The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme
December 20, 2023 Reading Time: 10 minutes
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme
Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has retained a wonderfully authentic charm without sacrificing first world amenities. Offering its near-perfect climate, the English-speaking country is flanked by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to the west and the rugged Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Peak tourism season is from November to May with the most vacationers hailing from North America, Europe and the UK. Antigua offers an abundance of water sports, beautiful hiking trails, first-rate resorts, restaurants and spas and intriguing historical spots like Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CIP) Act was passed in April 2013. The holders of the Antigua and Barbuda passport enjoy visa free travel to over 160 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, UK and countries of the Schengen area.
Due to various Government incentives, foreign investment has contributed to the development of the economy, resulting in Antigua having of the highest GDP per capita in the region. This, along with a thriving property rental market and excellent financial returns, makes the island an attractive place to invest for those looking for a safe place to call their second home.

Some of the benefits of holders of the Antigua and Barbuda passports include:
- No restrictions on dual nationality
- Citizenship for life once requirements are met
- Visa free access to 160 countries
- Straightforward process with a decision rendered in approximately 90-120 days
- Well established legal and regulatory framework
- A favourable tax regime, no tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains or investment returns
- Direct flights from Canada, Europe, USA and the UK
Who can apply?
Any person aged 18 and above who makes a qualifying investment and his/her dependents qualify. The dependent can be:
- the spouse of the main applicant
- future spouse
- children up to the age of 30 who are dependent on parents
- parents or grandparents of the main applicant who are 55 and over and are fully supported by the main applicant
- unmarried siblings
- spouse of dependent children
- future spouse of dependent children
Applicants have 4 investment options to choose from:
1. CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NDF)
For a family of up to 4 persons
Contribution amount US$100,000
Citizenship processing fees US$30,000
For a family of more than 4 persons
Contribution amount US$125,000
Citizenship processing fees US$30,000 up to 4 persons
Citizenship processing fees US$15,000 for each additional family member
2. INVESTMENT IN APPROVED REAL ESTATE
Applicants can choose one of the 3 options below depending on their budget and needs:
1. Contribution amount US$400,000 Single ownership
2. Contribution amount US$400,000 Joint ownership
3. Contribution amount US$200,000 Single ownership
Citizenship processing fees for a family of up to 4 persons US$30,000
Citizenship processing fees US$15,000 for each additional family member
3. INVESTMENT IN BUSINESS
Single investor US$1,500,000
Two or more investors US$5,000,000 (however each applicant needs to make an investment of at least US$400,000)
Citizenship processing fees for a family of up to 4 persons US$30,000
Citizenship processing fees US$15,000 for each additional family member
4. UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES FUND
For a family of minimum 6 persons
Contribution amount US$150,000 (inclusive of the processing fees)
For a family of more than 6 persons
Contribution amount US$150,000 (inclusive of the processing fees)
Citizenship processing fees US$15,000 for each additional family member
Chestertons Antigua and Barbuda can advise you on all matters related to the Citizenship by Investment process.
Visit Chestertons Antigua and Barbuda website for more information.
Photo credit (main image): Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority