Antigua and Barbuda is a sought-after destination in the Caribbean region. A growing number of individuals reaching retirement age are choosing to retire in Antigua and Barbuda, drawn by its awe-inspiring landscapes, year-round warm weather, and safe and relaxed lifestyle for retirees.
This guide will discuss life as a retiree in Antigua and Barbuda, looking at the following:
- Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda retirement for Americans
- Residency options for retirees
- Best cities to retire
- Cost of living for retirees
Why Consider Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda
- A peaceful Caribbean island nation full of lush greenery and spectacular beaches.
- Take advantage of lucrative commercial real estate investment opportunities and earn rental income.
- English-speaking local population.
- Tax benefits, including no personal income tax, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth tax.
- A cheap Caribbean destination to retire from the United States.
- Contribute to Antigua’s economy through one of three investments and obtain citizenship and a passport offering 151 Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries.
- Direct flights to major US, Canadian, and European cities, with more flight routes being added in 2024.
- Appealing events for retirees, such as Antigua Sailing Week, Run in Paradise, and Antigua Carnival.
Overview of Antigua and Barbuda
Foreign retirees flock to Antigua and Barbuda for its 365 stunning beaches and lush greenery as well as it’s fantastic properties and luxurious lifestyle options. Whether you’re a nature lover who likes spending your time outdoors or you prefer an upscale lifestyle close to modern infrastructure and amenities, the island nation caters to all tastes.
Antigua and Barbuda’s social and political stability make the island nation appealing to retirees. As a member of the British Commonwealth, its official language is English, which attracts retirees from countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. The government operates under a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, closely mirroring the governmental structure of the United Kingdom.
Cost of Living in Antigua and Barbuda for Retirees
Antigua’s average cost of living is more affordable than the USA and the UK. You’ll find local produce like bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, and mangoes at local markets like the Public Market Complex in St John.
Like many Caribbean countries, imported food items are typically more expensive in Antigua and Barbuda than in the US and UK. Here is a comparison of the average cost of groceries in Antigua and Barbuda compared to the US and UK.
Item | Antigua and Barbuda | United States | United Kingdom |
Milk (1 liter) | $2.41 | $1.05 | $1.57 |
White rice 1kg | $3.70 | $24.54 | $2 |
Fresh white bread (500g) | $2.84 | $3.57 | $1.55 |
Oranges | $3.11 | $4.48 | $2.69 |
Eggs (12) | $5.25 | $3.68 | $3.73 |
Onions (1kg) | $2.45 | $3.04 | $1.35 |
Chicken (1kg) | $7.22 | $12.04 | $8.34 |
Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $12.77 | $15 | $10.19 |
You’ll find numerous restaurants in St John’s and other popular towns like Jolly Harbour and Dickenson Bay, from inexpensive eateries to high-end establishments. Eating out in Antigua and Barbuda can be cheap. An inexpensive meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $9 on average, compared to $20 in the USA. Domestic beers are also half the price, at $3.70 on average, compared to $6 in the United States.
The average monthly expense for essential utilities in Antigua and Barbuda is around $290, which includes electricity, water, and garbage collection. In Puerto Rico, the same utilities cost $260, in the Bahamas $270, and in the US Virgin Islands $345.
The average monthly rent prices for apartments in the city center or outside the center are affordable compared to those in the US and many other countries, which cost as little as $370 on average.
Antigua and Barbuda Healthcare
Antigua and Barbuda healthcare has a good reputation, offering a high-quality medical care system to senior citizens. Antigua is home to 25 public health centers. The two main medical facilities in the country are St John’s Medical Hospital and Adelin Private Clinic. Both offer advanced healthcare services and highly qualified medical staff who have received foreign training.
While several hospitals in Antigua provide high-quality healthcare, retired foreigners living in Antigua and Barbuda may need to seek treatment abroad for specific conditions. It is advisable to take out a comprehensive health insurance policy with a reputable healthcare provider like Pacific Prime, Sagicor Life, or MSH International.
A quote from a Caribbean healthcare provider like Alliance Worldwide Care for a comprehensive healthcare plan for an American retiree aged 65 is about $392 per month ($4,704 annually).
Antigua and Barbuda Taxes for Retirees
Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean tax haven, offering a more advantageous tax system for retirees than most Caribbean island nations. Foreign retirees living in Antigua and Barbuda do not pay local or worldwide income tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, or capital gains tax.
Retirement income remitted to Antigua and Barbuda, including government social security, employer-sponsored pension plans, rental income, and IRAs, is not subject to taxation in Antigua and Barbuda.
When evaluating the potential tax benefits, retirees from abroad living in Antigua and Barbuda should primarily focus on any Caribbean taxes due on income earned overseas to other jurisdictions where they hold tax residency.
Antigua Immigration Options
There are two options to permanently move to Antigua and Barbuda as a retiree:
1. Tax Residency Program
The tax residency program grants permanent residency, provided foreign retirees fulfill the following requirements:
- Buy or rent real estate to live in
- Reside in Antigua for at least 30 days annually
- Earn an annual income of $100,000 or more
- Pay a flat annual tax of $20,000
2. Citizenship by investment
The Antigua citizenship program allows retirees to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport and reside in the country permanently, provided they fulfill the following criteria:
- Contribute at least $230,000 to the economy
- Pay the necessary processing fees
Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Antigua and Barbuda Real Estate Investment
Buying real estate in Antigua and Barbuda is one of the investment options to obtain citizenship and is a strategic path to retire in Antigua and Barbuda. The real estate market has numerous pre-approved property options suitable for retirees, ranging from beachfront properties to modern condo units.
The minimum purchase value of a home that qualifies for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda is $300,000. Depending on the town and location, investors can expect to pay between $200,000 and $12 million for an Antigua residential property.
Best Cities to Retire in Antigua and Barbuda
Most American retirees in Antigua choose to live in the following towns:
St John’s: St John’s provides the most real estate options, including luxury condos and townhouses. It offers convenient access to everyday amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies, the country’s primary medical facility, St John’s Medical Hospital, and several popular things to do in Antigua and Barbuda.
English Harbour: English Harbour has one of Antigua’s largest expat retiree communities and is sought-after among retirees investing in the Caribbean, being home to Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a hub for yachting enthusiasts.
Jolly Harbour: Jolly Harbour is a resort town on the west coast of Antigua. Many nature lovers choose to retire there for its natural beauty and stunning beaches like Jolly Beach.
Dickenson Bay: Located on the northwest coast of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is an ideal retirement destination, offering a tranquil lifestyle and relaxed recreational activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Nonsuch Bay: Nonsuch Bay is a small Antigua beach town that offers a laid-back lifestyle for retirees who prefer a more secluded way of life. It is located on Antigua’s east coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by hills and lush greenery.
Barbuda: Both Antigua and Barbuda are great for retirement; however, Barbuda offers the most unspoiled environment, with a significantly smaller population and close-knit community. It appeals to expat retirees that desire to be entirely surrounded by nature on smaller islands to live in the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda Expat Communities
Antigua’s economic citizenship program has elevated the country’s profile, with retirees after retirement planning to relocate to the island after acquiring citizenship.
The friendliness of both expats and the locals in Antigua and Barbuda makes it easy to feel welcomed and form new connections. Antigua and Barbuda attracts many retirees from North America and other parts of the world, and many US citizens retire in cities like Falmouth Harbour, St John’s, English Harbour, and Nonsuch Bay.
Facebook and TripAdvisor groups provide valuable resources for Antigua’s retirement communities. They help retirees integrate into the community and provide advice regarding the vibrant nightlife and bureaucratic processes of this popular Caribbean retirement destination.
Compare Antigua vs St Lucia Citizenship in our detailed comparison Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda
Numbeo’s living cost database estimates that a single retiree’s monthly expenses are around $1,100, not including rent and other costs like health insurance. Antigua’s cost of living, compared to other Caribbean islands, is relatively affordable.
You can get Antigua and Barbuda permanent residency by legally residing there for four years. This would initially require a valid reason to reside on the islands, such as obtaining a work permit or being the spouse of an Antigua and Barbuda national.
Alternatively, you can permanently reside in Antigua through the tax resident program or the country’s citizenship by investment program, which offers Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and a second passport to foreigners who make a minimum investment in property such as approved luxury villas, or donate to a designated fund.
For those wondering, “Is Antigua and Barbuda safe to live in?” The twin-island nation is known for its low crime rates, making it a secure option for foreigners to retire.
There is no designated Antigua and Barbuda retirement visa. Still, the Antigua citizenship by investment program allows foreign nationals to permanently retire in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing to the country’s economy through Caribbean real estate investment or donating to the country’s national fund. Additionally, successful applicants will obtain a second passport with expanded visa free travel.
Many expats and retirees view Antigua and Barbuda as one of the best countries to retire in the Caribbean. The country offers retirees numerous lifestyle and tax benefits, such as affordable living costs and property prices, a tropical climate, an English-speaking population, lush forests, and no income taxes.
The country’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar and ensures pricing stability. Beyond advantages like a tropical climate and low cost of living, Antigua’s dual citizenship program makes it easy to retire by the Caribbean Sea and new citizens can access Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries after obtaining a passport.
Retiring in Antigua and Barbuda is an excellent alternative for those seeking a more favorable tax regime. Citizens and residents banking in Antigua and Barbuda enjoy exemptions from income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, and inheritance tax.
Before deciding to retire in Antigua and Barbuda, it’s vital to consider a few potential drawbacks. One notable issue is healthcare; although facilities like St John’s Medical Center provide adequate care, they may fall short of the standards familiar to retirees accustomed to more advanced medical services.
Other negatives might include the cumbersome bureaucratic processes and paperwork for banking and other administrative tasks, which can be frustrating for retirees.
Additionally, while VC Bird International Airport offers direct flights to many major cities, the flight options are limited compared to those available in larger cities. This can affect travel convenience and accessibility for retirees wishing to visit family or explore other destinations worldwide.
In 2019, the retirement age in Antigua and Barbuda was set at 62, increasing incrementally by one year every two years until it reaches 65 in 2025.
American citizens can retire in Antigua and Barbuda through the tax residency program or the citizenship by investment program (CBI). The tax residency program grants permanent residency to retirees earning at least $100,000 who pay an annual $20,000 flat tax. The Antigua and Barbuda CBI program allows retirees to that make an economic investment of at least $230,000 through investment routes such as government donations and real estate purchases to obtain citizenship.