Moving to Antigua and Barbuda 2026, Step by Step

Moving to Antigua and Barbuda in 2026 involves several steps, primarily governed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of the Antiguan government. US citizens can move without a visa and enjoy a Level 1 safety rating, with the US consular agent in St. John's available for assistance. US tax obligations remain unchanged, and up to US$132,900 of foreign earned income can be excluded from taxation for tax year 2026.

However, the recent suspension of Antiguan nationals' entry as immigrants and on certain visas by the US government has complicated this process.

British, Canadian, and European citizens share the same entry rules as visitors, with the European Union's warning being particularly relevant for those seeking an Antiguan passport for travel to Europe. The US State Department requires visitors to have a passport valid for 180 days post-departure, with proof of onward travel and accommodation. Antiguan visitors are granted an initial three months, up to a maximum of six months, to assess the country before committing to a longer stay.

The Nomad Digital Residence programme is the primary long-stay route for those earning income abroad. Employers must advertise local vacancies and only seek external candidates if no suitable local workers are found. Applicants must secure a job offer before moving and let the employer handle the application process. Direct confirmation of current fees and residence rules should be sought from the Immigration Department or the nearest Antiguan mission, as the High Commission's website was inaccessible during the guide's preparation.

The CIU offers four citizenship routes, with due diligence costs ranging from US$8,500 for a single applicant to US$248,500 for a single applicant on the fund route, including passport fees. Recent tightening of rules includes increasing the required residency period from five days to 30 days, adding annual independent financial audits, and requiring reports to the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority.

EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner has urged Antigua and Barbuda, along with several other Caribbean nations, to phase out their citizenship-by-investment programs by 2028 to avoid a potential suspension of Schengen visa-free access.