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.
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 2024:
- 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.
It is sometimes not easy to understand all the bureaucratic intricacies on your own, but our experts are always ready to review your case and help you on your way to a comfortable life.
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.
