If you’ve never heard of it, you haven’t even seen it in travel catalogs or even in books about this country, then you’re missing out on a lot, not only in terms of horizons, but also in terms of great economic benefits. It is a small Caribbean country. Its main difference is not only in its mild and pleasant climate, which can attract tourists and vacationers. But in terms of economic growth, a high standard of living and an optimal tax policy. These are the main factors why investors and entrepreneurs choose this particular jurisdiction.
But you can only become a part of society by getting Antigua and Barbuda Residency. It helps to live in comfortable conditions, as well as to introduce business. Let’s see what obtaining a permanent residence permit will give you, and how to do it correctly so that everything goes well and the result is positive.
Overview of Antigua and Barbuda Residency Options
Another favorable condition is that anyone can get a permanent document, and there are several legal ways to do this. Before choosing a method, it is worth considering several aspects, including the goal, income level and desire to invest in the development of the state. You can’t just choose on a whim, because the type may not meet the goals. And this, in turn, will lead to serious problems or the need to change everything. And the changes will have to start all over again. So, let’s look at all the main ways:
- Investments in the country’s economy
Basically, everyone chooses this method because it is quite simple and at the same time reliable, since the chances of getting a document are high. The country has an Economic program, which allows you to obtain a residence permit. The conditions are as simple as possible. The first is to confirm a certain level of income, the minimum limit of which is set by the law of the country. The second condition is an annual tax, which is paid to the state.
- Investment Programme
It itself is designed to ensure that those who wish to obtain citizenship, but this cannot be achieved without obtaining permanent residence, which is considered a mandatory intermediate stage. At the same time, the applicant can choose which method is the most convenient. For example, applicants can make investments in real estate registered in the country, a charitable contribution. In addition, you can invest in an already established business. It is designed to ensure that those who wish to obtain citizenship, but this cannot be achieved without obtaining permanent residence, which is considered a mandatory intermediate stage. At the same time, the applicant can choose which method is the most convenient. For example, applicants can make investments in real estate registered in the country, a charitable contribution. The Government approves such projects because they contribute to development. In addition, you can invest in an already established business.
- Business registration
The government supports business development initiatives in the country, so if an applicant opens a company or plans to conduct commercial activities, then you can apply for a residence permit. But the state sets strict requirements, in particular, in compliance with tax regulations and migration conditions. This provides additional opportunities, which expands horizons in any direction.
- Contract work
A temporary permit is available for those who plan to work in the country, but an official device is required. If all conditions are met, you can apply for permanent resident status after the temporary one is extended.
Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency
Despite the government programs, the legislation sets strict requirements. The fact is that everyone gets the benefits, but they also have to comply with all the conditions in order to become a law-abiding representative. In this case, the conditions depend on which method of obtaining permission was chosen. These are document requirements and financial conditions. The main criteria:
- Before submitting an application, it is required to collect a fixed package of documents that confirms the status of a person. The standard list:
- Passport
- Certificate of non-criminal record
- Medical certificate
- Photo
- Proof of residence (for example, a purchase or rental agreement)
- Proof of income
- And after collecting the documents, you should fill out a questionnaire.
- No criminal record. A person cannot obtain Permanent Residency if they have a criminal record or if their cases have not yet been closed.
- Medical certificate. There is no need to undergo a full examination, you just need to prove that there are no serious illnesses. And especially those that are easily infected.
If even one paper is missing in the package, everything will be rejected, and then you will have to go through the procedure again. It will take extra time, so it’s better to do everything right right away. Just browse through the list so that it has everything you need.
- If the applicant wants to be allowed to obtain a residence permit, he must spend at least 30 days.
- Financial conditions. The country has a limit of 100,000 US dollars if an economic residence is selected. And it’s worth remembering that 20,000 will have to be paid as an annual tax.
Types of Residency Permits in Antigua and Barbuda
Before you start collecting documents, it is worth remembering that a residence permit is divided into several categories. They differ in terms of conditions of stay and additional requirements. The system has:
- Temporary: This is valid for only one year, but it is allowed to extend the permit further. This option is for those who are going to temporarily live or work. Also, if you plan to get a permanent residence permit, then this is a mandatory stage.
- Permanent: This is a more serious stage, so the conditions for obtaining are more stringent. Income, taxes, and residence in the country are checked here. But there are more advantages here, in particular, unlimited stay, and there is an opportunity to receive social benefits from the state.
- Through investments: This is the last stage before obtaining citizenship. It combines all the advantages of permanent residence and staying in the country legally.
Benefits
It is not just a pleasant climate and beautiful views; permanent residence provides many more advantages. In particular, a person can reside in the country for a long time completely legally. In addition, business opportunities are opening up, as well as for obtaining citizenship in the future. Speaking of the advantages, it is worth noting:
Tax benefits
The country’s tax system is quite stable and favorable when compared with other countries in the world. The government exempts residents from certain types of taxes. This helps to develop not only large businesses, but also to open startups so that there are no obstacles at the initial stage. This system is as transparent as possible, all conditions are available to everyone, but only after the procedure is fully completed. Many businessmen and investors choose this jurisdiction because the simplified tax conditions are suitable for favorable development. A stable legal system only leads to the growth of business and capital.
Comfortable and safe accommodation
The country is attracted by magnificent views and comfortable beaches, it’s all safe. The country has a high standard of living, so there is a small percentage of crime. The infrastructure is also well developed, so there is everything for a comfortable stay. The main thing is that the country is well developed:
- Healthcare is at a high level, and not only in terms of government agencies, but also many private clinics.;
- high level of education, in particular, English-speaking schools and many universities;
- low crime rate, even in small areas or tourist regions;
- comfortable conditions: from a pleasant climate to a long dry season.
Free movement
Another big plus is that you can move from one country to another freely. Such permanent documents allow you to travel freely:
- to the Caribbean;
- to the country with which the State has concluded an agreement.
If a person subsequently obtains citizenship, then he can already travel freely to the countries of the Schengen, as well as many Asian. The full list can be viewed, and these are the states that you definitely want to visit. If someone plans to travel a lot for personal purposes or for business, then this option becomes relevant. Because it’s pretty easy to get a document, and then the borders of many countries open up.
The path to citizenship
Second citizenship can be obtained if there are the requirements: stay, income level and absence of migration violations. Such a permanent document has value in the international arena. And all this can be obtained after.
Business development and access to global markets
International investors and businessmen choose this jurisdiction because there are all the conditions for developing business, as well as for reaching the international level. Pros:
- the international status for the company:
- a transparent tax structure;
- to open bank accounts;
- a good legal system;
- the international trade.
Safety, reliability, stability and freedom are the main pros. And these are just the most obvious ones, there are many more advantages that can be realized after the procedure is completed.
How to Apply
Completing all the points is mandatory if you want to achieve a successful result. If you skip at least one point, problems will arise. And there may just be delays and cancellations eventually. There are five main stages in total:
- Consultation and selection of a suitable path
To properly evaluate each option and choose the right one, you should contact legal consultants who will check requirements and help you decide.
- Collection
The application will not be accepted if at least one document from the mandatory list is missing. But it’s not enough just to collect. They must all be translated into English and certified beforehand. The entire package of documentation must be sent to the Immigration Department.
- Consideration
All documents are checked. This usually takes up to three months. The time frame varies depending on the complexity of the case and how busy the government agencies are.
- Obtaining documents
When the check is successfully completed, all that remains is to get permission and register with the tax authorities. This is the last stage, and here you can get advantages.
- Maintaining the condition
All that remains is to follow the rules, you need to stay for at least thirty days, and also do not forget to pay taxes. If violated, sanctions will follow, which will disrupt the plans. In general, if you do everything according to the list, then there will be no problems. Everything will be received on time, no additional conditions. Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Residency is a prerequisite that allows you to enjoy all the benefits. These include comfortable conditions and economic stability. Staying in the country becomes legal.
