Resident permits St. Kitts and Nevis

Most citizens of other countries without a visa can enter St. Kitts and Nevis and stay in the territory of the federation for up to 90 days within a six months period. If a person intends to stay in the country for more than 3 months, he/she needs to obtain a residence permit. A residence permit can be issued immediately if the applicant owns or rents real estate. Also, the possibility to quickly obtain a residence permit is available to foreigners who do not plan to work in the country:

• Pensioners. 
• Spouses of persons who have a valid residence permit.
• Children under the age of 18 with disabilities who are not attending school.

The right to such temporary residence shall expire on December 31 of each year. One must apply for an extension between October and December. Application processing is carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Federation.  

Types of residence permit

There are 3 programs in Saint Kitts and Nevis that provide temporary, annual and permanent residence permits. It is worth paying attention to the fact that obtaining a temporary residence permit does not provide the right to work on the islands. To do this, it is necessary to obtain a work permit.

Applications for temporary and annual residence are processed by the Ministry of the Prime Minister. Requests for permanent residence and citizenship are checked by the Ministry of National Security, located on the island of St. Kitts.

Residence permit upon purchase of real estate

Since 1984, the federation has been operating a program for granting citizenship through investment, including the purchase of real estate. Acquisition of an approved property allows one to immediately obtain a certificate of naturalization. The program does not require the applicant to comply with the minimum periods of residence on the islands. The holder of the certificate is free to reside, work or study in the country, but this is not a prerequisite. A language test is also not required.

Necessary justifications

In addition to meeting the requirements for the minimum amount of investment, the applicant (and his/her family members) must fulfill a number of conditions. The application may include a spouse, dependent children, dependent parents over 65 years of age. All persons must have a good reputation in order to pass the due diligence check, which in this case involves participation in an online interview.

The program involves 4 options for participation:

• Contribution to the sustainable development of the island state (SISC) is a non-refundable contribution in the form of a donation. Amount from $250,000 per investor.
• An approved socially useful project is an alternative to the previous method, also starting from $250,000 per applicant.
• Purchase of real estate from the developer – involves the acquisition of an approved object in the amount of $400,000 (including at the construction stage).
• Purchase of a private house – acquisition of an agreed object designated as a private house. The transaction amount is from $400,000.

List of documents

• The original passport and its certified copy.
• Original and certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Original and certified copy of birth certificate (if applicable).
• Original police clearance certificate (for the applicant, spouse and all dependents).
• Confirmation of the availability of funds and the legality of their origin.
• Confirmation of non-refundable processing and due diligence fees payment.
• Medical certificate. 
• Confirmation of fees payment.
• Documents confirming the fact of investments.

Student residence permits

A residence permit for studying in the country is provided on the basis of a student visa. The study visa allows the holder to reside and work in the federation on a limited basis. Validity period is 1 year (from August to July). If the course of study involves a longer stay in the country, then it is necessary to send a request for the extension of the residence permit.

The student visa application form is part of the package of documents for admission to the university.

Necessary justifications

The visa application is processed by the National Security Secretariat. To obtain a permit a number of criteria must be met:

• A letter of admission to a recognized educational institution has been provided.
• Proven availability of funds for living in the country.
• Holder of a medical insurance that covers the costs of treatment. 
• The intention to return to the home country after completing their studies has been demonstrated.

List of documents

• Application form. 
• Letter of admission to the university. 
• The original passport and its certified copy.
• Birth certificate. 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable). 
• One passport size photo. 
• Bank statements confirming the availability of funds for living.
• Medical certificate. 
• Police clearance certificate.
• Information about the intended trips and the return ticket.

Documents not in English will not be accepted. The file must be translated into English and notarized. 

Residence permit for freelancers and digital nomads

There are no special residence permit programs for digital nomads in St. Kitts and Nevis. However, there are conditions under which it is possible to work without official employment within the federation. Citizens of most countries of the world can stay in the country from 30 to 180 days without special permits. Mostly, a 90-day free-stay period is applied. If a longer stay on the islands is required, you can apply for a tourist or electronic entry visa.

Necessary justifications

All foreign citizens can obtain an electronic visa on the official website of the e-Visa. There are no formal requirements for providing evidence of remote employment. This means that freelancers and entrepreneurs can carry out remote activities. However, if entering the country as a digital nomad, several conditions must be met:

• Do not work for local companies. 
• The principal place of business and source of income must be outside Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• When submitting an application, provide evidence of income, place of residence and state in detail the purpose of the visit.

Documents for Digital Nomad Visa

• A valid passport and its certified copy. 
• Completed application. 
• 2 recent passport format photos.
• Proof of availability of housing. 
• Bank statements confirming financial solvency. 
• Receipts for payment of state duties.
• Return ticket. 

One of the main advantages of a visa for Digital Nomad in Saint Kitts and Nevis is the absence of minimum income proof requirements. 

Residence permit by marriage

Having a spouse of a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a foreigner can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage. To do this, you must provide a package of documents and pay the registration fee determined by the year of marriage (from $185).

The legislation of the federation prohibits the conclusion of unions solely for obtaining the status of a citizen. Therefore, the application is carefully reviewed by the Department of National Security.   

Necessary justifications

Under the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis (CHAPTER VIII/ Section 92), any person married to a resident of the country has the right to be registered as a citizen. However, the application may be rejected by the responsible minister if the foreigner may pose a danger to public safety and order, as well as if there are grounds for recognizing the marriage as illegal.

The application of spouses who are divorced or do not live together will be rejected. 

List of necessary documents

• Identity cards of the spouses. 
• 2 passport size photographs. 
• Original and certified copy of the marriage certificate.
• Police clearance certificate.

Family reunification

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a country with deep traditional values, which is expressed in the possibility of reuniting with the loved ones who live in the federation. Spouses, parents, minors and unmarried dependent children, brothers and sisters under the age of 25 can use the residence permit program.

Necessary justifications

The application must be made by the applicant for a residence permit. If the family member is a minor, the petition is filed by one of the parents or guardians. The main criterion for approval remains the provision of documents confirming kinship with a current citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The average processing time for a request is 2 weeks. However, the period for granting a visa can last up to 2 months if additional documents are requested or an interview is scheduled. 

Documents for a long-term visa for the purpose of family reunification

• A valid passport. 
• Completed application form. 
• 2 passport size photographs. 
• Birth certificate. 
• Marriage certificate. 
• Certificate of medical examination.
• Receipts for payment of administrative fees. 
• Police clearance certificate. 
• Other documents confirming the family relationship. 

Residence permit for work

To enter or stay in the federation for more than 90 days for the purpose of employment, foreigners need to obtain a work visa and a work permit. This type of visa is intended for people directly planning to work in the country. As a rule, an employer in St. Kitts and Nevis takes on the main tasks for the registration of a future employee.

Labor relations in the federation are regulated by:

• Labour Law.
• Employment Protection Act.
• Wages Protection Act.
• Paid Holidays Act. 

Each employer and employee must comply with the requirements of these legislative acts.

Necessary justifications

Every citizen of a foreign state must obtain a work visa before official employment on the islands. The main responsibility for processing the application is borne by the employer. At the same time, both the employee and the employer must fill out their form.

Applications of foreign candidates are approved exclusively for specialized positions that cannot be filled by local employees. The current vacancy must be published in the media 3 weeks before the petition is issued, and a copy of the announcement is attached to the package of documents.

For more information on the process of obtaining a work permit, please access the official website of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Necessary documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months. 
• 2 passport size photographs. 
• An official letter from the employer inviting the employee. 
• Receipts for government fees.
• Information about the placement of the job vacancy in the media.

Residence permit for business, individual entrepreneur

The issuance of a business visa is mandatory for persons planning to conduct commercial activities and conduct business meetings. For residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an exception is made: they have the right of residence and employment without additional permits.

A business visa can be filled in online. Within 1-2 weeks, a confirmation is provided, according to which you can enter the country. For more information on business travel, visit the government's website.  

Necessary justifications

The permit is issued to persons arriving in Saint Kitts and Nevis for business purposes, including meetings, conferences, negotiations. To receive it, you need to provide proof of business activity and an invitation letter from a company registered in the federation.

Unlike a tourist visa, a business visa gives the right to conduct commercial activities. However, laws and regulations regarding business activities should be followed. Failure to comply with the requirements results in denial of entry and other legal consequences. 

Required package of documents

• A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months.
• 2 passport size photographs. 
• Completed application. 
• A letter of invitation from a local company stating the purpose and duration of the trip.
• Information about the planned route. 
• Return ticket. 

Extension of residence permit

If the initial period of the granted permit is not sufficient, then the visa and residence permit can be extended. The petition is agreed based on the purpose of the visit and the applicant's compliance with the established requirements. An application for an extension must be made 2-3 months before the expiration of the original residence permit.

Failure to comply with the terms of the extension will result in a fine or deportation. The required package of documents and the amount of state duties vary depending on the residence permit provided and the personal conditions of the applicant. You can learn more about the services and ask questions on the official website of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.