Many investors from all over the world choose Antigua as their corporate jurisdiction for many reasons. Although it has complied with the OECD regulations, this country still offers excellent tax incentives, corporate options, and business opportunities. 

Setting up a corporate structure is easy, affordable, and straightforward, and it brings immense benefits. Like we discussed in other sections, Antigua also offers an incredible lifestyle, solid banking, and world-class financial services, providing the whole package for family offices. 

By establishing their operating company here, the wealthiest families can access a pro-business environment that also offers citizenship by investment. They can rest assured that their assets are generating money and protected at the same time. This, of course, if they use the Antiguan structure as a part of their financial Forever Free strategy. 

The Forever Free Package: the Ultimate Strategy for Asset Protection in the Long Term

Mundo offers a variety of services, but one of them is one-of-a-kind. It was drafted by one of our experts and especially geared to achieve the ultimate asset protection. 

By combining different structures in various jurisdictions, families can grow their wealth, plan inheritance, and protect their assets. We have described the package in-depth on numerous occasions, hence, here we present only a brief summary.

The 5 Steps to Freedom: Forever Free

Step 1: Acquire (at least one) citizenship by investment in a tax-friendly, pro-enterprise jurisdiction. This will give the family members freedom to travel and do business in new countries. 

Step 2: Acquire tax residency in a country with a territorial tax regime. If the income comes from foreign sources, you won’t pay taxes. If properly structured, you may even pay 0% legally. 

Step 3: The family should establish an operating company, i.e., a business to generate wealth. It should be registered in the right jurisdiction allowing maximum profit optimization. 

Step 4: This is maybe the most important link in this chain. The family must establish a trust that will own the operating company. Thus, the assets will be fully protected and there are tax benefits depending on the jurisdiction. The assets can be distributed in the form of loans (free of tax) or allocated in a low-tax trust. It’s important to note that, if you acquire citizenship or residency in Antigua and Barbuda, you must choose another jurisdiction for your trust and vice versa. International Trusts in Antigua and Barbuda can only be established by non-residents. 

Step 5: The family must develop an investment portfolio under the same parameters already described. The best portfolio is the one with the widest diversification. This means currency, countries, type of assets, etc. 

Why Antigua is the Perfect Jurisdiction for the Third Step: Company Incorporation

The registration of foreign companies is regulated by the Antigua International Business Corporation Act from 1982. This document sets the conditions for registry and operations. 

-As a former tax haven, Antigua is one of the few countries in the world to offer interesting financial advantages. With most of the world over-regulated, investors need a corporate environment like Antigua, where they enjoy low costs, tax benefits, and flexible regulations.

-An Antiguan company needs only one shareholder and one director. They can be the same person and can have any nationality. Not only natural persons can be shareholders or directors, but also any legal entity including a trust. 

-Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most confidential countries. They defend financial secrecy and privacy like a golden treasure. This is so to such an extent, that sharing banking and corporate details without proper authorization is illegal. In line with this, the names of directors and shareholders are not included in public records. 

-Antiguan IBCs are not subject to mandatory audits or reporting. They don’t need to file annual financial statements.

-The IBC’s assets are not listed in public records. They are very protected because they are owned by the IBC, not the shareholders. This ownership separation works the same way as a trust. 

-Registration is quite fast. Processes can be finished in only one day.

-The IBCs don’t have mandatory minimum capital requirements. 

-With English as the official language, corporate documents and procedures are written and carried out in English. This simplifies the process as there is no need to spend time or money to translate. Nonetheless, documents originally issued in other languages must be translated to English. 

-Antigua doesn’t apply currency exchange controls. 

-This jurisdiction is known worldwide for its top-class banking services. Its international bank has been operating for over 30 years and specializes in private banking and wealth management for international families. 

-Antigua and Barbuda is one of the five Caribbean countries to offer citizenship by investment. It’s also one of the most affordable programs in the world. The minimum investment for the donation option is 130,000 USD and the real estate variant requires 200,000 USD plus fees. With these amounts, investors can apply with their families (up to 4 members). 

Activities that Can be Carried out Through an Antiguan IBC

-International trade 

-International investments

-Asset protection

-Tax optimization

-Intellectual property ownership

-International leasing 

-Yacht registration

-Formation of international trusts

Tax Advantages of an IBC in Antigua

As a premium world-class financial center, Antigua and Barbuda doesn’t apply any form of tax on its IBCs. It provides exemptions for at least 50 years on any kind of tax:

-No corporate tax 

-No income tax 

-No capital gains tax 

-No withholding tax, stamp duties, and estate tax. 

-No tax on dividends paid to shareholders 

Requirements to Register an IBC in Antigua and Barbuda 

Company registration in this jurisdiction requires at least two incorporators. They must be citizens and live in Antigua and Barbuda. One of these incorporators must be a licensed attorney. Next, we list the registration requirements:

-Signed Articles of Incorporation

-Register of Directors

-Company’s Registered Address 

-Company Name request

-Application for an International Business Charter 

Once these documents are revised and approved by the registrar, they will issue the certificate of incorporation. The memorandum will set out the activities to be carried out by the IBC. Also, the articles of incorporation will stipulate the company’s management rules. 

More information here

Main Characteristics of an Antiguan IBC

Allowed Company Shares

Antigua and Barbuda corporate legislation allows for the following types of shares: 

-Registered shares

-Bearer shares

-Shares of no-par value

-Redeemable shares

-Preference shares

-Shares with or without voting rights

-Nominee shares (shareholders)

-Share repurchase is allowed

Required Capital

While there is no minimum stipulated capital, IBCs usually start with 50,000USD. 

Corporate Officers

The law allows IBCs to have only one shareholder and director (they can be the same person or any legal entity). A secretary must be appointed who can also be either a person or entity.

Confidentiality 

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most confidential countries. They jealously protect corporate and banking secrecy. The names of shareholders and directors are not on public records and unauthorized disclosure is illegal. 

Trading Restrictions

The IBCs can conduct any type of activity but only outside Antigua and Barbuda. 

Type of Law

Like many Caribbean islands (former English colonies), Antigua’s legislation is based on British common law. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is the highest judicial layer. 

Company Meetings

IBCs must conduct annual meetings, but these can be held in any country. 

Local Requirements

Antiguan IBCs must have a registered office. They also must have a registered agent that can be a natural or legal person. The incorporation documents must be filed at the office and are not on public record.

Currency Controls

Antiguan official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) whose value is pegged to the USD, but both currencies are accepted in everyday life. There are no currency controls, which means currency exchange and transfer of funds to and from abroad are allowed. 

Reporting Requirements 

Companies are not required to file annual reports, but they have to maintain inner records. These must reflect the company’s accurate financial status.

Registration Time Frame

After the documents have been gathered and submitted, the approval process takes usually from 2 to 3 business days. 

Corporate Name Requirements 

An IBC’s name can be in any language and must be unique. Also, it must end with the abbreviation corresponding to the structure (LLC, IBC, SA, etc.)

Some words, like ‘bank’, ‘Insurance’, ‘trust’, ‘savings’, and others, require a special license.

Annual Fees 

300 USD yearly fee – Companies whose capital is lower than 50,000USD. 

350 USD yearly fee – Companies whose capital is lower than 50,000USD and with some or all shares issued as ‘no par value’ shares. 

1,000 USD yearly fee – Companies whose capital is above 50,000-USD. 

Each company must also pay a yearly fee of 100USD for annual filing. 

Who we are and what we can do for you 

Mundo is an international publication on the nomad capitalist lifestyle and asset protection opportunities. We created this portal inspired by the work of Ayn Rand, especially her novel ‘Atlas Shrugged’. 

Intended for all libertarians and perpetual travelers, our site’s main goal is freedom. Every service we provide is part of a carefully outlined structure whose main purpose is to achieve ultimate freedom. In other words, freedom from tax, government control, and movement restrictions. 

Mundo was born from a fiduciary company founded in 1994. Now, we are part of the same group and combine efforts to provide the most efficient solutions. 

The firm has offices in Vanuatu, Panama, Latvia, and St Kitts and Nevis, and has many quality business contacts in the Caribbean. Therefore, we can help you establish an IBC in Antigua and Barbuda providing the necessary tax advice so you can get the most out of your Antiguan business. 

Contact us right now and ask for a consultation with our experts. 

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