Antigua’s Business Climate: Quick Setup but Legal Hurdles Remain
Antigua and Barbuda promotes itself as a welcoming destination for investors, with a business registration process that can be completed in as little as three weeks. But a U.S. government report says legal complexities and reliance on local attorneys still pose hurdles for foreign companies looking to enter the market.
The 2025 Investment Climate Statement, published in September by the U.S. Department of State, said registering a business requires filings with several agencies, including the Intellectual Property and Commercial Office, Inland Revenue Department, Social Security Scheme, Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Board of Education. Most investors hire a local attorney to prepare the incorporation documents.
The report noted that the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) serves as a key facilitator, helping foreign investors navigate incentives and concessions. It also pointed to reforms tied to Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the World Trade Organization’s Joint Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development, aimed at improving transparency and streamlining processes.
Despite those efforts, the State Department said that many policies affecting investors are not subject to public consultation, and some legislation is still developed without broad stakeholder input. While accounting and regulatory procedures generally align with international standards, critics argue that a stronger consultative process is needed to boost investor confidence.
Antigua and Barbuda’s government maintains there are no restrictions on foreign ownership, and the country’s legal system — based on British common law — provides for property rights and commercial enforcement. Still, the report concluded that while the overall investment climate is improving, “legal and procedural hurdles remain a factor for investors.”
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