The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has announced decision to suspend Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) starting Nov 12 in a phased manner, in complying with the European Union’s requested deadline of June 1, 2028 to terminate all CBI programs in the Eastern Caribbean inorder to preserve losing visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Antigua and Barbuda communicated its position on the future of its Citizenship by Investment Programme to the European Union. The Government however has requested additional extension with EU authorities until 2030. The Cabinet has yet to make a final decision.
“No final determination has been made, but based on the preliminary discussions, it’s very likely that Antigua and Barbuda will suspend its CIP program come November 12th,”
PM Gaston Browne
EU Directives
In a letter dated 25 June 2026, signed by Commissioner Magnus Brunner and addressed to Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, the European Commission formally requested that Antigua and Barbuda phase out its CBI Programme by 1 June 2028 in line with Visa suspension mechanism. The EU has offered Antigua Government, 24-month transition period and proposes the implementation of specific interim measures.
- Reinforced vetting procedures for all nationalities, to be in place no later than September 2026.
- Full exclusion of individuals subject to EU restrictive measures .
EU Dialogue
Government of Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the European Commission ia constructive dialogue via diplomatic channels, consistent with the spirit of our longstanding partnership under the Samoa Agreement.
Launched in 2013
The Antigua citizen by investment scheme was introduced in 2013, the CIP allows qualifying foreign investors and eligible family members to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through approved investments, subject to due diligence and other requirements.
Schengen Access
Schengen Area currently allows eligible Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders to travel to participating European countries for short stays, generally up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without obtaining a traditional visa.
CBI Revenues
The CBI Programme is a critical pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s non-tax revenue base has funded hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. It represents necessary income for a small island developing state with limited fiscal space and acute vulnerability to climate change and external economic shocks. the CBI Programme is a critical pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s non-tax revenue base
