International Removals UK to St. Kitts & Nevis

It takes 14 days for an international move from the UK to St. Kitts & Nevis. This is the time it takes from Portsmouth to the port of Basseterre in St. Kitts & Nevis. This doesn’t account for the time it takes to collect and pack your items or for final delivery.

Residents and returning St. Kitts & Nevis nationals who have lived abroad for 3 years can usually import household items and personal effects duty-free, provided the items have been used for at least 6 months. You must declare these items and provide residency documents to prove your status. If you are a new resident, you may be able to import items duty-free, but conditions apply. Contact the St. Kitts & Nevis customs department to get confirmation. If the items are new or being sold, you may be subject to customs duty charges between 5% and 25% of the value of the items as well as 17% VAT.

It’s important to have your documentation in order before moving to St. Kitts & Nevis. You will need various documents for an overseas move, from proving your residency status to inventory lists of your items. We will help you gather these documents and ensure you’re prepared for the move. You will need:

• A copy of your passport including the visa page
• Residency or work permit
• A Bill of Lading which is issued by 1st Move International and highlights the contents of the shipment
• Customs Declaration Form
• An inventory list

UK citizens do not need visas to stay in St. Kitts & Nevis for up to 90 days provided they have a valid UK passport, proof of onward travel, proof of accommodation and proof of funds. You can apply for temporary or permanent residence in St. Kitts & Nevis if you meet the requirements.

Work Visa / Employment Permit

You will need to secure a job offer in St. Kitts & Nevis before you can apply for a Work Visa. This type of visa is typically valid for 1 year with the option to renew it annually provided you are still employed and meet the requirements.

Key Requirements

• A UK passport valid for 6 months
• A completed Work Visa application form from the Department of Labour
• A job offer in writing from an employer in St. Kitts & Nevis and a signed contract
• Proof of qualifications
• A UK police clearance certificate

You can view the full process and requirements for the St. Kitts & Nevis Work Visa on the Globalization Partners website .

Temporary Residency Permit

You’ll need to apply for a Temporary Residency Permit if you plan to retire or own property in St. Kitts & Nevis, but do not wish to work or study. The Temporary Residency permit is valid for 1 year but can be renewed.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months from the date of application
• A completed Temporary Residency Permit application form from the Immigration Department
• Proof of financial stability from pension or other income
• Or proof of property ownership
• A UK police clearance certificate
• A UK medical clearance certificate
• Health insurance to cover the duration of your stay

Discover the full requirements and categories for the St. Kitts & Nevis Temporary Residency Permit .

Permanent Residency

You’ll have to have lived or worked in St. Kitts & Nevis for 5 years before you can apply for Permanent Residency. You can also apply if you have family ties or can make an investment in St. Kitts & Nevis.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months
• A completed application form from the Immigration Department
• Proof of residence in St. Kitts & Nevis for 5 years
• If you are applying through investment, you will have to show evidence of purchasing a government-approved property for $200,000
• Employment documents to prove you have lived and worked in St. Kitts & Nevis for a minimum time
• A UK police clearance certificate

View the process and requirements for the St. Kitts & Nevis Permanent Residency Visa .

Yes, you can take your pet with you to St. Kitts & Nevis if you have the essential documentation and requirements so your pet is fit for travel.

Import Permit:

Your pet will need a valid import permit from the Department of Agriculture

Microchip:

You must ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip

Rabies Vaccination:

Your pet must have their rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel but not longer than 12 months

Health Certificate:

You must get a health certificate no more than 10 days before travel

Yes! Our shipping container tracking tool lets you track the movements of your shipment to St. Kitts & Nevis. You’ll get a tracking code once your shipment has left the UK so you can watch it on its way to St. Kitts & Nevis.

The cost of living in St. Kitts & Nevis is generally lower than in the UK. Housing costs are cheaper, especially compared to London and other big cities. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the capital of Basseterre for around $600 to $1,000 per month, with even cheaper prices outside of the city. As the island relies on food imports, the price of groceries is more expensive than in the UK. Utility costs can also be more expensive in St. Kitts & Nevis due to the imported fuel.

The public healthcare system in St. Kitts & Nevis provides free at-the-point-of-use services to its residents. This includes emergency services, primary care and outpatient clinics. If you are a visitor or non-resident, you will have to pay for healthcare services. As public hospitals are often overcrowded with staffing issues, many residents turn to private healthcare for a higher standard of care. Many residents and ex-pats opt for private health care insurance in St. Kitts & Nevis which can cost on average between $100 to $200 a month for basic cover.

Compulsory education in St. Kitts & Nevis begins at age 5 in primary school and ends when children have completed secondary school at age 16. Notable universities in St. Kitts & Nevis are the University of the Virgin Islands, Clarion University of Pennsylvania and the National Institute of Professional Advancement. English is the main language of instruction in St. Kitts & Nevis schools, making it easier for expat students to get involved in the local education systems. There are numerous British private schools that follow the British National Curriculum, but these schools come with high fees.

The economy is small in St. Kitts & Nevis and is mainly funded by the tourism, agriculture and services sectors. Tourism is the largest employer on the island and provides many opportunities in roles such as travel and hospitality. There is a high demand for British teachers in private and international schools in St. Kitts & Nevis to teach English as a second language. The healthcare sector is often searching for qualified professionals to fill roles. Expats can search for current vacancies on online job portals such as CaribbeanJobs and the St. Kitts & Nevis government website vacancies page .