Immigration Encyclopedia
2026 Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Requirements and Costs
Key Takeaways
Detailed explanation of the 2026 Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment pathways including the 0,000 National Development Fund, 0,000 approved real estate, and 0,000 UWI Fund, outlining family fees, due diligence, dependent conditions, application process, and five-year residency requirements to help applicants compare total budgets and ongoing obligations.
Core Answer
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program continues to operate in 2026, administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Main applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass comprehensive background and source of funds checks, and select an approved investment pathway. Families typically compare the 0,000 NDF donation, the 0,000 approved real estate option, and the 0,000 UWI Fund for families of six or more.
Quick Facts
- NDF Donation: Minimum 0,000 per application, non-refundable.
- Approved Real Estate: Minimum 0,000, typically held for at least five years.
- UWI Fund: 0,000 for families of six or more, inclusive of processing fees for that tier.
- Processing Fees: ,000 for a single applicant; ,000 for families of up to four.
- Residency Obligation: A cumulative total of at least five days within the first five calendar years after obtaining citizenship.
Which Investment Pathway is Right for You?
The NDF pathway has a straightforward structure. For families of up to four, the donation remains 0,000, though additional processing, due diligence, and passport fees apply. For families of five or more, processing fees increase beyond the baseline ,000, typically adding ,000 per additional dependent.
The real estate pathway requires purchasing a CIU-approved project valued at a minimum of 0,000; standard resale properties do not qualify. Properties generally cannot be sold within five years unless transferred to another qualified real estate investment. Families of six or more can consider the 0,000 UWI Fund, while families of seven or more must calculate additional dependent fees.
How Family Fees Are Calculated
Due diligence fees are assessed per member: ,500 for the main applicant, ,000 for a spouse, ,000 for dependents aged 12 to 17, and ,000 for dependents aged 18 and older. Dependents aged 11 and under currently incur no due diligence fees. Passport fees are 0 per person. Budgets should also account for notarization, translation, wire transfers, professional services, and real estate transaction costs.
Whether family members can be included depends on their age, relationship status, and proof of financial dependency. Adult children or parents should verify dependent definitions and required documentation in advance.
Application Process and Key Risks
Applications must be submitted through a licensed local agent. The process typically begins with a preliminary family and source of funds review, followed by the preparation of application forms, passports, birth or marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, medical examinations, and source of funds documentation. All due diligence fees and 10% of the government processing fees are paid upon submission. Once approved, applicants pay the remaining balance and investment funds according to the notification, followed by the issuance of certificates of citizenship, the oath of allegiance, and passport issuance.
The CIU may request additional documents or an interview. In principle, decisions regarding approval, rejection, or delays are communicated within three months of submission, though complex due diligence or requests for missing documents can extend timelines. False information, serious criminal records, or unexplainable sources of funds can negatively impact the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0,000 the total cost for a single applicant?
No. The 0,000 represents only the minimum NDF donation. Additional expenses include processing fees, due diligence fees, passport fees, and professional service charges.
Can any 0,000 property be used for the application?
No. The real estate must be part of a government-approved project and meet holding requirements. Applicants should verify eligibility, titles, payment milestones, and exit conditions prior to signing contracts.
Is long-term residency required after obtaining the passport?
Long-term residency is not required, but recipients must accumulate at least five days of physical presence within the first five calendar years following citizenship acquisition and complete the oath of allegiance.
Easysail Global Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Advisory and Application Planning Services
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Easysail Global provides global residency, citizenship, and family wealth planning services for families, investors, and entrepreneurs comparing Caribbean citizenship by investment pathways, coordinating local legal, compliance, real estate, and agency resources. We assist with project suitability evaluations, total family budget calculations, comparisons of NDF, real estate, and UWI pathways, source of funds and document pre-assessments, timeline coordination, and liaison with local authorities.
Our service focus is to identify dependent eligibility, total costs, due diligence materials, and ongoing obligations prior to payment and submission, minimizing rework caused by budget discrepancies or documentation issues while making no guarantees of approval outcomes. View our Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Programs and Immigration Services.