Antigua and Barbuda Immigration: A Complete Guide for 2025

If you’re eyeing Antigua and Barbuda retirement, work, or relocation with family, there are a few things you should understand about the Antigua and Barbuda immigration process. Antigua and Barbuda offers investor-friendly programs that provide straightforward paths to relocate there, with options including the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program and tax residency program.  

Immigrating to Antigua and Barbuda legally involves obtaining citizenship or another relevant visa. US citizens and many other tier-one passport holders do not require a visa to visit for up to 90 days. More extended visits or residency require obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.  

This guide explains the types of visas available in Antigua and Barbuda, the best options for investors, and the application process. 

Non-CARICOM citizens require a valid visa to move to Antigua and Barbuda. Foreign nationals can avoid the visa requirement by obtaining citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. Nationals of other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) can immigrate to Antigua and Barbuda, provided they establish their intention to remain in the country with the Antigua immigration department. 

Visas are processed by the Antigua and Barbuda Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate-General in your home country and issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Immigration. 

Citizenship by Investment  

Despite not being a traditional visa, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors to obtain Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship by investing in the country’s economy. Investment options include:  

• Donating $230,000 to the Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund (NDF) 
• Investing at least $300,000 in real estate 
• Investing $400,000 in a business 
• Donating $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund 

The main applicant’s family members can also apply, including a spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings. 

Tax residency 

The Tax Residency Program is a key catalyst behind Antigua and Barbuda’s top 20 ranking in the 2025 Global Passport Index’s Investment Index. It is a special residence visa that offers permanent residency to foreign investors. Individuals can obtain Antigua tax residency by paying a flat annual tax of $20,000, maintaining a permanent place of residence, and being physically present in the country for at least 30 days per year. 

Work Visa  

An Antigua and Barbuda Work Visa provides a one-year work permit. Foreign nationals may apply when their skills are required in areas where the domestic workforce is insufficient. Foreign Work Visa holders who continue to meet the Antigua and Barbuda visa requirements can submit a renewal form to the Ministry of Public Safety and Labour to extend it until they qualify for permanent residency.  

Family reunification  

The Immigration and Passport Act of Antigua and Barbuda allows family members of citizens and legal residents to apply for residency in the country. Spouses and dependent children under 18 qualify; other qualifying family members depend on the visa type.   

An entire family is eligible for Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings. In contrast, work visa holders are limited to obtaining residency for their spouses, children, and parents. 

CARICOM  

Antigua and Barbuda is a member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). All CARICOM citizens can obtain Work Visas in Antigua and Barbuda if they possess a Caribbean Skills Qualification Certificate. The certificate allows them to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda without sponsorship. 

OECS  

As well as being a CARICOM nation, Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Citizens of the five other member states of the OECS do not require a visa to immigrate to Antigua and Barbuda permanently. They can reside in Antigua and Barbuda through the OECS Free Movement of People Agreement. Foreigners who invest in the Caribbean through citizens programs offered by other OECS members can also relocate to Antigua and Barbuda through the free movement agreement. 

As outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration and Passport Act, you must submit an Antigua and Barbuda visa application when applying for a residence permit. The specific documents required depend on the chosen visa, but typically include:  

• Passport-sized photographs  
• A valid passport  
• Criminal record certificate  
• Birth certificate 

Immigration requirements through citizenship by investment 

The Antigua immigration requirements to get citizenship by investment and an Antigua and Barbuda passport are more extensive, as successful applicants are protected by the Antigua and Barbuda government and receive a passport that ranks 49th in the 2025 Global Passport Index. 

Applicants must:  

• Be over 18  
• Have an outstanding character  
• Be in good health  
• Have a clean criminal background 
• Pass detailed due diligence checks 
• Make a qualifying investment  

The citizenship application process must be submitted by an Authorized Agent or licensed Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment lawyer. Due diligence includes attending a mandatory Caribbean citizenship interview. The minimum investment required is a $230,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), a $400,000 business investment, a $260,000 donation to the University of the West Indies Fund, or a $300,000 investment in Antigua real estate. 

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Unit (CIU) enforces a minimum residency requirement of five days in the first five years of obtaining citizenship. 

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for tax optimization and planning. Residents are exempt from Antigua and Barbuda tax on personal income, wealth, inheritance, and capital gains. Individuals moving to Antigua should consider import duty costs, as the country’s high taxes on imported items can significantly affect relocation expenses.