Moving to Spain from Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is visa-exempt for the Schengen area, but residing in Spain requires a specific permit, as for any non-EU country. Consular formalities are handled by the Embassy of Spain in Kingston (Jamaica). If your Antiguan passport comes from an investment programme, there are points worth knowing.

Key facts

• Entry: nationals of Antigua and Barbuda can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the Entry/Exit System (EES) records each crossing. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
• Citizenship by investment: since late 2025, the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism allows visa-free access to be suspended for countries running citizenship-by-investment programmes, and the Commission has asked Antigua and Barbuda to phase its programme out by June 2028. Visa-free entry still applies today; check before you travel.
• Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. When swearing allegiance you must declare that you renounce your previous nationality (its effect in Antigua and Barbuda depends on local law) and pass the CCSE and the DELE A2, because Spanish is not an official language there.
• Documents: public documents from Antigua and Barbuda only need an apostille (Hague Convention), but anything in English requires a sworn translation into Spanish.
• Driving and contributions: there is no licence exchange agreement and no bilateral social security agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your licence; after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.

How people usually move

• Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. It is a stay, not residence: that time does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
• Family. Marriage or a registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen gives access to residence as a family member, with the right to work. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
• Remote work. The digital nomad visa fits if you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. You can apply at the consulate or from Spain while legally present. Digital nomad
• Non-lucrative residence. For people living on income or savings without working in Spain: a consular visa, private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods, a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate. Non-lucrative residence
• Skilled work. With a highly qualified job in Spain you can apply for the highly qualified professional permit or the EU Blue Card, both processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). Highly qualified professional

Documents and apostille

• Police certificate from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, requested from the Commissioner of Police (Police Headquarters, American Road, St. John’s). From abroad you also provide a set of fingerprints taken by a police authority.
• Apostille: issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Permanent Secretary or Deputy Permanent Secretary); the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London is also listed as a competent authority with the Hague Conference.
• Records from other countries: if you have lived outside Antigua and Barbuda in the last five years, also prepare those certificates, apostilled or legalised depending on the country.
• Sworn translation: every document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it can be done in Spain, on the already apostilled document.

What to keep in mind

• The Embassy of Spain in Kingston, also accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, handles national visas by appointment and in person, only for residents of its district with proof of residence. If you live in another country, go to the Spanish consulate covering your legal residence.
• The police certificate usually has to be recent: request it once you have a date for your visa application, because it still needs an apostille and a sworn translation afterwards.
• If you hold several nationalities, use the same passport to enter and for every application; your details must match on the visa, the TIE and the padrón.
• In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you plan to apply for citizenship, the 10 years run from when you obtain legal residence, not from arrival.

Frequently asked questions

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