# Antigua CBI in September 2026: The 5-Day Rule Still Applies

Applications submitted before 30 June 2026 are processed under current Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment terms, ahead of the ECCIRA procedural changes taking effect on 1 July. The National Development Fund route starts from US$230,000. You need only to have submitted, not completed, before the deadline; processing then continues normally.

- **No 30 June 2026 deadline:** ECCIRA's requirements did not take effect on 1 July 2026, and applications continue under Antigua's national rules
- **5-day rule in force:** at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years; a bill tabled in July 2026 proposes 30 days but is not law
- **US$230,000 NDF contribution**: the same for any family size (single applicant to family of 10+)
- **154 visa-free destinations** including the full Schengen Area, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong
- **Processing time: typically 4 to 7 months**; interviews can be conducted virtually from anywhere in the world
- **UWI option** for families of six or more at US$260,000, including a University of the West Indies tuition scholarship

## What Is the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?

**Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) was launched in 2013 and is one of five Caribbean CBI programmes whose governments founded ECCIRA, the regional regulator. Investors make a qualifying contribution or investment starting at US$230,000 and, upon approval, receive full Antiguan citizenship and a passport granting visa-free access to 154 destinations, including the Schengen Area. Applications continue to be processed under Antigua's national rules.**

Mirabello Consultancy, an [IMC Member](https://www.investmentmigration.org/) with a high approval rate across 250+ Caribbean CBI cases, advises families and individuals on Antigua CBI from our offices in Zurich and Dubai.

Antigua's programme has undergone meaningful modernisation since its launch. Interviews, which may be held virtually or in person, are mandatory for all applicants aged 16 and above, and biometric data is collected from applicants. In December 2025, Antigua became a founding member of ECCIRA, the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority. ECCIRA is not yet operating; once it is, it is set to introduce unified due-diligence standards and a cross-jurisdiction applicant database across all five member states.

The programme is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in St. John's, operating from the official website at [cip.gov.ag](https://cip.gov.ag/). Mirabello Consultancy engages directly with the CIU on behalf of clients throughout the application process.

## Did Antigua's Rules Change on 1 July 2026?

**No. Antigua's rules did not change on 1 July 2026, and there was no 30 June 2026 deadline. ECCIRA's proposed 30-day residency requirement is not in force, because the Authority is not yet operating. Antigua's own presence rule remains at least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five calendar years after citizenship.**

The Citizenship by Investment (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled on 14 July 2026, proposes raising Antigua's requirement to 30 days, counted cumulatively across visits, to align with the ECCIRA standard. It is not yet law. At regional level, the [Eastern Caribbean Central Bank](https://www.eccb-centralbank.org/news/fourth-us-caribbean-roundtable-on-citizenship-by-investment-hails-regional-efforts-at-enhanced-governance) expects ECCIRA to begin operating later in 2026; its chief executive is still being recruited and no start date has been announced.

For an applicant today, the practical position is simple: your application is assessed under Antigua's current rules, and the 5-day rule is the one you must plan for. Mirabello Consultancy monitors the Amendment Bill and ECCIRA's progress, and will advise you if either changes the obligations for your family.

## What Are the Investment Options for Antigua CBI in 2026?

**Antigua offers four investment routes. The National Development Fund (NDF) donation of US$230,000 is the most popular, and uniquely the contribution covers the entire family regardless of size. The Real Estate route starts at US$300,000 in an approved property that cannot be resold for five years. The UWI option at US$260,000 requires at least six applicants and includes a University of the West Indies tuition scholarship. A business investment route is also available, with minimums set by the CIU.**

| Route | Minimum Investment | Type | Key Feature |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **National Development Fund (NDF)** | US$230,000 | Non-refundable donation | Same contribution for any family size, unique to Antigua |
| **Approved Real Estate** | US$300,000 | Property purchase | Luxury resort/residential; 5-year hold; rental income possible |
| **UWI Fund** | US$260,000 | Non-refundable donation | Minimum 6 applicants; includes government processing fees and a one-year UWI tuition scholarship |
| **Business Investment** | Set by the CIU | Direct business investment | Investment in an approved Antiguan business, individually or jointly |

The **NDF route is overwhelmingly the most popular** for family applicants. Because the US$230,000 contribution is fixed regardless of family size, Antigua's NDF offers exceptional per-person value for larger households. A family of four pays the same US$230,000 contribution that a single applicant pays. Government processing and due diligence fees apply per application and per person (detailed below), but the contribution itself never changes.

The **Real Estate route** offers the ability to invest in a tangible asset and participate in rental income through approved resort properties. The property cannot be resold until five years after purchase, unless the proceeds go into another officially approved property in Antigua and Barbuda, which offers a degree of capital recovery not available from donation routes.

## What Are the Full Costs Including Government and Due Diligence Fees?

**Beyond the investment contribution, Antigua applicants pay government processing fees (US$10,000 for a single applicant; US$20,000 for a family of up to four; US$10,000 for each dependant from the fifth person) and due diligence fees per person (US$8,500 for the main applicant; US$5,000 for a spouse; US$2,000 for a dependant aged 12 to 17; US$4,000 for an adult dependant or a parent aged 55 and over). Passport and other ancillary fees are additional.**

| Fee Category | Amount (USD) | Paid By |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NDF Contribution | 230,000 | Family (flat, any size) |
| Government Processing Fee (single) | 10,000 | Sole applicant |
| Government Processing Fee (family of up to 4) | 20,000 | Family of 2 to 4 |
| Government Processing Fee (each dependant from 5th) | 10,000 | Per additional dependant from 5th person |
| Due Diligence: Main Applicant | 8,500 | Main applicant |
| Due Diligence: Spouse | 5,000 | Spouse |
| Due Diligence: Dependant aged 12 to 17 | 2,000 | Per dependant in this age range |
| Due Diligence: Dependant aged 18+ | 4,000 | Per adult dependant |
| Due Diligence: Parent/Grandparent (55+) | 4,000 | Per eligible senior dependant |

Mirabello Consultancy professional fees are quoted separately. Government processing fees are payable in stages: 10% at submission (non-refundable), with the remaining 90% due within 30 days of receiving the approval letter. We will give you a complete, itemised cost schedule for your family at your first consultation.

## What Visa-Free Travel Does an Antigua and Barbuda Passport Provide in 2026?

**Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 154 destinations, including the full Schengen Area, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. The UK requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), an online pre-approval rather than a full visa.**

Key travel access at a glance:

- **Schengen Area (EU):** visa-free, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands
- **UK:** eTA required (an online Electronic Travel Authorisation, not a full visa)
- **Singapore:** visa-free access
- **China and Hong Kong:** visa-free access
- **Other destinations:** requirements vary; confirm your specific itinerary with your Mirabello specialist

Antigua's passport offers broad visa-free access. The Schengen visa-free access is the primary motivation for GCC-based clients and investors from markets where EU visas are difficult to obtain.

*Want to understand whether Antigua's travel benefits match your family's needs? [Speak with a Mirabello specialist today](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation) for a personalised passport benefit assessment.*

## Who Is Eligible to Apply for Antigua Citizenship by Investment?

**The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age, hold a clean criminal record, be in good health, and not be a national of a prohibited country. Eligible dependants include a spouse, unmarried children up to age 30 who are financially dependent, and parents or grandparents aged 55 or above who are financially dependent on the main applicant. Siblings are not eligible as dependants.**

Prohibited nationalities include Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Russian and Belarusian nationals are currently suspended from applying. Nationals of prohibited countries may qualify in limited circumstances if they emigrated before reaching the age of majority and have maintained permanent residence for at least 10 consecutive years in Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, with no substantial economic ties to the restricted country.

Biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial scan, is collected from applicants. Interviews are mandatory for all applicants aged 16 and above; these may be conducted virtually, meaning no travel to Antigua is required during the application process.

## How Long Does the Antigua CBI Application Process Take in 2026?

**Antigua applications typically take 4 to 7 months from submission, although some 2026 cases have taken longer. The CIU publishes no official processing time and offers no expedited tier. The mandatory interview can be completed virtually and does not typically delay processing.**

A typical Antigua CBI application timeline proceeds as follows:

- **Weeks 1 to 2:** Mirabello engagement; document collection begins (passport copies, police clearances, financial records, source-of-funds documentation)
- **Weeks 3 to 6:** Document preparation, due diligence pre-screening, virtual interview scheduling
- **Weeks 7 to 8:** Application lodged with the Antigua CIU; 10% processing fee paid at submission; interview conducted
- **Months 2 to 6:** CIU due diligence review (background checks, third-party verification)
- **Months 4 to 7:** Approval letter issued; remaining 90% of processing fees due within 30 days
- **After approval:** Citizenship certificate and passport issued

Processing starts on the date of submission. Because Antigua's rules did not change on 1 July 2026, the timing of your submission within the year does not affect the terms under which your application is assessed.

## What Post-Citizenship Obligations Apply to Antigua Passport Holders?

**Antigua and Barbuda citizens by investment must spend at least 5 days in the country within the first five calendar years after obtaining citizenship. Days can be spread across multiple visits. The Antiguan passport is valid for five years, and renewal requires a biometric update and proof of compliance with the presence rule in force.**

If the Amendment Bill 2026 is enacted, the requirement would rise to 30 days within the first five years, and ECCIRA's proposed tiered passport would add an initial 5-year passport upgraded to 10 years after an orientation programme, the 30-day stay and biometrics. Neither is in force today. Dependants may be added to an already-granted citizenship post-approval, subject to fees that vary by age. There is no requirement to renounce existing citizenship: Antigua permits dual or multiple nationality, and Antigua citizenship does not require the individual to live in Antigua on an ongoing basis.

## How Does Antigua Compare With Other Caribbean CBI Programmes in 2026?

**Antigua's flat NDF family pricing is its defining advantage over other Caribbean programmes. For a family of four, Antigua's US$230,000 contribution compares with US$235,000 in Grenada, US$250,000 in St. Kitts and US$250,000 in Dominica. For larger families the gap widens, because Antigua's contribution never rises. Against Dominica's lower US$200,000 entry for a single applicant, Antigua's stronger passport, 154 against 145 destinations with UK eTA access, justifies the premium for travel-focused investors.**

| Feature | Antigua | St. Kitts | Dominica | Grenada |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Min. Investment (NDF/Donation)** | US$230,000 | US$250,000 | US$200,000 | US$235,000 |
| **Family of 4 Contribution** | US$230,000 (any size) | US$250,000 | US$250,000 | US$235,000 |
| **Visa-Free Destinations** | 154 | 157 | 145 | 147 |
| **Schengen Access** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| **UK Access** | eTA | eTA | Full Visa | eTA |
| **Processing Time** | 4 to 7 months | 4 to 6 months | 3 to 6 months | 60 business days |
| **Presence Rule in Force** | 5 days in 5 years | None in force | None | None |
| **Unique Advantage** | Flat family pricing + UWI option | Oldest CBI (est. 1984); strongest passport | Most affordable entry | Fast approval; adult siblings eligible |
| **ECCIRA Member** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |

For investors specifically interested in [Antigua and Barbuda](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/antigua-and-barbuda-citizenship-by-investment), ECCIRA membership is an important signal: once the Authority is operating, Antigua will be subject to the same unified due-diligence standards, cross-jurisdiction applicant screening, and agent licensing requirements as every other member. That commitment positions the programme favourably amid ongoing EU scrutiny of CBI programmes globally.

Investors weighing Antigua against other options may also find our comparison guides useful. For those considering [St. Kitts and Nevis](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/citizenship-by-investment-in-st-kitts-nevis), the oldest and highest-ranked Caribbean passport (157 visa-free destinations) is a competing attraction at a US$250,000 minimum. For those weighing the lowest-cost entry, [Dominica at US$200,000](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/dominica-citizenship-by-investment) offers the most accessible Caribbean CBI, albeit with a weaker passport and a UK visa requirement (in force since July 2023). For those who want fast approval and the option to include adult siblings, [Grenada](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/immigration/grenada-citizenship-by-investment) is a strong alternative. See all options in our [guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/best-citizenship-by-investment-programs).

## What Is ECCIRA and What Would It Change for Antigua Applicants?

**ECCIRA, the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, was established in December 2025 by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. It is not yet operating, and none of its proposed measures is in force. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank expects it to begin operating later in 2026; no start date has been announced.**

ECCIRA's proposed measures are 30 days' physical presence within the first five years of citizenship, with at least 5 days in year one; an initial 5-year passport upgraded to 10 years after an orientation programme, the 30-day stay and biometrics; mandatory biometrics; and e-passport standards matching European and North American systems. Its original start date of April 2026 has passed.

The practical implication for an Antigua applicant today is straightforward: your application is assessed under Antigua's current national rules, and the 5-day presence rule is the one in force. Whether and how ECCIRA's measures or the Amendment Bill would apply to people who are already citizens has not been published. Mirabello Consultancy can initiate the engagement letter, programme fee agreement, and document collection within 24 hours of first contact.

*Ready to begin? [Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy now](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation): our team is available to begin your Antigua CBI application today.*

In summary

### Apply for Antigua Citizenship Under Today's Rules

US$230,000 for any family size. 154 visa-free destinations. A 5-day presence rule. Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy. See how Antigua compares with Dominica, Grenada and other Caribbean programmes in Mirabello's [interactive comparison grid](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/compare-citizenship-and-golden-visa-programmes), or review the [Mirabello Investment Migration Index](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/mirabello-investment-migration-index) for cross-programme rankings across cost, speed, and passport power.

Related reading

- [New Zealand Investor Visa to Citizenship: 21 Days vs 1,350 Days](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/blog/new-zealand-investor-visa-citizenship-1350-days-2026)
- [New Zealand Growth vs Balanced: Why 85% Choose the Cheaper Route](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/blog/new-zealand-growth-vs-balanced-investor-visa-2026)

Frequently asked questions

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment legitimate and fully regulated in 2026?

Yes. Antigua's CBI programme is established by statute and administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. In December 2025, Antigua became a founding member of ECCIRA, the regional regulator that is set to introduce common due-diligence standards across the five Eastern Caribbean programmes once it begins operating. Mirabello Consultancy holds IMC membership and ACAMS certification and operates strictly within these regulatory frameworks.

### Can I include elderly parents or adult children in my Antigua CBI application?

Yes. Eligible dependants include financially dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 or above, as well as unmarried children up to the age of 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant. Siblings are not eligible. Each dependant aged 12 or over is subject to individual due-diligence fees, and each applicant aged 16 or over to the mandatory interview. Crucially, the NDF contribution of US$230,000 does not increase with additional dependants; only government processing fees are incremental from the fifth family member.

### Does Antigua allow dual nationality?

Yes. Antigua and Barbuda does not require applicants to renounce their existing citizenship. Many Antigua CBI holders maintain three or four citizenships simultaneously. Mirabello Consultancy's team includes specialists experienced in multi-passport structuring and can advise on the tax and legal implications of acquiring a second citizenship in your specific home jurisdiction.

### What happens to my application if it is denied?

In the event of a denial, the government processing fee paid at submission (10%) is forfeited, and due diligence fees are non-refundable as they cover third-party screening costs. The NDF contribution itself is paid at the approval stage, so it is not at risk before approval. Mirabello Consultancy's thorough pre-submission screening is one reason for our high approval rate: applications are only submitted when we are confident in their eligibility.

### Is the UWI scholarship option genuinely worth it for large families?

For a family of exactly six, the UWI Fund route at US$260,000 is US$30,000 above the NDF contribution on paper, but the UWI amount already includes government processing fees, which on the NDF route would total US$40,000 for six people (US$20,000 for the first four plus US$10,000 each for the fifth and sixth). The UWI route can therefore cost less overall, and it adds a one-year University of the West Indies tuition scholarship for one family member. The greater benefit is the positioning: the UWI option signals a genuine educational commitment to Antigua, which resonates with families seeking educational mobility alongside a second passport.

### How Do I Start with Mirabello Consultancy?

Book your free 30-minute discovery consultation via our [consultation booking page](https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation). A senior Mirabello specialist will review your family profile, investment preferences, and timeline, and we can initiate the engagement process immediately after your first consultation. Mirabello Consultancy has delivered high approval across 250+ CBI cases and 350+ Golden Visa cases. Our Zurich and Dubai offices serve clients globally in 11 languages. Book now.

## Ready to explore your options?

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Source: Mirabello Consultancy, verified 2026-10-01, https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/blog/antigua-cbi-apply-before-june-30-2026
Free consultation: https://www.mirabelloconsultancy.com/contact-us-for-your-free-consultation
Machine-readable data: Mirabello MCP https://mcp.mirabelloconsultancy.com/v1/programmes/antigua-cbi