Antigua NDF citizenship: payment stages and the 30-day deadline

Payments for citizenship through Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund fall into two main stages. Submission requires the full due-diligence fees and 10% of the government processing fee. After the approval letter, the remaining processing fees, passport fees and contribution become payable.[1]

The official guidance requires the contribution to reach the Government Special Fund within the stated 30-day period.[1] Understanding each payment’s purpose and timing helps applicants plan for the funds needed after approval.

The 10% applies to the processing fee

The initial percentage is calculated on the government processing fee. It is not a deposit of 10% of the fund contribution. The remaining 90% of the processing fee follows approval, while the contribution is handled separately under the published process.[1][2]

A useful budget lists due-diligence, processing and passport fees alongside the contribution, grouped by payment stage. Professional services, translation and certification costs can then be shown separately. Check the applicable household charges against the current official fee schedule and the agent’s breakdown.[2]

Each line should identify its purpose, recipient and payment condition so that a total quotation also explains when the money is needed.

Confirm the deadline against the approval instructions

The NDF page sets out the 30-day requirement in its post-approval payment instructions, without fully explaining delivery dates, holidays or funds in transit.[1] The responsible agent should confirm the deadline, designated account and receipt requirements for the particular approval.

Before sending funds, check the remitting bank’s documentation requirements and expected processing time. Match the receiving details to the payment instructions, and follow the transfer through to confirmation of receipt.

If bank review or further documents may affect timing, seek instructions through the agent promptly. Any extension or alternative procedure requires confirmation for the case.

Registration and passport processing follow payment

The published sequence provides for citizenship registration certificates after receipt of payment, followed by submission to the passport office.[1] The contribution deadline therefore does not establish a passport delivery date.

Keep the approval letter, payment records, registration certificate and passport documents together. Travel plans should be based on the issued documents and applicable entry requirements, with each stage confirmed as it is completed.

Official sources

1. Antigua CIU: NDF payment process
2. Antigua CIU: official schedule of fees

General policy information; individual circumstances and the competent authority’s requirements govern each application.