Week-by-week setup plan for Antigua & Barbuda CBI citizens — including the required 5-day visit for compliance.
Overview
Most Antigua & Barbuda CBI citizens don't physically relocate full-time — but ALL CBI citizens must spend at least 5 days physically in Antigua & Barbuda within 5 years of citizenship grant (the ONLY Caribbean CBI with any residency requirement). The first 30 days for CBI citizens vary by approach: (a) compliance-focused visitors making their initial 5-day visit; (b) Real Estate route investors confirming their property + initiating rental/management arrangements; (c) full relocators establishing comprehensive infrastructure. For ALL CBI citizens, the 5-day visit is essential — plan it within 2-3 years of citizenship grant to allow buffer time before the 5-year deadline. The visit is also opportunity to: confirm Real Estate property condition (if Real Estate route), establish banking + investment relationships, meet Authorised Agent + local advisors in person, build local network, scout for future visits/relocation potential. Antigua & Barbuda offers exceptional Caribbean lifestyle for visits + extended stays with the famous '365 beaches' positioning, strong tourism infrastructure, established expat communities, and direct flights from major US East Coast cities. Population approximately 100,000. Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) pegged to USD at 2.70:1. English official language. V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) connects to New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto, London Gatwick directly. All factual information verified against ab.gov.ag and Antigua & Barbuda tourism resources as of 2026-06-04.
Week 1 — Arrival + Initial Setup
- Day 1: Arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Customs declaration. Save boarding pass + entry stamp documentation (important for 5-day compliance tracking).
- Days 2-3: Move into accommodation. Take meter readings (electricity, water). Confirm utility billing in your name. Save accommodation receipts as 5-day compliance backup evidence.
- Day 3: Get SIM card from FLOW or Digicel. USD 30-50 starter prepaid plan. Useful for relocators; less critical for short-visit compliance focus.
- Days 4-7: Initial orientation — explore St John's (capital), Jolly Harbour (expat hub), English Harbour (yachting), various beaches (Antigua has 365+ beaches). Visit Real Estate property if applicable for inspection + management arrangements.
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See Paid Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
What's most important in first 30 days?
For ALL CBI citizens: ensure 5-day visit compliance starts strong — track entry/exit stamps, save accommodation receipts. For full relocators: bank account opening, healthcare insurance, mobile + internet, schools if applicable. For compliance-only visitors: enjoy the visit, meet local advisors, scout for future visits.
How long does 5-day visit need to last?
5 days total over 5 years. Can be one continuous 5-day visit OR multiple shorter visits totaling 5 days. Most CBI citizens visit multiple times — Caribbean appeal + tax-planning rationale draws repeated visits. Plan first visit within 2-3 years post-citizenship to allow buffer time.
How do I prove my 5-day compliance?
Passport entry/exit stamps are primary evidence. Backup: boarding passes, accommodation receipts (hotel or rental property), restaurant receipts demonstrating presence. Keep digital + physical records. Track each family member's visits individually — each CBI family member must individually meet requirement.
How do I open an Antigua bank account?
With Antigua & Barbuda CBI citizenship, you can open accounts at ACB Antigua Commercial Bank (largest local bank), RBC Royal Bank Antigua, CIBC FirstCaribbean, ECAB. Bring passport + CBI documentation + proof of address + initial deposit (XCD 100-500). Account opening typically 1-2 weeks.
Healthcare quality?
Improving. Mount St John's Medical Centre (main public hospital, opened 2009 — modern facility) + Adelin Medical Centre (private) provide routine to intermediate care. Major procedures often require travel to Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Barbados, or Miami. Private international health insurance essential for residents — USD 100-500/month/adult.
Cost of living?
Moderate to higher Caribbean. Quality rentals USD 1,500-8,000+/month in expat areas. Jumby Bay (ultra-luxury private island) much higher. Imported goods carry premium given customs duties + import dependency.
Schools for children?
Limited international options — Island Academy International School + Christian Faith Academy. USD 5,000-20,000/year typical. Public English-medium accessible. Many expat families with school-age children continue online schooling or attend boarding school in larger destinations.
Where do most Antigua & Barbuda CBI citizens stay during 5-day visits?
Mix of approaches. Some stay at luxury resorts (Jumby Bay, Curtain Bluff, Sandals Grande Antigua, Hermitage Bay). Real Estate route investors stay at their CBI property. Some rent private villas (Tamarind Hills, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour areas). Authorised Agents can recommend accommodation based on visit purpose.