Antigua and Barbuda
ATGAntigua and Barbuda is a twin-island Caribbean nation known for its 365 beaches, English-speaking population, and stable democratic government. The country has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals. Antigua operates a citizenship-by-investment programme with multiple investment routes including a National Development Fund contribution starting at $100,000.
Passport Rank
#27
Visa-Free
151
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- St. John's
- Currency
- East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Languages
- English
- Population
- 100,000
- Tax System
- No Income Tax
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 7 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical
Indices
Cost of Living
70
Safety
56
Healthcare
58
Quality of Life
138
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- No Income Tax
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 7 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St John's | $900 | $580 | $400 | $160 | $45 |
| Codrington | $550 | $350 | $350 | $140 | $30 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
St John's
Rainfall range: 40–130 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Codrington
Rainfall range: 35–120 mm/month · Daylight 11h (winter) to 13h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 5
- Language Test
- No
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- Yes
- Fee
- $300
- Processing
- ~12 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $3,500
- Transaction taxes
- 10%
Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals require an Alien Landholding Licence (ALHL, 5% of purchase price) for freehold property. CBI-approved developments are pre-cleared. St John's and English Harbour villas USD 2,500-4,500/sqm; beachfront up to USD 8,000/sqm. Stamp duty 2.5% buyer + 7.5% seller. No annual property tax for non-commercial property. Strong demand from UHNWI buyers and CBI investors.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Academy International School | St John's | IB + US | $8,000–$18,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
40 Mbps median
40% fibre coverage
eSIM: Flow Caribbean, Digicel Antigua
Driving
IDP required
Local licence required after 0 months
Exchange eligible: Drives on the LEFT. IDP accepted; visitors must purchase a local visitor's permit (approx. USD 20) from the Licensing Authority. Permanent residents must obtain an Antiguan licence; bilateral exchange agreements with UK, Canada and some other nationalities available.
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: none
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#51
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠unlicensed beach vendors selling counterfeit jewellery and souvenirs
- ⚠taxi overcharging from VC Bird International Airport — use licensed taxis with official rate cards
- ⚠timeshare pitch tours for cruise ship passengers
- ⚠fake online rental listings for villas that don't exist
Examples of areas to avoid: Parts of central St John's near the market late at night, Isolated coves accessible only by boat without local knowledge
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #104
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Limited
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Limited
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from Britain in which year?
Answer: 1981
Source: Citizenship by Investment Unit — Antigua and Barbuda
Q2. What is the name of the main harbour and historic area in the south of Antigua used as a base by the British Royal Navy?
Answer: English Harbour
Source: Citizenship by Investment Unit — Antigua and Barbuda
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