Living in Antigua as an Expat Guide

Whether it’s spending your retirement days under the sun or enjoying tax incentives, it is common to seek relocation. Antigua and Barbuda happens to be a superb destination offering a fantastic investor immigration program for people wanting to relocate to its shores. This exclusive program offers investors the opportunity to receive the Antigua and Barbuda passport, along with tax benefits and unlimited access to the country. In this guide, we tell you all there is to know about moving to Antigua and Barbuda from the US.

About Antigua and Barbuda

You’ve probably already heard of Antigua and Barbuda being called the ‘Romantic Island of the Caribbean’. If not, let us give you a bit of context. Antigua and Barbuda is famous for being one of the most luxurious Caribbean destinations. The reason being are its 365 white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and the best hotels in Antigua and Barbuda offer luxury an Antiguan charm.

The country consists of two main islands — Antigua and Barbuda — and several smaller islands. While Antigua is the economic heart of the country with its airport, luxury shopping malls, hospitals, and tourist attractions, Barbuda is less developed and appreciated by nature lovers for its preserved state. For those who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle combined with sporting activities, Antigua and Barbuda is the place to be.

Antigua and Barbuda’s beauty and exclusive lifestyle are not the only reasons international expats invest in the country. Its economic and political stability are extremely valued. The country is part of the Commonwealth, therefore is considered a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system resembling the UK. With a very low crime rate, vibrant tourism economy, and high quality of life, the destination is highly appealing.

Moving to Antigua benefits

Costs of living in Antigua and Barbuda compared to the US

In general, the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is about 20 percent cheaper than the cost of living in the US. This is pretty high compared to the rest of the Caribbean islands, but logical considering the fact that Antigua and Barbuda is a luxury tourist island.

Renting in Antigua and Barbuda is cheaper than in the US. You’ll pay around $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and around $700 if located outside the city center. Utilities cost around the same price in both countries. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda taxes are lower than in the US, with a zero income tax rate.

If you’d like to keep your budget low, consuming local food and products is a good option. Rice, vegetables, fruits, and local chicken for example are considerably cheaper in Antigua and Barbuda than in the USA.

The Antigua National Development Fund plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth, with donations directly funding education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda as an American

Moving to Antigua – How to get citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda

Launched in 2012, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program offers investors and their families the opportunity to become Antigua and Barbuda citizens in exchange for an economic investment. In only five months receive your new citizenship, along with great tax benefits, without having to undergo interviews, education or English-language requirements. With the Antigua and Barbuda visa requirements for citizenship, enjoy the right, but not the obligation, to live and work on the island.

Below are the four investment routes to the program:

• Make a $230,000 donation to the government or to an approved charity
• Buy a $300,000 pre-approved property. The investment must be maintained for at least five years
• Donate $260,000 to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund
• Invest $400,000 to establish a business

The UWI Fund options makes an entire family eligible for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment with the required $260,000 donation.

The Antigua and Barbuda passport

Ranked 29th according to the Passport Index, the Antigua and Barbuda passport is a fantastic asset to have for those seeking global mobility. Enjoy traveling to over 150 Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In addition, dual citizenship is recognized in the country, and the Antigua and Barbuda passport can be passed down to future generations. 

What are some important considerations when moving to Antigua?

• Residence permits: Check how you can legally move to Antigua, whether through a residency program or the citizenship by investment program.
• Work permits: Obtaining citizenship by investment allows you to work in Antigua, but other visas may not include the right to work.
• Cost of living: Antigua isn’t the cheapest island to live in the Caribbean, so expats should weigh up what it will cost to live a comfortable life there.
• Healthcare: Private health insurance is a must, as the main hospital is limited in its services, and emergencies may require medical evacuation.
• Water scarcity: Antigua has been known to experience water scarcity during dry seasons.
• Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric: Antigua and Barbuda is a conservative country, and traditional values still strongly influence public opinion, which people of the LGBTQ+ community should be aware of.

Frequently Asked Questions about moving to Antigua