Antigua and Barbuda CBI - National Development Fund

Antigua and Barbuda has applied a small physical-presence expectation - historically around 5 days spent in the country within the first 5 years - before the passport can be renewed at the end of its initial term. This differs from some other Caribbean programmes that ask for none. The exact rule can change, so confirm the current physical-presence requirement on the official CIU page before you apply.

No - it is a one-time, non-refundable donation. Good to know: due-diligence and government fees are generally non-refundable too. Confirm exactly when and how the contribution is paid on the official CIU page.

You do not have to buy property - the National Development Fund route lets you qualify through a one-time, non-refundable donation to a government fund rather than buying property or a business, and it is usually the most affordable Antigua route for a family. If you would rather own an asset, the approved real-estate option requires investing in a government-approved development held for a minimum period. Confirm the current options on the official CIU page.

A shared CARICOM minimum of US$200,000 applies across all qualifying investment options and has been in force since 1 July 2024, with discounting below that floor not allowed. The exact contribution for your family size and chosen route is set by the government and changes, so confirm the current amount on the official CIU page.

The five Eastern Caribbean programmes, including Antigua and Barbuda, have enacted a new permanent regional regulator (ECCIRA), headquartered in Grenada and standing up in 2026. A region-wide 30-day physical-presence requirement within the first five years has been proposed but its start date has slipped to around mid-2026, so current presence rules still differ by country. Always confirm the current options and rules on the official CIU page before you apply.