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Antigua and Barbuda · Relocation guide

Moving to Antigua and Barbuda: permission and practical setup

Citizenship by investment, a resident permit and a work permit have different effects. Local employment normally needs its own work permission, while non-working residents and dependants must respect the activity limits on their status.

Content updated 12 September 2026. Individual source-check dates are listed below.

Separate citizenship, residence and work

A non-citizen taking local employment normally needs the work-permit process. Immigration guidance distinguishes worker, student, investor, homeowner, retiree and independent-means residence and says dependants of work-permit holders and non-worker residents may not simply take employment.

Separate citizenship, residence and work
PlanRouteImportant distinction
Local employmentAntigua and Barbuda Work PermitWork permission before the job starts
Residence planning/visas/antigua-and-barbudaUse current Immigration category guidance

Keep work and residence evidence current

Prepare passport, police, medical, qualification and employer evidence from the live checklist plus civil and custody records for family. Carry the resident card for re-entry and do not let a work permit expire merely because a residence application is pending.

Plan Antigua and Barbuda separately

Most services are on Antigua; living on Barbuda changes transport, health, school and storm planning. Verify the landlord, water and power arrangements, internet, inventory and notice terms, and declare imported goods accurately through Customs.

Register contributions before employment

The Social Security Board says a non-national registers before employment using a passport and work permit for the registered employer. Medical Benefits has a separate registration. Reconcile both records and ask Inland Revenue which tax obligations follow the actual activity.

Confirm benefits, insurance and school

Medical Benefits registration does not promise that every service or overseas treatment is covered. Keep private or evacuation cover until the household pathway is clear, and ask Education for each child’s permission, placement, address, vaccination and prior-school requirements.

Check licences, imports and pet permissions carefully

Confirm the local driving process with the Transport Board. Vehicle imports require Customs documents and may need other approvals. Obtain Veterinary Services instructions before booking an animal and diary residence, work, insurance and travel-document renewals.

Your moving checklist

Tick off the tasks that apply to you. The timing is a planning order, not a substitute for the deadlines on your permission or an official instruction.

0 of 13 tasks completed

Before you move
On arrival
Your first month
Later and before renewal

Sources and checks

The linked authorities set the rules. VisaAtlas explains how the steps fit together; planning suggestions are not a decision on your immigration status, tax residence or entitlement to services.

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