Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Introduction
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) opens a path to second citizenship with a contribution starting from US$230,000 – the lowest investment level among Caribbean CBI programmes.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme has operated since 2013, offering passport visa-free access to over 140 countries including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, allowing the inclusion of extended family (spouse, children, parents and grandparents), with a processing time of 6–8 months.
Programme Overview
Investment level
From US$230,000 (NDF) for a family of up to 4. Real estate from US$300,000. UWI Fund US$260,000 for a family of 6 or more.
Processing time
6–8 months from submission of a complete application
Passport
Visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and China
Residence requirement
Minimum stay of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first 5 years after receiving citizenship
Family
Includes spouse, children under 30, siblings under 18, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over who are dependent
Generational citizenship
Permanent citizenship, passed down to future generations by descent
Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
High-ranking passport
An Antigua and Barbuda passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the entire EU Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.
No residency requirement
The programme only requires a minimum stay of 5 days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first 5 years. Investors can continue to live and work in Vietnam after receiving citizenship.
Dual citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship. Investors do not need to renounce their Vietnamese citizenship when receiving Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
Tax incentives
No personal income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, or tax on foreign-sourced income. A favourable financial environment for individuals and businesses.
Extended Family
The programme allows for the inclusion of a spouse, children under 30, siblings under 18, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over – the widest family scope among Caribbean CBI programmes.
Lifetime citizenship
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is permanent, does not require renewal, and can be passed down to children by descent through subsequent generations.
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Citizenship by investment roadmap
National Development Fund (NDF)
A non-refundable contribution from US$230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF) – funding national development projects including tourism, sustainable energy, and infrastructure. Applicable to individual investors or families of up to 4 members. This is the most popular route with the lowest cost and a simple process.
Approved real estate
Minimum investment of US$300,000 in a government-approved real estate project, held for a minimum of 5 years. Two investors may co-invest, with each contributing a minimum of US$300,000. After 5 years, the property can be resold to the next CBI investor.
University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
A contribution of US$260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund – exclusively for families of 6 or more members. The cost is lower than the NDF for large families, with no additional processing fees. One family member receives a 1-year scholarship with free tuition at UWI.
Business Investment
Minimum investment of US$1,500,000 in an approved business (individual investment), or US$400,000 each when co-investing in a business with a total value of at least US$5,000,000. Approved sectors include tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
Programme requirements
Net worth
No minimum net worth requirement. You only need sufficient financial resources to make the investment from US$230,000 and proof of legal source of funds.
Experience
No business or management experience required. The programme is open to all foreign nationals aged 18 and over.
Investment
Minimum contribution of US$230,000 to the NDF Fund (for a family of up to 4), US$260,000 to the UWI Fund (for a family of 6 or more), or purchase of approved real estate from US$300,000.
Education
No minimum educational requirement. The programme does not set conditions regarding degrees, professional certifications, or knowledge tests.
Language
No requirement to demonstrate proficiency in English or any other language when submitting a citizenship application.
Health and background
Meet background check requirements. Investors must not have a serious criminal record.
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Implementation process
Obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and passport in 6–8 months with the expert team at Prosperous Living Investment.
Consultation and profile assessment
PLI specialists assess personal, financial, and family size conditions. Based on this, they propose the most suitable investment route: NDF, real estate, UWI Fund, or business. Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.
Preparation and submission of application
PLI coordinates with an authorized agent in Antigua and Barbuda to prepare a complete application file, including proof of source of funds, criminal records, and consular-legalized documents. Submit the official application to the CIU. Timeframe: 2–4 weeks.
Vetting and preliminary approval
The CIU conducts background checks through independent international companies. The main investor and dependents aged 16 and over must participate in a mandatory online interview. Once requirements are met, the CIU issues an Approval-in-Principle letter before the investment is made. Timeframe: 2–4 months.
Making the investment
After receiving preliminary approval, the investor proceeds with the investment according to the chosen route and pays government fees. PLI monitors the entire fund transfer process through official banking channels. Timeframe: 2–4 weeks.
Receiving citizenship and passport
The CIU issues Certificates of Citizenship and passports to the investor and their entire family. The investor takes the oath in Antigua and Barbuda or at an embassy/consulate. Passports offer visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK and Singapore. Lifetime citizenship with dual citizenship permitted. Timeframe: 2–4 weeks.
Why choose PLI?
transparenteffectiveprofessional
Effectiveness
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.
Transparency
Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.
Professionalism
The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are common questions from clients regarding the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme. If you need more detailed advice, please contact us.
How many countries does the Antigua and Barbuda passport provide visa-free access to?
An Antigua and Barbuda passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories, including the entire Schengen Area (Europe), the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and many nations across Asia and Latin America.
What is the minimum investment required to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship?
The minimum investment is US$230,000 through a contribution to the NDF, applicable to individual investors or families of up to 4 members. Families of 6 or more can choose the UWI Fund for US$260,000. The real estate route requires a minimum of US$300,000. Conditions and investment levels are as announced by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit.
How long does the application processing take?
The entire process from application submission to passport issuance takes approximately 6 to 8 months. The actual timeline depends on the completeness of the application and the chosen investment route.
Can family members be included in the application?
Yes. Antigua and Barbuda has the broadest family scope among Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes: spouse, children under 30, unmarried siblings under 18, and dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 and over.
Do investors need to renounce their Vietnamese citizenship?
No. Antigua and Barbuda allows dual citizenship and does not require notification to the country of origin. Investors retain their Vietnamese citizenship upon receiving Antigua and Barbuda citizenship.
When must the investor make the investment?
Like Saint Kitts and Nevis, investors only make the investment after receiving an Approval-in-Principle letter from the CIU. Funds are only transferred once the application has been approved in principle.
How does the UWI Fund differ from the NDF?
The UWI Fund (US$260,000) is exclusively for families of 6 or more members, incurs no additional processing fees, and one family member receives a 1-year tuition-free scholarship at the University of the West Indies. The NDF (US$230,000) applies to individuals or families of up to 4, resulting in lower total costs for smaller families.