St Kitts and Nevis Immigration for Travelers and Expats

For travelers and expats seeking to understand Federation of St Kitts and Nevis immigration, this guide offers insights into:

• Entry requirements
• Residency options
• Citizenship
• Immigration process
• Benefits

St Kitts and Nevis Visitor Requirements

The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues non-immigrant visas to foreigners wishing to travel to St Kitts and Nevis. Nationals of specific countries, including member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the European Union, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and its territories, and other countries in the British Commonwealth do not require non-immigrant visas to enter St Kitts and Nevis for up to 90 days.

The following table lists key visa information for Americans and other foreign nationals who don’t need a visa:

Electronic Entry Visa

The St Kitts and Nevis government introduced an Electronic Entry Visa (EEV/eVisa) in 2020, requiring air passengers from qualified non-visa exempt countries to register their impending arrival on the official St Kitts and Nevis eVisa website. Travelers have the option to apply for a multi-entry eVisa, valid for 90 days stay or a single-entry eVisa, valid for 30 days stay, through the online immigration platform.

Requirements for citizens of countries that require visas

Foreign visitors who are not eligible for the St Kitts and Nevis Electronic Entry Visa must apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa through their nearest St Kitts and Nevis Embassy or Consulate. The requirements vary depending on the applicant but typically include:

• Completing a St Kitts and Nevis immigration form
• Providing details on the purpose of travel
• Financial documentation
• Paying visa fees

St Kitts and Nevis Immigration Requirements for Residency

There are four options to live in St Kitts and Nevis:

• Temporary residency
• Annual residency
• Permanent residency
• Citizenship by investment

Temporary residency

The right to reside in St Kitts and Nevis is granted to the following:

• Retired expats
• Spouses of a temporary resident
• Children under 18 living with disabilities and are not in school

A temporary residence permit costs $300 for six months residency and $600 for 12 months residency. The permit expires on 31 December each year.

Annual residency

The right to reside in St Kitts and Nevis is granted to the following:

• Expats
• Spouses of an annual resident
• Children under 18 living with disabilities and are not in school

A temporary residence permit costs $750 for six months of residency and $1,500 for 12 months of residency. The permit expires on 31 December each year.

Permanent residency

The right to reside in St Kitts and Nevis permanently is granted to the following:

• Retired expats
• Spouses of a permanent resident
• Children under 18 living with disabilities and are not in school

Permanent residency is granted to retired expats who purchased a home in St Kitts and Nevis valued at least $350,000 and have owned it for at least seven years.

Citizenship by investment

Expats can obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport and the right to permanently reside there through the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program (CBI). The program requires investing in the country through one of the following options:

• $250,000 contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
• $325,000 approved St Kitts and Nevis real estate shares acquisition
• $600,000 approved private home purchase
• $250,000 contribution to the Public Benefit Option (PBO)

Family members, including spouses, dependent children, and parents, also qualify for the CBI program with an additional cost of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. Citizenship grants the right to permanently live in St Kitts and Nevis without restrictions.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Immigration Process

Applying for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is relatively straightforward.

• Choose an Authorized Agent to process your application: Your Licensed Agent will walk you through necessary paperwork, requirements, investment options, and will conduct pre-screening.
• Choose an investment option: Select your preferred qualifying investment route.
• Complete the citizenship application forms: Ensure all the documents are legalized according to standards set by the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
• The CIU approves your application: A letter of approval will be issued, with detailed instructions on making the required investment.
• Make the required investment: Submit proof of donation or purchase of your qualifying investment, as well as the government application fees.
• Become a citizen: Upon receiving proof of payment, you are granted St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship.

St Kitts and Nevis Immigration for OECS Citizens

Thanks to the Free Movement of Persons Regime in the Eastern Caribbean established by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), citizens of OECS countries enjoy freedom of movement between member states, including St Kitts and Nevis. Citizens also have access to 154 St Kitts and Nevis visa free countries.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about St Kitts and Nevis Immigration

How do I become a Nevis resident?

There are three residency options to consider, temporary, annual, and permanent residency. In Nevis, temporary and annual residency applications are processed through the Premier’s Ministry of the Nevis Island Administration. Permanent residency is processed through the Ministry of National Security, located at St Kitts.

How can I get St Kitts citizenship?

If you don’t have familial ties to St Kitts and Nevis, you can qualify for citizenship through the country’s citizenship program. The St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship cost starts at $250,000 for a single applicant or family of up to four, and qualifying investments include a donation to the state fund or real estate investment.

If I arrive in St Kitts, are there additional visa requirements for traveling to Nevis?

St Kitts and Nevis comprise one federation, meaning that if you arrive on one island, you can travel to the other without restriction and without travel documents.

Is St Kitts a good country to live in?

St Kitts and Nevis is regarded as one of the best Eastern Caribbean islands to live. Many foreign nations opt to invest in St Kitts and Nevis immigrate there thanks to its favorable taxes, political stability, natural beauty, and straightforward process of obtaining citizenship by investment.

Can I work in St Kitts and Nevis?

St Kitts and Nevis immigration criteria for temporary and annual residents to work in the country require obtaining a work permit, typically demanding foreign nationals to possess skills or experience that fill labor shortages. Successful applications of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program gain the right to work there legally after obtaining citizenship status.