Why Move to St.Kitts and Nevis?
Fulfilling every idea one might have about the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis emerges as an utterly unique experience which cannot simply be lived in its entirety by visiting once. With a sunny, tropical climate, a deep connection to the sea, a strong sense of family and community, and a cuisine revolving around locally-sourced fresh ingredients, the country entices everyone to visit more than once. Combined with attractive, investor-friendly options for obtaining Citizenship, and more benefits than one can count, what was once a mere escapade to the paradisiacal Saint Kitts and Nevis can become your everyday life.
Fast facts
The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis were among the first to be colonized by the Europeans. This has earned the island the title of The Mother Colony of the West Indies.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Americas, both in size and in population.
Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, was born on the island of Nevis.
Green vervet monkeys can be found all over the islands and have become an intrinsic part of the twin islands’ cultural identity. Interestingly, this species is not native and was brought to the islands by early French settlers as pets.
- Population: 47,000
- Capital City: Basseterre
- Climate: With a sunny year-round climate, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the embodiment of the Caribbean weather. The wet season typically runs from May to December.
- Time Zone: AST (Atlantic Standard Time)
- Language: English; Saints Kitts Creole is the local dialect
- Country Code: +1-869
- Currency: XCD Dollar (East Caribbean Dollar)
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture, Citizenship by Investment program
- GDP Per/Cap: US$18,083
- Borders: Maritime borders with Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla (United Kingdom), Montserrat (United Kingdom) and Saint Barthélemy (France)
Lifestyle
Leave behind the pressures of everyday life and embrace the Caribbean lifestyle. By moving to Saint Kitts and Nevis, time runs slower, and the day lasts longer, allowing deeper moments with family and friends alike. Connect with local communities and experience a unique cultural identity, focused on the outdoors, and expressed through many festivals and celebrations.
Cost of living
Saint Kitts and Nevis presents a more affordable option for life in the Caribbean than many other countries. Finding suitable housing, either for purchase or renting, may prove the highest point of entry for living in the country, but utilities, food, entertainment, and leisure tend to be more reasonable.
Safety
Highly dependent on tourism and foreign investment, Saint Kitts and Nevis makes an active effort to ensure the safety of locals, visitors, and expats. It boasts lower crime rates than other Caribbean countries, and the U.S. Department of State recommends only normal precautions to be exercised when visiting the country.
Healthcare
As with other Caribbean countries, the healthcare infrastructure is limited in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Basic medical institutions exist in the twin islands, though it is always recommended to pursue private medical insurance, especially with the option of medical evacuation.
Education
The education system in Saint Kitts and Nevis is public, universal, and compulsory between the ages of 5-16. There are also private schools and academies available as an alternative. The country boasts a tertiary education institution: the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, and has close ties to the University of the West Indies.
Language
Due to its past as a British colony, English has become the country’s sole and official language. There is a widely spoken local dialect, the Saint Kitts Creole, though it is not recognized with official status in the country.
Money and taxes
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, shared with other countries from the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States. It is indexed to the US dollar at 2.70. Furthermore, Saint Kitts and Nevis is a tax-friendly country, extending benefits such as no taxes on personal income, wealth, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts.
Popular Destinations
Basseterre
Frigate Bay
Sandy Point
Dieppe Bay
Charleston
Newcastle
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Download Our BrochureDo I Need a Visa to Move to St. Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, if the intent is to move to St. Kitts and Nevis. The country requires a Visa from all non-nationals of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to reside in its territory. The best way to bypass the need for Visas is to invest in the country’s Real Estate and acquire Citizenship. If the plan is to simply visit St. Kitts and Nevis, a Visa will not be required for most countries around the world. Most foreign nationals can remain in the country for up to 3 months, though some exceptions exist. For example, citizens of the United States and Canada can stay in the country for up to 6 months without a Visa.
Moving to St. Kitts and Nevis as an EU Citizen
The visa relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and the European Union is bilateral. EU citizens can visit St. Kitts and Nevis for up to 3 months without a Visa, allowing ample time to explore the country before fully deciding to invest in the country. Because of this, the process of obtaining Citizenship, setting up Residency, and relocating to St. Kitts and Nevis is also further simplified.
Moving to St. Kitts and Nevis as a non-EU Citizen
Moving to St. Kitts and Nevis is also a real possibility for most non-EU nationals, though it will depend on the relationship between the corresponding countries. Some non-EU countries, such as the United States and Canada, are allowed to stay longer in St. Kitts and Nevis for a longer time than EU citizens. Investment Visa’s experts can analyze your situation and guide you accordingly.
Moving to St. Kitts and Nevis Through Investment Visa Programs
Created in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Visa program is among the first in the world of its kind. Ever since, counting on almost 40 years of experience in this field, the program has evolved, modernizing, and increasingly becoming more transparent, sustainable, and pragmatic. It has become a pillar of the St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy, and its passport ranks #19 according to the Global Passport Index, effectively being one of the most powerful in the world. Citizens of this country can travel visa-free to more than 100 countries worldwide, including those in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and many more.
This Citizenship by Investment Visa program also provides a plethora of tax benefits, and enables the possibility of family inclusion, extending the same benefits to spouses and children, as well as other financial dependents, and represents a true investment in the future, as the next generation will also be able to claim this powerful passport.
How can I gain Citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment program has four options an investor can choose. The Sustainable Island State Contribution is a non-refundable donation-based option starting at USD $250,000 for a single applicant. The Public Benefit Option is an alternative donation-based also starting at USD $250,000 for a single applicant.
The Developer’s Real Estate Investment Option represents one of the best paths to acquire Citizenship. This consists of purchasing an Approved Development unit in the amount of USD $400,000. The Private Home Sale Option is also a Real Estate opportunity. The key difference between this and the latter is that these properties already exist physically. You can endeavor through this by purchasing an existing share in a condominium, designated as an Approved Private Home, at USD $400,000, OR buy a single detached property designed as an Approved Private Home, at USD $800,000. Please bear in mind that these amounts are for single applicants only.
How to obtain Permanent Residency in St. Kitts and Nevis
The Citizenship by Investment program, through the purchase of Real Estate, is the best way to secure the Kittian and Nevisian passport. Regardless, there are alternative ways to become a Permanent Resident in the country. This path is similar enough to the Citizenship program, which is to purchase a home. Likewise, you must hold the property for seven years before applying for the status of a Permanent Resident, and by then, you are not entitled to work in St. Kitts and Nevis. At this point, in comparison, the path to Permanent Residency takes far longer and does not entitle you to the same benefits as Citizenship does. On the other hand, Citizenship is irrevocable and awards all the same benefits as Permanent Residency. Investing in the Real Estate of St. Kitts and Nevis is the path to embark on the journey to unlocking a better and brighter future.
Investing in Kittian and Nevisian Real Estate
Out of all the options through which an investor can become a Citizen in St. Kitts and Nevis, Real Estate is undoubtedly the best. While the donation-based options hold their merit, Investment Visa recommends not pursuing either of them. This is because they are non-refundable and offer no possibility of obtaining a return on the initial investment.
The acquired property, whether developments to become modern apartments, existing shares in private, luxurious condominiums, or single detached villas can be resold after seven years if certain conditions are met. Considering St. Kitts and Nevis’ Real Estate market is ever-appreciating, given the country’s dependency on the Citizenship by
Investment Visa program, a return is nearly guaranteed, with the added benefit of holding a powerful passport.
Otherwise, the property can simply be kept, either for the perfect holiday escapade in the dreamy Caribbean or to be maintained for a Plan B, should the need ever arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Kitts and Nevis stands out due to its breathtaking vistas, propped up by the country’s tropical climate, making it a true paradise on Earth. When you couple this with the favorable tax regime of the twin islands, the slower, more relaxed lifestyle typical of the Caribbean, and the English as the official language of the country, Saint Kitts becomes the ideal place to relocate to.
Yes. Even though the St. Kitts Creole is widely spoken, it is not recognized officially in any way, shape, or form. English is the country’s official language, and all forms of official communications are in English.
Yes, you can. All the Citizenship by Investment program’s options allow the possibility of family inclusion, though this incurs additional charges.
As the smallest country in the Americas, the country’s concept of a city is vastly different from international notions. Regardless, the largest communities can be found in the capital, Basseterre, Charlestown, Frigate Bay, Sandy Point, Dieppe Bay, and New Castle.
You will need to consider the initial investment to acquire property in Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is USD $400,000. Furthermore, there are associated due diligence fees with this process. Investment Visa advisors can provide a full, in-depth analysis of how much it will fully cost to move to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
No. St. Kitts and Nevis is an extremely welcoming country to foreign nationals. After you have successfully obtained your Citizenship, you will be embraced as if you were a local. It is only a simple matter of relocating to your new property and enjoying the newfound benefits of Kittian and Nevisan citizenship.
Paul Smith
Investment Advisor
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