Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs are entering a new phase of regional alignment and oversight. For Antigua & Barbuda, this means notable updates are on the horizon as the OECS moves toward a unified regulatory framework and external pressures continue to mount from the European Union.
In short, two key developments are worth watching closely.
1. A Regional Regulator Is Being Finalized
Governments across the OECS, including Antigua & Barbuda, are preparing to enact the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulation Authority (ECCIRA). The draft legislation, published by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), introduces binding rules that will reshape the region’s CBI landscape.
Key provisions include:
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Annual caps on the number of approvals per country (Art. 45)
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Residency and “genuine link” obligations, tied to passport renewal, with possible penalties or revocation for non-compliance (Arts. 46–47)
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Standardized due diligence and mandatory applicant interviews
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New enforcement powers for oversight and compliance
The OECS has indicated the law will take effect around October 2025, with national implementation steps expected to follow shortly after, so we’re expected changes to come any day.
2. Growing Pressure from the European Union
In June 2025, the European Union reached a provisional agreement to strengthen its visa-waiver suspension rules. The updated regulation explicitly identifies investor citizenship schemes as a reason for suspending visa-free travel. This places direct pressure on Caribbean jurisdictions to demonstrate robust due diligence, transparency, and residency requirements as the EU finalizes its new framework.
What’s Already Changed in Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda’s CIP was updated last year, following a CIU circular reported industry-wide. The key revisions include:
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NDF contribution: US$230,000
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Real estate option: US$300,000
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UWI/Higher Education Fund: US$260,000 (including processing)
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Business option: unchanged
The update also broadened the definition of eligible dependents and adjusted several fees.
Current Requirements and What May Come Next
Antigua & Barbuda currently mandates that new citizens spend at least 5 days in the country within 5 years of obtaining citizenship. Under the upcoming ECCIRA framework, an additional 30-day residency requirement over the first five years would apply region-wide, increasing the local presence expected of new citizens.
Other proposed ECCIRA obligations include:
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Application caps: Each country will have an annual maximum number of approvals, determined by the Council based on ECCIRA Board recommendations.
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Genuine link requirement: New citizens must demonstrate a genuine and effective connection through residency and integration.
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Economic substance: Applicants must meet minimum net wealth and economic contribution criteria under national laws.
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Annual declaration: CBI citizens will file a yearly Declaration of Presence and Investment, subject to verification through immigration and land registry records.
Bottom Line
Significant region-wide changes are imminent. The ECCIRA legislation introduces quotas, new residency and integration requirements, standardized due diligence, and stronger enforcement authority. At the same time, the EU’s visa-waiver reform adds external pressure for Caribbean programs to align with global standards.
If you are considering applying for Antigua & Barbuda citizenship, now is the time to act. The current pricing and framework remain in place, but future applications will likely be subject to the new residency and quota requirements once ECCIRA takes effect in the next few months.
Schedule a free consultation with our team to get your application in before the end of the year.
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