Temporary Residence Permit

The Temporary Residence Permit of Saint Kitts and Nevis allows foreign nationals who own or rent property in the Federation to reside in the country without the right to work locally. It is established under the Immigration Act (Cap. 6.02) and administered by the Ministry of National Security on St. Kitts and by the Premier's Ministry on Nevis. The permit is designed for retired expatriates, passive-income earners, and other non-nationals who wish to live in the Federation without taking up local employment. It is the simplest and most affordable residency option in Saint Kitts and Nevis — distinct from the Annual Residency (which permits work) and Permanent Residency (which requires the Retirement Programme or seven years of qualifying property ownership).

• Must own or rent property in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Must not intend to engage in local employment (no right to work is granted)
• Must pass medical tests: valid tuberculosis (TB) test results (valid for 12 months) and RPR/VDRL test results (valid for 6 months)
• Police clearance from home country
• No specific minimum income threshold, but applicants should demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves

• Completed application form
• Copies of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates (originals or notarised copies)
• Valid tuberculosis (TB) test results (valid for 12 months)
• RPR/VDRL test results (valid for 6 months)
• Police clearance certificate from home country
• Proof of property ownership or rental agreement in the Federation
• All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations

The permit is valid for up to 12 months but expires on 31 December each year regardless of the date of issuance — applicants obtaining a permit mid-year will not receive a full 12 months. Renewal applications are accepted between October and December for the following calendar year. A late renewal fee of USD 100 applies for applications filed after the expiry date. On Nevis, there is currently no processing fee for Temporary or Annual Residency renewals.

Applications are submitted in person at the Ministry of National Security on St. Kitts or the Premier's Ministry on Nevis. All documents must be originals or notarised copies, with certified English translations where required. Medical tests must be current at the time of application.

Fees: ECD 1,500 (approximately USD 556) for a 12-month permit; ECD 750 (approximately USD 278) for 6 months or less.

Spouses of Temporary Residency holders may apply for their own Temporary Residence Permit. Children under 18 who are physically challenged and not engaged in schooling are also eligible. Each family member must submit a separate application with the required documentation and pay the applicable fee.

Saint Kitts and Nevis does not levy personal income tax, capital gains tax (except 12.5% on assets sold within one year of acquisition), inheritance tax, or gift tax. Individuals residing 183 or more days per year in the Federation are considered tax residents, but this carries no income tax obligation given the absence of personal income tax. A double taxation agreement exists with the United Kingdom.

The Temporary Residence Permit does not confer the right to work in the Federation. Holders are prohibited from taking up local employment. Those wishing to work locally must obtain an Annual Residency permit or a work permit instead.

Temporary residence does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Permanent Residency requires either participation in the Retirement Programme or owning a qualifying home (minimum USD 350,000) for at least seven years. The Citizenship by Investment Programme offers a separate, faster route to citizenship through a minimum contribution of USD 250,000.