Saint Kitts and Nevis
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in St Kitts and Nevis.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Common Law (English tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Registrar of Companies St Kitts and Nevis
- Registry website: https://www.mofa.gov.kn
- Tax authority: Inland Revenue Department SKN
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 33% - Source: CIT: 33% (St Kitts IRD). VAT: 17%.
- VAT / sales tax: 17%
- Estimated formation timeline: 5-10 days - Via Companies Registry. Source: IRD SKN
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Saint Kitts and Nevis Tax Overview
33%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 33% (St Kitts IRD). VAT: 17%.
17%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 33% (St Kitts IRD). VAT: 17%.
Inland Revenue Department SKN
Tax Authority
https://www.ird.gov.kn
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Common Law (English tradition)
Primary registry: Registrar of Companies St Kitts and Nevis
Tax rate: 33% CIT
Incorporated company has access to St Kitts and Nevis market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: XCD fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.mofa.gov.kn before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Saint Kitts and Nevis setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKNANB | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| First Caribbean Intl Bank SKN | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Bank of Nevis | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Registrar of Companies St Kitts and Nevis to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Inland Revenue Department SKN. Rate: 33%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 17%. Verify threshold with Inland Revenue Department SKN. |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Common Law (English tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in St Kitts and Nevis. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Saint Kitts and Nevis specialist
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