Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) has long been a favored option, offering a unique gateway to the Caribbean's economic and lifestyle advantages. Recent amendments to this program, effective July 25, 2024, have introduced a series of enhancements designed to make the program even more attractive and aligned with regional standards.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key changes to Antigua & Barbuda’s CIP, breaking down the new investment requirements, fee adjustments, and expanded benefits for families. These updates present new avenues for investors to secure citizenship while optimizing their investment strategy.
The amendments to the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program were implemented to align the program with broader Caribbean initiatives, particularly in terms of investment thresholds and the inclusivity of dependents.
Here’s a detailed look at what these changes mean for prospective investors:
The most notable change in the CIP is the adjustment of the minimum investment thresholds across various categories. The new requirements are as follows:
Investment Option |
New Minimum Investment |
National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution |
US$230,000 |
University of the West Indies (UWI) Contribution |
US$260,000 (for families of 6 or more, inclusive of government processing fees for the first 6 applicants) |
Real Estate Investment |
US$300,000 |
Investment in Business |
US$1,500,000 for a single investor US$5,000,000 for a group |
Caption: Updated Investment Amounts as of July 25th, 2024
These adjustments reflect a commitment to maintaining the competitiveness of the program while ensuring its continued contribution to the nation’s economic development.
In addition to changes in the investment thresholds, the amendments have revised the fee structure for both application processing and due diligence. Take time to familiarize yourself with the new fee structure:
Fee Type |
New Fee Structure |
CIU Processing Fees |
US$10,000 for a Single Applicant US$20,000 for a Family of four or less Note: US$10,000 per person for the fifth person onward. The UWI option waives processing fees for the first 6 applicants in a family of 6 or more. For 7 or more, you have to pay US$10,000 per person. |
Due Diligence Fees |
Principal Applicant: US$8,500 Spouse: US$5,000 Child/Sibling 12-17: US$2,000 Child/Sibling 18+/Parent: US$4,000 Benefactor: US$5,000 Note: These fees include the interview fee, with other fees for the first-time application remaining unchanged. |
Caption: Changes to Application Fees
These fees are important for investors to consider when trying to make the most of their investment and meet the program’s rules.
One of the most significant updates to the CIP is the expanded definition of dependents, reinforcing Antigua & Barbuda’s position as one of the most family-friendly programs in the Caribbean.
These changes make it easier for investors to include a broader range of family members in their applications.
Here’s what’s new:
Here’s the table of all dependents that can be included in your application:
Dependent |
Eligibility |
Spouse |
Can be added to the application after citizenship is granted |
Child (0-30 years) |
Eligible regardless of financial means |
Unmarried Sibling |
Eligible regardless of age and financial means |
Financially-Dependent Parent (55+ years) |
Eligible if financially dependent |
Dependents of Dependent Children (under 35 years) |
A spouse who marries after the original approval A child born after the original approval |
Caption: Eligible dependents
This change allows the main applicant (the person applying for citizenship) to choose someone else as a backup or "Alternate Principal Applicant" at the time of application.
Why is this important?
In simple terms, if the main applicant passes away, the alternate person they designated can step in and handle important tasks related to the application, like adding family members in the future.
Before this adjustment, in the unfortunate event of the main applicant's passing, there was no provision for another individual to seamlessly handle such matters. Now, having an alternate ensures that the application process can continue smoothly even if something happens to the main applicant.
In short, it’s a way to ensure that the citizenship application stays on track, even in unexpected situations.
Finally, the amendments formalize a range of additional fees related to various services, ensuring transparency and consistency:
The updates to the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program bring fresh opportunities for investors worldwide. These changes make the program more appealing and easier to navigate, providing new avenues for high-net-worth individuals to obtain citizenship in this desirable Caribbean destination.
At High Net Worth Immigration, we’re committed to guiding you through these changes and helping you maximize your investment in Antigua & Barbuda. Whether you're looking to invest in real estate, start a business, or expand your family's global reach, we are ready to help you make the most of the updated program.
Reach out to us now and discover how we can help you achieve your investment goals and secure Caribbean citizenship.