If you are looking to retire in a beautiful and deluxe destination in the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis is the country for you. Famous for its first-class beaches, golf clubs, and incredible volcanic landscape, St Kitts and Nevis is a top destination for retirees seeking an optimal quality of life under the sun.
Why Retire in St Kitts and Nevis
A beautiful Caribbean country with a rich cultural heritage
Proximity to the US, including direct flights to numerous major cities
Tax advantages, including no income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes
Get a new passport via St Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship by investment program
Twin islands with both outdoor activities and a tranquil environment
Private healthcare available with well-run medical facilities
St Kitts and Nevis: The Best Place to Retire for Optimal Quality of Life in the Caribbean
St Kitts and Nevis is a famous destination for retirees looking for great quality of life in the Caribbean. The twin islands are filled with first-class restaurants and shops where you can enjoy delicious cuisine and purchase great products. Both Caribbean islands offer incredible St Kitts and Nevis real estate properties with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
It is also a fantastic place for sports lovers, as the country has several golf and sailing clubs. If you like to hike, St Kitts and Nevis offers numerous trails in the tropical forest or along the coast, including Mount. Liamuiga, and Shitten Bay trail.
If you prefer to relax, you can soak up the sun on some of the world’s best beaches, like Frigate Bay South and South Friars Bay. You can also enjoy the relaxing and healing therapeutic baths in Nevis, rejuvenating your body and mind. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in St Kitts and Nevis.
Some of the best cities to retire in St Kitts and Nevis for an optimal quality of life are Basseterre, Charlestown, Bath, and Sandy Point Town.
The Cost of Living in St Kitts and Nevis is Cheaper than in the US or the UK
St Kitts and Nevis’ cost of living is considered moderate as many products have to be imported on the islands. However, the cost of living is still cheaper than in the US or in the UK. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $850. Here is a brief cost comparison between St Kitts and Nevis, the US, and the UK.
Item | St Kitts and Nevis | United States | United Kingdom |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $22 | $20 | $19 |
Domestic beer | $2.22 | $6 | $5.70 |
One-way ticket | $2.22 | $2.50 | $3.04 |
Basic utilities (monthly) | $205 | $90 | $320 |
Rent for one-bedroom (city center) | $850 | $1,780 | $1,335 |
Transportation and locally produced fruits, vegetables, and meat are relatively low cost. Eating and dining out can be cheap depending on where you eat; however, averages prices are higher than in the US. Rent can also be cheap depending on the size of the house and its location, and it is substantially cheaper than US rent prices.
St Kitts and Nevis Taxes
One considerable asset of living in St Kitts and Nevis is its favorable tax system. In St Kitts and Nevis, retirees pay no personal income tax, capital gains tax, gift tax, or inheritance tax.
Healthcare in St Kitts and Nevis
Healthcare is an important variable to consider when retiring abroad. In St Kitts and Nevis, healthcare is available to all residents. The Joseph N France General Hospital in St Kitts and the Alexandra Hospital in Nevis are the two main hospitals, and several private clinics are also available.
Public and private hospitals on the islands provide various types of treatment, but expat retirees may need to seek treatment abroad in specific cases. Private health insurance providers such as Allianz, Pacific Prime, and Sagicor Life are some of the most renowned expat health insurance companies. Private medical policies, including evacuation cover, cost around $200 to $300 per month.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is an appealing option for retirees. Providing that an investment of at least $250,000 is made in government funds or $400,000 in approved real estate, retirees can get a St Kitts and Nevis passport and enjoy the country’s tax benefits, as well as visa free travel to more than 150 countries, including all the European Union countries, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Take a look at our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Other Visa options in St Kitts and Nevis
If you’re a retiree who owns property in St Kitts and Nevis and do not wish to participate in the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, you can apply for permanent residency; however, you will need to renew your residency annually.
St Kitts and Nevis Culture
Retirees living in St Kitts and Nevis will experience the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, which span almost six centuries. This heritage is formed from African, European, and indigenous Caribbean influences.
Retirees can explore Basseterre, the country’s capital, which is laden with historical architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Music and dance play are significant in St Kitts culture, and the annual St Kitts and Nevis Carnival showcases this with vibrant parades, lively calypso and soca music, traditional dances, and elaborate costumes.
Find out more about Investing in St Kitts and Nevis
Frequently Asked Questions about Retiring in St Kitts and Nevis
How is the quality of life in St Kitts and Nevis?
St Kitts and Nevis offers natural beauty and a great quality of life in the Caribbean. In St Kitts and Nevis, you will find plenty of great restaurants, golf and boating clubs, and beautiful hikes to do. Additionally, the country is safe and politically stable, which provides peace of mind in a tropical paradise.
Can I retire in St Kitts and Nevis?
Thanks to the St Kitts economic citizenship program, you can retire in St Kitts and Nevis. Make an investment of at least $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or purchase approved real estate for at least $400,000 and get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. You can also obtain an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) and buy a property in St Kitts and Nevis to apply for permanent residency, which requires annual renewal.
Can I buy St Kitts and Nevis real estate as a foreigner?
As a foreigner, you can buy property in St Kitts and Nevis. You can either apply for the Alien Landholding License—which amounts to ten percent of the property value—or buy property through the country’s citizenship by investment program.
How can I get the St Kitts and Nevis passport?
In order to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport, you will need to participate in St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program. You can make an investment of at least $250,000 in the government’s Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or $400,000 in approved real estate, and there’s no requirement to visit St Kitts and Nevis during the application process. You can also ask for dual citizenship by naturalization, providing that you have resided in St Kitts and Nevis for 14 years.
Is St Kitts and Nevis a good place to retire to?
Retiring in St Kitts and Nevis appeals to many retirees due to its tropical climate, beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches, and relaxed pace of life. The country’s official language is English, making it easy to communicate with locals. There are numerous things to do, and residents can easily travel between the two islands with an hourly ferry service. Additionally, tax exemptions for retirees living in St Kitts and Nevis include no personal income tax on local or foreign income and no inheritance taxes.
How can retirees access their pension from abroad in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Many retirees living in St Kitts and Nevis access their pensions from abroad by arranging direct deposits to a local bank account. Others maintain an account in their home country and use international transfer services such as Wise and MoneyGram. International debit or credit cards also facilitate easy cash withdrawals and point-of-sale transactions.
How safe is St Kitts and Nevis for retirees?
St Kitts and Nevis is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands for retirees to live. The nation has a low crime rate compared to many other Caribbean countries and long-standing political stability, which makes St Kitts a safe retirement destination.
