Antigua and Barbuda’s visa for digital nomads (officially known as the Nomad Digital Residence Programme) was launched in 2020. With this visa, you and your immediate family can live in Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years.
Antigua and Barbuda currently ranks 19th in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index of destinations for remote workers.
Antigua and Barbuda: Quick facts
Who Is Eligible for Antigua and Barbuda’s Digital Nomad Visa?
To qualify for Antigua and Barbuda’s digital nomad visa (Nomad Digital Residence Visa), you have to meet these requirements:
- You must earn a minimum annual income of US$ 50,000
- You must work for a company or clients abroad (outside Antigua and Barbuda).
- You must have a clear criminal record.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
How to Apply for the Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa?
You can apply for the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa online. Here is a quick overview of the application process:
- Fill out the online application form on the website of the Digital Nomad Residency Programme. The online form includes questions about your personal information, your contact details, and employment and income.
- Attach copies of the required documents. You have to attach digital copies of the required documents; the documents have to be in JPG/JPEG or PDF format.
- Pay the application fee. Once you fill out the form and attach the documents, you have to pay the application fee through a debit or credit card; the fee changes depending on whether you are applying alone, or with dependents. The fee for a single applicant is US$ 1,500.
- Wait for the visa to process. Once submitted, you will receive an email letting you know whether your application was accepted or denied. It usually takes 5-7 business days for the application to be processed. If approved, you will receive an email along with a Travel Letter.
How Much Is the Fee for the Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa?
The fee for the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad is US$ 1,500 for a single applicant, and increases if you have dependents:
| Single applicant | US$1500.00 |
| Couple (Applicant + 1 dependent) | US$2000.00 |
| Family (Applicant + up to 3 dependents) | US$3000.00 |
| Additional dependent (above 3) | Extra US$650.00 per dependent |
Will I Get a Refund if My Visa Is Denied?
The fees are non-refundable and paid before approval via credit card. So, you won’t receive your money back if your visa doesn’t get approved.
Can I Bring My Family With Me to Antigua and Barbuda On a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, your family members can join you in Antigua and Barbuda, as the program is specifically designed to be family-friendly.
Does My Family Need to Apply Separately?
No, your family members do not have to fill out separate applications. They will be considered dependents and can be included in the Family application type.
Am I Allowed to Bring My Pets With Me?
You can bring your pets to Antigua and Barbuda, but you must obtain an import permit from the Antiguan Chief Veterinary Officer beforehand.
What Documents Do I Have to Submit for the Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa?
When applying for the Antigua and Barbuda digital nomad visa, you have to attach digital copies of the following documents:
- Copies of your passport pages. Provide copies of the page with your biometric information. Your passport should also be valid at the time of application.
- Two photographs. Submit two recently taken passport-size photographs of yourself. The size of the photos should be 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm).
- Entry visa (if applicable). Please check to see if you belong to countries that need an entry visa to enter Aruba and Barbuda. If you need an entry visa, you have to apply for that before you apply for the digital nomad visa.
- Birth certificate. Present an original or a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Health insurance. Show proof of health insurance that covers you for the duration of your digital nomad stay in Antigua and Barbuda. You should consider including travel insurance as well.
- Proof of employment. Provide documents that verify your remote employment and income. This could include:
- An employment letter from your company.
- Proof of business ownership (if self-employed).
- Contracts with clients (if freelancing).
- Proof of income. You need to sign a declaration stating that you have $50,000 or more for each year you will stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Police clearance certificate. Enclose a police background check from your home country.
| Please make sure your documents are digitized before you start the digital nomad visa application. All documents presented must be in JPG/JPEG or PDF format. |
Additional Documents for Family Members
If you are applying with family members, you also have to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your family member’s passport bio page (the page with their photo and information).
- Birth certificate. Their original birth certificate or a certified copy.
- Two recently taken photos in passport format.
- Health insurance. Proof they have medical insurance with valid coverage for Antigua and Barbuda.
- Proof of relationship:
- For spouses: A marriage certificate (if applicable).
- For dependent children: A birth certificate or proof of legal guardianship, as well as a notarized letter from you proving your relationship to the dependent.
- Police clearance. If your dependent is 18 years or older, they will need a police certificate (or similar background check) from their country of residence.
What Is the Validity of the Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa?
Antigua and Barbuda issues the digital nomad visa for two years. During these two years, you can travel in and out of the country but must maintain residence in Antigua and Barbuda.
This visa is only issued once and it cannot be extended.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Antigua and Barbuda?
As a digital nomad, you don’t have to pay income tax in Antigua and Barbuda, as long as your income is from abroad.
Living Costs for Digital Nomads in Antigua and Barbuda
If you plan to move to Antigua and Barbuda alone, the cost of living will be about US$ 1,700 to US$ 2,000 per month; if you are a family of four, you need around US$ 3,000 to US$ 4,000. However, the precise cost of living depends on several factors, including whether you will rent in the city center or further away, as well as your lifestyle.
See the examples below to have a general idea of living costs in Antigua and Barbuda.
| Accommodation (Rent): | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | $370 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From $1,110 to $1,800 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,110 |
| Groceries | |
| Milk | $2.41 |
| Rice | $3.70 |
| Eggs | $5.25 |
| Apples (1kg) | $5.55 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2.96 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.59 |
| Potato (1kg) | $6.85 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 apartment) | From $130 to $518 |
| Transportation | |
| Local transport | $0.93 – $1.85 |
| Taxi 1km | $5.55 – $5.75 |
| Gasoline (1l) | $0.70 – $1.71 |
Do I Need Insurance Before Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes, you should have both medical and travel insurance before you travel to Antigua and Barbuda. Also, your insurance policy must offer coverage for the entire two years of your stay in the country.