Approved Investment Routes

‍

Antigua & Barbuda offers several government-approved investment pathways to obtain citizenship, each with distinct legal, financial, and strategic implications. As of 2025, the following four options are active and codified in the Citizenship by Investment Act and accompanying regulations.

‍

1. National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution

‍

The NDF route remains the most popular option due to its simplicity and low entry cost.

‍

• Minimum Contribution: USD $200,000 (family of four); additional fees apply per extra dependent.
  
• Nature: Non-refundable donation.
  
• Use of Funds: Allocated to public infrastructure, education, climate resilience, and debt servicing.
  
• Processing Timeline: 3–5 months.
  
• Pros: Streamlined process, no ongoing obligations.
  
• Cons: No asset recovery or return.
  
  

While cost-effective, this option offers no ROI and should be considered only by those valuing speed and simplicity over investment yield.

‍

2. Real Estate Investment

‍

Investors may purchase property in CIU-approved real estate developments, primarily high-end resorts and branded residences.

‍

• Minimum Investment: USD $400,000 (reduced to $200,000 for joint investment with another CIP applicant).
  
• Holding Period: Minimum of 5 years.
  
• Usage Restrictions: Primarily for tourism or short-term rental.
  
• Geographic Zones: Concentrated in Antigua’s coastal belt; limited inventory in Barbuda.
  
• Liquidity: Resale permitted only to new CIP applicants within holding period.
  
  

From a legal and strategic standpoint, this route provides the only option with potential capital recovery. However, liquidity risks, market saturation, and resale restrictions limit upside.

‍

3. Business Investment

‍

Entrepreneurs may invest in pre-approved business projects, or propose their own under ministerial review.

‍

• Minimum Investment:
  
  • USD $1.5 million (solo investor)
    
  • USD $5 million (minimum USD $400,000 per participant in a joint venture)
    
• Eligible Sectors: Tourism, agriculture, fintech, logistics, energy.
  
• Approval Process: Requires cabinet-level approval and economic impact assessment.
  
• Monitoring: Ongoing audits and job creation reports.
  
  

This route suits hands-on investors committed to Antigua’s long-term development but is administratively intensive and less common among mainstream applicants.

‍

4. University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund

‍

This pathway is exclusive to families of six or more, aimed at bolstering regional education.

• Minimum Contribution: USD $150,000 (includes one year of tuition for one family member at UWI).
  
• Conditions: Must include at least six people, making it cost-effective for larger families.
  
• Benefits: Education access, reduced total cost for high-dependency cases.
  
  

Although niche, this route aligns well with intergenerational mobility strategies, particularly for families with school-age children.

‍