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, St Kitts and Nevis is famous for its beauty, volcanic formation, and pristine beaches. In St Kitts – the biggest island – you can find the most life and activities. Nevis on the other hand is more preserved, benefiting 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. Its currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, and the official language is English. The country is famous for its foreigners-oriented policies and tax exemptions. In 1984, it launched the first Citizenship by Investment Program ever instituted in the Caribbean. For decades, this prestigious Caribbean citizenship program has provided foreign investors with the incredible opportunity to get the St 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
Beautiful Caribbean island
English speaking population
Booming tourism industry
Tax exemptions
Proximity and great connection to the US
Living costs for Americans Relocating to St Kitts and Nevis
The 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 $600, and outside the city center $370. The cost of transportation is also very affordable – the bus network is well developed and taxis are the most popular mode of transportation.
Grocery prices vary depending on their provenance: locally produced food such as vegetables, fruits, local chicken, eggs and rice are cheaper than in the US, while imported products such as milk, coffee, and fresh white bread are more expensive.
While imported goods are relatively expensive, tax exemptions in St Kitts and Nevis certainly make up for it: there is no personal income tax and no wealth, gift, inheritance and foreign income 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 under the sun in one of the best Caribbean destinations. Enjoy top beaches, stunning hikes and a double island country which allows for both activity and relaxation.
In terms of medical facilities, St Kitts and Nevis is home to the Joseph N France General Hospital – located in St Kitts – and to the Alexandra Hospital – located 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.
Relocate to St Kitts and Nevis from the US
Obtain residency in St Kitts and Nevis
As a US citizen, several options are available to you to relocate in 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 3 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 provided that a significant contribution to the nation’s economy is made. This can either be a real estate investment or an investment in government funds.
- Citizenship by naturalization: US citizens can apply for citizenship by naturalization, provided that they have resided for 15 years or more in St Kitts and Nevis.
Get a St Kitts and Nevis passport
Launched in 1984 by the 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) or in approved real estate.
A St Kitts and Nevis passport has numerous advantages: From being able to permanently reside in the country, buy land and property, and get great tax exemptions to being able to travel to more than 140 countries visa-free and keep your first passport, a St Kitts and Nevis passport offers great freedoms.
In order to learn more about the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program, take a look at our ultimate guide.
Talk to our advisor
If you have questions about relocating to St Kitts and Nevis, get in touch with us. One of our dedicated Global Citizen Solutions advisors will answer your queries.
We offer a service tailored to your specific needs and requirements. Our team of experts will work diligently from start to finish, ensuring a successful application.
Professionalism and integrity are at the core of all we do.
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 real estate tourism provides great 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. You can apply as a single applicant and make an investment of at least $400,000, or you can choose to apply in a joint ownership and invest a minimum amount of $200,000.
Expat Community in St Kitts and Nevis
Since this is a privileged country in the Caribbean, many Americans are relocating to St Kitts and Nevis. You will, therefore, find a great expat community in St Kitts and Nevis and plenty of things to do and see.
There are also companies dedicated to connecting expats through networking events and shared activities. Have a look at InterNations and MeetUp who specialize in bridging like-minded expatriates.
FAQs:
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 to 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?
There are many flights which connect St Kitts and Nevis to the US. Direct flights land in St Kitts airport from Atlanta, Miami, New York and San Juan.
Can I buy St Kitts and Nevis property as a foreigner?
Yes, you can buy St Kitts and Nevis property as a foreigner if you apply for and receive the Alien Landholding License. The License costs 10 percent of the property value.
Can American expats retire in St Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, American expats can retire in St Kitts and Nevis. In order to live on the island for more than three consecutive months, you will either need to apply for permanent residency, or get the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship.
