Citizeo
Pathway

Antigua and Barbuda Long-Stay Residence

Antigua and Barbuda Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

People with at least four continuous years of lawful ordinary residence immediately before applying can seek a residence permit in Antigua and Barbuda. Visitor stays alone do not establish ordinary residence.

Type
Renewable residence permit
Main requirement
Four continuous years of lawful ordinary residence immediately before applying
Visitor time
Does not by itself establish ordinary residence
Duration
Generally three years, with renewal by application
Absences
Immigration must assess time outside the country
Main limit
Not the separate permanent-residence scheme

Summary

Antigua and Barbuda offers a residence-permit process for people with at least four continuous years of lawful ordinary residence immediately before applying. This serves established residents intending to continue making the country their home.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

The 2021 amendment specifies four continuous years, and the 2023 amendment added the word “ordinarily” to the requirement. Document both lawful immigration permission and ordinary resident status for the required period. Four years of visits or home ownership alone does not establish that history.

Ask Immigration to assess absences, earlier status, and any change-of-status date. Keep passports, endorsements, permits, and records showing where you actually lived. You also need to satisfy the applicable identity, character, health, and support checks.

The Immigration Department describes the four-year route separately from the citizen-spouse route. A qualifying spouse should use that route's marriage and household requirements.

What This Route Allows

The ordinary residence permit generally lasts three years and can be renewed by application. The permit and governing conditions determine continued residence; renewal is not automatic.

Employment remains subject to the applicable work and professional requirements. Accompanying relatives should confirm whether they need separate applications or another family basis.

What This Route Is Not

It is not an initial visa for someone who has never lived in the country, and it is separate from the statutory permanent-residence scheme. It does not grant citizenship.

A retiree's change from visitor status can establish ordinary residence, but does not waive the later four-year requirement.

Next Steps

  1. Obtain a review of your status history and absences against the four years immediately before applying.
  2. Request the current residence-permit checklist and prepare the supporting records.
  3. Apply while maintaining lawful immigration status and any required work permission.
  4. Check the grant's expiry and arrange renewal in time.

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Other routes in Antigua and Barbuda.

Sources