Imagine waking up to turquoise waters, low taxes and no passport queues. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know exactly how to obtain legal residency in Antigua and Barbuda—and even explore special tax and citizenship options down the road.

Why Antigua and Barbuda Is Your Next Home

When you think “Caribbean,” you probably picture sun, sand and rum punch. But Antigua and Barbuda serves up more than just beach days:

• No worldwide income tax
  Antigua and Barbuda does not tax foreign-sourced income or capital gains, creating an attractive environment for international investors (Deloitte’s Antigua and Barbuda Tax Profile).
• Visa-free travel to 150+ destinations
  Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries and territories, ranking high on global mobility indexes (Passport Index: Antigua and Barbuda).
• Quality public healthcare and schools
  The islands maintain a robust public healthcare system under the oversight of the World Health Organization, and their education sector is supported by UNESCO initiatives (WHO country health profile; UNESCO overview of Antigua and Barbuda).
• Strategic location between North and South America
  Positioned in the eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda serve as a convenient hub for travel, trade and cultural exchange across the Americas (CIA World Factbook: Antigua and Barbuda).

Each of these perks adds up to a lifestyle that many call “stress-free island living.”

Residency by Investment Options

Antigua and Barbuda lets you choose the path that suits your goals and budget. Here are the three main routes:

1. Real Estate Investment
2. Business Investment
3. National Development Fund contribution

Real Estate Investment

You can buy approved residential or resort property. Minimums typically start at US$400,000 for an individual purchase, after which you and your family become eligible to apply for a renewable residency permit (Immigrant Invest on Antigua and Barbuda real estate).

Business Investment

Invest at least US$1.5 million in an approved local enterprise—hotels, marinas or eco-lodges are common choices—and create jobs for residents (Henley & Partners: Antigua and Barbuda business investment).

National Development Fund

Make a non-refundable donation of US$150,000 (for a single applicant), which supports infrastructure, education and healthcare projects across the islands (Government of Antigua and Barbuda National Development Fund).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you’ll need to meet the following essentials:

• Minimum investment (property, business or fund)
• Clean criminal record check
• Proof of legal source of funds in compliance with international due diligence standards (FATF Recommendation on Customer Due Diligence)
• Health insurance covering Antigua and Barbuda
• Physical presence each calendar year

How Many Days You Must Spend on Island

Ordinary residents must stay just 30 days per year to maintain status—less than a weekend each month, which is ideal if you split time between homes.

Your Roadmap: Application Process

You don’t have to navigate red tape alone—most applicants work with specialized agents. Here’s the typical sequence:

1. Initial consultation and due-diligence questionnaire
2. Document gathering (passports, financials, police clearances)
3. Submission to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) (CIU Residency by Investment Programme)
4. Background checks and government review
5. Residency permit issuance

Meet the “Tax Resident” Program

Beyond standard residency, Antigua and Barbuda offers a Tax Resident Programme designed for high-income earners:

• Annual income of at least US$100,000
• Flat US$20,000 annual tax
• 30 days minimum stay each year

This program provides a simple, fixed tax liability without pursuing full citizenship.

From Resident to Citizen: A Seven-Year Path

If you fall in love with island life, you can apply for naturalization after holding residency for seven years, opening an alternative route to Antigua and Barbuda’s powerful passport with visa-free access to Europe and Asia.

The Perks You’ll Enjoy

As a legal resident, you’re entitled to nearly all social benefits:

• Access to public healthcare and schooling
• Right to work anywhere on the islands
• Ability to petition for citizenship after seven years

You can also include a wide circle of loved ones:

• Children up to 30 years old
• Parents over 55
• Unmarried siblings of any age (Second Passports on family inclusion)

This makes Antigua and Barbuda one of the most family-friendly residency programs out there.

Your Island Chapter Awaits

By now you’ve got the blueprint: investment options, application steps, special tax plans and a pathway to citizenship. If you’re ready to trade rental receipts for beach volleyball and low taxes, Antigua and Barbuda is waiting.