If you were to scour the internet with the search term “how to become a resident of St. Kitts and Nevis”, you will undoubtedly find numerous websites referring to the Federation’s Citizenship by Investment program (CBI). What is hardly known or found is information on the various ways of becoming a resident via the country’s residency program, not to be confused with CBI.
We have compiled this information for your benefit as an alternative to the CBI program.
There are three types of residencies to consider, which are Temporary, Annual, and Permanent Residency. Please note that having Temporary Residency does not give you the right to work on the islands. To work, you must obtain a work permit.
On Nevis, Temporary and Annual Residency applications are processed through the Premier’s Ministry. However, Permanent Residency applications are processed through the Ministry of National Security, which is located on St. Kitts.
On St. Kitts, all residency applications are processed through the Ministry of National Security.
Temporary Residency provides a viable, appealing alternative to enjoy island life without making a significant financial commitment. You may obtain temporary residency immediately, without the right to work, if you own or rent property.
Temporary Residency is available for the following non-nationals who do not wish to work in the Federation of St. Kitts - Nevis.
- Retired Expatriates
- Spouses of Temporary, Annual or Permanent Residency holders
- Children under 18 who are physically challenged and not in school
All documents submitted, whether original or notarized copies, must be accompanied by a copy of the translation if the original language is not in English.
The TB test result is valid for 12 months while the RPR/VDRL is valid for 6 months (Copy of Laboratory results are required).
Currently there is no processing fee on Nevis. After processing, the applicant is contacted and given the status of his/her application, and the deadline for payment.
The cost (ECD) is $600 per year
$300 for 6 months and under
$100 for payments after the deadline date
$100 application fee
Temporary Residency expires on December 31st of each year. Renewals for the upcoming year are accepted between the period October to December. A late application fee of $100 is applicable to applications for renewals after the expiry date of the previously approved residency.
If you want to work in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Annual Residency would be a better option. Unlike work permits, which is tied to a particular business, Annual Residency give you the right to work in any business you desire. You may obtain Annual Residency if you own or rent property.
Annual Residency is available for the following non-nationals.
- Expatriates
- Spouses of Temporary, Annual or Permanent Residency holders
- Children under 18 who are physically challenged and not in school
All documents submitted, whether original or notarized copies, must be accompanied by a copy of the translation if the original language is not in English.
The TB test result is valid for 12 months while the RPR/VDRL is valid for 6 months (Copy of Laboratory results are required).
Currently there is no processing fee on Nevis. After processing, the applicant is contacted and given the status of his/her application, and the deadline for payment.
The cost (ECD) is $1,500 per year
$750 for 6 months and under
$100 for payments after the deadline date
$100 application fee
Annual Residency expires on December 31st of each year. Renewals for the upcoming year are accepted between the period October to December. A late application fee of $100 is applicable to applications for renewals after the expiry date of the previously approved residency.
You may obtain Permanent Residency by becoming a homeowner. To apply you must own a home for a minimum of 7 years, or you may obtain Permanent Residency immediately through the Retirement Program geared towards non-national.
In both instances, the minimum investment level for a home is US$350,000.
-Search for homes between $350K - $1M.
Permanent Residency is available for the following non-nationals who do not wish to work in the Federation of St. Kitts - Nevis.
-Retired Expatriates
-Spouses of Permanent Residency holders
-Children under 18 who are physically challenged and not in school
All documents submitted, whether original or notarized copies, must be accompanied by a copy of the translation if the original language is not in English.
The TB test result is valid for 12 months while the RPR/VDRL is valid for 6 months (Copy of Laboratory results are required).
After processing, the applicant receives a letter granting Permanent Residency.
The cost (ECD) is $4,800
$200 application fee
Unlike Temporary Residency and Annual Residency, Permanent Residency is granted for life and does not need to be renewed.
If you have renewed your passport, you can submit the old and new passports for the Residency Stamp to be transferred.
You may apply for citizenship via residency if you obtained Temporary Residency or Annual Residency or Permanent Residency for 14 consecutive years. This can be a combination of all three residencies and work permits.
It is important to note that there cannot be more than 6 months break in your residency status (you are on the island which is indicated by your passport/s entry stamps).
You should also be aware that visa extensions do not count towards residency.
To apply for citizenship through residency, you would apply through the Ministry of National Security.
Our team can guide you through the application process and submit your application to the appropriate government office.
Contact us for more information.
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