National Development Fund
US$230,000
Non-refundable contribution of US$230,000 per application. Processing fees are extra: US$10,000 for a single applicant, US$20,000 for a family of up to four, and US$10,000 for each further dependant.
Overview
Antigua and Barbuda's programme suits larger families: the National Development Fund contribution is the same whatever the size of the family, and the University of the West Indies option includes a one-year scholarship for one family member.
Investment options
Choose your route
University of the West Indies Fund
US$260,000
For families of six or more. Includes processing fees and a one-year tuition scholarship for one family member.
Real estate
US$300,000
Approved real estate held for 5 years.
Business investment
US$1,500,000
Single-investor business, or a US$5 million joint venture in which each investor puts in at least US$400,000.
Costs
What to budget for
Also budget for
- Government and application feesSet by the government; they rise with each family member included.
- Due diligenceBackground checks, charged for each adult applicant.
- Professional and legal feesFor preparing and filing your application.
- Ongoing costsSuch as health insurance, property upkeep or renewals.
Costs depend on who is included. We give you the exact figure for your family in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits
What you gain
Covers large families
Citizenship for life
Dual citizenship allowed
No language test
Scholarship option
Favourable tax environment
Travel reach
Where this takes you
About 150–162 destinations without a visa in advance
Currently visa-free, but at risk (see Things to know)
Family
Who can come with you
Main applicantEligible
Spouse or partnerEligible
ChildrenEligible
ParentsEligible
GrandparentsEligible
SiblingsEligible
Spouse, dependent children aged 30 or under, dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 or over, and unmarried siblings
Process
How the application works
Week 1
Free consultation
We check eligibility and discuss the risks.
Weeks 2–12
Application and due diligence
Your application is prepared and filed, and background checks are carried out.
About 10–18 months
Approval
Investment completed after approval.
After approval
Oath and passport
Oath of allegiance and passport issue.
Requirements
What you need to apply
Clean criminal record and strict due diligence
Proof of lawful funds
At least 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda in the first 5 years by law; plan for 30 (see Things to know)
Things to know before you apply
- —Since 1 January 2026 the US has blocked new visitor, student and immigrant visas for Antigua and Barbuda nationals; visas held before then remain valid.
- —The law asks for 5 days in the country during the first 5 years. A bill to raise this to 30 days was tabled in July 2026, and the government says it already applies 30 days in practice.
- —All five Caribbean programmes interview applicants, usually by video. A rule of 30 days spent in the country during the first five years of citizenship has been agreed across the region, but its legal status differs by country and it was not fully in force in any of the five when this page was reviewed.
- —Processing has slowed as checks have tightened; the timeline shown reflects recent applications rather than official targets.
- —In a letter dated 25 June 2026, the European Commission asked Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia to phase out their citizenship programmes by 1 June 2028, or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The five governments have not agreed to this and talks continue. The Commission's next report is expected in December 2026. This passport should not be chosen for travel to Europe.
- —A new regional regulator, ECCIRA, has been created by treaty to oversee the Caribbean programmes, bringing stricter audits and due diligence. Its start date had not been confirmed when this page was reviewed.
- —Citizenship already granted is normally unaffected if a programme later closes, but future travel rights can change.
- —Government fees are charged on top of the investment. Due diligence is US$8,500 for the main applicant, US$5,000 for a spouse and US$2,000 to US$4,000 for each other dependant aged 12 or over.
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FAQs
Questions, answered
Speak to an adviser about Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
A free 30-minute call to confirm the route, costs and timeline for your family.
Book a consultationLast reviewed 5 Oct 2026. Figures are indicative and exclude fees unless stated. Programme rules change; we confirm current terms in writing before you commit.