Antigua and Barbuda is a paradisiac island country located in the Lesser Antilles. Along with its stunning landscapes, impressive marine fauna, and exceptional hospitality, Antigua and Barbuda has many secrets. These secrets are hiding in the light of day for those who dare to dig deeper into this country’s beauty.

Antigua and Barbuda is not just a beautiful Caribbean nation. It is a business center offering a variety of opportunities for growth and development. Caribbean nations usually suffer from hurricanes and natural disasters due to their location. Except for tourism, they don't have huge industries to rely on, their territories are small and lack natural resources. This has encouraged these small nations to find new and innovative ways to generate wealth and be able to sustain the country’s economy even after a natural disaster. 

That is why they choose to draw foreign investment through a variety of incentives. These include company formation, banking services, trusts and funds, and Mundo’s favorite: the citizenship by investment program. 

This section talks about one of the most exciting Caribbean countries where to live, conduct business and acquire a second passport. 

Culture and History

St John’s is the country’s capital. This is an exciting city full of life and opportunities. The Caribbean people are by nature relaxed and friendly. If you like things to be done quickly, then maybe this is not the right place for you. But, in Mundo’s opinion, the weather, the landscapes, and the laid back environment compensate for a few delays. The capital is a local hub for shopping and dining.

Antigua and Barbuda is home to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. This is a cricket field that was built in 2007 and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments. 

Located approximately halfway between the capital and the airport, this stadium represents one of the greatest passions of the Caribbean. Cricket is the most popular sport in the Western Indies and has a special place in the Antiguan people because the greatest batsman of all time was born here. His name is Vivian Richards and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is named after him. 

Antigua and Barbuda is also a hub for those who love sailing. It hosts one of the greatest sailing festivals each year with an average of 5,000 spectators, 100 yachts, and 1500 contestants.

The event is called ‘Antigua Sailing Week’ and takes place every year in the English Harbor in St Pauls. Many locals and visitors get together to watch this incredible event taking place in the pristine waters of the Antiguan Caribbean sea. 

One of the country's main attractions is the Antiguan Carnival. It celebrates the emancipation of slaves and is celebrated every year in July. This is an event that impresses visitors and locals with its colors, picturesque customs, and vibrant music. The Antiguan culture has a wide space for music development and the music scenery of the country is quite rich and interesting. The mixture of the African, indigenous, and European cultures gives Caribbean music a unique feel combining an exciting swing with tasteful melodies. 

The Antigua Carnival is one of the best places to experience the musical legacy of this special country. 

Ask for more information

The Hidden Beauty of Antigua and Barbuda

Every tourist or visitor who sets foot in Antigua and Barbuda will immediately recognize the country’s external beauty. This nation takes pride in its cushioned white-sanded shores, impressive coral reefs and shoals, breathtaking sunsets, and unique hospitality. But what is not evident to the eye is the most important thing. For this reason, Mundo wants to present Antigua and Barbuda as a whole. 

This section intends to describe this island country as more than just a mere touristic center so that business people around the world can understand what this country offers and maybe consider it for their Family Office wealth-planning strategy. 

These are some of the advantages that investors can find in Antigua and Barbuda:

1. Excellent Tourist Hub with Wide Business Opportunities

It goes without saying that every country with a developed touristic industry presents a great opportunity for businesses. Although the niche may be saturated, it’s also possible to take advantage of the country’s reputation, government advertisement, etc. Moreover, investors need to consider that the touristic boom is not only an opportunity for touristic enterprises per se (accommodation, hotels, restaurants, etc.). Touristic activity provides a country with economic resources and much more. It brings money to the country, meaning there is fertile soil for startups and different businesses. 

Antigua and Barbuda is chosen by many people around the world for different purposes: weddings, family vacations, romantic getaways, etc. These visitors can enjoy first-class services with the typical Antiguan hospitality. They can choose from a variety of hotels, resorts, private villas, and other types of accommodation and enjoy many amenities and activities. 

2. Strategic Location

Antigua and Barbuda has a particularly good location. Being in the heart of the Caribbean, this nation is relatively close to the US, Canada, and some of the most important business hubs in Latin America like Panama City. 

Likewise, flying to Europe is quite straightforward. This allows business travels to be smoother and makes the residents’ lives easier. If you decide to establish Antigua and Barbuda as your place of residency, you can be at home in no time to visit family and friends. Of course, they can visit you too and discover the wonders of this nation island. 

The location also brings an advantage when it comes to time zones. Antigua and Barbuda's time zone is very convenient. It shares the same time as New York City and it’s 5 hours ahead of London, and 7 hours ahead of Moscow. As a result, it’s very easy to accommodate same-day transactions with the world’s major markets, thus making businesses run smoothly. 

If you are wondering how to get to Antigua and Barbuda, you can stop worrying. The country has direct flights to the UK and the USA, which makes travel quite straightforward and less expensive. Some of the best airlines fly from and to Antigua: Air Canada, United Airlines, British Airways, and China Eastern Airlines. 

3. Business Environment with Tax Incentives

Antigua and Barbuda’s government has always supported business. They understand that the best path to success is achieved by keeping an open economy, allowing free markets, and providing business incentives. Thus, the government manages to attract foreign capital that boosts the economy and improves the general life quality of the islands. 

One of the vehicles they use to achieve these objectives is the implementation of ‘Progressive Incentive Programs’. One clear example can be seen in the tax treatment and legislation of this country. Antigua and Barbuda does not tax capital gains nor apply inheritance tax. This contributes to the creation of a healthy financial environment that benefits everyone. Because the government knows very well that the happier the business owners are, the more they invest, generate job positions, promote the domestic economy, and help the country in general.

What may surprise many people is that Antigua and Barbuda has a very developed tech environment. Although this is not the first country that comes to mind when thinking of such projects, Antigua and Barbuda is the ideal place to launch high-tech and internet-based startups.

Contact our experts

4. Modernization and Business Growth

As a sovereign jurisdiction with a pro-business environment, the country’s economy and infrastructure are constantly growing. This jurisdiction is moving towards an exciting modernization as it develops its capacities as a regional business hub. 

This is one of the best places to make business in the world and this statement is supported by facts. There are numerous real estate projects being developed to cover different needs, from luxury resorts to quiet family residencies or romantic hotels for honeymoons. This growth is particularly boosted thanks to the citizenship by investment program. There are also interesting expansion plans dedicated to improving the country’s infrastructure. 

Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP is mainly based on touristic activity. Nonetheless, we can find other industries that considerably account for this GDP. The main secondary industries are telecommunications, banking services, and agriculture, all sectors that are constantly growing. 

If we consider these factors, it’s not surprising to find Antigua and Barbuda among the world’s favorite business hubs. A proof of this is that we can find several large companies established in this jurisdiction. These corporations find an excellent operation center in this nation.

5. Supreme Banking Services

Antigua and Barbuda is home to one of the finest banks in the Caribbean. This is the oldest bank in the country and has been providing financial services for over 30 years. 

This financial institution is famous for offering top-class banking services to international clients. It also stands out thanks to its private banking and wealth management services for business people worldwide. This bank perfectly reflects the country’s commitment to providing comprehensive financial services on a global scale. 

Also, this is the perfect environment for a family or individual to develop their asset protection strategy and achieve their financial goals. 

We can say that this financial institution is special because it combines world-class financial services with the distinctive hospitality of the Antiguan people. Here, clients will find top financial assistance with a personal touch and a client-focused approach. 

6. Citizenship by Investment Program

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few countries in the world that offers a passport by investment. This means that any individual can acquire an Antiguan passport in exchange for a contribution, after passing a thorough background check and due diligence investigation. This contribution can be a donation to the National Fund or a real estate investment. While both options are excellent, they offer different advantages. 

The donation option allows a family of four to apply in exchange for a 130,000 USD contribution (investment + fees). Each family member will receive a passport in return. This is the simplest path towards citizenship on the islands. 

The real estate option is more complicated and expensive. The minimum investment required is 200,000 USD (plus legal services and a 50,000USD fee for a family of four). This option is more complicated because it requires time to search for the right property, prepare the title deeds, etc. However, the reward is greater. With this option, the investor will be getting a property that he or she can use as a residency place or as a vehicle for generating passive income. 

The investor can take advantage of the tourist sector and rent the place to receive a rental income. The person can also benefit from the capital gains after selling the property. Applicants must keep in mind that the government requires the property to be held under ownership for a minimum of five years before selling. 

The CBI application can be processed in as little as 90 days and the family enjoys a first-class travel document. The Antigua and Barbuda passport allows for visa-free travel to important markets and business centers like the Schengen area, Canada, and the UK. 

7. Life Quality

Antigua and Barbuda brings all the advantages of living in the Caribbean. Citizens and residents enjoy a Caribbean laidback lifestyle, a wonderful climate, and a peaceful environment. As a small country with an equally small population, Antigua and Barbuda doesn’t suffer from the typical problems of the big nations. 

Antiguan population is well-known for its hospitality, which makes living in the country very pleasant. Also, living in the Caribbean has amazing opportunities for leisure activities. You won’t need to take a plane or make huge vacation plans to enjoy some beach time. 

After a hard week’s work, you can take your family for a quick getaway. You can visit unbelievable beaches, enjoy unique landscapes, do snorkeling, or dive in the beautiful Caribbean sea. All this can be reached within minutes. 

If you are wondering about the quality of city life, you can be sure that in Antigua and Barbuda you can have all the necessary comfort for your daily routine. 

The country has a reliable utility services system managed by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority. This entity provides first-class services and is responsible for water, electricity, mobile, phone, and internet services. 

What Can We Do for You?

Mundo is an international online financial services portal. We have a unique platform in four different languages covering all the world. 

Contact us now to find out everything that you can do in Antigua and Barbuda as a businessperson, investor, or entrepreneur. This country offers a vibrant business environment with first-class private banking, tax incentives, and superb citizenship by investment program. 

Our experts will be happy to help you!

Contact us