Setting up a new home in St Kitts and Nevis has grown in appeal among Americans seeking a slower pace of life in a tropical and safe environment. Americans relocating to St Kitts and Nevis don’t base their decision on the environment alone; several financial incentives make the island nation the ideal destination.
As a safe country with zero personal income tax and a straightforward path to obtaining residency, a move to St Kitts and Nevis is becoming a popular choice for Americans. This guide provides everything you should know for a successful move.
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About St Kitts and Nevis
A mesmerizing twin island country located in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis are famous for their beauty, volcanic formation, and pristine beaches. Saint Kitts, the biggest island, has the most life and activities. Nevis, the smaller island, is more preserved and benefits from a tranquil atmosphere. In Nevis, you will find hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and luxury private housing.
St Kitts and Nevis’ economy revolves mostly around tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The country’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, and the country’s official language is English. The country is famous for its attractive citizenship program and tax exemptions.
In 1984, Saint Kitts and Nevis launched the first citizenship by investment program in the Caribbean. For decades, this prestigious Caribbean citizenship program has given foreign nationals the incredible opportunity to invest in St Kitts and Nevis and get citizenship.
Why relocate to St Kitts and Nevis?
- St Kitts and Nevis is a Caribbean island with natural beauty and a slower pace of life.
- St Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate year-round.
- English is the predominant language spoken by St Kitts and Nevis citizens.
- St Kitts and Nevis has a booming tourism industry, which presents numerous investment opportunities.
- Safety in St Kitts and Nevis is not a concern for more residents, with the island having a a very low crime rate compared to most other countries.
- St Kitts and Nevis can be considered a tax haven as the country does not impost income tax or capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes.
- St Kitts and Nevis is close to the US, with daily direct flights to major cities.
- Americans can buy a home in St Kitts and Nevis and acquire citizenship through the country’s economic citizenship program.
Living Costs for Americans Relocating to St Kitts and Nevis
Living costs in St Kitts and Nevis are relative cheap compared to the US. Rents can be very cheap, depending on the area. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $990 compared to $1,730 in the USA, and outside the city center, $730, compared the the US average price of $1,430.
The cost of transportation is also very affordable, with a one-way ticket costing about $1.85. The bus network is well-developed, and taxis are also a popular and affordable mode of transportation.
Grocery prices in Saint Kitts and Nevis vary depending on the source. Locally produced food such as vegetables, fruits, poultry, and eggs can be cheap, but imported products such as milk, coffee, and wine are more expensive.
While imported goods are relatively expensive like in other Caribbean countries, Saint Kitts and Nevis tax exemptions reduce the overall cost of living. There is no personal income tax on local or worldwide income, and no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
Retire in St Kitts and Nevis
Retiring in St Kitts and Nevis as an American is a very good option for those seeking to live in warm weather in one of the best Caribbean destinations. Enjoy top beaches, stunning hikes, and a twin-island country that allows for both adrenaline-inducing activities and relaxation.
St Kitts Visa and Residency Options for Americans
Obtain residency in St Kitts and Nevis
As a US citizen, several St Kitts and Nevis immigration options are available for you to relocate to St Kitts and Nevis.
- Permanent residency: As a US citizen, you can own land or property in St Kitts and Nevis and apply for a renewable permanent residency permit.
- Citizenship by investment: St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment allows US citizens to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport and live in the country indefinitely by significantly contributing to the nation’s economy.
- Citizenship by naturalization: US citizens can apply for citizenship by naturalization, provided they have resided for 14 years or more in St Kitts and Nevis.
Get a St Kitts and Nevis Passport
Launched in 1984 by the St Kitts government, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program allows individuals and their families to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport with an investment of at least $250,000.
- Application process: The application process is relatively fast, taking just four to six months.
- Investment options: The primary investment is a donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution; other options include purchasing approved real estate and donating to a public benefits project.
Residency route
Americans can qualify for a St Kitts and Nevis passport by naturalization with a minimum of seven years as legal residency, followed by seven more years as a permanent resident.
Holding a Caribbean passport from St Kitts and Nevis includes the right to permanently reside in the country, buy land and property without an Alien Landholding License, and optimize taxes. Additionally, St Kitts and Nevis has a powerful passport, facilitating travel to over 150 St Kitts and Nevis visa free countries.
St Kitts Healthcare and Insurance for Expats
In terms of Caribbean healthcare facilities in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Joseph N France General Hospital is the primary hospital in St Kitts and Alexandra Hospital is the primary hospital in Nevis. Each hospital offers various types of treatment, but emergency evacuation might be needed for severe illnesses. St Kitts and Nevis also has several private clinics.
The St Kitts and Nevis healthcare system does not have a national health insurance scheme to provide comprehensive public healthcare. Instead, state subsidizes partially fund medical services at a low cost or, in some cases, for free to residents and visitors.
Healthcare companies such as Allianz, Bupa, and Cigna Global are some of the most renowned expat health providers, with private health care policies, including evacuation cover, costing around $200 to $300 per month.
St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate
The St Kitts real estate market is diversified and offers plenty of opportunities compared to neighboring islands. Depending on what you are looking for, you can purchase beautiful apartments or family homes, deluxe private villas, luxurious St Kitts hotels and resorts, or cozy eco-lodges. Since the tourism industry is very dynamic, investing in tourist accommodation provides excellent investment returns.
Through St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship, you can get citizenship and obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and a passport in exchange for buying property in the Caribbean island.
You can apply as a single applicant and make an investment of at least $600,000 in a private home. Alternatively, you can opt for joint ownership with a lower St Kitts citizenship cost of $325,000.
Expat Community in St Kitts and Nevis
Since the dual-island Caribbean destination is popular among foreign nationals, many Americans have moved out of the US to the country. As one of the most popular Caribbean islands, you will find a large expat community in St Kitts and Nevis in popular towns like Frigate Bay and Sandy Point, which offer some of the best things to do in St Kitts.
Several companies and online platforms connect American expats living in St Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean islands through networking events and shared activities. Some of the most popular include InterNations and MeetUp, which specialize in bridging like-minded expatriates and offer services assisting expats in adapting to life on a Caribbean island and understanding tourism in St Kitts.
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