The sectors for which Concessions are granted under the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority Act Amended 2019 are: – Agriculture, Fisheries & Agri-business – Business Process Outsourcing – Creative Industry – Energy – Financial Services – Health & Wellness – ICT – Manufacturing  and Tourism.

The ABIA has however identified four main Sectors for initial focus based on the impact of the Corona Virus Pandemic. These are High End Tourism Services, Yachting and Marine Services, Business Process/Knowledge Process Outsourcing and Agro Processing.

The Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property Office specifies 48-72 hours as the time to complete the business registration process.

Procedures involved in the incorporation and registration of a new firm in Antigua and Barbuda

1. Search and reserve company name
2. Retain a lawyer to prepare the incorporation documents
3. Register with the Intellectual Property and Commerce Office and receive the Certificate of Incorporation
4. Apply for a taxpayer identification number (register the company for taxes)
5. Register for VAT and obtain an ABST identification number (simultaneously with previous procedure)
6. Register for medical benefits
7. Register for social security
8. Register for education levy

The Lands Division in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Urban Renewal is the custodian of crown lands on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. An investor can lease or buy land from the government or the private sector. Land sold to non-citizens is subject to the Non-Citizen Land Holding Regulation Act that makes provisions for the buyer to obtain a license to purchase land. The ABIA can coordinate with the various Real Estate Agencies with respect to available buildings for potential investors.

The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority Act stipulates a minimum capital investment of

EC$3 million.

There are no limits on foreign control of investment and ownership in Antigua and Barbuda. Foreign investors may hold up to 100 percent of an investment. However, the government of Antigua and Barbuda reserves the right to restrict certain niche sectors to local investments.

Living in Antigua and Barbuda

International schools, hospitals, churches, shopping, entertainment etc. -(Please provide summary of required info)

The breakdown of denominational affiliation based on the last completed census was : Anglican 18%, Seventh Day Adventist 12%, Pentecostal 12%, Moravian 8%, Roman Catholic  8%, Methodist 6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4%, Church of God 4%, Baptist 3%, other 12%, none or unspecified 13%

The education system in Antigua and Barbuda is fashioned off the British model with more recent modifications. It is governed by the provisions of the Education Act 2008 which makes it mandatory for students ages 5-16 to participate in the educational process. The sector comprises Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Technical Vocational and Tertiary Institutions including the University of the West Indies Five Island Campus. It comprises a mix of Government and Private Institutions. For expatriates, the Island Academy offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate curriculum.

There is also a buzzing nightlife and foodie scene with a tropical casual ambience. Antigua has a rich restaurant community that offers a great variety of foods and cuisines, making the most of the local products. You can find excellent Italian, French, Asian, & Caribbean meal choices in Antigua. There are many options of fine dining as well as many road side alternatives. An alfresco candle-lit dinner in one of the beautiful shoreline restaurants, or on your own private deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea is quite appealing. You can hear Live Music in Antigua almost every day of the week including soca, calypso, reggae, dancehall, jazz & rock. Many restaurants, bars & clubs will feature Live Music from both local and international bands and artists.

Healthcare

Health services are delivered at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels within the public and

private sectors. Free health care is provided by the Government. At the primary level, Antigua is

divided into six medical districts with a network of 25 public health clinics plus one clinic in

Barbuda. Clinics are located within 3.2 km of every major community. Secondary and tertiary health services are provided at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, a 187-

Bed facility in Antigua and the 8-Bed Hannah Thomas facility in Barbuda.

The health system is financed primarily through public taxation and levies in support of the Medical Benefits Scheme. The Scheme is funded by a payroll tax of 7 per cent that provides a dedicated revenue source for primary and secondary care. The government has taken preparatory steps to transition the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance program.

Shopping

Historic meets modern in downtown St. John’s where two charming shopping areas, the modern Heritage Quay and historic Redcliffe Quay are located near to the waterfront. For those seeking a bit of retail therapy, duty-free shopping is available in the Heritage Quay, where purchasers need only show their valid departure details, to purchase duty-free items from internationally recognized brands. The nearby Vendors mall offers a selection of local arts and crafts, straw goods, pottery and jewelry, while the boutiques at the historic Redcliffe Quay provides artisan products, trendy wine bars and cafes. Most shops are open Monday through Saturday from, 9am to 5pm.

During the week, the St. John’s Public Market on the southern edge of the city has folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and meats as well as a buzzing crowd that make for a lively morning especially on the busiest of days, Saturday.

Along the Friar’s Hill Road on the northern side of the island, visitors will also find a growing commercial district, where they will find supermarkets, restaurants, banks, telecommunication services and other businesses.

Events and attractions

Antigua and Barbuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard is without doubt Antigua’s jewel in the crown. Named after Admiral Horatio Nelson the Dockyard is now the backdrop to some of the islands’ most iconic events like the Antigua Sailing Week, and the only continuously working Georgian Dockyard in the world.

The recently restored Clarence House, which started life as the residence of the Commissioner of the Dockyard, takes pride of place in the UNESCO site, with HRH Prince Harry as guest of honour at the first event to be held there after renovations.

Built in the 17^th Century, Betty’s Hope Plantation lays testament to the islands’ sugar industry and slave past. With one of the windmills now painstakingly restored, the site stakes the claim of being one of the few working sugar mills in the Caribbean.

Fort James, St. John’s Cathedral and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda are also historic treasure troves located in the Capital City St. John’s.

Devils Bridge Antigua Natural Wonder located on the rugged Atlantic Coast.

Wallings Reservoir and was completed in 1900. It has a lovely picnic area and is the start to a number of hikes into the rainforest.

GOATLAND is an eco-friendly goat farm situated on an Old Cane Plantation Land, in Mathis Pond Road, nestled between Swetes and Matthews villages in the centre of Antigua

SPORT FISHING – Antigua has a vibrant sport fishing community. With several tournaments a year and fishing charter companies, there are excellent fishing grounds for you to come and experience.

Barbuda possesses arguably the best beaches in the Caribbean. Visitors can also experience the world famous Frigate Bird Sanctuary at the Codrington Lagoon and also take advantage of sailing as well as partake in the culinary delight of the freshly caught Lobsters.

In addition to Antigua Sailing Week the following events are also popular with visitors:

Antigua Charter Yacht Show

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

Super Yacht Challenge

Helicopter Tours including to neighbouring Montserrat home to the active Soufriere Hills Volcano

Annual Carnival from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August as well Independence Celebrations leading up to November 1^st Independence Day.

Hiking along trails in the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park as well as elsewhere in Antigua and Barbuda.