Competitive Caribbean CBI since 2013. $230K+ NDF donation for families. Unique UWI scholarship benefit ($50K+ value). Mandatory interview. 151 visa-free countries. 365 beaches paradise.
One family member per Antigua & Barbuda citizenship receives full tuition scholarship to University of West Indies (UWI). This unique benefit worth $50,000+ USD per year is available exclusively to Antigua & Barbuda CBI citizens (NO other Caribbean program offers this). UWI is premier Caribbean university with campuses across region offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Scholarship covers tuition fees for one family member per main applicant, renewable annually throughout degree. Major value-add differentiating Antigua from competitors - can offset significant education costs for families with students.
Competitive Caribbean passport with unique educational benefit
Antigua & Barbuda launched its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) in 2013, establishing itself among Caribbean nations offering second citizenship through investment. Mid-2024 brought regional harmonization of investment minimums following Caribbean agreement to standardize thresholds and strengthen due diligence.
2026 UPDATES: (1) Mandatory virtual interview for all main applicants + all dependents 16+ (new requirement), (2) 30-day regional residency rule POSTPONED until mid-2026 due to legislative delays—current requirement remains 5 days in first 5 years, (3) Real estate minimum $300,000 (harmonized across Caribbean programs), (4) NDF donation $230,000 for families up to 4 (competitive pricing maintained).
The program's unique selling point is the University of West Indies scholarship—each CBI family receives ONE full-tuition scholarship ($50K+ value annually) for any family member to attend UWI. This exclusive benefit (no other Caribbean program offers it) can offset substantial education costs. Antigua & Barbuda passport provides visa-free access to 151 countries including UK (6 months), EU Schengen (90 days), Singapore, Hong Kong. Twin-island paradise famous for 365 beaches. Processing 3-7 months. Dual citizenship allowed.
Four pathways (NDF most popular)
Non-refundable donation - family up to 4
Approved property - 5-year hold (2024 harmonization)
Individual share in joint $5M+ project
Inclusive for families 6+ (scholarship included)
Important update on proposed residency requirement change:
Background: Caribbean nations proposed new 30-day regional residency rule requiring CBI citizens to spend 30 days within CARICOM countries (15 Caribbean nations) to maintain citizenship validity.
CURRENT STATUS (February 2026):
Expected Mid-2026 Change: Once implemented, 30-day rule will require CBI citizens spend 30 days within broader CARICOM region (not exclusively Antigua), offering more flexibility than original 5-day Antigua-specific requirement but ongoing vs one-time. Exact implementation timeline uncertain - monitor official announcements.
NDF Donation ($100K-$230K) - ~80% choose this:
Real Estate ($300K):
UWI Fund ($260K) - Niche:
All applicants 16+ must participate
Antigua & Barbuda introduced mandatory interview requirement for all CBI applicants:
Who Must Interview:
Interview Format:
Interview Topics:
Purpose: Enhanced due diligence, verify authenticity of application, assess suitability for citizenship, align with regional Caribbean push for higher CBI standards post-international scrutiny.
Generous dependent definitions
Children (Up to Age 30):
Parents & Grandparents:
Siblings:
Spouse/Partner:
Main Applicant: $8,500 USD
Spouse: $5,000 USD
Dependents (by age):
Example Family of 4 Due Diligence Costs:
These fees are IN ADDITION to investment amount ($230K NDF or $300K property) and separate from government processing fees.
Why investors choose Antigua & Barbuda
Each CBI family gets ONE full-tuition scholarship to University of West Indies (UWI). Worth $50,000+ USD per year. Covers undergraduate/graduate tuition (not living expenses). Renewable annually. Available for any family member. EXCLUSIVE to Antigua & Barbuda CBI - NO other Caribbean program offers this. Major value-add for families with students - can offset tens of thousands in education costs.
UK (6 months visa-free - generous), all EU Schengen (26 countries, 90 days), Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (90 days), China (30 days - rare), Russia (90 days), CARICOM freedom of movement. Passport ranks ~27th globally. Similar access to other Caribbean CBIs. Good for Europe/UK/Asia travel but NOT US/Canada/Australia (visas required).
Twin-island tropical paradise. Antigua 108 sq mi, Barbuda 62 sq mi. Famous for "365 beaches - one for each day." Crystal clear Caribbean waters, coral reefs. Luxury resorts (Jumby Bay, Curtain Bluff). Sailing capital of Caribbean (Antigua Sailing Week annually). Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO site. Year-round tropical climate, English-speaking.
3-7 months typical timeline from submission to passport. NDF donation route fastest (3-4 months). Real estate 4-6 months. Interview adds minimal time (virtual, scheduled efficiently). Digital application submission. Among faster second citizenship programs globally. Comparable to other Caribbean CBIs. Accelerated processing available for premium fee.
CURRENT: 5 days physical presence in Antigua within first 5 years (flexible timing). Can combine with vacation, property inspection. After 5 years, no ongoing requirement currently. FUTURE (mid-2026): 30-day CARICOM regional residency rule proposed (postponed, exact timeline uncertain). Still manageable - 30 days across 15 Caribbean countries offers flexibility. Balance between connection and convenience.
Keep original passport - no renunciation required. Antigua recognizes multiple nationalities. Strategic backup passport for geopolitical diversification. Privacy protections (confidential citizenship records). Travel flexibility with two passports. No automatic tax information sharing (though CRS/FATCA apply for banking). Valuable for family planning, business access.
No income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax for non-residents. Territorial tax system. Tax residency requires 183+ days/year (separate from citizenship). Antigua not automatic tax haven but benefits available for those establishing residency. Consult tax advisor on home country obligations (citizenship alone doesn't trigger worldwide taxation).
Spouse included. Children up to 30 years old (financial dependence only, no student status). Parents/grandparents 55+ (both main + spouse's sides). Unmarried siblings 18-25. Entire family gets citizenship together. Multi-generational planning possible. Competitive age thresholds among Caribbean programs. Interview required all 16+.
Member Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Freedom of movement 15 Caribbean countries. Right to work, establish business in CARICOM states. Regional market access 16M people. Strategic location between North/South America, Europe. Direct flights major hubs (Miami, New York, London, Toronto). CARICOM passport allows intra-regional mobility.
All fees with interview requirement
| Cost Component | Single Applicant | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| NDF Donation | $100,000 | $230,000 |
| Government Processing Fees | $30,000 | $30,000 (same up to 4) |
| Due Diligence Fees | $8,500 (main) | $21,500 ($8.5K+$5K+$8K) |
| Authorized Agent Fees | $25,000-$40,000 | $30,000-$45,000 |
| Legal & Advisory | $5,000-$10,000 | $7,500-$12,500 |
| Document Prep & Certification | $2,000-$5,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Passport Issuance (10-year) | $250 | $1,000 (4 x $250) |
Single Applicant: $170,750-$203,750
Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children 16+): $324,000-$369,000
Real Estate Route (Family of 4): $424,000-$494,000+
Ongoing Costs:
UWI Scholarship Value (EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT):
CIVITAS specializes in Caribbean citizenship by investment, navigating 2026 updates including mandatory interview preparation, family structuring for optimal costs, and maximizing unique UWI scholarship benefit for Antigua & Barbuda's competitive CBI program.