Lush vegetation, postcard-perfect beaches. Palm trees, tranquility. Endless sunshine and quiet. Yes, that’s Antigua and Barbuda. Situated in the Caribbean, don’t underestimate this tiny two island-nation. It has become somewhat of a trend — investing in Antigua and Barbuda — and investments have poured in from iconic celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Giorgio Armani, as well as ordinary businessmen and investors looking to yield optimal returns and even acquire Antigua and Barbuda passports.
In this guide to investing in Antigua and Barbuda, we walk you through the reasons why you should consider investing in this humble paradise, whether it’s to develop your own business, buy real estate or acquire citizenship.
Why investing in Antigua and Barbuda is a fantastic opportunity
Invest and get a passport
Did you know that Antigua and Barbuda runs its very own passport by investment program? That’s right, in exchange for making an investment in the country, you can obtain a passport in around four months, with no need to relocate to the island. Moreover, it so happens to be that Antigua and Barbuda offers a high-ranking passport. In fact, it’s considered one of the most mobile passports in the world, coming in 29th place according to the Passport Index.
An Antigua and Barbuda passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area. Since this twin-island nation is a member of the Commonwealth, citizens can enjoy certain perks in the UK and other member states.
Skilled workforce
Antigua and Barbuda has invested a lot of money into its people. From high-ranking colleges and courses on offer to training opportunities in tourism, financial services, and construction, the government has taken an active interest in improving people’s skillsets, providing quality that meets world standards. So if you’re considering starting a business in Antigua and Barbuda, be rest assured that you’ll get a lot in return from the island nation’s skilled workforce.
Tax perks
Considered a ‘tax haven’, there are no wealth, inheritance, and capital gains taxes. That’s not even the best part. There’s no tax on personal income, which makes it an ideal place for people that like to manage their money independently. If you’re self-employed, your income sourced outside the country is 0% taxed. However, if your income is derived within Antigua and Barbuda, the tax rates vary between 0% to 25%, depending on your ‘tax classification’.
Bustling tourism
Antigua and Barbuda is considered a jewel in the Caribbean, attracting tourists worldwide with its organic beauty, unbelievably blue lagoons, vast ports, and rich cultural scene. The country offers up 365 beaches, one for each day of the year! To date, more than half of the country’s GDP is tied to tourism. As such, opportunities to invest in this sector are ripe.
Business-friendly currency and foreign exchange set-up
Conducting business across borders from within Antigua and Barbuda is easy. Since the country is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the country operates under a common central bank and currency. Antigua and Barbuda has no foreign exchange controls or restrictions on capital repatriation.
Safe and secure
Antigua and Barbuda is a peaceful nation. It’s politically and socially stable, with a strong democratic system, similar to the UK. With low crime rates, the country has virtually no high-level security concerns like terrorism, money laundering, or cybercrime.
Strong investor rights
Antigua and Barbuda operates under a Common Law system based on the UK model. As such, investors’ rights are safeguarded, making for an attractive investment destination. The twin island-nation further ranks highly for enforcing contracts and protecting investors from financial harm.
Investing in Antigua and Barbuda requirements
While there are no restrictions in investing in Antigua and Barbuda, there are certain standards you must uphold if you wish to invest in the nation.