Throughout the developed world, there are a number of individuals who have amassed substantial personal fortunes during their working lives.

It is customary for the relevant authorities in their countries of residence to levy substantial taxes on their income and assets. These individuals, whether still working, or on retirement, usually seek out countries where they can establish residence and, eventually, domicile in order to minimise, or eliminate altogether, their liability to taxes. This is perfectly normal and legal and all part of any sensible tax planning structure.

Ideally, these "high net-worth" individuals look for countries where there is NO Personal Income Tax, NO Capital Gains Tax, NO Wealth Tax, and NO Inheritance Tax.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, recognising this need, has implemented laws which now facilitate these individuals, and their desires.

The Immigration and Passport Act was amended in 1995, to put in place provisions which have, in effect "opened the doors" for these high net-worth individuals, and their families, to obtain Permanent Resident Status in Antigua and Barbuda.

In order to qualify as a "Resident" for tax purposes and thus, benefit from the Permanent Residence Programme, certain conditions must be met.

These are:

	The payment of a Levy of US$20,000.00
	Actual presence in Antigua and Barbuda for a minimum of thirty (30) days in each year.
	The purchase or lease of residential property on the Island.

In order to obtain a Permanent Resident Certificate, an application must be made in a prescribed form and must be accompanied by the following documents:

	A financial statement in respect of annual earnings
	A bank statement on financial status
	Evidence of citizenship
	Two (2) Character References
	A Birth Certificate
	A Medical Certificate
	Evidence of entry into a US$20,000.00 Security Bond with the Government.

Applications are made to a designated Administrator who will then submit the completed Application Form to Cabinet for final approval.

The Permanent Resident Certificate, once granted, is valid for twelve (12) months and a certificate holder is entitled to be issued with a Non-Citizen Land Holding Licence enabling him or her own real estate on the island.

CMAL has the staff and expertise to assist you with all aspects of your application for Permanent Residence Status. Specifically, we can provide the following services:

	Completing your Application Form
	Reviewing and advising on supporting documentation
	Following up on the Application during the various stages of its processing.
	Assisting with the processing of paperwork for purchasing or leasing residential property.