For entrepreneurs and digital nomads weary of excessive taxes and bureaucratic hurdles, understanding the real costs of starting and maintaining a company in Antigua and Barbuda can be both empowering and liberating. If you’re considering relocating your business in 2025, this data-driven breakdown will help you make informed decisions—without the guesswork or unpleasant surprises.
Company Formation Costs in Antigua and Barbuda (2025)
Setting up a Private Limited Company in Antigua and Barbuda is refreshingly straightforward, with no minimum capital requirement. However, there are several state-imposed fees and professional costs to consider. Here’s a transparent look at the typical outlay, based on the latest available data:
| Cost Item | Amount (XCD) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 0 | $0 |
| Company registration fee (Registrar of Companies) | 800 | $296 |
| Name reservation fee | 25 | $9 |
| Stamp duty on incorporation | 300 | $111 |
| Legal fees (average for lawyer assistance) | 1000 | $370 |
| Business license application fee | 175 | $65 |
| Total Average | 2,300 | $851 |
*Conversion based on 1 XCD ≈ 0.37 USD (2025 rates)
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Incorporation
- Reserve your company name early to avoid delays (XCD 25 / $9).
- Engage a local legal advisor for smoother navigation of paperwork (average XCD 1,000 / $370).
- Prepare all documents in advance to minimize back-and-forth with the Registrar.
Annual Maintenance Costs: What to Expect in 2025
Once your company is up and running, annual compliance and operational costs are the next hurdle. Here’s a breakdown of the typical yearly expenses for a standard Private Limited Company:
| Maintenance Item | Amount (XCD) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee (Registrar of Companies) | 300 | $111 |
| Business license renewal fee | 175 | $65 |
| Accounting and tax filing (minimum, small company) | 500 | $185 |
| Registered office/agent fee (if using service provider) | 225 | $83 |
| Legal retainer/annual compliance (average) | 800 | $296 |
| Total Annual Range | 1,200 – 2,500 | $444 – $925 |
*Conversion based on 1 XCD ≈ 0.37 USD (2025 rates)
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Overheads
- File your annual return promptly to avoid late penalties (XCD 300 / $111).
- Consider bundled service providers for registered office and compliance to negotiate better rates.
- Keep accounting simple if your company is small—minimal transactions mean lower professional fees.
Case Study: Real-World Example
Imagine you’re a digital entrepreneur relocating your SaaS business to Antigua and Barbuda in 2025. You’ll pay around XCD 2,300 ($851) to incorporate, and your annual maintenance will likely fall between XCD 1,200 and XCD 2,500 ($444–$925). Compared to many high-tax jurisdictions, these costs are refreshingly manageable—and there’s no minimum capital requirement to tie up your liquidity.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- No minimum capital—start lean, keep control.
- Transparent, predictable fees—no hidden surprises.
- Annual compliance is straightforward—with the right local partners, you can minimize both cost and hassle.
For more details and the latest regulatory updates, consult these official and expert sources:
- Antigua & Barbuda Government: Company Registration
- Antigua & Barbuda: Starting a Business
- World Bank Doing Business: Antigua and Barbuda
- Lex Mundi: Antigua and Barbuda Company Formation
- HG.org: Antigua and Barbuda Company Formation
With the right strategy and up-to-date knowledge, you can keep your fiscal footprint light and your entrepreneurial freedom intact in 2025.