Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through the NDF: family eligibility and application costs
A family citizenship application depends on the statutory category for each member. Age, relationship and any applicable support conditions establish eligibility; the contribution and other fees follow from that assessment.
The contribution is not the total family application price. Each family member must first qualify in the relevant dependant category before applicable charges are calculated.
Antigua and Barbuda’s CIU lists spouses, qualifying children, parents or grandparents and unmarried siblings among its dependant categories. The relevant relationship, age and support conditions apply together. The current NDF contribution is US$230,000, with other charges additional.[1][2]
Which relatives may join the application?
| Family member | Main published conditions | Evidence to check |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Spouse of the main applicant | Marriage evidence |
| Children | The ordinary child category in the amended regulations covers age 30 or younger; other application requirements still apply | Birth or lawful adoption, age and applicable evidence |
| Children with disabilities | Any age, physically or mentally incapacitated and fully supported by the main applicant | Medical and full-support evidence, with other applicable documents |
| Parents or grandparents | Parents or grandparents of either spouse, subject to age and full-support conditions; a separate disability category has no age limit | Relationship and financial-support evidence |
| Siblings | Unmarried siblings within the amended categories; parental or guardian consent is required for those under 18 | Relationship, marital status and applicable guardian consent |
The table follows the dependant definitions in Amendment Regulations No. 50 of 2024. The CIU overview retains different wording on financial dependency for ordinary children, and on age and cohabitation for children with disabilities. Those differences do not establish a general exemption from financial evidence. Cases needing interpretation, including a parent at an age boundary, require applicable written guidance through the authorised agent. The evidence column helps with preparation; it is not a complete submission checklist.[5]
The NDF contribution and other official charges
The NDF contribution is US$230,000. Processing costs US$10,000 for one applicant or US$20,000 for a family of up to four, plus US$10,000 for every additional dependant beyond four. Due-diligence and other fees depend on category and age.[2]
| Cost layer | What to allow for |
|---|---|
| Contribution | Confirm the selected route and applicable amount. |
| Processing | Check the family-size basis separately from the contribution. |
| Due diligence | The main applicant pays US$8,500 and the spouse US$5,000. Dependants aged 12 to 17 pay US$2,000 each; those aged 18 or above pay US$4,000 each. |
| Other costs | Passport, applicable interview, document preparation and professional services. |
The due-diligence items above follow the official fee schedule. Applicants with a benefactor or other special circumstances also need to establish whether further charges apply.[2]
Applying together and adding relatives later
The CIU has separate provisions for additions after citizenship, including new spouses, qualifying spouses of children and subsequent generations. Their eligibility and fees require a separate assessment from the initial application.[1]
Preparation needs to establish who is applying now and which evidence remains outstanding for each person. A future family member will be assessed under the rules in force when the later application is made.
Presence requirements and passport renewal
The CIU’s general passport guidance describes an initial five-year passport and links renewal to five days in Antigua and Barbuda during the first five years of citizenship. Any exception depends on the person’s age, approval circumstances and the rules then applicable.[3]
The applicable oath, presence and passport-renewal requirements continue after citizenship, as does the need to update relevant family information. A short presence requirement does not bring every later obligation to an end.
Common questions
Does meeting the age criterion establish eligibility?
Age is one of the conditions. The relationship, applicable support test and other application requirements also matter. Differences between the regulations and website summary need to be considered with the legal text and guidance for the individual case.[5]
Is US$230,000 the full cost for a family?
No. US$230,000 is the NDF contribution. Government processing, due diligence and other applicable fees are charged separately.[2]
Does any presence requirement remain after citizenship is granted?
The CIU’s general guidance links passport renewal to five days of presence in the first five years. Whether an individual qualifies for an exception depends on their circumstances.[3]
Sources and verification
This article draws on the official sources below, checked on 24 September 2026. Policies and fees may change; the requirements applicable at the time of an individual application should be confirmed.
Conatus Mobility provides consultation and coordination services and is not a government body. This is general information, not individual legal, tax or investment advice. Services are governed by written agreement; decisions remain with the relevant authorities.
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