Antigua and barbuda remains one of the few low tax countries in the world providing tax free benefit to citizenship investors. Taxes are levied based on residency NOT citizenship. The Antigua Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program offer distinct tax perks such as exemption 0% tax on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth.
It is possible for citizens to become a tax resident of Antigua and Barbuda depending on how many days they spend in the islands.
Tax residents are classified as those residing in the country for more than 183 days a year.
Key Benefits
- No Worldwide Tax: No taxes are imposed on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance.
- 0% Income Tax: There is no personal income tax on income earned within or outside the country.
- Corporate Tax Exemptions: International Business Corporations (IBCs) can enjoy 0% tax on profits.
- Property Tax: A low real property tax of 0.1%–0.5% applies to the assessed market value.
Brief Comparison
- Residents have no personal income tax liability on either local or global income, which is a core feature of the current Antigua and Barbuda tax regime.
- Non-residents are not generally subject to income tax, but passive income sourced from Antigua and Barbuda (dividends, interest, royalties) may be subject to a withholding tax (typically ~12.5%)
| Tax Category | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Income Tax | 0% – No personal income tax on local or worldwide income | 0% – No general personal income tax |
| Withholding Tax (Dividends, Interest, Royalties) | 0% on payments to residents | Typically 12.5% on Antigua-sourced dividends, interest, and royalties |
| Corporate Income Tax | 25% on worldwide profits (if company is tax resident) | 25% on Antigua-sourced profits only |
| Unincorporated Business Tax | 0%–25% on gross revenue (where applicable) | 0%–25% on Antigua-sourced gross revenue |
| Value Added Tax (ABST) | 15% standard rate on goods and services (some reduced/exempt items) | Same 15% rate on goods and services purchased locally |
| Social Security Contributions | Employee approx. 5.5%; employer contribution required | Applicable on locally earned employment income |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% – Not imposed | 0% – Not imposed |
| Wealth Tax | None | None |
| Inheritance / Estate Tax | None | None |
| Property Tax | Approx. 0.1%–0.5% of assessed value | Same rates apply on property owned in Antigua |
CRS/FATCA: The country participates in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for international tax information exchange. The Banks in Antigua will share your bank accounts with tax authorities abroad.
Tax Treaties
- Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs): Key treaties exist with CARICOM member states (Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent) as well as Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs): Antigua has TIEAs with numerous jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and others.
Tax Residency
Antigua & Barbuda offers a special Tax Residency status for those who want to do business and/or stay in the country.
Permanent Residency can be applied for on an annual basis, with the following conditions:
- Must maintain a place of abode in Antigua (leased or rented)
- Physical presence of at least 30 days
- Payment of a flat tax of US$20,000 per annum
- Permanent Residents receive a certificate of residency and a TIN (Tax Identification Number)
The important benefits of Tax residency for HNWI people are
- No income tax on worldwide income or assets
- No capital gains tax on worldwide income or assets
- No inheritance tax on worldwide income or assets
- No wealth tax on worldwide income or assets
Property Taxes
Foreigners can freely purchase property in Antigua and Barbuda, but must obtain an Alien Landholding License (ALHL), typically costing 5% of the property value and taking 3–5 months to approve. Key costs include a 2.5% stamp duty and 1–2% legal fees.
Another route to is to buy approved property under CIP program. No ALHL license required and exemption of stamp duty provided.
Inland Revenue Department
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is the revenue collection agency of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Taxpayers that are required to file tax
returns are registered and provided with a TIN once the registration process is completed.