Wondering about the latest news for the Antigua and Barbuda CBI Program? At Next Generation Equity (NGE), we’ve seen firsthand how Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program continues to flourish in 2025. While the investment requirements have risen in recent years, applicant interest hasn’t waned—if anything, it’s stronger than ever.
We break down the most important updates and trends shaping Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI landscape right now and explain why it remains one of the most compelling options for global investors.
Key 2025 Updates for Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI Program:
- Increased Minimum Investment: The donation option to the National Development Fund now stands at $230,000 (up from $100,000).
- Enhanced Due Diligence: More rigorous background checks, including a mandatory interview.
- Extended Dependent Eligibility: Children can be included up to age 30—no proof of financial dependency is required.
- Fast Processing: Estimated 3–4 months to receive your passport.
- Stronger Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, now including China.
- Record-Breaking Growth: 205% surge in applications in 2024, reflecting steady or increased interest despite higher thresholds.
- Significant Economic Impact: CBI revenues fund local infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects, aligning investors’ contributions with Antigua and Barbuda’s national development goals.
1. Higher Investment Thresholds and Evolving Policies
In mid-2024, Antigua and Barbuda aligned its CBI program with new regional standards, raising the minimum donation to the National Development Fund (NDF) to $230,000 (up from $100,000). Real estate investments now start at around $300,000, and an investment in the University of the West Indies (UWI) fund typically falls around $260,000 inclusive of fees.
Although these costs have increased, we find it reassuring that Antigua and Barbuda are prioritizing robust due diligence and higher program integrity. This move demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a credible and internationally respected CBI offering—an approach we see as vital for the program’s long-term sustainability.
2. A Top Caribbean Contender
Antigua and Barbuda competes with other Caribbean CBI jurisdictions, such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada. While investment thresholds across the region have become more uniform, Antigua and Barbuda still stands out with its generous family eligibility—children up to 30 can be included without proving financial dependency, and additional relatives can be added fairly easily.
Another benefit? Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 passport strength continues to grow. You still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 150 or more countries, including the UK, the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and—crucially—China, thanks to a groundbreaking visa-waiver agreement signed in 2024.
3. Rapid Processing and Accessible Global Mobility
One of the top questions we get from clients is, “How fast can I get my passport?” In Antigua and Barbuda, you can usually expect approval in three to four months. The additional mandatory interview introduced recently has made the program more rigorous, but it hasn’t significantly slowed down the overall timeline. Our team at NGE supports clients step by step to ensure each application meets the strict requirements.
Once you’re a citizen, the freedom of movement is truly remarkable. Whether you’re heading to Europe for business, planning a holiday in Asia, or exploring new markets in Latin America, Antigua and Barbuda’s passport opens a world of opportunity without cumbersome visa processes.
4. Surging Application Numbers and Who’s Applying
Demand for Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI has been off the charts. In 2024, the Citizenship by Investment Unit Antigua and Barbuda (CIU) reported that applications skyrocketed by an impressive 205% compared to 2023, marking a record year. There was a rush to beat the announced price hikes, but even after the thresholds went up, interest remained strong in early 2025.
We’re seeing a broad mix of applicants—from North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—motivated by everything from expanding travel freedom to planning for their families’ futures. Clients often tell me they appreciate being able to include multiple generations under one application, especially with Antigua and Barbuda’s extended definition of “dependents.”
5. Tangible Economic Impact
One of the reasons we advocate for Antigua and Barbuda’s program is its clear contribution to the nation’s growth. Government reports highlight how funds from the NDF and other CBI sources are channeled into crucial infrastructure upgrades, healthcare improvements, and educational programs (such as local scholarships through the UWI). Clients repeatedly tell me that knowing their investment benefits local communities and national development adds real value beyond the passport.
6. The Challenges—and Why Antigua and Barbuda Are Staying Ahead
Like any CBI program, Antigua and Barbuda faces international scrutiny. The European Union, the United States, and the UK have increased monitoring of “golden passport” schemes, pushing for stronger due diligence measures. While there’s a constant concern that countries might lose certain visa-free privileges if standards slip, Antigua and Barbuda has taken proactive steps—raising investment thresholds, requiring interviews, and working closely with external compliance agencies.
These measures are precisely why we are confident recommending Antigua and Barbuda to our clients. By striking a balance between accessibility and rigorous oversight, Antigua and Barbuda preserves its highly coveted travel benefits and safeguards its reputation on the global stage.
Closing Thoughts
From our perspective, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program. Despite higher entry costs, the combination of swift processing times, extensive global mobility, inclusive family options, and meaningful economic development continues to capture the attention of discerning investors worldwide.
If you’re looking to secure your family’s future, enhance your international travel freedom, and contribute to a nation on the rise, we would love to guide you through Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI program.
Contact us at Next Generation Equity, and we’ll make your journey toward second citizenship as seamless and rewarding as possible!
