Antigua Digital Nomad Visa in 2026: the NDR Program Has Ended

If you are searching for an Antigua digital nomad visa in 2026, the key fact is that the government's Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) programme is no longer open to new applications.

The official NDR application page says the programme ended on 15 November 2025, and the official homepage now displays that the programme has ended. This is more important than older blogs that still describe the two-year NDR as an active Caribbean digital nomad visa.

Former NDR rules

Before closure, the official programme was designed for non-nationals who worked remotely for employers, businesses or clients outside Antigua and Barbuda. The government criteria required the principal applicant to:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be employed outside Antigua and Barbuda and able to work remotely;
  • earn at least US$50,000 per year;
  • have a clean criminal record; and
  • satisfy applicable entry-visa requirements.

Applicants were also asked for passport copies, birth certificate, proof of employment, proof of funds, police certificate and medical/travel insurance.

Former fees

The official NDR fee schedule listed:

  • US$1,500 for a single applicant;
  • US$2,000 for a couple, meaning the applicant plus one dependent;
  • US$3,000 for a family including up to three dependants; and
  • US$650 for each additional dependant beyond that family allowance.

These figures are historical programme terms. They should not be quoted as a current 2026 application fee because the application programme has ended.

Former validity and processing time

The former NDR was valid for two years from approval. The official FAQ said holders could travel in and out during the two-year validity.

The NDR FAQ also published a 5–7 business day processing target once documentary requirements were satisfied, while saying an initial response could be received within 24 hours after submission.

Again, those were processing rules for a programme that closed in 2025. They are not evidence that a replacement 2026 digital nomad permit exists.

Could NDR holders work for Antiguan employers?

No. The official FAQ expressly limited NDR holders to remote work for companies and individuals outside Antigua and Barbuda. It did not authorize ordinary local employment.

A person taking a local job ordinarily falls under the separate Antigua and Barbuda work permit framework.

What happens to people who were approved before closure?

The government closure notice establishes the end of the programme for applications, but the public pages do not publish a special 2026 transition rule that ReloTide can safely generalize to every pre-closure holder.

Because the former visa ran for two years from approval, some valid NDR permissions may naturally extend into 2026 or later depending on the approval date. Existing holders should rely on their approval documentation and obtain direct confirmation from the NDR/Immigration authorities about travel, expiry or any change of status.

Can remote workers simply enter as tourists instead?

Do not assume that tourist admission is a substitute for the former NDR.

The Immigration Department describes visitors, extensions, work permits and resident permits as distinct legal categories. A visitor entry permit does not automatically authorize local employment or recreate the closed NDR regime.

If you intend to live in Antigua and Barbuda for an extended period while earning income remotely, ask the Immigration Department which current status fits your activity before relocating. The old NDR website is useful historical evidence, but it is not a live application path.

Current alternatives in 2026

There is no government source reviewed by ReloTide on 16 September 2026 showing a direct replacement for the closed NDR. Depending on your facts, relevant frameworks may include:

None should be marketed as a one-for-one replacement for the former NDR.

Tax warning

The former NDR FAQ said holders' income-tax affairs remained with their country of normal residence. That statement applied to the former programme and should not be copied across to another immigration status.

Antigua and Barbuda tax residence is a separate legal analysis. Its Income Tax law includes a 183-day physical-presence test alongside other residence rules. A remote worker should review immigration, individual tax residence, employer/business presence and home-country rules independently.

Documents to preserve if you were an NDR holder

Existing or former NDR holders should retain:

  1. approval notice and visa documentation;
  2. proof of approval date and expiry date;
  3. payment receipt;
  4. passports used for the application;
  5. insurance records;
  6. employment and income evidence submitted; and
  7. entry/exit records.

These records may matter if Immigration asks you to document your prior lawful status or if you later apply under a different route.

Frequently asked questions

Is Antigua's digital nomad visa open in 2026?

No. The official application page says the Nomad Digital Residence programme ended on 15 November 2025.

What was the minimum income?

The former programme required at least US$50,000 annual income.

How long did the NDR last?

The former NDR was valid for two years from approval.

Could dependants apply?

Yes. The former programme provided couple and family fee categories and required relationship, identity, police and insurance evidence for dependants as applicable.

Does Antigua have a replacement digital nomad visa?

ReloTide found no current official replacement programme as of 16 September 2026. Check directly with the Department of Immigration before assuming that a visitor, residence or work permit can be used for the same purpose.

Explore Antigua and Barbuda immigration options, digital nomad visa guides, and the Caribbean relocation hub.

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