Indians who wish to work in Antigua and Barbuda must obtain a work permit before starting employment. The permit process is employer-led, meaning your Antiguan employer handles most of the paperwork and application steps on your behalf.
Key Steps
Employment Offer: Secure a job offer from an employer in Antigua and Barbuda. The employer must prove that no suitable local candidates were available for the position.
Application Submission: The employer advertises the job locally and starts your work permit application with the Ministry of Labour, submitting relevant documents for both the company and the applicant.
Required Documents:
Valid passport (min. 6 months from arrival)
Passport-sized photographs
Police clearance certificate
Medical examination report
Educational and professional certificates
CV/resume
Job offer letter
Proof of local job advertising
Employer's business registration
Proof of funds
Birth and (if applicable) marriage certificate
Application Fees: Employers pay the relevant application fees. Fees typically are around $200 for temporary permits and up to $500 for permanent ones.
Processing Time: Work permit processing can take between 2-6 weeks, and approvals may require additional interviews or information.
Visa Application: After receiving a work permit, the employee applies for a work visa online or via Antiguan government channels. The eVisa system is commonly used for convenience.
Start Employment: Upon visa approval, the employee can enter Antigua and Barbuda and begin working legally.
Additional Information
Work permits are normally valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
The process is employer-driven; the foreign national cannot self-apply without sponsorship.
Categories include temporary work visas (short-term), permanent work visas (annual renewal), and options for remote workers and investors.
Pathways to permanent residency require several years of legal residence or marriage/investment.