THE PROGRAMME
Programme overview
Apply for citizenship through a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF). Applicants and eligible dependants are subject to CIU review and due diligence.
- NDF contribution
- USD 230,000
- Payment
- After approval
- Family
- Eligible dependants
Minimum per application; government and professional fees are additional.
Pay to the designated government fund account within the official deadline.
Family composition affects fees; eligibility is assessed individually.
The programme is moving into the regional framework of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA). Rules may change; commencement and transitional arrangements follow applicable legislation and official notices.
COSTS & CONTRIBUTIONS
Fee schedule
Contribution, government charges and professional fees are listed separately.
| Fee | AmountUSD | Payment stage |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration service fee | 5,000 | After signing |
| Immigration legal fee | 5,000 | On submission |
| Due diligence fee | 8,500 | On submission |
| Government processing fee | 10,000 | 10% on submission 90% after approval |
| Interview fee | 1,500 | On submission |
| Bank investigation allowance | 600 | On submission |
| National Development Fund contribution | 230,000 | After approval |
| Passport fee | 300 | After approval |
| Listed total (incl. allowance) | 260,900 | Listed items only |
Figures cover one principal applicant; the bank investigation amount is a budget allowance. Additional family members require a separate quotation. Notarisation, legalisation, translation, medical examinations and unlisted charges are calculated and paid separately according to actual requirements. Government charges follow applicable rules and formal payment instructions.
Updated 15 October 2026
CIU · Schedule of Fees · CIU · Mandatory Interviews · 15 Dec 2023
ELIGIBILITY & FAMILY
Eligibility & family
Relationships, ages, dependency and background are assessed for each applicant.
Main applicant
At least 18 years old, with identity, source-of-funds and supporting documentation for the official assessment.
Spouse & children
A spouse; financially dependent children aged 0 to 30. Children aged 18 or older with qualifying physical or mental disabilities who live with and are fully supported by the main applicant may also qualify.
Parents, grandparents & siblings
Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are at least 55 and financially dependent on the main applicant; unmarried siblings of either spouse. Regulation 3 of the 2024 amendments, substituted dependant definition (a)(v) to (vii), also covers fully supported, physically or mentally incapacitated parents or grandparents at any age, and requires parental or guardian consent for siblings under 18.
Background & documentation
Each family member is assessed. Nationality, residence, visa refusals and other relevant records must be disclosed; the licensed agent confirms applicable restrictions and evidence.
CIU · Dependants2024 Citizenship by Investment Amendment Regulations
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application process
The CIU assesses applications submitted through a licensed agent.
- 01
Prepare
Confirm family members, budget and documents; complete forms, translations and certification.
- 02
Submit & review
Pay due diligence fees and 10% of the processing fee. Applicants aged 18 and over attend an online interview as directed by the CIU.
- 03
Approval & contribution
Pay the NDF contribution, remaining processing fee and passport fees within the deadline in the approval notice.
- 04
Registration & passport
Complete citizenship registration and passport procedures, and arrange the oath and required visit.
Approval and processing time are not guaranteed. Conatus Mobility coordinates assessment, document preparation and application follow-up; service scope and an estimated timeline are confirmed in writing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
After approval & common questions
Review visit, family and travel requirements before applying.
What are the visit requirements
The initial passport is valid for 5 years. Renewal is conditional on the cumulative number of days spent in Antigua and Barbuda during the first 5 years after acquiring citizenship. The CIU website currently still states 5 days in total. For the amendment to increase the cumulative stay requirement to 30 days, the effective date, persons covered and transitional arrangements are governed by applicable law and formal notices issued by the competent authorities.
Where is the oath taken
The oath may be completed on the first visit or through an embassy, high commission or consular office under official arrangements. The specific location is confirmed in the CIU notice.
Travel restrictions
Travel and tax arrangements require a separate review of destination rules and individual circumstances. Since January 2026, the United States has partially suspended new visa issuance to Antigua and Barbuda nationals, covering B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas and immigrant visas. Confirm scope, exceptions and subsequent changes before applying. Official exceptions include valid visa holders on the effective date and dual nationals applying with a passport of an unrestricted nationality.
Can family members be added later
Separate conditions and fees apply to later additions: the main applicant’s future spouse, with US$50,000 payable on application; a dependent child’s future spouse, if that dependant is no older than 35 when applying for the addition; and a dependent child’s future child, at US$10,000 below age 6 or US$25,000 for ages 6 to 17. Regulation 3 of the 2024 amendments, substituted dependant definition (b)(iii), also requires the dependent parent to be no older than 35 when adding their child. Applicable due diligence and passport fees are additional.
CIU · DependantsCIU · Schedule of Fees2024 Citizenship by Investment Amendment Regulations
How do citizenship and a passport differ
Citizenship is a legal status; a passport is a travel document. Citizenship registration and documentation precede official passport processing. Entry and visa rules are determined by each destination.
What about existing nationality and tax
Retention of an existing nationality depends on that country’s law. Citizenship alone does not determine tax residence; residence, income sources and other connections require separate assessment.
What should be confirmed before signing
Before signing, confirm the following in writing: the contracting entity, accompanying family members, itemised fees and payment accounts, interview and visit arrangements, and how fees will be handled in the event of refusal or early termination.