How To Get Residency in Antigua and Barbuda | An Incomplete Guide

Capital: St. John’s

Population: 100,772 (2022, 182nd)

Ethnic Group: 87.27% African (Black), 4.73% Multiracial, 1.65% European (White)

Area: 440 km² (182nd)

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: $25,449 (2023, 59th)

Human Development Index: 0.851 (53rd)

Country Profile:

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean, comprising two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with some smaller islands.

Tourism is the backbone of Antigua’s economy, and the country is renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and abundant water activities. Notable attractions include Paradise Bay, Nelson’s Dockyard, and the Pink Sand Beach in Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda were once colonies of Spain and the United Kingdom. Today, it is a member of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Culturally, the country is a melting pot of African, European, and Caribbean traditions.

Immigration And Visa System:

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia are five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment programs, commonly known as passport programs.

Among these, the Antigua Citizenship by Investment program provides three avenues for obtaining citizenship through investment for overseas applicants: donations, real estate purchases, and business operations.

If you choose donation option, you can contribute to one of two public funds in Antigua: National Development Fund (NDF) or University of the West Indies Fund (UWI). The minimum cost required is $240,000.

For real estate option, you need to purchase property in Antigua valued at a minimum of $300,000.

For the business investment option, you need to make an individual investment of $1.5 million, or a joint investment where each participant contributes $400,000 to a business project worth at least $5 million.

For a family of three or four applicants, Antigua is the most affordable option among the five Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment programs.

In addition to passport program, Antigua also offers a digital nomad visa program for remote workers with an annual income requirement of $50,000.

This digital nomad visa, called Nomad Digital Residence (NDR), is a non-immigrant visa: it is valid for two years but cannot be renewed.

Taxation:

Antigua and Barbuda abolished personal income tax in 2016. Residents are not required to pay personal income tax on either local income or global income, including dividends, royalties, interest, inheritance, wealth, or capital gains.

Some of the main types of taxes in Antigua are shown in the following chart:

Passport Power:

Antigua and Barbuda recognizes dual citizenship, its passport ranked 25th globally. As of May 2025, citizens can travel freely (visa-free or on arrival visa) to 152 countries and regions worldwide. (July 1st, 2024)

Useful links:

Antigua and Barbuda CBI official site: https://cip.gov.ag

Antigua and Barbuda NDR visa official site：https://nomad.gov.ag/ui