Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda

After careful thinking, you’ve decided that you want to retire abroad. No wonder why: Retiring abroad can upscale your lifestyle, give you access to tax benefits, and allow you to enjoy stunning places at decent costs. With its tropical weather, turquoise waters, sandy white beaches, and great tax benefits, Antigua and Barbuda is a paradise for many retirees. If you’re still undecided or need more information about retiring in Antigua and Barbuda, this guide is for you. We tell you why retiring

Benefits of Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda

Stunning and exclusive Caribbean island

Invest and get dual citizenship and a second passport

Fantastic properties available for sale

Enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities

No tax on worldwide income

Antigua and Barbuda exclusive lifestyle in the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda has the reputation of being the ‘Romantic Caribbean island.’ Every year newlyweds come in droves to spend their honeymoons in the country. It is easy to understand why: Antigua and Barbuda is magnificent. With its 365 sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking reefs, and prime vegetation, one can’t help but feel in paradise.

Whether you are into shopping, sailing, or hiking, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Antigua. Since Antigua and Barbuda islands are themselves very different, they’ll accommodate different tastes. Antigua is the economic heart of the country and provides for exclusive services and infrastructures, while Barbuda is less developed and a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Boasting a very low crime rate, a primary benchmark used in Global Citizen Solutions Global Retirement Index, the country is also ideal for retirees seeking to live peacefully, with great weather. For those worried about being stranded on the island, do not worry, Antigua and Barbuda has a brand new international airport located in St John — the capital city — with direct flights to the US, Canada, and Europe.

Antigua and Barbuda cost of living for retirees

Antigua and Barbuda’s cost of living is higher than the rest of the Caribbean countries. This is mostly due to the country’s tourist profile combined with a high demand to live here.

Living in Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 20 percent cheaper than in the US. Therefore, you need to be aware that retiring in Antigua and Barbuda won’t necessarily be cheap, but that is to be expected in a place where the quality of life is optimal.

A good thing to point out is that renting in Antigua and Barbuda is very affordable. You’ll pay around $740 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and around $370 if located outside the city center. The cost of utilities is about the same price as in Europe or the US.

Healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda

There are two main medical facilities in Antigua and Barbuda that provide high-quality healthcare: Mount St. John’s Medical Hospital and the Adelin Private Clinic — both located in St. John. While these facilities provide high-quality medical care, it is important to be aware that for some types of conditions or treatments, patients may need to seek treatment abroad.

When moving abroad, it is highly recommended to purchase private insurance with full medical coverage. Bupa and Allianz offer very good options for international expats.

Immigration Options to Retire in Antigua and Barbuda

While Antigua and Barbuda does not have a specific immigration scheme for retirees, it does offer a very appealing citizenship by investment program. Launched in 2012, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program gives investors the incredible opportunity to get Antigua and Barbuda citizenship in exchange for an economic investment. 

Below are the three investment routes you can take: 

• Make a $230,000 donation to the government’s National Development Fund 
• Buy a $300,000 pre-approved property
• Donate $260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
• Invest $400,000 to establish a business 

Get unlimited access to the country, enjoy tax benefits, and access to 151 Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries by receiving the Antigua and Barbuda passport.  

Real Estate Investment in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is an excellent place to invest in real estate, especially through the Antigua and Barbuda Golden Visa program, as you’ll qualify for citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment requirements:

• You must buy an Antigua property worth at least $300,000.
• The property must come from a ‘pre-approved’ area and be listed under the government’s approved development projects
• The investment must be held for a minimum of five years

If you’d like to invest in Antigua and Barbuda outside the program, there are many fantastic property options available, ranging from colonial houses and luxury villas to brand-new condos and beautiful beachfront properties. On average, property prices range between $255,000 and $12 million.

Tax Benefits to Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda

Why Antigua and Barbuda is the best Caribbean island to retire is it offers a great ‘plan B’ if you would like to benefit from a more advantageous tax system. In Antigua and Barbuda, citizens by investment are not subjected to Antigua taxes on income, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.