Beaches, Mouthwatering Cuisine, and More: A Guide to Antigua and Barbuda

The Caribbean islands attract travelers with an unquenchable thirst for travel. However, this is not the only reason why this region is so popular. Aside from tourists, the Caribbean welcomes potential new residents as well. In both aspects, Antigua and Barbuda is probably one of the top countries that should be considered.

For tourists, the twin-island state is known for its pristine beaches, mouth-watering cuisines, and rich history and culture. However, individuals looking to move to Antigua and Barbuda through citizenship by investment must know that it offers a lot more than that.

In this article, you will learn the different advantages of acquiring economic citizenship in this country and some facts about living in Antigua and Barbuda.

1. Exciting Places and Events

One of the things Antigua and Barbuda is most famous for is the abundance of gorgeous beaches in the country.

Because it is an archipelago, it has plenty of beautiful coastal destinations with crystalline waters and pearly white sand. But Antigua goes beyond that: It offers both tourists and residents with a different beach to visit for each of the 365 days of a year.

Of course, the 365 beaches of the country can cater to more people than just those who want to relax – they also serve as venues for exciting water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, and more. People who want regular adrenaline-filled expeditions could also go zip-lining or even try a safari trip there.

Aside from that, Antigua and Barbuda is also known for its active nightlife. The abundance of nightclubs in the country has made it a place where calming nature exploration and exciting urban life meet. Bars are particularly famous among tourists as they highlight the beauty of the nation with awesome music and beachside locations.

Plus, the country holds one of the world’s most colorful events ever: the Antigua Carnival. This event is held annually to celebrate the emancipation of slavery in the country. It usually occurs sometime between July and August and is considered a spectacle of fun, color, and pure excitement.

2. Opportunities to Connect with Nature

Despite the diversity of cultures and innovations present in Antigua and Barbuda, there’s one thing that stayed the same: nature. It is home to many creatures that, like many economic citizens, found sanctuary in the country.

With over 100 species of birds flocking in the surrounding forests of the twin islands, Antigua and Barbuda is an excellent place for people who want to rekindle their love for nature. There, you will find birds like brown pelicans, herons, and little egrets.

In fact, Barbuda is home to an aviary dubbed as one of the world’s most important bird sanctuaries: the Codrington Lagoon National Park. It is a place where frigate birds thrive under the careful watch of the local government.

3. Temperate Climate

Another thing that makes Antigua and Barbuda a great place to live in is its climate. It essentially has one of the most temperate climates in the world, receiving only an average of roughly 39 inches of rainfall annually.

It has very low humidity all year round, with the wettest months being September, October, and November. Meanwhile, the coolest time of the year is set from December to February.

4. Delicious Cuisine

What tourists realized over the years of visiting Antigua and Barbuda is that its authentic cuisine offers a pinch of European flavors. Basically, the country’s cuisine is built around the use of sweet potatoes and corn. In fact, one of its national dishes called fungie is much like the Italian polenta, as it is mostly made out of cornmeal.

5. Quick and Straightforward Immigration Process

In Antigua and Barbuda, it can be easy to obtain citizenship. In fact, you can become a dual citizen in the country by choosing one of the following three citizenship by investment program (CIP) options:

Donation

The first – and, arguably, the easiest – way to gain economic citizenship in Antigua is through a donation. To be more precise, citizenship by investment applicants can make a $100,000 donation to the National Development Fund or NDF in order to gain second citizenship in the country.

Donating to the NDF is applicable to single candidates and families with a maximum of four members. Beyond that, applicants who bring their families with five or more members must add $25,000 to their donation. It is worth noting, however, that this amount doesn’t include the processing fees, which is set at another $25,000, give or take.

Of course, donating to the NDF doesn’t necessarily mean you’re just giving away your money – you will also benefit from it. This is because the contributions are used to finance socio-economic and infrastructure projects that will benefit all citizens, including those who gain economic citizenship through the CIP.

Real Estate

Another way to secure Antigua citizenship is by investing in government-sanctioned real estate projects. The investment must be worth at least $400,000 and should be retained for a minimum of five years. The CIP also allows joint investments, bringing down the minimum investment amount to $200,000 for each of two related party applicants.

Business Investment

The third and final investment option you can try is a business investment. This CIP option requires applicants to invest a minimum of $1.5 million in a local venture.

Like real estate investment, business investments under the CIP can also be in the form of a joint venture. Each of the parties that wants to share in the investment must put in at least $400,000 to reach a collective investment of $5 million.

6. Boosted International Travel Access

What makes Caribbean passports so appealing to constant travelers is the enhanced travel access it brings to passport holders. In fact, Antigua and Barbuda alone can give you visa-free entry to roughly 140 countries. This includes Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and all of the 26 member countries in the Schengen area.

7. Tax Perks

Antigua and Barbuda also offers tax benefits for its economic citizens. The residency tax perks include no taxation for worldwide assets and income. Investors also enjoy zero capital gains and inheritance taxation.

The Antiguan Dream

Living in the Caribbean – particularly in Antigua and Barbuda – is something that some people can only dream about. If you have the opportunity to be part of this awesome nation, don’t hesitate to take it. Just look at all the things listed in this article and see how much you might miss out on by not taking that chance.

AUTHOR BIO

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.