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Is Antigua & Barbuda now the #1 choice for digital nomads?

KAL KENNARD, MANAGING PARTNER

If you’re ready to take your remote job or business on the road, the next step is finding the best visas and countries for digital nomads. Finding a long term visa can be difficult, but during this ‘time of Covid’, we are seeing a few countries open their doors to attract nomads to ride out the pandemic in their respective countries.

Travelling the world while working online from your laptop has been a dream for millions of self-proclaimed digital nomads, and as highly mobile international citizens ourselves, our team understands the appeal as well as the practicality.

A few years ago, we reduced our business travel considerably as we have found Zoom and other video communication tools allow us to perfectly service our clients and grow our business more efficiently with less time-consuming travel.

And of course it allows us to spend more of our time in the places that serve us best for tax and lifestyle. Luckily our head quarters are in Antigua and that is where we most of us love to spend as much of our time as possible.

Antigua & Barbuda’s digital nomad visa (NDR) is a world-beater.  Once issued the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) Visa gives the successful applicant and dependents (if any), the right to reside in Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years.Visa holders will be able to travel into and out of the country as they wish for the period of the visa, but will have to maintain accommodation in the country. The visa is intended for non-nationals who are employed or self-employed in a country other than Antigua and Barbuda and who are resident and employed by a company registered and operating outside of Antigua and Barbuda.

Will I be liable for any taxes if I reside in Antigua with the digital nomad visa?

Successful applicants and their dependents (if any) will be expected to pay Income Taxes in the countries in which they are normally resident.  No personal income tax is payable to Antigua and Barbuda.  However, applicants are not allowed to derive any income from any entity in Antigua and Barbuda.

How much does it cost?
The visa application costs between US$1,500 and US$3,000 depending on the number of family members. in addition a property in Antigua & Barbuda must be leased for the period that the visa-holder wishes to remain temporarily resident in Antigua, and this can be for up to two years.
How do I apply for the digital nomad visa?

Applications are to be made to the Chief Immigration Officer, submitting the following documents:

  • Evidence that the non-refundable fee was paid in respect of each applicant
  • A passport photo of each applicant: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • A copy of the biographical data of passport
  • A certificate indicating medical insurance coverage for the period of their intended stay in Antigua
  • Police clearance for each applicant over the age of 16.
  • Proof of relationship to dependents for whom application is made by main applicant
  • Evidence of employment, including self-employment
  • A declaration by the main applicant, certifying (a) expected income of no less than US$50,000 (Fifty thousand US dollars) or its equivalent in other currencies, for each year of the 2 years in Antigua, and (b) that he/she has the means to support himself/herself and accompanying dependants during their stay in Antigua and Barbuda.

The application form is available on a the visa website. Non-refundable fees are to be paid when the application is made, and proof of payment must accompany the application. The application is to be submitted by e-mail to: [email protected]

Why is Antigua & Barbuda a top choice for remote working?

For many years now, since 2005 to be precise, we have been championing the Eastern Caribbean as one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Antigua & Barbuda in particular offers one of the most comfortable homes you can find anywhere. Having lived here with my family for ten years I can attest to the quality of the destination as a second or future main home base. Antigua is a safe and growing destination with good schools and a sophisticated multicultural population, and many daily international flights, being the flight hub of the region with a brand new international airport.

Residents and citizens here can enjoy fast fibre optic internet connections, peace of mind for Antigua & Barbuda is statistically one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, and an idyllic place for people of all ages to enjoy a healthy, fun and productive lifestyle.

Antigua & Barbuda is also home to the region’s second largest banking sector and is a major freight hub. Over one million visitors came to Antigua in 2018 which was more than a 10% increase from the previous year. 2018 saw the largest number of arrivals by air and the island is home to almost 10,000 expats predominantly from Europe and North America, but increasingly from all corners of the planet making for a wonderful mix of interesting people and one of the factors driving Antigua’s economic power and continued growth.

Foreign Direct Investment grew 128% over the last 4 years in Antigua, GDP increased 26%, inflation is low and population growth steady. In addition to this, Antigua has a strong history as a luxury second home and vacation destination and the explosion of wealth globally continues to underpin the steady growth of peaceful tropical offshore second/third home destinations such as Antigua & Barbuda. Not surprisingly, applications to the Antigua citizenship by investment program increased 66% in 2019.
Antigua & Barbuda throughout the pandemic to date has proven itself once again to be a leader and progressive country, opening their airport on 1st June to allow the economy to move forward whilst nimbly adjusting the protocols to keep all nationals and visitors to the island as safe from Covid as possible. So far the strategy is working like a charm. Antigua & Barbuda was certainly the destination of choice for hundreds of private jets when the pandemic broke out in March. This was a telling sign that people who ostensibly can travel almost anywhere, chose to travel to Antigua & Barbuda.
How do I become a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda?
In 2014,  the Antigua & Barbuda citizenship program was legislated and since then thousands of individuals have successfully applied to become citizens. They now enjoy a deep connection to the country with all required to visit for at least 5 days after obtaining their citizenship. Many have moved to the island and it is one of the ways Antigua & Barbuda has attracted more wealth, talent and knowledge to its shores but even before this immigration investment pathway, Antigua was attracting international entrepreneurs and an elite crowd.
Applying for citizenship must be done through a Licensed Agent like Citizens International. We have been headquartered in Antigua for many years so you can be assured of the highest levels of service and attention.  We will oversee your application and guide you through the process in detail, even filling in your government forms for you.
If you’d like to speak to us, please either send us a webchat (click the icon bottom right of this page), email or book in for a video consultation easily in our partner calendar. We speak to clients everyday via private video conferencing and find this to be the most efficient use of your time to ascertain the best program for you and your family so I encourage you to take advantage of it since your first consultation is free of charge.