Are you interested in moving to Antigua and Barbuda? If so, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll talk about this paradise island nation located in the heart of the Caribbean, so that you know what makes it such a fascinating destination. Antigua and Barbuda captivates visitors with its stunning beaches, sapphire waters, and luxurious lifestyle. These enchanting islands boast an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, rich history, and world-class amenities that attract tourists seeking a tropical getaway. Whether you want to relax in an exclusive resort or explore the vibrant local culture, Antigua and Barbuda will surely exceed your expectations. With a pleasant climate and a friendly community, this island nation is just the right place to create your ideal life. Living here is a dream come true.
Living in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda is an independent island nation located in the Leeward Islands. It is a safe country, with political stability, friendly natives, and sunny weather. It has an enviable reputation and offers quite a few benefits for expats. English is the primary language in Antigua & Barbuda and the current population is approximately 93,200. How to Get to Antigua and Barbuda. It’s possible to reach Antigua & Barbuda by plane from many different cities, including:
However, both UK and US airports are by far the most common options. If you are departing from the UK, you will have the choice between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. If you are departing from the US, you can opt for Delta, American Airlines, or United Airlines. Antigua has a single international airport, which is located about ten kilometers from St. John’s. Cost of Living in Antigua and Barbuda. It’s no secret that Antigua is quite expensive, especially compared to some European countries. In the chart below, you see what the average cost of living is before booking your move. Of course, the costs may vary significantly from one person to another. Tourism is the island state’s dominant economic sector. It generates around 60% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency. 25% of the available workforce is employed in the tourism industry. Agriculture and fishing, on the other hand, have fallen significantly in importance in recent years, contributing only 2% to GDP. As a result, massive food imports are crucial to the country’s well-being. The same can be said about digital services. How the economy, and in particular the construction sector, will develop in the medium term depends on the number of visitors from England, the USA, and Canada. Almost 80% of tourists come from these countries. The small Caribbean state also prides itself on its role as a “hot spot for celebrities”, from Robert de Niro to Liza Minelli and Claudia Schiffer to Giorgio Armani. In order to reduce dependence on tourism and improve infrastructure and energy supplies, Antigua and Barbuda started cooperating with the People’s Republic of China and has become a member of ALBA, initiated by Venezuela. The “Petro Caribe” agreement between Venezuela and thirteen Caribbean states guarantees Antigua and Barbuda the purchase of crude oil and different oil products under special conditions. As of 2024, the average monthly salary in this country is approximately 3,000 XCD (East Caribbean Dollars). However, it should be noted that this figure can vary dramatically depending on the industry and profession. The best-paying jobs are mainly related to the tourism sector, as it is the island’s primary source of income. In particular, jobs related to casinos and resorts tend to offer higher salaries. Other well-paying jobs include those in financial services, such as lawyers and finance experts. Keep in mind that high-paying jobs are quite limited and often reserved only for local citizens. There are numerous ways to gain the desired citizenship as an expat. First of all, it’s possible to invest in a real estate project: the minimum possible sum in this case is $300,000, with a minimum maintenance of 5 years. This sum corresponds to processing fees. You can also make a direct investment of $1,500,000. Keep in mind that this sum will increase to $5,000,000 if it is a shared investment (2 people or more). Last, but not least, you can make a unique contribution to the NDF. In this case, you’ll need to make a total contribution of $260,000. It’s by far the most affordable option. If you want to obtain a passport and start living on the island as soon as possible, then you as an expat must be able to satisfy several mandatory requirements. These include: As of today, there are almost a hundred thousand people living in Antigua and Barbuda. They are very proud of their rich maritime tradition and rightly so. Many expats who choose to live here have a close connection to the sea and are involved in water sports such as sailing and scuba diving, making this island a mecca for maritime enthusiasts. This combination of warm hospitality, cultural diversity, and maritime heritage is what makes these islands such a fascinating place. Life in Antigua is truly fascinating. Once you move here, you’ll be able to visit dozens of wonderful beaches. These include comfortable and well-organized ones, as well as wilder ones, but all of them are equally heavenly. Along the northwest coast, Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay are two wonderful options for those looking for an equipped beach. There are also plenty of beautiful beaches in St. John’s worth visiting, including Fort James and Deep Bay, the latter dominated by the ruins of Fort Barrington. Galley Bay is loved by surfers, particularly in the winter months, while of the 4 exquisite beaches of Hawksbill Bay, one is completely reserved for nudists. The very famous Half Moon Bay offers remarkable postcard views (it is no coincidence that it was declared a national park). However, it is better to avoid visiting it in summer from June to August, when the contrary winds fill it with seaweed. In the summer months, Valley Church Bay and Darkwood Beach are two great places worth visiting, which are generally not very crowded, especially during the week. Barbuda is an almost uninhabited island, but it is a great place to live. You can get there by ferry from Antigua or by flying on board small planes with about ten seats. It has some still unpaved roads where it is not uncommon to come across placidly lying donkeys or cows. The point where local life is concentrated is Codrington, the capital, which stands along the internal side of the lagoon. Being a small and charming cluster of houses, it hosts an ancient government building erected in 1743. Other places of interest include Sinkhole, White Bay, Spanish Point, the ancient Martello Tower, and Two Feet Bay, which is a complex of caves where you can admire the lovely graffiti of the ancient inhabitants. All in all, if you love peace and tranquility, you’ll surely enjoy living in Barbuda. Looking for an unforgettable experience? Then the tropical island is just the right place for you. Here is why moving here is such a great idea no matter your preferences: Advantages: Disadvantages: As you’d expect, the pros by far outweigh all the cons, so you’re sure to have a great time on the islands. This country is home to a few magnificent islands, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without a care in the world. It has an enormous selection of beaches for every taste, and you’ll never get tired of visiting them while living here. The beaches are just a glimpse of what you can expect, however, because the Caribbean islands have a lot more to offer. The largest island is full of colorful fish and coral reefs where you can dive, surf, and parasail, among other activities. On land itself, you can take a Land Rover to visit small villages, lush rainforests, and colonial shipyards. Or how about a climb to Mount Obama, the former Boggy Peak that has been named after an American president back in 2009? The capital, St. John’s, is a scene of centuries-old wooden houses with iron roofs and a harbor where yachts and sailboats dock. Smaller Barbuda is quieter but no less beautiful, although it suffered greatly from the devastation of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The land of carnivals, cricket, and cruise ships begs to be visited. Once you start living here, you’ll never go back. It’s a premier destination that offers plenty of thrills. Just five days. Talking about the citizenship programme, you have to visit the country for up to 5 days during the period of validity of your passport (5 years), otherwise it will not be renewed. The standard language is English, although most locals speak to each other in a Creole dialect, also known as “Broken English”. Absolutely. It’s perfectly safe for travelers. There is no shortage of places you should visit, including the local museum, Fort James, Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation, Devil’s Bridge, National Park, Fort Barrington, Shirley Heights, VC Bird Monument, and many others.
Activities
Cost of Living
Average daily cost
$406
Rent (1-bedroom apartment)
$800-$1500
Utilities
$100-$150
Food
$300-$500
Health insurance
$50-$100
Economy/Tourism
Jobs and Average Salaries
Citizenship by Investment in Antigua and Barbuda
Name
Price
Investment in real estate
$300,000
Investment in business
$1,500,000
Donation to the National Development Fund
$230,000
What Documents Do You Need for a Passport?
Population
The Most Beautiful Places in Antigua
What to Do and See in Barbuda
Top Benefits and Drawbacks of Living in Antigua as an Expat
Why Move to Antigua & Barbuda
FAQ