More people are choosing to break boundaries and live abroad. Moving to a new country has become popular because it offers lots of opportunities and life advantages. If you’ve decided to set sail and settle abroad for financial security or to find the purpose of life, you might as well choose a place you’ll love.
Imagine waking up to the soft, warm light of the morning sun peaking through the horizon instead of a buzzing, noisy alarm. You step out of bed and plant your feet on the wooden floors of your home and walk towards the wall-sized window to greet the new day. Lush green pastures and the beautiful glittery sea dotted with yachts can be seen from your vantage point.
You soak in the view and take a deep breath, and a wave of serenity passes through your body. Now, you’re ready to take on today.
Life in Antigua and Barbuda is not far from the scene depicted above. It’s a place filled with beauty and peace. Read on about these Caribbean gems and learn more about how to move and establish a life in this corner of the world.
The Beauty of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are islands nestled between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. The luscious lands span about 443 square kilometers together (around 280 square kilometers of it is Antigua, while 16 square kilometers is Barbuda.)
The Caribbean islands are part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Commonwealth realm. As such, she is recognized as the Head of State. A Governor General represents Her Majesty in Antigua and Barbuda’s Constitutional monarchy, which follows a parliamentary system of government, headed by a Prime Minister.
1. Rich Heritage and Culture
a. Heritage
The people of Antigua and Barbuda have a beautifully blended heritage which makes up the Creole culture. It is a mixture of Amerindian, West African, and European traditions.
b. Cultural Highlights
- National Sport — Cricket is very popular in Antigua and Barbuda because of the islands’ historically close ties to Britain.
- Cuisine — Antigua and Barbuda offer local dishes that will make your mouth water. There is a delicacy called Ducana which is like a tamale or dumpling. It is made with grated sweet potato, cinnamon, coconut, and other seasonings, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
Other popular dishes served will likely include fish freshly caught from the sea, including tuna, mahi-mahi, lobster, and wahoo. Seafood can come covered in Creole sauce, which typically consists of peppers, onions, garlic, and thyme.
- Language — Majority of the people in Antigua and Barbuda speak English due to the British influence through colonization in the past.
- People — The inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda have strong community ties. There are many organizations for people to join and become involved in the society around them.
2. Natural Landscape
Both islands are surrounded by breathtaking beaches which are famous the world over and have pure white or even pink sands. The ocean is kept clean in these parts and displays a nice, deep turquoise-blue color.
As previously mentioned, there is an abundance of marine life in the Caribbean islands. However, Antigua and Barbuda are also known for their world-renowned aviary or bird sanctuary, called Codrington Lagoon National Park.
3. Potential Adventures
Antigua and Barbuda are popular tourist destinations. As such, there are plenty of outdoor activities to experience there. Its environment provides plenty of diverse recreational options like snorkeling, scuba diving, zip lining, and rainforest trekking, mountain biking and hiking and more.
How to Live in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda offer a citizenship by investment program. To participate, you will have to invest in an approved business, make a donation to the national development fund, or purchase property from an approved list.
Below are forms you need to fill out to join the Antigua citizenship by investment programs:
- Form AB1 Citizenship by Investment Application
- Form AB2 Photograph and Signature Certificate
- Form AB3 Medical Certificate
- Form AB4 Investment Confirmation
- Form AB5 Agent
- Forms for Passport Application
In addition to the completed forms the government requires supporting documentation. An application must be made via a Licensed Agent.
Benefits of Relocating
1. Financial Benefits
a. Taxes
Once you are a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, there are certain financial advantages if you decide to also become a permanent tax resident. For instance, there are no taxes for capital gain, estates, or income generated outside the islands.
*Economic citizens are not obliged to become permanent tax residents, however should you choose to become a permanent resident for tax purposes, you are required to be physically a resident for a minimum of 180 days in Antigua each year. Professional advice in Antigua and in your home country should be sought prior to making a residency switch.
- Cost of Living
It is generally cheaper to live on the Caribbean islands than in certain parts of North America and Britain, like New York City and London.
2. Travel Perks
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship allows you to travel, visa-free, to more than 130 countries, including some in the British Commonwealth, European Union, and the Schengen States. Antigua has a brand new international airport and the regional flight hub with direct daily flights to many major cities including London, New York, Toronto, Miami and more.
3. Cultural Intelligence
Cultural intelligence is a huge benefit to adolescents and teens in an interconnected global world. It is the ability to understand, work, and function in a diverse cross-culture environment. As societies continue to develop technology, people have to learn to live in a multicultural environment, especially when moving to a foreign place like Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua has one of the largest international populations in the Eastern Caribbean and offers children and adults a wonderful blend of cultures.
Live As You Wish
Living abroad can be intimidating, exciting, or both at the same time. However, relocating overseas isn’t out of your reach. Live the way most people dream about by making the move to Antigua and Barbuda.
AUTHOR BIO
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
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