for large or multi-generational families, especially when combined with the UWI Fund route for families of six or more. Each additional dependant beyond the standard family unit incurs an additional government fee, but the core investment threshold remains unchanged.

To explore how Antigua compares to other family-friendly programmes, see our guide on the best golden visa investment programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment

How much does Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost in 2026?

The most cost-effective route for a family of up to four is the NDF donation at $230,000 total, inclusive of government fees. A single applicant via NDF also costs $230,000. The real estate route starts from $300,000 (plus government fees of approximately $30,000–$50,000). The UWI Fund route starts from $150,000 for families of six or more. Business investment requires a minimum of $1,500,000. All figures are in US dollars.

How long does it take to get an Antigua passport?

Standard processing takes 3 to 6 months from formal application submission. An expedited option is available for an additional fee, reducing processing to approximately 45 to 60 business days. Timelines assume complete documentation at the time of submission.

Do I need to live in Antigua to maintain my citizenship?

No. Antigua and Barbuda has one of the most lenient physical presence requirements in the world. Citizens are required to spend a minimum of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first 5 years of citizenship. There is no annual residency requirement thereafter.

Can I include my parents and adult children in my application?

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda permits the inclusion of parents and grandparents aged 55 and above who are financially dependent, as well as dependent children aged up to 30 who are in full-time education. Siblings of the main applicant may also be included subject to dependency criteria. This makes it one of the most family-inclusive CBI programmes available.

Does Antigua allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda fully recognises and permits dual and multiple citizenship. You will not be required to renounce your existing nationality or nationalities when obtaining an Antiguan passport.

Which countries can I visit visa-free with an Antigua passport?

The Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, all Schengen Area countries, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The USA and Canada are not currently visa-free destinations for Antiguan passport holders.

Is the Antigua CBI programme legitimate and government-backed?

Yes. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme is a fully government-backed, legally established programme administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a dedicated arm of the Antiguan government. It has been operating since 2013 and is recognised internationally as a reputable CBI programme. All authorised agents, including Mirabello Consultancy, are vetted and approved by the CIU.