Key Takeaways

  1. Antigua and Barbuda issue work visas based on the duration of your stay, plus a special digital nomad and investor visa.
  2. You need to have an employment offer to work for an Antigua and Barbuda company, but to work remotely for a company abroad, you can apply for the Digital Nomad visa.
  3. For a company in Antigua and Barbuda, your employer is responsible for obtaining your work permit – you apply for the work visa online.

The twin-island country, Antigua and Barbuda, aka the ‘Land of 365 beaches’, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. With a small population of 97,000 people spread across its area of 170 square miles, it is also one of the least densely populated in the Caribbean. The country has several thriving ocean-based sectors, including tourism, fisheries, maritime transport, and water management. Other emerging industries include maniculture, aquaponics, marine biopharmaceutical enterprises, and marine renewable energy.

Expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s current sectors and building emerging ones means the country is more receptive to foreign professionals with niche skills. Waking up to white sands, a turquoise-blue view, and the ocean breeze is great, but employee benefits in Antigua and Barbuda are also super attractive.

If you want to move to Antigua and Barbuda to work, you’ll need a work permit, and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get one. We’ll discuss the different types of work permits in Antigua and Barbuda, the application timeline, and the associated costs.

Antigua and Barbuda's Work Visa System Explained

Different countries use different visa/permit systems before allowing foreigners in for work. Antigua and Barbuda has a unified e-Visa system where you can apply for a work visa online without needing to go through overseas missions or a consulate.

Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit

Before you can enter Antigua and Barbuda to work, you must have obtained a work permit. An Antigua and Barbuda work permit is a legal document that certifies that the employee is authorized to work in the country.

Thankfully, most of the process is employer-led, as the employer is responsible for applying and also paying the associated fees. Your work permit is typically going to be valid for only 12 months.

Antigua and Barbuda Work Visa

To gain entry into Antigua and Barbuda, you’ll need a visa. Antigua and Barbuda issues several types of visas based on the purpose of your visit, and also depending on how long you intend to stay.

Applying for a work visa is straightforward and can be done on the Antigua and Barbuda eVisa website. You only need to set the visa type to ‘WORK’ and fill out the forms. The eVisa system is much more convenient than visiting overseas missions or consulates (you still can if you prefer to, though).

Types of Antigua and Barbuda Work Visas and Permits

Antigua and Barbuda issues temporary work visas, work visas, digital nomad visas, and investor visas, depending on your stay duration and order of business. To get a work permit, you must have a job offer from an employer in the country.

Temporary Work Visa

As the name implies, a temporary work visa is issued by the Antigua and Barbuda authorities to foreign nationals who have been offered short-term work contracts. The country’s temporary work visa is valid for 12 months, which is actually great considering that some countries only issue them for 3 months max.

Permanent Work Visa

Antigua and Barbuda issues permanent work visas for employees who’ll be staying for several years on end. When applying for your Work eVisa, you can specify how long you intend to stay for but you may also need to renew your work visa every year. 

Digital Nomad Visas

Launched in 2020, the Nomad Digital Residence Programme created a visa specially for digital nomads and freelancers. To qualify for one, the nomad must be working for a company outside Antigua and Barbuda and earning at least $50,000 per year.

They must also have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old. The visa allows the nomad as well as their immediate family to live in the country for 2 years before being renewed.

Investor Visa

Antigua and Barbuda also has a citizenship by investment programme to attract wealthy individuals and drive economic growth. This is the quickest way for foreigners who want to get citizenship. You can decide to invest in the  University of the West Indies (UWI) Fund, real estate, approved development projects, or an approved business.

Requirements for an Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit

The specific requirements for an Antigua and Barbuda work permit depend on the kind of visa. The country’s Ministry of Labour determines the criteria each applicant must meet as well as the responsibilities of the employer. 

Before even considering your qualifications and documents to gather, you must already have an employment offer from a business or organization in Antigua and Barbuda.

Note that once you get an employment offer, you are automatically issued a temporary residence permit, expediting the process. 

Want to know what professionals earn in the Caribbean? Learn more in our guide to average salaries in Antigua and Barbuda.

Required Documents

To apply for a work permit in Antigua and Barbuda, you’ll need documents confirming your professional qualifications, financial standing, and existing employment. Some of them include:

  • An international passport: One that’s valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
  • Work permit documents: Your employer will process your work permit, and you will be required to fill the First Schedule of the work permit, which will be stamped by the Ministry of Labour and returned to you.
  • Passport photographs: A colored passport photograph taken recently
  • Documents confirming your Antigua accommodation
  • A bank statement: A bank statement of ‘proof of funds’ showing that you can fund yourself in the country
  • Police records from your country: An official police report from your country showing you have no criminal record
  • Birth certificate: A clear image of your birth certificate
  • Letter of employment: A signed and stamped official letter of employment from your Antigua and Barbuda employer
  • A notarized letter: A document certified by a notary public in your country, ensuring its authenticity.
  • Marriage certificate: For married applicants, you’ll need to send in your marriage certificate.

Checklist For an Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit Application

Thanks to readily available information on the official Antigua and Barbuda website, the process for applying for a work visa is pretty straightforward. These are some of the steps involved:

  1. Offer of employment: The employer kickstarts the process by offering employment and creating an employment letter.

     

    The Antigua and Barbuda government favors hiring locals over foreign nationals, so your employer must prove that they tried hiring locally first but couldn’t find a good candidate.
  2.  Work permit application: The employer then applies for the work permit along with the employment letter and any other required documents.
  3. Employer pays the application fees: After submitting the required documents, the employer pays the required fees pending the decision from the Ministry of Labour.
  4. Employee begins work: Once the department approves the work permit, the employee can start work and enter the country after applying for their work visa.

Special cases: A citizen of any member country of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) does not require a work permit if they have a tertiary-level education in specified high-value industries.

Work Permit Processing Time in Antigua and Barbuda

It’s only natural you’d want to know how long it’s going to take to get your Antigua and Barbuda work visa, plus how much you should set aside for payment.

The time it takes for your visa to be ready will generally depend on the type and application medium. From the Antigua and Barbuda government website, the processing time for your work visa application is 7 to 15 days. In some cases, the visa application can take up to 30 days.

The higher tiers, like business and permanent work visas, may take longer to process, but the Antiguan authorities allow you to expedite the process for an extra fee. 

Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit Costs and Fees

The cost for an Antigua and Barbuda work visa depends on the company profile. If you’re working for an overseas company that’s not based in the country, you’ll be paying $175 for a multiple-entry work visa. 

If you plan to stay for work longer than the visa validity period, you’ll need to pay a number of fees, including:

Fee TypeCost
Processing Fee50 XCD ($18) – non-refundable
Work Permit Endorsement (CARICOM citizens)75 XCD ($27.80) for 1-year extension
Work Permit Endorsement (non-CARICOM citizens)750 XCD ($55.60) for 1-year extension

If you are working for a company that’s doing business in Antigua and Barbuda, your employer is responsible for your work visa fees.

Special Offers for U.S Citizens

There are no special offers for U.S. citizens who want to obtain an Antigua and Barbuda work visa – you will need to go through the same application process. However, if you intend to visit Antigua as a tourist or for business, holding a U.S. passport allows you to enter the country without a visa for 6 months. Those with valid passports who still need a visa can get one on arrival.

What Are The Paths to Becoming a Permanent Resident of Antigua and Barbuda?

Obtaining a work visa in Antigua and Barbuda doesn’t make you a permanent resident right away. You’d need to have been living in Antigua and Barbuda for at least four years or be married to an Antiguan Citizen for at least one year before you can apply for a resident permit.

Alternatively, the country’s  citizenship by investment programme allows you to obtain citizenship when you invest in:

The National Development Fund (NDF)

This is a non-profit fund created to fund government-sponsored projects. You will need to make an investment of at least $230,000 to qualify for permanent residence. This investment covers your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents over 55 years.

Approved Business Projects

The Antigua and Barbuda government has a list of approved business projects and real estate projects you can invest in to qualify for permanent residency. 

The University of the West Indies Fund (UWI)

This fund finances UWI’s fourth campus. Using this instrument, you’ll need to make an investment of at least $260,000 for a family of six or more.

Secure Your Antigua and Barbuda Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

Antigua and Barbuda have several thriving industries, including tourism, agriculture, mining, and fishing. Several emerging sectors are also attracting skilled foreign talent. To work in Antigua and Barbuda, you’ll need a work permit, but thankfully, getting one is handled by your employer – you only need to apply for a work visa online.

The country also has a special digital nomad visa that allows you to work remotely for a company abroad as long as you meet the requirements. You now have all the info you need to get your Antigua and Barbuda work visa. Finally, when you’re in doubt, seek advice from experts in Antigua and Barbuda so your work isn’t delayed.

Relocate to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda offers a distinctive Caribbean lifestyle combined with a business-friendly environment and strong ties to the Commonwealth. The twin-island nation’s Nomad Digital Residence program, English-speaking population, and zero income tax policy for residents make it an enticing option for companies relocating team members who value tropical living alongside favorable fiscal conditions.

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