Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and residence FAQs

An adult who meets the programme's eligibility requirements may apply through a CIU-licensed agent. Nationality, background and the source of funds form part of the assessment. An initial consultation should establish whether the proposed application can proceed before substantial costs are incurred.

The programme provides routes through the National Development Fund, approved real estate, an approved business investment and the University of the West Indies Fund. The current minimums and principal conditions are set out on our citizenship by investment page.

The 2024 Regulations provide for spouses, qualifying children aged 30 or below, supported parents and grandparents, unmarried siblings and certain further family categories.

Support conditions apply to specified categories rather than to every child. Have the licensed agent assess the family under the applicable Regulations and document each relationship.

Applications must be submitted through a licensed agent. If another professional assists with preparation, clarify that person's role and who will be responsible for submitting and following the application.

Applicants must provide the prescribed identity, family, financial and other supporting documents. The CIU's interview guidance requires applicants aged 16 or above to be interviewed virtually; younger family members remain subject to the applicable identification arrangements. Additional documents or explanations may be requested during assessment.

The CIU identifies as ineligible a person refused a visa by a country with which Antigua and Barbuda has visa-free travel, unless that person subsequently obtained a visa from the country concerned.

Disclose all refusals accurately so that their effect can be assessed in the context of the full application.

Allow for processing, due diligence, interview and passport fees, professional charges and costs specific to the investment. The CIU describes the initial 10% of the processing fee and the due diligence payment as non-refundable, with the processing balance payable after approval.

Obtain an itemised quotation showing when each payment falls due and the applicable refund terms.

The time required depends on the completeness of the file, due diligence, requests for further information and the CIU's workload. A provider's estimate is not a government commitment. Avoid making arrangements that depend on citizenship or a passport being issued on a particular date.

Ask the licensed agent to explain the travel, interview, oath and identification arrangements applicable to the application. Successful applicants must also comply with the physical-presence requirements governing their citizenship. Confirm the rule that applies to the particular grant before planning compliance or renewal.

No. The real estate route requires an eligible investment in an approved project. Verify the project's current approval and the proposed transaction with the CIU. Development-area approval and individual project approval are separate matters.

A purchase does not by itself establish every immigration or employment permission you may need. Obtain advice on the intended stay and activities before relying on a property transaction as part of a relocation plan.

Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship. The effect on an existing nationality depends on the law of the other country concerned, so obtain advice where necessary before proceeding.

No. Citizenship and tax residence are distinct. Our residence and tax planning guide explains the principal issues. Your residence, activities and continuing connections with other countries must be considered under the relevant tax rules.

The first passport issued under the programme is normally valid for five years. The 2024 statutory schedule sets the five-year renewal application fee at US$1,000 per person aged 18 or above and US$500 per person aged 17 or below.

Confirm the current charges and any additional service costs when applying. Renewal also requires compliance with the conditions applicable to the citizen.

Passport renewal is not a fresh citizenship investment application. However, the original investment conditions, continuing citizenship requirements and the current renewal procedure must all be respected. Ask the licensed agent or the relevant authority to confirm the requirements for your case.

The CIU publishes age-based due diligence charges, with no such fee for children aged 11 or below. All family members still need the documents relevant to their age and circumstances. An exemption from a particular charge does not remove the requirement to provide accurate information.

The programme ended on 15 November 2025. Existing permit holders should contact the Immigration Department about their individual position. New applicants should consider only immigration routes currently available for their proposed stay.

Antigua and Barbuda offers extensive international travel access. Our passport ranking and destination list includes visa-free destinations, the United Kingdom with an ETA and the conditional Canadian eTA route, with the relevant arrangements explained alongside each entry.

In the 2026 Henley Passport Index checked on 23 October 2026, Antigua and Barbuda ranks 24th with access to 154 destinations without a prior visa. Henley's total includes visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic travel authorisations under its methodology.

Permitted short visits are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Check the official EU travel information(opens in a new tab) for the entry, EES and ETIAS arrangements applicable to your journey. Longer stays, work and settlement require the relevant permission.

The answer depends on your nationality and circumstances. Some visitors are exempt; some may qualify for a visa on arrival under specified conditions; others must apply in advance. Consult the Immigration Department rather than assuming that a visa will be issued at the border.

Public authorities decide applications under the applicable rules. Commercial investments also involve risk. We assist with information and coordination; a consultation or introduction does not guarantee an authorisation, a financial return or the availability of a banking relationship.

Send a short description of your objective, the people or business involved and your preferred timescale. We can then help identify the information and professional support needed for the next discussion.

Ask a question