News Briefing

Antigua & Barbuda Runs the Caribbean’s Most Family-Friendly Citizenship Program

Jul 23, 2026News Briefingwww.imidaily.com

Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) program includes a structure specifically designed for large families, making the per‑person cost lower as the household size increases.

Large‑family contribution route

  • National Development Fund (NDF) – US $230,000 covers a family of up to four members; the same amount applies to a single applicant.
  • University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund – US $260,000 includes processing fees for the first six applicants. Each additional dependent beyond six costs US $10,000.
    • Example: an eight‑person household pays US $280,000 (≈ US $35,000 per person).
    • Example: a ten‑person household pays US $300,000 (≈ US $30,000 per person).
  • The UWI route also provides a one‑year tuition‑only scholarship at the University of the West Indies for one family member.

Dependent eligibility

The program allows the principal applicant to include:

  • Spouse – no age limit.
  • Children – up to age 31, regardless of financial status.
  • Parents and grandparents – financially dependent, aged 55 or older.
  • Unmarried siblings of the applicant or spouse – any age, regardless of financial status.

Unmarried siblings are unusually permissive compared with other Caribbean CBI schemes. After citizenship is granted, additional family members (future spouses, children, grandchildren) can be added to the file.

Physical presence and other requirements

  • New citizens must spend at least five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years; no further residency or relocation obligations exist.
  • No language test, history exam, or proof of integration is required.
  • The citizenship is granted for life and is protected by constitutional rights.

Practical considerations

  • Healthcare – The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre offers modern public services with specialist units; private clinics are available at lower costs than in the United States.
  • Education – The UWI scholarship adds educational value for families with school‑age members.

Overall, the program’s flat pricing for small families, the dedicated large‑family route, and the broad dependent definitions make Antigua and Barbuda a cost‑effective option for multigenerational households seeking citizenship by investment.

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