Relocating always comes hand in hand with changes. When you move to another city or country, you can’t expect everything to be the way it used to be.
Once you obtain your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and move to this country, you should expect to experience several changes. This is something that you have to deal with if you retire or want to spend several months in this Caribbean nation every year.
Fortunately, when you move to Antigua and Barbuda, the majority of the lifestyle changes you have to deal with are not too difficult or unpleasant. Since you will be staying in the Caribbean, a different way of living awaits you.
Below are six lifestyle changes you will experience once you reside in Antigua and Barbuda:
You will enjoy the same benefits as Antigua and Barbuda residents.
Whether you acquired your Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investing in a property or business or making a donation, you will experience the same benefits as the residents born in this country.
If you purchased a property, it will be registered under your name and you can call it your home. You can also turn it into a rental or holiday home if you want to earn additional income.
As an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, you can also use your new passport whenever and wherever you want. With this travel document, you can enjoy visa-free travel to at least 150 countries.
And even if you obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you won’t have to renounce your current nationality.
Finally, once you become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen, you will be exempted from paying various taxes, which include worldwide income, wealth, inheritance, and capital gains.
You will experience beach living at its finest.
Antigua and Barbuda is the country with the most beaches in the Caribbean. It is said that it has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.
Due to this reason, you will experience the best of beach living the Caribbean has to offer.
Whether you are fond of fun and frolic, want to relax, or simply get close to nature, there is an excellent beachside place for you in Antigua and Barbuda.
If you love going to bustling beaches where there are plenty of activities and people, Dickenson Bay, Runaway Bay, Deep Bay, and Fort James are the perfect spots for you.
However, if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a relaxing and tranquil day on a beautiful coastal area, head to Doigs Beach or Darkwood Beach.
If you love discovering the natural beauty of different seashores and taking photos, Half Moon Bay, Long Bay, Jolly Beach, and Pigeon Beach are some of the most picturesque places here.
You will have a more slow-paced, relaxing lifestyle.
Life in the Caribbean is unlike that of the type you find in metropolitan areas. Once you move here, you will be free of the stressful hustle and bustle you experience in the city.
With the relaxed, laidback lifestyle in Antigua and Barbuda, you will have no difficulty finding both the time and place to let go of life’s stressors. You will overcome the “hurry sickness” and learn to slow down and enjoy the small things in life.
Additionally, with the numerous picturesque beaches and other attractions in the country, you won’t be able to stop yourself from adopting a more relaxed lifestyle and living the calm, stress-free life you have always wanted.
Your daily outfits will change drastically as well. Since you will be living on an island where the weather is warm most of the year, be prepared to wear more casual, comfy, and cool clothes suitable for the beach and sunny outdoor conditions.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of swimwear, too.
You will enjoy the benefits of small town living.
Although there are two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda is still a small country. As such, be prepared to live in a community where everyone knows everyone else.
You will also have to learn to be friendlier and more generous with your smiles and greetings. The locals are friendly and you can rely on them for directions and recommendations regarding hidden gems that you should see and visit in the country.
Additionally, there is a thriving expat community in Antigua and Barbuda, with more foreigners expected to come in. Because of this, you will find plenty of like-minded persons to talk to and start friendships with.
You can then expect to establish personal and professional relationships with both locals and expats, which will make living in this country more pleasant.
You will discover and experience a new, fascinating culture.
The country of Antigua and Barbuda has one of the most interesting cultures in the Caribbean. It was first settled into as a place for sugar plantations and rum distilleries and as such, has a fascinating history.
The country has several museums and landmarks that allow tourists and new residents to learn about its rich history and culture. Moreover, you can always have a chat with the locals to get more insights into their heritage.
Another great way to learn more about the country’s culture is through the local food.
Antigua and Barbuda is known for its variety of fresh seafood, excellent rum, and amazing dishes.
Some of the most unique and delicious must-try food here are goat water, ducana, pork chops with bacon and bananas, and black angel hair fritters. You also have to try the country’s national dish, fungee and pepperpot.
You will find it easier to explore other countries.
There are dozens of countries in the Caribbean. With Antigua and Barbuda as your home base, you will find it easier to visit the nearby islands and discover what they have to offer.
Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Barthelemy are the nearest countries to Antigua and Barbuda. Aside from beautiful beaches, they have numerous well-known attractions and destinations which are all worth visiting on a day trip or even a short holiday.
Since you are already in the Caribbean, don’t miss the chance to explore the other nearby island countries as well. You can hop from one island paradise to another in one day or spend as many days as you can in your chosen destination.
And since your Antigua and Barbuda passport allows you visa-free entry to other countries in different parts of the world, use this to your advantage and visit the places you have never gone to before.
If you’re looking for a change in lifestyle, you won’t regret your decision to obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship and moving to this beautiful country.
AUTHOR BIO:
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.