Why Move to Antigua and Barbuda?
As one of the many island nations in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda redefines the meaning of paradise. With 365 white sandy beaches, one for each day of the year, and crystal-clear warm waters, the thought of going on a beach holiday becomes everyday life. Mindful of the modest size of the country and its dependency on the tourism industry, the government created a Citizenship by Investment Program. By moving to Antigua and Barbuda and becoming a Citizen, half the world is opened to you, as its passport allows visa-free travel to over 150 countries (including the Schengen Zone in the EU) for a maximum of three months during a six-month period.
Contact our team of experts and advisors at Investment Visa and learn how we can help you not only relocate to Antigua and Barbuda but also achieve the dream of living the Caribbean lifestyle.
Fast facts
The name of this country is a bit misleading, as there are three major islands within the archipelago. The third one, Redonda, is uninhabited.
From 2009 to 2016, Antigua and Barbuda’s highest point, Boggy Peak, was known as Mount Obama in honor of former US President, Barack Obama.
The world’s sweetest pineapple comes from Antigua and Barbuda. A true one-of-a-kind experience, the Antiguan Black flourishes only on the islands due to the perfect blend of climate and geography.
Steeped in African roots and shaped by British influences, Antigua and Barbuda is a testimony of how different traditions and customs can merge to become a distinctly unique, rich and vibrant culture.
- Population: 95.000
- Capital City: St.John's
- Climate: Antigua and Barbuda boasts a tropical maritime climate, with year-round warm temperatures and a distinct rainy season from June to November.
- Time Zone: AST (Atlantic Standard Time)
- Language: English; Antiguan and Barbudan Creole is the local dialect
- Country Code: +1-268
- Currency: XCD Dollar (East Caribbean Dollar)
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture
- GDP Per/Cap: USD $15,246
- Borders: Maritime borders with Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla (United Kingdom), Montserrat (United Kingdom) and Saint Barthélemy (France).
Lifestyle
The Citizenship by Investment Program puts the Caribbean lifestyle within your reach. White, sandy beaches, pristine warm waters, tropical weather year-round, as well as an increasingly multicultural experience, are only some of the promises Antigua and Barbuda make. The islands call on you for adventure, whether on land with activities such as hiking and off-roading or on the sea, by sailing, snorkeling and surfing.
Cost of living
As an island nation in the Caribbean Sea dependent mostly on the tourism industry, Antigua and Barbuda has a relatively low cost of living. While it is not the most affordable option in the Caribbean, it is a little different from most countries. The keen investor will be able to live in the country quite comfortably.
Safety
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. When it comes to violent criminal occurrences, Antigua and Barbuda is the second safest country in the entire region of the Americas, standing only behind Canada.
Healthcare
As a country of a smaller size, Antigua and Barbuda has a limited healthcare infrastructure, though it remains committed to improving it through several cooperation strategies and partnerships to reach its goals. It is always advisable to purchase private medical insurance when moving abroad.
Education
Antigua and Barbuda has a free and compulsory educational system for children between the ages of 5 and 16. As a result the country boasts a strong literacy rate of 99%. Furthermore, the country is also dedicated to investing in higher education. The fifth and most recent campus of the University of the West Indies is in Antigua and Barbuda, revealing the country’s commitment to higher education.
Language
English is Antigua and Barbuda’s official and working language. Government laws and communications are published in English, though the Creole dialect is also spoken among the locals. For the Investment Visa purpose, it is not necessary to learn the Antiguan and Barbudan Creole.
Money and taxes
As a part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Antigua and Barbuda shares the same currency as many other Caribbean Island nations, the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US dollar. While Antigua and Barbuda is not traditionally considered a tax haven, the country does not tax residents and citizens on inheritance, personal income, wealth, or capital gains. Our team of experts at Investment Visa is ready to counsel you on this journey.
Popular Destinations
St.John's
All Saints
English Harbor
Get to know more on Investment Visa!
Learn about our array of services and the golden visa process in our brochure.
Download Our BrochureDo I Need a Visa to Move to Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes, although you can generally travel visa-free to other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Antigua and Barbuda has a very friendly Visa policy, allowing most other nationalities to visit the country for up to 6 months without a Visa. However, if you intend to move to Antigua and Barbuda, you will need a Visa. The easiest way to relocate is through the Citizenship by Investment Visa Program. There are several options for becoming a Citizen through this Program but the best and fastest option is through an investment in Real Estate.
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda as an EU citizen
Due to Antigua and Barbuda’s open policy when it comes to visa-free travel, many EU nationals can stay in the country for as long as 6 months, so long as they meet a certain set of conditions. This provides ample opportunity to come into the country beforehand and get to know, feel, and live its culture before deciding to embark on the journey of relocating to Antigua and Barbuda.
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda as a non-EU citizen
The process is not much different. Antigua and Barbuda does not make any distinction, nor does it offer any specific advantage if you are from an EU country. As a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, Antigua and Barbuda extends the same benefits, whether for EU nationals or otherwise. The same applies to nationals of the United States of America, Brazil, South Korea, Türkiye, and many more. Chinese and Cuban nationals can also travel visa-free to Antigua and Barbuda, though only if their stay in the country does not exceed 30 days.
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda Through Investment Visa Programs
In 2013, the government created its Citizenship by Investment Visa Program. Since then many investors have been able to acquire this powerful passport. It opens half the world to its holders, and allows for visa-free travel to more than 150 countries, including those within the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
This program also includes the investor’s family, spouse, financially dependent children up to 30 years of age, financially dependent parents, and grandparents above the age of 55, and unmarried siblings of the investor and the spouse without age restrictions.
Becoming a Citizen by Investment also guarantees the investor the same tax benefits and the protection of their wealth.
How can I gain Citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda?
How to obtain Permanent Residency in Antigua and Barbuda?
There are four different paths to becoming a Citizen in Antigua and Barbuda. You can donate to the University of the West Indies Fund. This option requires an investment of USD $150,000 for a family of six at the minimum. You can also contribute US$100,000 to the National Development Fund.
There is the possibility of investing directly in businesses. A minimum of USD $1.500,000 is required of the individual investor. Alternatively, a joint venture is also an option at a minimum of USD $ 5,000.000 with each investor having to pitch in USD $400,000.
However, InvestmentVisa recommends obtaining your Citizenship by Investment through purchasing Real Estate property.
Residency by Investment programs are not common in the Caribbean, as they are not worthwhile when compared to obtaining direct citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda is not an exception. The best and fastest way to obtain Permanent Residency is to become a Citizen.
While all other three options hold value, InvestmentVisa advises venturing into Real Estate. To put it simply, it is the fastest, most profitable option. You are required to make a minimum of investment of US$200,000 in government-approved properties and hold them for five years at least.
Please bear in mind all the options include associated processing and due diligence fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pros: The dreamy paradise, with a different beach for every day of the year. A large, English-speaking community, allowing for easy and quick integration. A fascinating culture, drawing from all corners of the world.
Cons: As an island in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is of remote access. It is only accessible by plane or ship. A somewhat bureaucratic Citizenship by Investment program, with an expected processing time of 3 to 6 months
Absolutely. Even though the Creole is a local dialect, English is the official and the working language of both the islands, due to its past as a British colony. All laws, government communications and street signage are published in English. Besides the local population, there is a large community of English-speaking expats from all over the world. The investor will have no issues whatsoever in settling on this gorgeous Caribbean Island.
Yes. All Citizenship by Investment options offer the investor the possibility of bringing their family. In fact, the Antiguan and Barbudan program is lax when it comes to the definition of family. For example, the investor can bring however many members there are in their family through the Real Estate option. Up to a family of four, the processing fees remain static at US$30,000. However, from 5 and upwards, there are additional fees of US$15,000 for each additional financially dependent person
Because of the islands’ modest size, its definition of a city is different from what can be traditionally classified as a city. In Antigua and Barbuda a city is any settlement with a population of over 700 people. In this sense, there are several locations that can be considered as a city. The capital city, St. John’s, accounts for almost 25,000 of the population. It is staggering fact that the second largest city, All Saints, has a little over 2,500 people. Besides St. John’s, Investment Visa also recommends The English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and Liberta.
In moving to Antigua and Barbuda through the Real Estate Investment option, you will need an initial amount of US$200,000. Please keep in mind there are associated fees for due diligence which increase this amount. However, this is not something to cause concern. Our team of experts and advisors at Investment Visa knows everything there is to know about these costs and processes, and we are more than happy to help you relocate to Antigua and Barbuda.
No. Even though Citizenship by Investment is a somewhat bureaucratic process in general, and can take up to 6 months, relocating becomes easy and painless with the help of our experts and advisors at Investment Visa. After the entire process is complete, and you have acquired your Real Estate property in Antigua and Barbuda, you can move with no issue whatsoever.
A former military fort given new life thanks to its gorgeous views. Enjoy the evening at this picturesque location especially as the sun basks the English Harbour below.
A must for all visiting the islands is to visit Stingray City and interact with the gentlest, friendliest Stingrays in all of the Caribbean Sea.
The all-restored Dockyard National Park is a monument in honor of Antigua’s past. The Park includes scenic hiking trails as well as the Dockyard Museum.
Venture into the sanctuary and marvel at the Western Hemisphere’s largest colony of Frigate Birds and home to 170 distinct species of birds.
Paul Smith
Investment Advisor
Talk to one of our experts
With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and networks, our team of professionals strives to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes and continuously seek innovative and unique solutions.
Schedule a Meeting
