Immigration to Antigua and Barbuda is possible through several types of visas that can lead to permanent residency followed by citizenship. One of the easiest ways to move here is through the golden visa program.
If you decide to immigrate to Antigua, our golden visa agents are at your disposal with complete information and support for a fast relocation.
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Residency options for people who move to Antigua
If you decide to relocate to Antigua, you have the option of applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit directly, however, marriage is also a possibility who are lucky enough to have a life partner who is a citizen of this state.
The temporary resident permit has a 3-year validity period, which should suffice for you to know if you want to prolong your stay here or not.
Another option for entrepreneurs or for persons who have sufficient funds to live a quiet and comfortable life here, Antigua is one of the most appealing citizenship by investment countries in the Caribbean region.
You can address our local specialists for details on golden visa/citizenship by investment programs around the world, including in Europe.
How to immigrate to Antigua based on citizenship by investment
Antigua’s golden visa scheme is one of the most appealing ways of moving here as you can obtain a permanent residency in 2 years. However, there are several conditions to be met, among which having outstanding morals that can be proved through a clean criminal record and proof of having sufficient funds to meet the requirements of the specific program through which you can obtain residency and even citizenship.
Here are your options if you decide to immigrate to Antigua based on investment:
- donation which implies an investment of 100,000 USD;
- education which implies a contribution to the University of the West Indies with a minimum value of 150,000 USD;
- real estate which offers the possibility of becoming a homeowner in Antigua in exchange for 200,000 USD;
- business which requires the acquisition of a local company for 1.5 million USD.
As you can see, there are several possibilities available for various categories of people. If you decide on this pathway, our agents here can help you buy a golden visa.
Acquiring a property, one of the best ways of relocating to Antigua
Nothing is better than to move to Antigua where you have your own place to stay, as this feeling will make you feel you are home. Buying a house or an apartment here is one of the most appealing ways to immigrate and settle here.
There are plenty of properties available on the market, however, if you decide on the golden visa, the purchase must be in a development site approved by the Antigua government. Also, if you want to move here with your partner, the minimum value of the investment increases to 400,000 USD.
Some of the preferred locations by foreign citizens who choose to maintain such properties as vacation homes are:
- Falmouth;
- Jolly Harbor;
- Half Moon Bay and Browns Bay;
- Fryes Beach;
- Hodges Bay;
- Cedar Valley,
- Galley Bay.
When it comes to price ranges, these start at 70 USD per sqm. and can go up to 200 USD per sqm.
With these many options, both in terms of locations and price ranges, if you plan to immigrate to Antigua, you can rely on our local consultants for support if drafting the paperwork related to becoming a homeowner here. We can also handle the visa application procedure on your behalf, including if you want to relocate with your family.
Once your finances are in order and you’ve located a property you’re interested in buying, it’s time to submit an offer. The next step is to submit an application for a Non-citizens Landholding License. The Alien Landholding License (ALHL), which will cost you 5% of the sale price of the property, may take up to four months to be authorized.
Once you get your license, all you need to do is hire an attorney and pay the necessary taxes. It is significant to remember that there can be extra charges, such as:
- 10% of the property’s worth is allocated to stamp duty, of which 7.5% is paid by the seller and the remaining 2.5% by the buyer.
- estate agent commission: this fee will vary depending on who your realtor is, but typical prices for this range from 4% to 7% of the property cost.
In addition, there are other fees, such as the registration costs for the Land Certificate fees.
Family relocation to Antigua
One of the main advantages of citizenship by investment in Antigua is that it enables the main applicant to move with his/her family. Any of the above options can be used, which makes this program quite appealing.
Apart from this, the visa processing time with the Antigua Immigration Department is relatively short, ranging from 3 to 5 months. Citizenship can be obtained after 5 years, and during these years you must maintain the investment you made.
How to apply for a residence permit in Antigua
Anyone who has lived in Antigua and Barbuda legally and ordinarily for at least 4 years, or who has been married to an Antiguan citizen for at least one year, is eligible to apply for a resident visa with the Immigration Department. In addition, the applicant must not have entered the nation unlawfully, have the intention of residing permanently in Antigua and Barbuda, and not have a criminal record.
The following paperwork needs to be included with the application:
- a police character reference from Antigua and Barbuda and a place where the applicant has lived for more than six months are required as proof of the payment of the required payments;
- health certificate provided by a physician produced in accordance with instructions from the Immigration Department Letter from Statutory Boards demonstrating payment of required taxes;
- birth and/or marriage certificates, as well as any other evidence that the Chief Immigration Officer needs to review the application and make a determination;
- a copy of the applicant’s passport.
The Digital Nomad Visa can be the best option if you intend to live in Antigua and Barbuda while working from home. You and your family may be granted a 2-year visa if the criteria are met.
The prerequisites for a visa are:
- be 18 years of age or older;
- to work remotely and be employed outside of Antigua and Barbuda;
- to have a yearly income of at least 50,000 USD;
- have no criminal record.
If you want to relocate to Antigua and Barbuda and decide on the golden passport scheme, do not hesitate to ask for our specialized services.
The Antigua tax residency scheme
Tax residency in Antigua and Barbuda is a great way to safeguard your income and ensure predictability with regard to international income taxation. The goal of the permanent residence program is to bring in foreign investment and affluent citizens. You can participate in the Antigua residency by investment program without being a citizen.
In order to establish tax residency, you must:
- maintain residence in Antigua and Barbuda;
- spend no less than 30 days there each year;
- have a yearly income of at least 100,000 USD;
- payment of a 20,000 USD annual flat tax.
The only tax you will be required to pay is a flat rate of 20,000 USD per year. Because Antigua has no income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, it is a great place to call home permanently from a tax perspective.
If you are interested in the golden visa program in Antigua, feel free to discuss your investment options with our advisors. It is useful to know that Antigua and Barbuda recognize dual citizenship. You can become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen without giving up your prior citizenship.
Your new passport from Antigua will grant you visa-free entry to 136 countries.
Taxation in Antigua
One of the main reasons you could consider immigrating to Antigua is taxation. There is no personal income or capital gains tax. Moreover, if you obtain income from foreign sources, you will not be taxed on those either.
Does becoming a citizen of Antigua attract you? Contact our golden visa immigration specialists and they will advise on all your options and how to obtain this status in the simplest way possible and how to enjoy the benefits of this country.