Antigua and Barbuda: Country Overview

Turquoise waters and countless beaches

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean island nation with two major and several smaller islands. As a former British Colony the country is English-speaking and well connected, with direct flights to the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Dominican Republic and a few more countries. Tourists are driving around 60% of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and are attracted by the beautiful 365 beaches; every day of the year, you can visit another one! Besides tourism, the country has a good financial sector, with major international banks such as the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) or Scotiabank represented on their islands.

Citizens enjoy tax haven benefits, including no personal income, capital gains, or estate taxes, along with visa-free access to 140+ countries. Learn more about this fascinating country and find out how Pallas can help you get an Antigua and Barbuda passport

Antigua and Barbuda – Country Highlights

Economy

GDP (nominal): $2.0bn
Comparable to San Marino or the Seychelles

GDP/capita: $19,068
Higher than Panama and Chile

GDP growth: 5.6% (annual, 2023)
Average rate of 3.6% forecasted (2024-2028)

Population

Size: 93.8 thousand people

Median age: 36 years
Compared to United Arab Emirates 34 and New Zealand 37

Density: 211.9 people/km²
Compared to 277 people/km² in the United Kingdom

Climate

Average temperature: 26°C
Ø low of 23°C and Ø high of 28°C

Sunshine hours/year: 3,369h
Compared to 2,652h in Greece or 3,494h in United Arab Emirates

Average precipitation/year: 1030mm
Comparable to 867mm in France or 1113mm in Croatia

Language

English (official)
In schools and official settings the use of British English is preferred. On Antigua and Barbuda you can find local Antiguan Creole dialects casually spoken in the streets. Around 10,000 people also speak Spanish.

Religion

Christian 77%
Anglicans 17.6%, Seventh-day Adventist Church 12.4%, Pentecostalism 12.2%, Moravian Church 8.3%, Roman Catholics 8.2%, Methodist Church 5.6%, Wesleyan Holiness Church 4.5%, Church of God 4.1%, Baptists 3.6%, Mormonism <1%, as well as Jehovah’s Witness.

Security

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda is not involved in any major international conflict. The 260 people strong defense force is mainly employed in security and coast guard duties.

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Real estate market

Average Price per Square Meter: $1,680

Prices in the city centers can reach between $5,000 to $9,000/sqm

Gross Rental Yield: around 4%
This is due to the relatively high flat rat tax of 20% on local rental income

Growing luxury real estate segment

Politics

Free Country
Freedom Score 85/100 according to the Freedom House World Report

Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Executive: Prime Minister and Governor-General
Legislative: National Assembly
Judiciary: High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal

Taxes

Territorial tax law
0% tax on foreign-sourced income
0% on local income
17% VAT

Tax haven
0% capital gains tax
0% crypto tax
0% dividend tax (25% for non-residents for dividends obtained in Antigua and Barbuda)
0% inheritance tax

Cost of living

Annual Inflation (CPI): 3.3% (2023)
Latest 1.22% (Feb 2024)

Cost of fuel: $1.50/liter

Cost of electricity: $0.42/KWh

Annual cost of food: $4,164 – 7,343

Healthcare

Mix of private and public healthcare
Healthcare services are funded by the government through taxation. Residents can access many services at low or no cost, thanks to subsidies from the Medical Benefits Scheme.

Doctors per capita: 2.9
per 1,000 people, WHO Global Workforce Statistics, 2020

Life expectancy: 78.5
(HMD 2023)

Education

Free adult public school through high school
98.95% adult literacy rate

Tertiary Education attainment: 25%
of adult population

There is one international private school in Antigua and Barbuda leading to IB.

Living in Antigua and Barbuda: Unique Benefits

Never had military service

Conscription or mandatory military service has never existed in Antigua Barbuda since it gained independence in 1981. It is only one out of two Eastern Caribbean states maintaining a standing armed force of 150 people.

British Legal System

Based on English Common Law, the legal system is robust and business-friendly, protecting investments and property rights.

Stable Currency

The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar, provides economic stability and predictability in finance.

Direct flights to major cities

Well-connected by direct flights to North America, Europe, and other Caribbean islands, facilitating easy travel and business. The destinations include: New York, Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta, Miami, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, San Juan, Sint Maarten, Bridgetown, Aruba, London and Frankfurt.

Sailing paradise

Known as the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean,” Antigua Barbuda hosts world-class sailing events like Antigua Sailing Week, attracting sailors and yachting enthusiasts from around the globe. There are more than 100 yachts yearly participating in the event. Yachting is with $200m a significant part of Antigua’s economy.

Antigua and Barbuda: surprising must-knows and fun facts

Pinkest beach of the Carribbean

The pink beach of Barbuda is considered the pinkest beach of the Carribbean. These pink sand beaches are created from finely crushed coral and are a rare natural phenomenon perfect for romantic getaways.

Land of 365 beaches

Antigua and Barbuda is often also called the land of 365 beaches. Although the country is one of the world’s smallest nations, it really has 365 beaches. So every single day of the year you could spend at a different stunningly beautiful beach. In the photo here you see the beautiful Ffryes Beach of Antigua island.

Columbus visited and named Antigua in 1493

When Christopher Columbus visited the island Antigua in the year 1493, he named the island Antigua after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in the Spanish city Sevilla, because he liked Sevilla so much. Sevilla in Spain remained one of his favourite places so that he was even buried there.

Boggy Peak

One of the mountains of Antigua and Barbuda was named “Mount Obama” for a few years from 2009 until 2016. In 2016, the government then re-named this 402m tall hill again into it’s original name “Boggy Peak. It’s part of the Shekerly Mountains, which really is a small range of peaks in the south west of the island of Antigua.

Princess Diana beach

Although Antigua gained independence from the United Kingdom in November 1981, British influences are still very visible. Not only do they still recognise King Charles as their official head of state, but they also drive on the left side of the road and even named a beach after Princess Diana: The Princess Diana Beach.

Deep meaning of national flag

The national flag of Antigua stands out with its unusual design. The red stands for the life of the people (the living blood of people), the black stands for Antigua’s fertile black soil and for its African heritage, the rising sun symbolises the begin of a new era, the blue symbolises its water and the hope, the white stands for it’s beautiful white sand. The overall V-shape also carries the meaning of victory.

Discover the beauty of Antigua and Barbuda with Pallas

Whether you are planning a holiday in Antigua and Barbuda, considering moving there, or just want to obtain citizenship by investing there, it’s always good to get to know the country first. This is why we summarised the most important facts about this country here for you. If you are interested, we can also help you obtain citizenship in this stunning Caribbean destination. We’ll guide you through the process and highlight the incredible benefits of becoming a citizen and getting a passport of Antigua and Barbuda.

Exploring Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are two breathtaking islands nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. With their warm climate, welcoming people, and well-developed luxury resorts, these are true Caribbean paradise islands. As a former British Colony, English is the primary language spoken here, making it easy to communicate and feel at home. Did you know that Antigua was named by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Sevilla, Spain? The island’s rich history dates back centuries, and remnants of its colonial past are still visible today.

Investing in Antigua and Barbuda

The economy of these islands is based on tourism and finance. The nation has a GDP of $2.0 billion and a growing economy. Investing in Antigua and Barbuda not only opens up opportunities for financial growth but also grants you access to tax benefits. As a citizen, you’ll enjoy advantages such as no personal income or estate taxes, allowing you to maximize your earnings. With a population of approximately 93.8 thousand people and a median age of 36 years, Antigua and Barbuda is a very small and young country. Living here means you can quickly get to know every important person in the country. You are not one of millions but belong to a very small, exclusive group of individuals.

Caribbean island life in Antigua

Life in Antigua and Barbuda is all about relaxation and enjoyment. With 365 beaches to explore—one for every day of the year—you’ll never run out of places to soak up the sun and unwind. Go for an evening walk through the beautiful streets of St. John’s or enjoy the sun on the soft and natural coral sand beaches. Living here is like being on vacation every day. The islands experience an average temperature of 26°C, with sunshine hours totaling 3,369 per year. You’ll be living in one of the sunniest countries in the world. Annual precipitation averages 1030mm, ensuring a flourishing nature. Antigua and Barbuda offer the perfect climate for people who like to live in an eternal summer.

Safety and stability

Due to its small size, safety is not an issue in Antigua and Barbuda. Also, in terms of world politics, this country is calm, as it is not involved in any major international conflicts. Antigua does have a small defence force focused on protecting the islands, so residents can feel secure in their small home country. Additionally, the democratic government ensures stability and continuity, providing peace of mind for citizens and investors. Antigua and Barbuda operate as unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchies with a free and democratic system. The islands have a Freedom Score of 85/100, according to the Freedom House World Report. With a stable political environment and a commitment to upholding civil liberties, Antigua and Barbuda offers a secure and welcoming home for all.

Tax benefits and affordability

Living in Antigua and Barbuda comes with financial advantages. With no personal income or capital gains tax, you can keep more of your hard-earned money. The cost of living is reasonable, with affordable healthcare and education options available to residents. Plus, with an annual inflation rate of just 3.3%, your money goes further on the islands. The country is also valued by many people who move here by it’s policy to have no inheritance tax.

Accessible healthcare and education

Healthcare and education are accessible to all residents of Antigua and Barbuda. The islands offer a mix of public and private healthcare services, with government subsidies ensuring affordability for all. Education is free until high school, and everyone has access to school. Additionally, opportunities for higher education, including international programs, are available for those who want to continue their studies. Antigua and Barbuda boast a literacy rate of 98.95% and a tertiary education attainment rate of 25% of the adult population. With a commitment to providing quality education to all residents, the islands are paving the way for future generations to succeed.

Benefits of being a citizen

One of the main benefits of being a citizen and having the passport of Antigua and Barbuda is that you can travel to over 140 countries without a visa. In contrast to countries like Switzerland, there is no military service required in the Caribbean island nation. The legal system, being based on British law, is easy to understand and supports you in protecting your rights and investments. With direct flights to major cities worldwide, travelling to and from the islands is convenient and hassle-free, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones around the globe.

The charm of Antigua and Barbuda

Did you know that Antigua and Barbuda are home to the pinkest beaches in the Caribbean? The stunning pink sand beaches of Barbuda are a natural wonder, created from finely crushed coral. These Instagrammable beaches are perfect for romantic getaways.

Sailing Capital of the Caribbean

Known as the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean,” Antigua Barbuda hosts world-class sailing events like Antigua Sailing Week. Sailing the Caribbean Sea is an amazing experience, both for enthusiastic beginners and for professional competition sailors. It’s not just the warm temperatures which make it so much nicer if you are hit by a splash of water while sailing, but also the crystal-clear waters and beautiful views. experienced sailor or a novice enthusiast, there’s no better place to experience the thrill of the open sea than on the crystal-clear waters of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda’s rich maritime history is celebrated throughout the islands, with sailing festivals and regattas held year-round. From traditional wooden boats to state-of-the-art yachts, there’s something for every sailor to enjoy on the sailing paradise islands.

Your journey starts here

If you’re ready to get the passport of Antigua and Barbuda or are still considering whether it’s the best choice for you personally, we are here to assist and consult you in your decision-making process. With Pallas as your trusted guide, obtaining citizenship is simpler than ever. Contact us today to start your adventure and discover all that Antigua and Barbuda have to offer!