Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship & Second Passport Guide
Caribbean Island
🛂 Passport Rank: #28
✈️ Visa-Free Countries: 150
💰 Tax System: territorial
🗺️ Pathways: 4
Overview
Antigua and Barbuda offers a Citizenship by Investment program providing global mobility and a Permanent Residency option for tax optimization. Its Nomad Digital Residence Visa caters to remote workers seeking a Caribbean lifestyle.
Citizenship Pathways
Citizenship by Investment (National Development Fund)
Cost: Minimum US$230,000
Timeline: 0.5 years
Presence Required: 5 days within first 5 years
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program allows individuals and their families to obtain full citizenship through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund. It offers visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and Europe's Schengen Area, with a minimal physical presence requirement.
Permanent Residency (Tax Residency)
Cost: US$20,000 annual flat tax
Timeline: 0.3 years
Presence Required: 30 days/year
Antigua and Barbuda offers a Permanent Residency Program designed for wealthy individuals seeking tax residency. It requires maintaining a permanent residence, spending at least 30 days a year in the country, and paying an annual flat tax of US$20,000.
Nomad Digital Residence Visa
Cost: US$1,500 (single applicant)
Timeline: 0.1 years
Presence Required: Implied full-time for 2 years
The Nomad Digital Residence Visa allows remote workers to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years. Applicants must be employed outside the country, earn a minimum of US$50,000 annually, and pay a one-time application fee.
Standard Residency Permit
Cost: Fees apply (not specified)
Timeline: 4.0 years
Presence Required: 4 years legal and ordinary residence
A standard residency permit in Antigua and Barbuda can be obtained by individuals who have been legally and ordinarily resident for a period of no less than four years. This pathway can eventually lead to naturalization.
Step-by-Step Process
Citizenship by Investment (National Development Fund)
: Engage an authorized agent and complete initial due diligence checks
— 1-2 weeks — Varies (initial fees)
: Submit application with all required documents and pay due diligence fees
— 2-4 weeks — US$30,000 (main applicant + 3 dependents) + US$15,000 (each additional dependent)
: Undergo mandatory interview (virtual or in-person)
— 1-2 months post-submission — Included in due diligence fees
: Receive approval in principle and make the National Development Fund contribution
— 2-3 months post-interview — US$100,000 (single) / US$120,000 (family of 4) / US$150,000 (family of 5+)
: Receive Certificate of Registration of Citizenship and apply for passport
— 1-2 weeks post-contribution — US$300 (passport fee per person)
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Visa-free access to over 150 countries (Schengen, UK)
Minimal physical presence requirement for CBI (5 days/5 years)
Attractive tax residency program with flat annual tax
No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax
Beautiful Caribbean environment and stable political climate
Challenges
High initial investment for Citizenship by Investment
Limited direct flights from some regions
Mandatory interview for CBI applicants
Due diligence fees can be substantial and non-refundable
Requirements
Passport copy — Certified copy of current passport for all applicants
Birth certificate — Certified copy for all applicants
Police clearance certificate — From country of origin and any country resided in for 6+ months
Proof of funds — Bank statements, audited financials to demonstrate source of funds
Medical examination report — Including HIV test results for all applicants
Tax System
System: territorial
Antigua and Barbuda operates a territorial tax system. Residents are generally only taxed on income generated within the country, with no personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dual citizenship allowed?
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda officially recognizes and allows dual citizenship.
Do I need to visit Antigua and Barbuda for CBI?
Yes, a mandatory interview is required, and a 5-day physical presence within the first 5 years of citizenship.
Can I include my family in the CBI application?
Yes, dependent children, parents, and siblings can be included in a single application.