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St. Kitts & NevisWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

St Kitts and Nevis Work Permit

Foreign nationals, other than approved CARICOM citizens and citizens of OECS Protocol Member States, need a written work permit from the Minister before they work in St Kitts and Nevis. The employer applies while the worker is still outside the Federation, after advertising the job locally. Each permit covers one specific job with one specific employer. Holders are entitled to work-permit-holder residency, and their spouse and minor children can apply for temporary residence.

See requirements ↓

Life in St. Kitts & Nevis

Money

3

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar

XCD

East Caribbean Dollar

Cost of living

79

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2023

Tax

No income tax

VAT 17%

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a job offer from a registered employer in St Kitts and Nevis, usually for a specialised position that could not be filled locally.

Eligibility

  • Apply from outside

    Apply while you are outside the Federation, unless you are renewing; visitors must leave and re-enter after approval.

    • Renewals are the exception to applying from outside
    • A visitor cannot be switched to a work permit
    Official wording

    The application must be made while the prospective employee is outside the Federation (Immigration Act s.19(4)), except for renewals. A visitor cannot be switched to a work permit; they must leave and re-enter after approval (Regulations, reg. 22(c)).

  • Local advertising

    The regulations require the job to be advertised in a local newspaper and on local radio for at least one month, stating how many nationals applied and why they were not hired. A 2020 Ministry of National Security notice says the post must be advertised in local media for three consecutive weeks and the Labour Department consulted.

  • Specialised position

    A 2020 Ministry of National Security notice says applications may only be made for a specialised position.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEmployer standing
  • Document checklistWork permit application form
  • FeesWork permit, calendar year

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 6 documents
  • 5 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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