Thinking about relocating to St Kitts and Nevis? Then this ‘Americans Relocating to St Kitts and Nevis Guide’ is for you!
About St Kitts and Nevis
A mesmerizing twin island country located in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is famous for its 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 get Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment.
Why relocate to St Kitts and Nevis?
Benefits of living in St Kitts and Nevis as a US expat
Caribbean island with natural beauty and a slower pace of life
English speaking population
Booming tourism industry
A favorable tax framework
Proximity to the US, with daily direct flights
Living Costs for Americans Relocating to St Kitts and Nevis
Living costs in St Kitts and Nevis are noticeably cheaper than in the US. Rents can be very cheap, depending on the elected area. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $850 and outside the city center, $600. The cost of transportation is also very affordable, with a one-way ticket costing about $2.20. The bus network is well-developed, and taxis are the most popular mode of transportation.
Grocery prices in Saint Kitts and Nevis vary depending on where they were produced and sourced. Locally produced food such as vegetables, fruits, poultry, eggs, and rice are cheaper than in the US. In contrast, imported products such as milk, coffee, and fresh white bread are more expensive.
While imported goods are relatively expensive like in other Caribbean countries, Saint Kitts and Nevis tax exemptions certainly make up for it. There is no personal income tax for national or worldwide income, and no wealth, gift, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
Find out more about Investing in St Kitts and Nevis
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.
Healthcare for Americans in St Kitts and Nevis
In terms of medical 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 with more severe cases. St Kitts and Nevis also has several private clinics.
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.
Relocate to St Kitts and Nevis from the US
Obtain residency in St Kitts and Nevis
As a US citizen, several options are available for you to relocate to St Kitts and Nevis.
- Permanent residency: As a US citizen owning land or property in St Kitts and Nevis, if you wish to stay longer than three months in the country, you can apply for permanent residency – which will need to be renewed.
- Citizenship by investment: The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program allows US citizens to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport by significantly contributing to the nation’s economy. This can be a pre-approved real estate investment or a donation to government funds.
- Citizenship by naturalization: US citizens can apply for citizenship by naturalization, provided that they have resided for 14 years or more in St Kitts and Nevis.
Take a look at our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
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 outstanding individuals and their families to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport, providing that an investment of at least $250,000 is made in either the Sustainable Island State Contribution (which has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund), in approved real estate, or in an approved public benefits project.
A passport from the dual-island Caribbean destination has numerous advantages, including the right to permanently reside in the country, buy land and property with an Alien Landholding License, and tax benefits. Additionally, St Kitts and Nevis has a power passport providing more than 150 St Kitts and Nevis visa free countries.
St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate
St Kitts and Nevis real estate market is very diversified. Depending on what you are looking for, you can purchase beautiful apartments or family homes, deluxe private villas, luxurious hotels and resorts, or cozy eco-lodges. Since the tourism industry is very dynamic, investing in tourist accommodation provides excellent investment returns.
Thanks to the country’s citizenship by investment program, you can get the incredible opportunity to obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport in exchange for buying property in the country. You can apply as a single applicant and make an investment of at least $800,000, or you can choose to apply in a joint ownership project and invest a minimum amount of $400,000.
Expat Community in St Kitts and Nevis
Since this is a privileged country in the West Indies with warm weather and stunning beaches, many Americans are relocating to St Kitts and Nevis. As one of the most popular Caribbean twin islands, you will find a large expat community in St Kitts and Nevis in popular towns like Frigate Bay and Sandy Point besides plenty of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to St Kitts and Nevis as an American
How can I get a St Kitts and Nevis passport?
As a US citizen, you can get a St Kitts and Nevis passport through the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program. If you invest at least $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (which has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund) or at least $400,000 in approved real estate, you and your family can get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. You can also apply for citizenship by naturalization, provided that you have resided on the island for at least 15 years.
How to get to St Kitts and Nevis from the US?
Many flights connect St Kitts and Nevis to the US. Direct flights land at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport from Atlanta, Miami, New York, and San Juan.
Can I buy St Kitts and Nevis property as a foreigner?
Yes, you can purchase St Kitts and Nevis real estate as a foreigner if you obtain an Alien Landholding License (ALHL). The ALHL costs ten percent of the property value. Alternatively, you can buy property without an ALHL by purchasing property through the St Kitts dual citizenship program.
Can American expats retire in St Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, American can retire in St Kitts and Nevis. To live on the island for more than three consecutive months, you must either apply for permanent residency or obtain citizenship through the St Kitts and Nevis economic citizenship program.
Can US citizens move to St Kitts?
The St Kitts citizenship by investment program, one of five immigration programs offered by Eastern Caribbean islands, allows US citizens to move to St Kitts permanently by offering citizenship in exchange for investing in the country’s economy.
Are there any specific tax considerations for Americans living in St Kitts and Nevis?
Due to US citizenship-based taxation, Americans moving to St Kitts and Nevis to live an island life should carefully consider personal income tax implications to ensure they remain compliant with IRS requirements.
What educational facilities are available for expat children in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The St Kitts and Nevis education system is well respected, with a combination of public and private schools. There are Montessori schools that provide specialized educational programs for children, and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Windsor University School of Medicine excel in health sciences and veterinary medicine.
Can Americans bring their pets to St Kitts and Nevis, and what are the requirements?
Americans can travel with their pets to St Kitts and Nevis provided they meet the country’s requirements, including:
- Obtaining an import permit from the St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Agriculture
- Providing proof of vaccinations, including a rabies vaccination administered within 12 months
- Providing a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within three days of arriving
- Providing proof that the pet has an ISO-compliant microchip from companies like Home Again, ResQ, or AVID®
