Guidance

Living in St Kitts and Nevis

Advice for British people living in St Kitts and Nevis, including information on health, education, benefits, and residence requirements.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
7 February 2014
Last updated
17 January 2023 — See all updates

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in St Kitts and Nevis.

There is no British High Commission in St Kitts and Nevis. See British High Commission Bridgetown, Barbados for information on services we provide for British nationals.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the St Kitts and Nevis authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date, follow the British High Commission Barbados:

Before you go

See St Kitts and Nevis travel advice for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for St Kitts and Nevis in travel advice.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from St Kitts and Nevis.

Check the St Kitts and Nevis travel advice for passport validity requirements.

Healthcare

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and St Kitts and Nevis. You must ensure you have private healthcare cover for St Kitts and Nevis. Check the St Kitts and Nevis list of medical practitioners.

UK travel insurance providers will not usually cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in St Kitts and Nevis. Certain medicines may not be available in St Kitts and Nevis (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to St Kitts and Nevis to find out about any alternative medication.

Read NHS guidance if you need to travel abroad with medicines.

Working in St Kitts and Nevis

If you are planning to move to St Kitts and Nevis to work, you may need a visa. Contact the St Kitts and Nevis government for more information, including the documents you will need to provide with your application. You may be able to apply for a short term or a long term work permit. You will have to pay a fee.

Studying in St Kitts and Nevis

If you plan to study in St Kitts and Nevis, you must apply for a student visa. Contact the St Kitts and Nevis government for more information, including the documents you will need to provide with your application.

Contact the relevant education provider in St Kitts and Nevis to check what fees you have to pay.

Children born outside St Kitts and Nevis who have approved legal status in the country, may apply for permission to attend any primary or secondary school in St Kitts and Nevis.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with St Kitts and Nevis to ensure that people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in St Kitts and Nevis. Find a lawyer in St Kitts and Nevis.

Read guidance on:

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

British nationals may be entitled to UK benefits while living in St Kitts and Nevis.

The UK basic state pension is payable in St Kitts and Nevis. Contact the International Pension Centre for more information on getting your pension in St Kitts and Nevis.

Pensions

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in St Kitts and Nevis, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Money and banking

There is a limited number of banks in St Kitts and Nevis. You should get advice directly on how to open an account. You will usually be asked to produce a reference from your UK bank.

Accommodation and buying property

See general guidance on buying a property abroad.

Driving in St Kitts and Nevis

Read general guidance on driving abroad.

Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in St Kitts and Nevis. You should buy a temporary licence through the Inland Revenue Division. These are valid for 3 months.

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (for example the DVLA).

Read more:

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in St Kitts and Nevis, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Voting

Some foreign nationals may have the right to vote in St Kitts and Nevis elections. Check on the St Kitts and Nevis government website to see if you are eligible.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in St Kitts and Nevis, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

Deaths

If someone dies in St Kitts and Nevis read guidance on:

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership in St Kitts and Nevis.

To get married in St Kitts and Nevis, you should apply for a marriage licence from the Legal Department. You will need to provide:

  • a valid passport or photo ID
  • an original or certified copy of your birth certificates

Pets

If you wish to bring a pet to St Kitts and Nevis, contact the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture on 1 869 465 2110 and submit an import licence. You will need to chip and vaccinate your pet.

Emergencies

Dial 911 for all emergencies.

You can also call:

  • 1 869 465-2241 for the police
  • 1 869 465-2515 for the fire service
  • 1 869 465-2551 for the hospital

Dial 1 869 465-2241 / 911 to report a missing child.

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in St Kitts and Nevis, read the general guidance on rape or sexual assault abroad.

The British high commission also provides a list of lawyers in St Kitts and Nevis.

If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Bridgetown, Barbados on +1 246 430 7800.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Published 7 February 2014
Last updated 17 January 2023 + show all updates

  1. Guidance fully reviewed and updated.

  2. Please see the updated 'Living In' Guides for St Kitts and Nevis - February 2021

  3. First published.

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