A Comprehensive Guide to Long-term Residency in Anguilla

Capital: The Valley

Population: 15,753 (2021)

Ethnic Group: 85.3% Black, 4.9% Hispanic, 3.8% Mixed, 3.2% White, 1.0% Indian

Area: 91 km²

Offical Language: English

Currency: East Caribbean dollar( pegged to the United States dollar, at the exchange rate of US$1 = EC$2.70)

GDP per Captial: $29,493 (2014)

Region Profile:

Anguilla is situated in the northeastern Caribbean and is one of the fourteen British Overseas Territories. It comprises the main island of Anguilla and several surrounding small islands and coral reefs.

Tourism is the cornerstone of Anguilla’s economy. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, Anguilla stands out as a premier vacation destination in the Caribbean.

In recent years, the financial services sector has also seen rapid growth, making Anguilla an increasingly recognized offshore financial center.

Anguilla Immigration System:

Why Select Anguilla?

In the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is a small, unassuming island with a population of less than 20,000. Those who choose to relocate to Anguilla, apart from some workers from nearby Caribbean nations, are mainly overseas investors. Their primary considerations are:

1. To obtain a UK passport through indirect means: As one of the British Overseas Territories, Anguilla allows foreigners who legally reside there for five years to be eligible to apply for a British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) passport, thus indirectly obtaining UK citizenship.

2. Tax benefits: Anguilla is a true tax haven, with no income tax, property tax, trade tax, inheritance tax, corporate tax, or almost any other taxes. The local government sustains this nearly zero-tax system through minimal customs revenues, social security fees, and property taxes.

Residency By Investment Programs:

Historically, Anguilla offered limited immigration options for foreigners. Work visas and family reunion visas existed, but permanent residency required at least ten years of legal residence with over six months spent annually on the island. This path to eventual British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) was lengthy.

In 2018, seeking to stimulate the economy, the Anguillan government introduced two residency by investment programs:

The first program is Anguilla Residency By Investment Program (ARBI): Applicants can either donate $150,000 USD or invest $750,000 USD or more in Anguillan real estate. This secures Anguillan permanent residency.

Similar to Caribbean passport programs, ARBI requires using an official agent for application submission. Generally speaking, once the official background check is complete and a Principal of Approval is issued, you can make the investment and receive your permanent residency card.

ARBI has no minimum residency requirement. Investors can maintain permanent residency without ever visiting Anguilla. However, becoming an Anguillan tax resident requires at least 45 days of annual residence. BOTC applicants need to spend over nine months per year in Anguilla.

The second program is Anguilla High Value Resident (HVR) Program: Under this program, you must become an Anguillan tax resident, purchase a property worth $400,000 or more, and pay an annual fixed tax of $75,000.

Unlike other tax residency programs around the world, the Anguilla HVR program does not require you to make the country your primary residence, but you must still spend at least 45 days per year in Anguilla.

At the same time, becoming an Anguillan tax resident means that you cannot be a tax resident of any other country. In other words, you cannot spend more than 183 days per calendar year in any single country or region other than Anguilla.

Digital Nomad Visa:

Beyond its residency by investment programs, Anguilla offers a visa specifically for remote workers and online students: the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa grants temporary residence for one year. Unlike some visas, it cannot be directly extended, requiring departure and reapplication upon expiry.

In addition to catering to remote workers, the Anguilla Digital Nomad Visa also welcomes online students. This visa provides an ideal opportunity for students pursuing online degree programs to immerse themselves in a tropical work-study environment.

While Anguilla doesn’t have a set minimum income requirement for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants typically need to prove an annual income of at least $50,000 USD. This demonstrates your ability to financially support yourself during your stay.

Dependents:

Most Anguillan immigration visas extend residency rights to the primary applicant’s spouse and financially dependent children under 26. This means that these family members can accompany the primary applicant to Anguilla and reside there legally.

BOTC:

After five years of legal residence in Anguilla, foreign nationals can apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC), granting them a passport that opens doors to global opportunities.

BOTC holders who wish to become British citizens must:

1. Reside in the UK: Live in the UK for a minimum of six months in each of the five years preceding their application.

2. Meet Other Requirements: Fulfill additional requirements, such as passing a citizenship test and demonstrating integration into British society.

Useful Links:

Select Anguilla：https://www.selectanguilla.com/

Anguilla Tourist Board：https://ivisitanguilla.com/

Anguilla E-visa: https://evisa.gov.ai/

Anguilla ARBI:  http://www.gov.ai/documents/finance/Anguilla%20Residency%20by%20Investment%20(ARBI)%20Presentation-%20General%20Public.pdf