Antigua and Barbuda: Premier Caribbean Hub for Business and Citizenship

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation with 365 beaches ("one for every day of the year"), has established itself as a leading Caribbean destination for Citizenship by Investment, digital asset businesses, and online gaming. The country combines tax-efficient structures with one of the region's most family-friendly citizenship programs.

Living in Antigua and Barbuda

With a population of approximately 100,000, Antigua and Barbuda offers a balance of Caribbean lifestyle and modern infrastructure. English is the official language, and the country maintains strong British Commonwealth ties with a parliamentary democracy system.

The main island of Antigua features excellent infrastructure including V.C. Bird International Airport with direct flights to major cities in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe. The smaller island of Barbuda offers pristine beaches and exclusive resort experiences. The climate is tropical but dry, with less rainfall than many Caribbean islands.

Healthcare includes Mount St. John's Medical Centre and private facilities, with air ambulance services to larger regional medical centers. The cost of living is moderate by Caribbean standards, with imported goods at premium prices but lower than some neighboring islands.

Antigua hosts Sailing Week, one of the Caribbean's premier yachting events, and offers excellent sailing, diving, and golf. The expatriate community is well-established, with international schools and modern amenities. Crime rates are relatively low; standard Caribbean precautions apply.

Doing Business in Antigua and Barbuda

Non-resident International Business Companies (IBCs) enjoy 0% tax on worldwide income with a 50-year tax exemption guarantee. Domestic companies face 25% corporate tax. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no withholding tax on dividends.

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US Dollar at 2.70:1, provides currency stability. No exchange controls restrict capital movement. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of CARICOM and the OECS, providing regional trade benefits.

The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) provides competent oversight with a reputation for balancing business facilitation with international compliance. The country has developed particular expertise in digital asset regulation and online gaming.

Company Formation and Registration

IBCs can be incorporated within 24 hours. Key features include:

• Minimum one shareholder and one director (can be same person, any nationality)
• No minimum share capital requirement
• No local director requirement for standard IBCs
• Company Secretary required
• Bearer shares prohibited
• Nominee shareholders and directors permitted
• Public company registry with beneficial ownership held confidentially

Annual requirements include maintaining a registered agent and paying government fees. Local bookkeeping records must be maintained.

Crypto License Opportunities

The FSRC regulates digital asset businesses under the Digital Assets Business Act. Two license classes are available:

Class A: For businesses dealing primarily with institutional clients or high-net-worth individuals. Class B: For retail-facing digital asset businesses.

Requirements include local physical office, senior representative in Antigua, comprehensive AML/CFT policies, and annual technical audits. License fees start at approximately USD 15,000. Permitted activities include exchange operations, custody, payment services, token issuance, lending, and derivatives.

The framework permits cross-border services and has attracted significant crypto business interest.

Gambling License Framework

Antigua and Barbuda is a pioneer in online gaming regulation, having established its framework in 1994. The Division of Gaming and FSRC regulate online gambling.

Interactive Gaming License: EC$202,500 (USD 75,000) per annum for online casino operations. Interactive Wagering License: EC$135,000 (USD 50,000) per annum for sports betting.

Additional 3% tax on net wins applies. Local director and physical office required. Technical audits mandatory. Cannot serve Antigua residents or US residents.

The jurisdiction has decades of experience regulating online gaming and maintains a well-respected framework.

Citizenship by Investment

Antigua and Barbuda's CBI program, established in 2013, is known for its family-friendly policies and multiple investment options:

National Development Fund (NDF): Starting at USD 100,000 for a single applicant or family of four (increased from USD 100,000 which was for limited time promotions). This is the most affordable pathway for families.

Real Estate Investment: Minimum USD 200,000 in jointly-held approved real estate (reduced from USD 400,000 single ownership), held for a minimum of 5 years. USD 400,000 for sole ownership in approved projects.

Business Investment: USD 400,000 minimum in an approved business, or USD 200,000 for joint investment with another applicant.

University of the West Indies Fund: USD 150,000 contribution that includes a one-year scholarship for one family member at UWI (unique among Caribbean CBI programs).

Processing typically takes 3-6 months. The Citizenship by Investment Unit conducts thorough due diligence. All family members over 18 must pass individual background checks.

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and most Commonwealth nations. Citizens can live and work in any OECS member state.

Unique requirement: Citizens are required to spend a minimum of 5 days physically in Antigua and Barbuda during their first 5 years of citizenship. This residency requirement is the only one among Caribbean CBI programs but is minimally burdensome.

Considerations

Banking access is relatively straightforward compared to some Caribbean jurisdictions, though offshore structures still face enhanced due diligence. The 50-year tax guarantee provides exceptional long-term certainty for business planning.

Air connectivity is among the best in the Eastern Caribbean, with direct flights to multiple international destinations. Professional services are well-developed with experienced law firms and corporate service providers.

The 5-day residency requirement for CBI citizens, while minimal, distinguishes the program from competitors offering fully remote citizenship. This requirement may actually benefit applicants who enjoy visiting and familiarizing themselves with their new country of citizenship.

Antigua and Barbuda suits entrepreneurs seeking tax-efficient offshore structures, CBI applicants with families wanting strong passport benefits, digital asset businesses seeking regulated Caribbean jurisdiction, and online gaming operators looking for established regulatory framework.