Cooperation with international companies and private clients remotely, without being tied to a location, has become a global trend. The countries of the Caribbean Community have launched special programs for digital nomads to live and work. However, only Antigua and Barbuda offer expats with incomes starting from $4,165 a two-year stay with the possibility of extension.
Antigua and Barbuda took early advantage of the opportunity to stimulate their economy through digital nomads. In comparison, Thailand introduced visas for digital nomads only in 2024.
In December 2023, the country ranked 32nd in the World Digital Nomad Index with a score of 2.52. The status application process under the NDR Visa project is done online on the official website.
Specifics of the Antigua and Barbuda Freelancer Visa
The rapidly developing IT industry and the shifting priorities of Caribbean island citizens during isolation have significantly increased interest in remote work. The nomadic lifestyle of digital nomads for office workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers has become an example to follow.
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Research in developed Western countries has shown that half of remote workers do not want to return to offices. They aim to leave noisy metropolises and move to safe, warm countries where digital telecommunications technologies are well-developed. By 2035, the number of nomads is expected to reach 1 billion.
Programmers work on educational and financial projects (EdTech/FinTech), cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Managers promoting online goods and services, as well as professionals from various fields, also work here. Numerous coworking spaces with high-speed Internet are set up for professionals.
The program also attracts foreign business executives, freelancers collaborating with clients from various countries, except for local companies. Over two years, the number of applications for the nomad visa and citizenship by investment increased by 66%. Due to the additional inflow of funds into the economy, figures rose by 128%, and GDP grew by 26%.
Conditions for obtaining the NDR visa in 2025:
- employment outside the country;
- for self-employed/entrepreneurs, having contracts for services with individuals/legal entities;
- no criminal record or pending legal cases;
- monthly earnings of $4,165 or an annual income of $50,000.
What Taxes Does a Freelancer Pay
The government does not require residents of the country to pay income tax or percentages on global earnings. However, the law does not apply to individual entrepreneurs or companies engaged in the sale of goods and services. The ABST sales tax is fixed at 15%. Corporate tax is paid annually, and customs or property transfer tax is due upon the transaction.
How Much Does the Visa Cost
The cost of the Digital Nomad visa is $1,500 per person, $2,000 for two. For those relocating with dependents, a family visa type is issued. It allows up to 3 people to be included. The cost is $3,000, and additional applicants are charged $650 each. Document translation and notary services are paid separately by nomads.
Required Documents and Criteria
Applications and dossiers are submitted online to the Chief Immigration Officer. The list is published on the website in the “Digital Nomad Visa Requirements” section.
Contents of the folder:
- passport scan with personal data page;
- 50 x 50 mm photo;
- travel health insurance;
- proof of self-employment or an employment contract with a foreign employer;
- bank statement showing sufficient funds;
- income declaration;
- documents confirming family relations when relocating with a family;
- police clearance for applicants aged 16+.
Applicants first submit their applications, upload digitized documents in English, and pay the non-refundable processing fee by credit/debit card. A copy of the receipt is sent to ndrprogrammeanu@ab.gov.ag, while the original is kept by the applicant. Processing time is 7-14 days, and candidates receive their visas by email.
Recent Changes in Antigua and Barbuda Visa Policy
In June 2024, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) announced a memorandum on changes to the investment program. It includes information on new threshold amounts. From August, a foreign sponsor can purchase citizenship by contributing $200,000 to the National Development Fund. For a family of four, the amount is $230,000. For five, the payment is $245,000. The investment in real estate is now set at $325,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application and comply with the standard visa requirements. Among other things, you must provide a copy of the passport’s biographical page.
To confirm the status of a remote employee, you must provide a letter from the employer confirming the possibility of remote work, receipts for payment of duties, and an employment contract indicating the possibility of remote work. For the self–employed and entrepreneurs – a business license or confirmation of the status of a self-employed person.
You must confirm a minimum annual income of $50,000, attach bank statements, and provide salary receipts. You also need to sign a declaration confirming your ability to provide for yourself and accompanying dependents during your stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
- To add dependents, you must:
- Provide birth/marriage certificates.
- Attach copies of the passports of all family members.
- Pay the increased visa fee according to the tariff schedule.
- Arrange individual medical insurance for everyone.
The certificate of absence of a criminal record must be issued no more than 6 months before the application is submitted and must be provided for each applicant over the age of 16.
The insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay – 24 months. Short-term insurance, even with the possibility of extension, is not accepted. It is recommended to choose international insurance companies operating in the Caribbean region.
After receiving an electronic visa, it is recommended to print the visa or save an electronic copy on your device. You will need to present a visa for verification at the ports of entry.
To apply for a digital nomad visa to Antigua and Barbuda, all documents must be in English or have a certified translation. Special attention should be paid to the correct translation of documents confirming income and professional activity.
Obtaining a digital nomad visa does not guarantee automatic entry. The final decision on admission is made by immigration officers at the port of entry. Upon arrival, it is necessary to visit the NDR office to apply for a visa.
The official deadline for processing the application is 5-7 business days from the date of submission of the full package of documents. Applicants receive an email notification of approval or rejection. After that, you need to pay the visa fee within 30 days.
At the moment, the NDR program does not provide for an accelerated procedure. All applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The visa is valid for 24 months from the date of the first entry into the country. The countdown starts after passing through passport control. This period cannot be divided into several trips.
The NDR program does not provide for an extension of the visa. After the expiration date, the applicant must leave the country or submit a new application. Re-registration is allowed if the same requirements are met and the documents are updated.
The legal period of residence is activated on the day of border crossing.
The optimal period for submitting an application is 2-3 months before the planned move. The earliest possible submission is allowed 6 months before entry.
Applicants must enter Antigua and Barbuda within 90 days of receiving the permit. Missing this period cancels the visa.
The non-refundable visa fee varies depending on the composition of the family:
- 1500 $ – for an individual applicant
- 2000 $ – for a married couple
- 3000 $ – for a family of 3 people
- +650 $ – for each additional dependent over three.
These payments are made online when applying through the official program portal.
Medical insurance is not included in the cost of the visa fee. The applicant must independently purchase a policy covering the entire two-year period of stay. The average annual cost of insurance for one person is $800-1,200, depending on age and health status.
In addition to the basic fee, there may be related costs:
- $ 90-150 – certified translation of documents into English
- $ 50-80 – services of notarization of copies
- 120-200 $ – courier delivery of documents when using intermediary services
The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application review. This rule applies to all categories of applicants, including families with children.
Antigua and Barbuda does not levy taxes on the foreign income of digital nomads. Applicants must settle their tax obligations in their country of citizenship.
No, obtaining citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda through a digital nomad visa is not possible. The Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) program grants the right to temporary residence and remote work in the country for up to 2 years, but does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent residence.
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