Antigua And Barbuda [Residency]

Overview

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation in the Eastern Caribbean known for its calm turquoise water, 365 beaches, and a laid-back vibe that still gets things done. English is the official language, the East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted. Travelers will find reliable air links from the US, Canada, and the UK, plus regional hops through hubs like Barbados and St. Maarten. The islands are safe by regional standards, and daily life revolves around the coast, sailing, and a strong hospitality culture.

For entry, many nationalities can visit visa-free for a short stay, and others can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before traveling. Immigration officers typically grant stays that can extend up to several months, depending on your passport and plans. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward or return travel, and evidence of funds or accommodation. Health rules are straightforward, and routine vaccinations suffice; hurricane season runs roughly June through November, so plan with weather in mind.

Tourist and Short-term Visas

Most visitors arrive as tourists, and for many passport holders, entry is visa-free for a stay suitable for a holiday or a couple of months of remote work between trips. If you do require a visa, Antigua and Barbuda’s eVisa platform makes online applications standard, and approvals are often quick if your documents are in order. For short business visits—meetings, site visits, or conferences—entry often mirrors tourist rules, but paid work is not permitted without a work permit.

Bring a passport-style photo, confirmed accommodation, flight details, and proof of funds when you apply, and be ready to show them at the border. Processing times vary by nationality and season, so apply early. If you fall in love with the islands and want to stay longer, ask Immigration in St. John’s about extensions before your current permission expires. Officers are generally approachable, and clear plans plus financial proof help your case.

Work Visas and Permits

If you intend to work locally, your employer in Antigua and Barbuda typically leads the work permit process through the Department of Labour, with Immigration handling your entry status. Expect to provide a valid employment offer, police clearance, medical exam results, and proof of qualifications or professional licenses. Roles in hospitality, construction, healthcare, and professional services are common areas where expatriates find opportunities, but local hiring and skills availability are considered in decisions.

Processing is not overnight, so plan for a lead time and stay responsive if authorities request additional documents. You should not perform paid work until your permit is approved and endorsed. Once granted, permits are usually issued for a limited period and can be renewed if your employment continues. Keep copies of everything you submit, and make sure your passport has enough validity to cover the length of the permit.

Long-term Residence

Antigua and Barbuda offers several paths for longer stays beyond traditional tourist visits. A popular option for remote workers and entrepreneurs is the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR), a program designed for people who earn their income from outside Antigua and Barbuda and want to live on the islands for an extended period. The application is online, and—if approved—permission is typically granted for a multi-year stay without local income tax on foreign-sourced earnings, as long as you are not working for a local employer.

For those putting down deeper roots, temporary residence can follow from work authorization, family connections, or specific circumstances. Investors may explore the country’s well-known investment routes, which focus on citizenship and require careful due diligence and professional guidance. Family reunification is possible for spouses and dependents of residents or permit holders, with documentation proving relationships and financial support. Retirement-style stays are often handled through extensions or the NDR if income is foreign-sourced; bring proof of stable funds and health coverage.

Application Process

Start by confirming whether you are visa-exempt; if not, use the official eVisa system or apply through the nearest Antigua and Barbuda embassy or consulate. For the NDR and most work or residence processes, applications are online or handled directly with the Immigration Department and the Department of Labour. Gather scanned copies of your passport bio page, passport photos, proof of accommodation or invitation, travel plans, financial statements, and any employment or remote-work documentation.

Submit early, track your application via the official portal or by email with the reference number, and respond promptly to requests for additional information. Some categories may require an interview or a brief visit to Immigration after arrival to finalize status or collect a permit. Bring originals of all documents when you travel. If you plan to transition from tourist status to a longer stay, speak with Immigration before your initial permission expires to avoid overstays.

Costs and Fees

Government fees vary by visa type and the number of family members included. Expect separate charges for application processing, work permit issuance or renewal, and residence programs. Online applications may also include payment processing fees, and rush services are limited, so avoid last-minute submissions.

Build a budget for extras such as document notarization or legalization, police certificates, medical exams, and passport-style photos. Health insurance that covers you in Antigua and Barbuda is strongly recommended and may be required for certain permits. Because fees can change, always verify the latest amounts on the official Immigration Department, Department of Labour, or Nomad Digital Residence websites before applying.

After Arrival

On arrival, keep your entry slip and confirm the length of stay granted by the immigration officer. If you’re here on a work permit or NDR, you may need to complete a brief in-country step, such as presenting documents or collecting a permit card. Employees should coordinate with their HR department to finalize work permit activation and any local registrations.

If you will be earning locally, ask your employer about tax registration and statutory contributions. Opening a bank account typically requires your passport, proof of local address, and proof of immigration status; some banks may ask for a reference letter. Mobile SIM cards are easy to purchase with a passport at major carriers. Driving is on the left, and visitors can obtain a temporary local driving permit based on your foreign license through rental agencies or the police.

Common Issues and Tips

The most common hiccups are incomplete applications, unclear proof of funds, and overstaying tourist permission while waiting on a change of status. Keep timelines conservative, track your dates, and request extensions before your stay ends. If your application is refused, you can often reapply with stronger documentation; for complex cases, a local immigration attorney or licensed agent can save you time and stress.

Policy details, processing times, and fees can change with little notice, especially around peak travel months or during hurricane season. Rely on official sources: the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department, the Department of Labour for work permits, and the Nomad Digital Residence program site for remote workers. Connect with expat groups and professional associations on the islands for practical tips on housing, banking, childcare, and schools. Finally, plan around the weather, book early during sailing season, and give yourself a buffer day or two for government appointments—Caribbean time is friendly, but it’s still real time.

Maria
Maria is a bilingual travel writer and immigration consultant originally from Mexico City, with extensive experience living and working across Latin America. She spent her early career as a journalist covering cross-border migration and expatriate communities throughout Central and South America. Having personally navigated complex visa processes in multiple countries including the United States and Spain, Maria understands firsthand the challenges faced by Latin American professionals seeking international opportunities.