What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. In simple terms, a foreign national can gain residency rights in a country by making a significant, government-approved investment. These investments typically include real estate, government bonds, or a direct contribution to a national development fund. For the sophisticated perpetual traveler, it's a key tool for establishing a solid residency base in a favorable jurisdiction.
Why the Anguilla Golden Visa is a Strategic Move for Nomads
While many countries offer residency programs, Anguilla's benefits are uniquely aligned with the goals of a tax-conscious global citizen.
1. True Permanent Residency: Your Ultimate Plan B
The Golden Visa grants you immediate permanent residency. This means you have the unrestricted right to live, work, and travel to and from Anguilla at any time—even during unexpected global events or border closures. For a nomad, this provides an invaluable anchor and a secure home base in a world of uncertainty.
2. A Powerful Path to Citizenship (BOTC & Full British)
This is where Anguilla truly stands out. After holding permanent residency for five years, you become eligible to apply for British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC). A BOTC passport grants visa-free access to over 95 countries, including the entire Schengen Area. Furthermore, holding BOTC can open the door to applying for full British citizenship, one of the most powerful passports in the world. This is a rare and highly valuable long-term benefit not offered by many other Caribbean programs.
3. The 0% Tax Haven Advantage
Anguilla is a pure tax haven, which is music to the ears of any online entrepreneur. As a resident, you benefit from:
0% Income Tax
0% Capital Gains Tax
0% Corporate Tax
0% Inheritance Tax
0% Gift Tax
0% Net Worth Tax
This framework allows you to structure your global income—whether from a US LLC or another offshore company—with maximum efficiency, legally minimizing your tax burden to zero within the jurisdiction.
4. Family-Inclusive Residency
The program allows you to include your spouse, children, and even parents in your application. This ensures your entire family can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency and the high quality of life in Anguilla.
The Investment: Your Two Paths to Anguillan Residency
To qualify, you must be over 18 with a clean criminal record. You have two main investment options:
Contribution to the Capital Development Fund (CDF)
This is the fastest and most straightforward route. It's a non-refundable donation to a government fund used for public sector projects.
Minimum Contribution: $150,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four.
Additional Dependents: $50,000 for each additional dependent.
Real Estate Investment
This option gives you a tangible asset and a home in the Caribbean. You must purchase government-approved property.
Minimum Investment: $750,000 for a family of up to four.
Additional Dependents: $100,000 investment for each additional dependent.
Holding Period: The property must be held for a minimum of five years.
Additional Fees
Be aware of the standard processing and due diligence fees:
Application Fee: $3,000 for the main applicant and up to three dependents, plus $500 for each additional dependent.
Due Diligence Fee: $7,500 for each applicant over 18 and $2,500 for dependents aged 12-18.
The "Tax Hacker" Alternative: Anguilla's Tax Residency Program
For those focused purely on tax optimization without the larger upfront investment of the Golden Visa, Anguilla offers a dedicated Tax Residency Program. This is a highly strategic option for perpetual travelers.
To qualify, you must:
Own and maintain a property in Anguilla valued at a minimum of $400,000.
Pay an annual lump-sum tax of $75,000 to the Anguillan Treasury.
Spend at least 45 days in Anguilla each year.
Spend fewer than 183 days in any other single country during the year.
Establish genuine links to the island (bank accounts, club memberships, etc.).
Demonstrate the ability to pay the first five years of tax ($375,000) upfront.
This program grants you a tax residency certificate, a powerful document for proving your tax status to foreign banks and tax authorities, all while maintaining the flexibility of the digital nomad lifestyle.
