Antigua and Barbuda could bring its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) to an end in 2028 as it weighs a request from the European Union to protect visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on October 24, 2026, that initial Cabinet discussions favored agreeing to the phase-out. The government has until November 12 to confirm its position, although a final decision has not yet been announced.
If approved, the program could continue during a transition period before the proposed June 1, 2028, deadline.
Why Is Antigua Considering the Change?
The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean countries to phase out their citizenship by investment programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
Brussels argues that granting citizenship in exchange for investment without requiring a genuine connection to the country can create risks for its visa-free travel system. The EU’s revised visa suspension rules provide grounds for suspending visa exemptions in such cases.
Antigua and Barbuda previously pushed back against the proposal, with the government citing the lack of a replacement for the revenue generated by the program. The latest discussions suggest that the risk to European travel access is now a major part of the decision.
What Is at Stake?
The financial impact would be significant. Browne has said the citizenship program generated more than EC$1.4 billion over 11 years. The government’s 2026 budget forecasts another EC$157 million, around US$58 million, in CIP revenue.
Travel access is another concern. If the EU withdraws its visa waiver, Antiguan and Barbudan citizens including those born in the country would generally need visas to visit the 29 countries in the Schengen Area.
For citizenship applicants, the uncertainty concerns more than the program’s future. Changes to visa arrangements could affect the travel benefits they expect from a second passport.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
Antigua and Barbuda has not announced a closure, and its CIP remains open. The proposed 2028 date is conditional on the government’s response and the arrangements eventually agreed with the EU.
Other details have yet to be settled, including the treatment of applications already in progress and whether any restrictions would apply during the transition.
If you are considering citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, speak with a UNO Capital advisor for the latest program updates and guidance on the options available to you.
How UNO Capital Assists Investors
UNO Capital follows developments affecting citizenship and residency programs, including changes to visa access, eligibility rules, and application procedures.
Our team helps clients:
- Keep up with relevant program announcements and policy changes.
- Understand how developments may affect their citizenship or residency plans.
- Explore alternative programs based on their objectives and eligibility.
What Happens Next?
The immediate date to watch is November 12, 2026, when Antigua and Barbuda is expected to confirm its position to the EU.
Until the government makes a formal announcement, the proposed phase-out remains under consideration.
UNO Capital will continue to follow the issue as more information emerges.
