Moving to a serene destination with warm weather and tropical landscapes is increasingly enticing for many individuals, from American retirees to digital nomads. Living in St Kitts and Nevis stands out among other Caribbean islands when evaluating these factors and the country’s benefits.
Whether you’re a retiree seeking a slower pace of life in a country with warm temperatures and a quality healthcare system or an expat family that enjoys outdoor activities and is looking for a new home with renowned private schools, relocating to St Kitts and Nevis will tick many boxes.
St Kitts and Nevis was the first country in the world to establish an attractive citizenship by investing program, allowing easy migration for many expats to contribute to its economy and gain Caribbean citizenship. Foreign nationals can live in St Kitts by purchasing government-approved real estate while, at the same time, gaining the Caribbean’s most powerful passport available through citizenship by investment programs.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about living in St Kitts as an American and how life in Saint Kitts and Nevis compares to life on other islands in the Caribbean.
About St Kitts and Nevis
A stunning twin island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis is known for its natural beauty, from stunning beaches such as Cockleshell Bay Beach and hiking spots like Nevis Peak.
St Kitts (Saint Christopher) – the largest of the two islands – offers the most activities for Americans living in the islands.
The island offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history, featuring iconic attractions such as the St Kitts Sugar Train, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, and Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens. Saint Kitts, being the main island, boasts the most infrastructure, including Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, public and private hospitals, and shopping centers.
In contrast, Nevis offers a pristine environment with a small population and minimal urban development. The island has some of the country’s best hiking trails, beaches, and luxury private housing.
Cities in the dual-island Caribbean destination, like Basseterre, Sandy Point Town, and Charlestown, have different cultures, with a mix of English and French influences. The capital city, Basseterre, offers luxury accommodation and a vibrant culture, whereas Charlestown, on the smaller island of Nevis, boasts incredible opportunities for investing in tourism.
Like neighboring islands in the Caribbean Sea, tourism is the primary driver behind the economy of St Kitts and Nevis. The country is also known for agriculture and manufacturing. Its official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), and as a former British Colony and part of the British Commonwealth, the official language and business language is English.
St Kitts and Nevis is considered a tax haven, offering foreign investors and residents a favorable tax environment. Tax advantages include no personal income tax on local and worldwide income, and no inheritance, wealth, or capital gains tax.
In 1984 the St Kitts government launched the Caribbean’s first citizenship by investment program. Its program has developed into one of the world’s best citizenship programs, offering a strong Caribbean passport facilitating visa free travel to 154 countries.
Benefits of Living in St Kitts and Nevis
Lucrative investment opportunities in pre-approved real estate
A high standard of living on a warm Caribbean island with pristine beaches
A safe and politically stable Caribbean country with a friendly local population
Avoid paying personal income taxes, as well as inheritance, wealth, and capital gains tax
Proximity to the United States, with daily direct flights to multiple US cities and states
No language barrier, with an English-speaking population
St Kitts and Nevis vs the US Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, the living costs in St Kitts and Nevis are noticeably cheaper than in the United States. Although the cost of living and common consumer products have higher prices than certain other islands in the West Indies, the twin islands offer abundant amenities and services that justify its value, including modern infrastructure, quality private schools, and modern healthcare facilities.
Renting in Saint Kitts and Nevis is cheaper than in the United States overall. Here is a comparison of the average cost to rent property in St Kitts vs the US:
Property Type | Average Monthly Rent in St Kitts | Average Monthly Rent in the US |
One-bedroom apartment in the city center | $770 | $1,770 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $610 | $1,450 |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | $3,500 | $2,960 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $1,550 | $2,400 |
Regarding purchasing real estate, St Kitts and Nevis is one of the best Caribbean islands to buy property, offering residential real estate in sought-after locations facing stunning beaches at reasonable prices.
Life in St Kitts and Nevis as a Retiree
Retired Americans have turned Saint Kitts and Nevis into one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for retirement. There are numerous things to do in St Kitts and Nevis, from basking in the sun and enjoying the country’s tropical climate on beautiful beaches like Cockleshell Beach and South Friars Beach to exploring the scenic trails of South Friars Beach.
For those interested in the island country’s history, iconic sites such as Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park provide retirees with captivating insights into the twin islands’ rich cultural heritage.
St Kitt’s largest medical facility is Joseph N. France General Hospital. The primary hospital in Nevis is Alexandra Hospital. Both hospitals in St Kitts and Nevis offer state-of-the-art care and medical facilities. There are 17 health clinics spread across the two islands, including private clinics. Retirees can obtain private healthcare from globally renowned health insurance providers, including Allianz, Bupa, and Cigna Global.
Saint Kitts and Nevis does not provide a dedicated immigration program for retirees to obtain residency; however, the St Kitts citizenship program allows American retirees to obtain citizenship and permanently reside in the country, with the added benefit of acquiring a Caribbean passport.
Moving to St Kitts as a St Kitts and Nevis Citizen
Launched in 1984, the St Kitts CBI program offers foreign nationals and their families the opportunity to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and live in the twin-island country or abroad as citizens in exchange for investing in the country’s economic growth.
Foreigners are granted Caribbean nationality within four to six months, and they can permanently relocate to St Kitts and Nevis and enjoy island life by the Caribbean Sea.
Below are the four investment options in the program:
- Contribute $250,000 to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
- Purchase government-approved real estate for at least $400,000 in a joint investment or $800,000 for a sole investment.
- Invest $250,000 in the country’s Public Benefit Option (PBO)
Take a look at our St Kitts vs Dominica Citizenship by Investment Comparison
Other options to move St Kitts and Nevis from the US
- Permanent residency: Owning real estate in St Kitts and Nevis is a route to St Kitts and Nevis permanent residency. Property owners must have held their property for at least seven years.
- Citizenship by naturalization: Americans can apply for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by naturalization after 14 years of residency in the country.
The Pros and Cons of Living in St Kitts and Nevis
Pros:
- Warm weather: St Kitts offers year-round warm temperatures and sunny weather.
- Low cost of living: Living costs in St Kitts and Nevis are cheaper than in the United States
- Daily direct flights: US citizens can fly directly to several cities across the US, including New York, Miami, and Tampa.
- English speaking: American expats have no language barrier to overcome, as English is the country’s official language.
Cons:
- Lack of infrastructure: While St Kitts and Nevis offers more modern infrastructure than other Caribbean islands, there may be challenges such as intermittent utilities or poor road conditions, particularly in remote areas.
- Reliance on imports: St Kitts and Nevis depend heavily on imported goods, leading to elevated prices for specific items such as electronics and select food products.
- Adverse weather: Like many Caribbean countries, St Kitts and Nevis is at risk of natural disasters caused by hurricanes, and the rainy season lasts for half the year.
- Small size: St Kitts and Nevis are relatively small Caribbean countries, resulting in limited options for entertainment, dining, and cultural activities compared to large US cities and hubs.
St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate
The property market in St Kitts and Nevis comprises modern apartments, spacious family homes, luxury villas, beach resorts, and eco-lodges. The country’s tourism industry is dynamic and thriving, and pre-approved real estate presents an excellent opportunity to reap rewards from qualifying real estate investments in the St Kitts CBI program. Investors can purchase private homes for $800,000 or luxury hotels with over a dozen rooms for $2.5 million to obtain a Caribbean passport.
Take a look at our Guide on Buying Property in the Caribbean
St Kitts and Nevis Expat Community
Through the popularity of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment initiative, the country has established a large expat community, offering a diverse cultural atmosphere and the opportunity to build connections with like-minded individuals. Between St Kitts and Nevis, St Kitts has the largest expat population, with many American expats living in towns such as Frigate Bay and Sandy Point Town.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in St Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre and Sandy Point in St. Kitts, along with Charlestown and Bath in Nevis, stand out as some of the top places to reside in St. Kitts and Nevis.
US citizens can get St Kitts and Nevis passports through the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program. Contributing $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution or purchasing real estate worth $400,000 in a joint investment or $800,000 as a sole investment qualifies investors for a Caribbean passport. Alternatively, you can apply for St Kitts citizenship by naturalization after residing in the country for 14 years.
St Kitts enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round, offering an ideal environment for individuals who relish warmth. Additionally, the country is a tax haven, offering tax exemptions and advantages, such as no tax on personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gain.
Many flights directly connect St Kitts and Nevis to the United States. Direct flights landing in Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport depart from Miami, New York, and Tampa.
Foreigners can buy real estate in St Kitts and Nevis. Purchasing real estate requires applying for an Alien Landholding License, which costs ten percent of the property value. Alternatively, foreigners can buy St Kitts and Nevis property through the country’s citizenship by investment program, which doesn’t require holding an Alien Landholding License.
A US citizen can retire permanently in St Kitts and Nevis by obtaining a permanent residency visa or applying for citizenship through the country’s citizenship program.
