Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, explained plainly
Which investment options the programme offers, what the whole budget looks like with the official fees, who in the family can be included, how due diligence and the interview work, and what you must do after the grant to keep the passport. Every rule is linked to the Citizenship by Investment Unit or to BRIDGES published data.
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Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment in 2026: The Complete Guide
How Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment works in 2026: the four investment options from $230,000, who can apply, the family rules, due diligence and the interview, the 30-day presence rule and what the passport gives you.
How Much Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Costs in 2026: Investment, Fees and Real Budgets
The full cost of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in 2026: the NDF from $230,000, the UWI fund at $260,000, real estate from $300,000, the official processing, due diligence, interview and passport fees, and worked examples for a single applicant and a family.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: The Application Process and Documents Step by Step
How to apply for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment: the licensed agent, the document list for each family member, police certificates, source of funds, medicals, due diligence, the mandatory interview and the oath.
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship for the Whole Family: Spouse, Children, Parents and Siblings
Who can be included in an Antigua and Barbuda citizenship application in 2026: spouse, children up to 30, children with disabilities, parents and grandparents from 55, siblings, the UWI option for families of six, and what each person adds to the cost.
The Antigua and Barbuda Passport: Travel, the 30-Day Rule, Renewal and Taxes
What the Antigua and Barbuda passport gives in 2026: short Schengen trips without a visa, the UK ETA, the EU 2028 deadline for Caribbean programmes, the presence rule after citizenship, passport renewal after 5 years, dual citizenship and tax residence.
Antigua and Barbuda vs St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Dominica and St Lucia: Which Caribbean Passport?
How Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment compares with the four other Caribbean programmes in 2026: minimum contributions, family pricing, presence after the grant, Schengen and UK access, and when another country may suit you better.
The four investment options at a glance
| National Development Fund | UWI Fund | Approved real estate | Approved business | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $230,000 | $260,000 for six people, processing included | $300,000 | $1,500,000, or $5,000,000 jointly |
| Money returned? | No | No | You keep the property | It is a business |
| Family size | Same contribution up to 4 people | At least 6 people | Any | Any |
| Processing fee | $10,000 single, $20,000 up to 4, +$10,000 per extra dependant | Included for 6, +$10,000 per extra dependant | As for the NDF | As for the NDF |
| Holding period | Not relevant | Not relevant | At least 5 years | Set for the project |
Compiled from the CIU pages on citizenship requirements and the schedule of fees and the BRIDGES page on Antigua and Barbuda citizenship, checked October 2026. Due diligence, interview and passport fees come on top. See the full cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Antigua and Barbuda citizenship cost?
The lowest entry is the $230,000 contribution to the National Development Fund. On top come the processing fee ($10,000 for one person, $20,000 for a family of up to four), due diligence ($8,500 for the main applicant), a $1,500 interview fee and $300 per passport. For a single applicant the government payments add up to $250,300.
Do I need to live in Antigua and Barbuda?
No. You do not need a residence permit first and you do not have to move. After citizenship is granted, plan to spend 30 days in the country within the first five years. The CIU website still states 5 days, but 30 days are applied in practice since July 2026.
Who can be included in the application?
A spouse, children up to 30 if they are financially dependent, a child with a disability at any age if fully supported, parents and grandparents aged 55 and over who depend on you, and in some cases brothers and sisters.
Can citizens of Russia apply?
No. According to BRIDGES, the programme has not accepted applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus since 31 March 2023.
Can I travel to Europe with the passport?
Yes, for short trips to the Schengen area without a visa. The United Kingdom requires an ETA before the trip. In 2026 the European Commission set 1 June 2028 as the date by which Caribbean programmes should be wound down, otherwise the visa waiver may be suspended. As of October 2026 it is in force.