The tropical paradise that appeals to travellers and investors
The tropical paradise that appeals to travellers and investors
The small tropical Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda is not only a travellers’ paradise, but also a prime destination for entrepreneurs and investors. Federico Vasoli, managing partner of dMTV Global, explains why the country is so alluring for visitors and businesses alike.
Antigua and Barbuda is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones. It is a Commonwealth realm under King Charles III and a full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Dr Giacomo Merello. Photo: dMTV Global |
Besides being a popular tourist destination in the West Indies, known for its 365 beautiful beaches – one for each day of the year – and the renowned Princess Diana Beach on Barbuda, the country is recognised globally for its business-friendly environment. It offers international business services, licences, and citizenship/residency schemes.
Dr Giacomo Merello, Lord Leslie, is the Special Economic Envoy of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda to Singapore, and is also the executive director of international advisory firm dMTV Global in Singapore.
In his diplomatic role, he focuses on promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s business opportunities across Southeast Asia, with support from dMTV’s founder, Federico Vasoli.
Offices of dMTV Global in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Malta, and Singapore provide professional assistance and facilitate connections for businesses and investors interested in Antigua and Barbuda’s offerings.
Citizenship-by-investment
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the CARICOM countries offering a citizenship-by-investment scheme. It stands out as one of the most affordable options, starting at $230,000 for a family of four.
The passport provides visa-free travel to 153 destinations, including Canada, China, Russia, the Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Ranked 27th in the world for travel freedom, it offers greater mobility for businesspeople and families compared to most ASEAN options.
The initiative is backed by a robust due diligence and applicant screening process, ensuring high standards that help the country avoid reputational damages. This thorough vetting maintains the strength of the Antiguan citizenship and its passport, in contrast to other programmes that have lost visa-free agreements due to lower standards.
Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship offering also provides flexibility for applicants. Families can benefit from a streamlined application process, and qualifying individuals can take advantage of specific privileges.
For instance, successful applicants may qualify for a coat of arms through the College of Arms in London, a unique recognition that adds prestige to the citizenship.
One of the most notable advantages of Antiguan citizenship is the absence of personal income tax, a feature shared by only 13 countries worldwide. This tax-free status is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs and investors, as it offers a significant advantage for wealth management and global operations.
Antigua and Barbuda’s International Business Companies (IBCs) provide an attractive alternative to more established options. These entities are exempt from taxes on income not sourced within Antigua and Barbuda, even if run locally by Antiguan citizens.
The framework ensures complete privacy, with records stored only in hard copy at the regulator’s office and accessible exclusively to company officers.
Unlike some competing jurisdictions, Antigua has been removed from both the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and European Union’s grey and blacklists, making it a secure and long-term choice for international businesses.
This regulatory clarity and tax-friendly environment have positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a rising star in the offshore business sector. IBCs operating here can leverage the country’s robust legal framework and strategic location to access markets across the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
Licensing and regulated business activities
Antigua offers competitive frameworks for international licences and regulated business activities. These options are cost-effective and less burdensome compared to larger jurisdictions, providing a significant advantage for entrepreneurs and corporations seeking agility and flexibility.
Key licences include:
Digital Assets Business Licence: This licence caters to blockchain and cryptocurrency services, including centralised exchanges, DeFi platforms, stablecoin issuance, startup incubation, and launchpads. The framework is designed to balance innovation with regulatory compliance, enabling businesses to operate efficiently while adhering to international standards.
Bank licence: Antigua and Barbuda offers different levels of banking licences, from private banking to full retail services. These licences allow international founders and financial entrepreneurs to establish institutions tailored to their needs, with minimal local requirements for economic substance.
Money service business (MSB): This licence focuses on a wide range of international payment services, supporting businesses involved in money transfers, foreign exchange, and other related activities.
International insurance licence: An alternative for insurers and underwriters seeking less restrictive environments, this licence enables businesses to offer insurance products and services in a global market without the constraints of larger jurisdictions.
Online gambling and e-gaming regulations: Antigua was among the first countries to regulate the online gambling industry and remains a major player in the industry. Its framework is more competitive than most of its competitors. Businesses can establish operations under these regulations with confidence in the jurisdiction’s reputation for integrity and oversight.
Entrepreneurs can combine these licences to create innovative business models. For example, a crypto-friendly financial institution could operate with a licence for both a digital assets business and bank, while an online casino could integrate e-gaming regulations and cryptocurrency for transactions.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission oversees these industries, ensuring transparency and compliance. The commission famously never approved FTX’s attempt to obtain local licensing, avoiding the collapse experienced in the Bahamas.
Tourism and real estate expansion
Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism, services, and real estate sectors are thriving. Barbuda is set to gain a new international airport, enhancing connectivity and attracting more visitors to this idyllic island.
Several new resorts and developments are underway, designed with sustainability and environmental conservation in mind. One such development is the Nobu Hotel, which complements the existing Nobu Barbuda restaurant, a popular destination for celebrities such as Robert De Niro and Jeff Bezos.
English Harbour view. Photo: dMTV Global |
On the main island of Antigua, English Harbour remains a focal point for cultural and historical tourism.
The UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, the only original Georgian British naval dockyard still in use, is a significant attraction. The harbour also hosts the annual Antigua Sailing Week, a world-famous event that draws yachting enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.
Sports also play a central role in Antigua’s appeal. The island is known as the cricket capital of the West Indies, hosting up to four major international cricket events each year. These events pull in diverse audiences from across the Commonwealth and beyond, further boosting Antigua’s reputation as a premier destination.
In summary, Antigua and Barbuda combines natural beauty with a robust business and investment environment. The country’s flexible and competitive options, from citizenship schemes to business licences, make it a prime destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and travellers seeking opportunities in a tropical paradise.
