365 Beaches, Zero Income Tax & Caribbean Citizenship
No. Personal income tax was abolished in April 2016. There is no tax on individual employment income, self-employment, investment income, rental income, or pensions.
No. Antigua and Barbuda levies no capital gains tax and no inheritance or estate tax, which is one reason it is popular for wealth preservation.
The standard ABST rate is 15% on most goods and services. Hotel accommodation is taxed at a reduced 14%, and some essentials such as exports and certain foods and utilities are zero-rated.
The standard corporation tax rate is 25% of profits, with a reduced 10% rate for specific sectors like banking, insurance, telecommunications and petroleum.
Possibly yes. Living in a zero-income-tax country does not end your home-country obligations. US citizens in particular remain subject to US tax on worldwide income. Seek cross-border tax advice before relocating.
Mount St. John's Medical Centre (MSJMC) in St. John's is the principal public hospital, handling emergencies and referrals. Barbuda has a smaller facility for its residents.
It is strongly recommended. Complex cases may require overseas treatment, so international health cover with medical evacuation is advisable, and proof of health cover is often expected for residence and CBI applications.
It is a contributory, payroll-funded scheme that provides eligible residents with access to covered medical treatments and subsidised medications. Employees and employers both contribute.
Common medications are available at pharmacies in St. John's and larger towns, but specific brands can be inconsistent. Bring an initial supply and a copy of your prescription for any specialist drugs.
The East Caribbean Dollar (EC$/XCD), shared across the ECCU and fixed to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.70. The peg has held for decades, making prices very stable.
Yes, relatively. Most goods are imported and electricity is costly. However, there is no personal income tax, and living like a local (local food, fans over AC, minibuses) keeps costs manageable.
It helps a lot. Minibuses and taxis exist, but a car gives the most freedom, especially outside St. John's. You drive on the left and need a local temporary driving permit obtained with your home licence.
The hurricane season runs June to November, peaking August to October. Storms are taken seriously — Barbuda was badly hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017 — so follow forecasts, know your shelter, and keep supplies during the season.
In St. John's and developed areas, fibre broadband is generally sufficient for video calls and daily work. Reliability varies elsewhere, so a backup SIM or hotspot is recommended for remote workers.