Updated
GL-A-01
Glossary · Citizenship and residency programs
Antigua NDF / University Fund - Antigua funds
Government funds of Antigua and Barbuda, a contribution to which grants citizenship: the NDF (National Development Fund) and the University Fund. The threshold is from $230,000 per family.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Antigua and Barbuda’s state funds, a contribution to which grants citizenship
- Where it applies
- Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment programme
- Cost
- From $230,000 to the NDF (family of up to 4); the University Fund for larger families
- Duration
- Usually 4-6 months
- Can you prepare
- Yes: choose the fund for your family composition and assemble the file
02 / In plain words
What Antigua NDF / University Fund means
The Antigua NDF and the University Fund are two state funds of Antigua and Barbuda, a contribution to which grants citizenship by investment. The NDF (National Development Fund) is the main and most popular option: a non-refundable contribution from $230,000 covers a family of up to four. The University of the West Indies Fund is a separate option designed for larger families, in which, together with citizenship, one family member receives a right to study at the university.
A fund contribution is the simplest route among Antigua’s options: there is no property or business to manage, the money goes to the state fund, and after approval and the check you receive your passport. Besides the funds there are real estate and business options — they cost more at entry but leave you with an asset.
The Antiguan passport gives visa-free access to about 150 countries, including the Schengen area and the United Kingdom, and permits dual citizenship. As everywhere in the Caribbean, the due diligence check plays the key role, so the source-of-funds file is prepared in advance.
A case from practice
A family of four chooses the NDF: a non-refundable contribution from $230,000 plus government fees and check fees for each adult. From gathering documents to passports takes about six months. A larger family often chooses the University Fund instead of the NDF — it works out better for that composition.
Why people choose Antigua’s funds
- The simplest route to an Antiguan passport
- An optimal budget for a family of up to 4
- The University Fund for larger families
- Visa-free access to 150 countries, including Schengen
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Quick processing in 4-6 months
03 / What it covers
What matters with Antigua’s funds
NDF
- From $230,000
- Family of up to 4
- Non-refundable contribution
University Fund
- For larger families
- A right to study
- A separate threshold
What it gives
- Antiguan passport
- Visa-free access to ~150 countries
- Dual citizenship
Check
- Due Diligence
- For each adult
- Source of funds
04 / How it works
How to obtain a passport through a fund
Choosing the fund for the family
Due diligence
Fund contribution
Application approval
Passport
05 / Cost and timelines
Contributions to Antigua’s funds
01NDF (family of up to 4)
from $230,000
A non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund. The main and most popular option.
02University Fund
separate threshold
For larger families (usually 6 or more), includes a right for one family member to study at the university.
03Real estate
higher at entry
An alternative option: more expensive, but the property remains an asset and can be sold after the holding period.
The figure shown is the minimum fund contribution. On top come government fees, a non-refundable check fee (due diligence) for each adult and legal support. We calculate the exact budget for your family composition.
06 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
The NDF is the main fund, from $230,000 for a family of up to 4
02
The University Fund is designed for larger families
03
A fund contribution is simpler than real estate
04
The passport gives visa-free access to about 150 countries
05
The due diligence check decides everything
Common mistakes
- Choosing a fund without calculating for your actual family composition
- Comparing only the contribution and forgetting the fees and the check
- Filing without a source-of-funds file
- Concealing an episode in your background — the check will find it
- Delaying the application — thresholds are revised
07 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Choose the fund for your family composition (the NDF for a family of up to 4, the University Fund for larger ones), calculate the full budget with fees and the check and assemble the source-of-funds file in advance. That way the check passes first time and the non-refundable money is not wasted.
What we do for you. We calculate for your family composition which fund works out better — the NDF or the University Fund — show the full budget with all the fees and prepare the source-of-funds file in advance, so that you obtain an Antiguan passport without a hitch.
Anna KovalevskayaExpert in Caribbean citizenship by investment programs
08 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
The NDF is the main fund, from $230,000 for a family of up to 4. The University Fund is designed for larger families (usually 6 or more) and includes a right for one family member to study. Which is better depends on the composition.
No, it is a non-refundable payment to the state for citizenship. If you want to keep an asset, the real estate option is chosen — more expensive, but with the possibility of a sale.
About 150 countries visa-free or with a simplified visa, including the Schengen area and the United Kingdom. The exact list is updated.
Not permanently. You need to pass the check and pay the contribution; in some cases a short visit is requested. There is a minimum presence requirement in the first years.
The spouse, children and, as a rule, dependent parents and grandparents. The check is paid separately for each adult.
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda permits dual citizenship — you are not required to give up your previous passport.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Tell us what outcome your family needs
We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.
