Antigua and Barbuda EOR & PEO
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DID YOU KNOW
- Antigua and Barbuda is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones, with 365 beaches—one for every day of the year.
- The country gained independence from the UK in 1981 but remains a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as head of state.
- Cricket is the national sport, and the islands have produced some of the world’s greatest cricketers, including Sir Vivian Richards.
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Working in Antigua and Barbuda
Financial Year Dates
Antigua and Barbuda’s financial year runs from the 1st January until 31st December
Minimum Wage
The national minimum wage is XCD 9.00 per hour (approx. USD $3.33), though this may vary by industry. Sector-specific wages are often set through collective agreements.
Standard working hours
The standard workweek is 40 hours, usually spread over 5 days, with 8-hour workdays. Hours are typically between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Overtime
Overtime is generally paid at 150% of the regular hourly rate for work beyond 40 hours per week. Work on public holidays may be compensated at double time, depending on the employment agreement or collective bargaining terms.
Holiday Allowance
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 14 days of paid annual leave after one year of continuous employment. Leave entitlements may increase with seniority or based on contractual terms.
Sick Leave
Employees who have worked for at least one year are entitled to 12 days of paid sick leave per year, subject to providing a medical certificate. Employers are responsible for paying sick leave at the employee’s full salary.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave: 13 weeks of leave, with 6 weeks paid at 60% of the normal wage under the Social Security Board (SSB), assuming qualifying contributions.
- Paternity Leave: No statutory entitlement exists, though employers may offer paid or unpaid paternity leave as a benefit.
Public Holiday
Antigua and Barbuda observes the following public holiday:
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day
- Whit Monday
- Carnival Monday
- Carnival Tuesday
- Independence Day
- V.C Bird Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Additional holidays may be declared for national events.
Social Contributions
Employers and employees must contribute to the national Social Security Board (SSB), which funds pensions, maternity leave, sickness benefits, and more.
Employers:
- 8% of gross wages
Employees:
- 5% of gross wages
These payments are mandatory and remitted monthly to the SSB.
Income Tax
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few countries with no personal income tax on employment income.
Employees are not taxed on wages or salaries. However, businesses must comply with Social Security and other statutory deductions (such as medical benefits and education levy, where applicable).
This tax-friendly regime makes Antigua and Barbuda highly attractive for expatriates and international employers.
Health Care
The country provides public healthcare through the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), funded by employer and employee contributions. Covered services include basic medical care, hospitalization, maternity, and pharmaceuticals.
While public healthcare is widely available, many employers offer private health insurance as part of their benefits package, especially for senior staff or expatriates seeking faster, higher-quality care.
Visas
Foreign nationals looking to work or reside in Antigua and Barbuda must obtain appropriate authorization:
Work Permit
- Required for all non-citizens
- Issued by the Labour Department, typically for 1–2 years, renewable
- Must be sponsored by an Antiguan employer
- Proof of job offer, medical examination, and police record required
Residency
- Residency permits are available for those seeking to remain in the country beyond their work term.
- Antigua and Barbuda also offers a Citizenship by Investment Program, though this is not tied to employment.
Family Reunification
- Spouses and dependents of foreign workers may apply for residency permits, subject to financial and accommodation requirements.
13th salary
There is no legal requirement for a 13th salary in Antigua and Barbuda. However, employers in some industries may provide annual bonuses or performance incentives, especially around the holidays or Carnival season.
Cultural Information
- The annual Carnival in late July and early August is the country’s largest cultural celebration, showcasing music, dancing, and colourful parades.
- Local cuisine features fresh seafood, jerk meats, fungi (cornmeal-based dish), and saltfish, the national dish.
- Antigua and Barbuda is known for its welcoming people, relaxed business culture, and vibrant traditions rooted in African, British, and Caribbean heritage.