Antigua and Barbuda, an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean, is famed for its 365 pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes, making it a top global paradise. Tourism drives 60% of its GDP, with key markets in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The nation is a member of the United Nations, British Commonwealth, Caricom, and Organisation of American States (OAS), among other international organisations. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), established by the Prime Minister, oversees all applications for citizenship and agent licensing. This program offers individuals and their families the opportunity to gain citizenship through investment, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

• The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI) option is a mechanism for financing UWI’s fourth landed campus.Applicants to the Citizenship by Investment Programme who choose this option will be required to make an investment of US$260,000 for a family of six (6) or more (i.e. minimum number of persons per application is 6).Participation in the option will entitle one member of the family to a one year, tuition only, scholarship at the University of the West Indies.
• The National Development Fund (NDF) is a non-profit fund that is subject to parliamentary oversight by way of a six monthly report to be presented to Parliament in sufficient detail to allow for transparency and accountability. The fund will also be audited by an internationally recognised accounting firm.Acquisition of citizenship under the NDF investment option requires a contribution to the National Development Fund in the minimum sum of US$230,000 per application. The contribution is in the form of a one-time payment.
• Applicants wishing to qualify for citizenship under the real estate option may choose to purchase property valued at minimum US$300,000
• The two business investment options are: A principal applicant, on his own behalf, makes an investment in an approved business of at least US$1,500,000, AND A minimum of 2 persons to make a joint investment in an approved business totaling at least US$ 5,000,000. Each person is required to contribute at least US$400,000 to the joint investment.

The documentary requirements of the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program are reasonable, and the procedures are straightforward. Once the application has been approved, main applicants and dependents aged 16 and older are required to attend mandatory virtual interviews. Passports can then be collected in Antigua and Barbuda.

Successful applicants are required to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of five days during the first five years of obtaining citizenship. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the project. Therefore, it is important to select a real estate project that can provide the necessary paperwork required from the developer for the citizenship application.