St.Kitts levies taxes based on tax residency not with citizenship. you must stay in the country for more than 183 days to become a tax resident of St.Kitts and Nevs. Taxes are levied separately from residents and non-residents.
TIN Number
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued solely by the jurisdiction’s Tax Administration, Saint Christopher and Nevis Inland Revenue Department (SKNIRD). An individual or legal person or legal entity will be issued a TIN upon registration if they are liable for the licences and taxes administered
by the SKNIRD.
Tax Free Citizenship
St.Kitts offers tax free citizenship to CBI investors who live in diaspora and are classified as non residents. Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis pay zero personal income tax, and there are no taxes on capital gains, inheritance, dividends, interest, royalties or wages. There are also benefits such as free healthcare for under 18s and adults over 62 years of age.
Tax Comparison Table — Saint Kitts and Nevis
| Tax Type | Residents (Individuals or Resident Companies) | Non-Residents (Individuals or Non-Resident Companies) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Income Tax | 0% — No tax on income, wages, salaries, worldwide income | 0% — No tax on personal income even if a non-resident citizen |
| Corporate Income Tax | ~33% on net profit of resident companies (worldwide income) | ~33% on net profit from income sourced in Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Withholding Tax (Dividends/Interest/Royalties) | 0% for residents | 15% on payments from St Kitts and Nevis sources |
| Social Security Contributions | 5% (employee share) — payroll contributions | 5% (generally applicable if wages earned in the country) |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 17% standard (10% reduced for hotel/restaurants; some items 0%) | 17% standard (same treatment regardless of residency) |
| Stamp Duty (Real Estate/Property Transfers) | 6%–10% depending on property and location | 6%–10% (same range; often higher cost for non-nationals on property) |
| Unincorporated Business Tax (Sole Traders/Partnerships) | ~4% on sales of goods/services (after exemptions) | ~4% on sales of goods/services (after exemptions) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% for most assets >1 year; 20% if sold within 12 months (per some sources) | 0% >1 year; 20% if short-term gains (<12 months) |
| Inheritance/Wealth/Gift Tax | 0% — none imposed | 0% — none imposed |
Notes
- Resident individuals (commonly defined by physical presence or local tax residency rules) benefit from no personal income tax on both local and global income. (US citizens still pay taxes on their worldwide income)
- Non-resident individuals also pay no personal income tax; however, they may face withholding taxes on local-source investment income such as dividends or royalties.
- Resident companies pay corporate tax on worldwide profits, whereas non-resident companies pay tax only on income sourced within Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- VAT and stamp duties apply equally regardless of residency status.
Tax Treaties
Saint Kitts has so far signed 20 Tax exchange agreements TIEAs (e.g., with the US, UK) to meet OECD standards and Double tax avoidance treaties (UK, Caricom, US, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and New Zealand.) .
OECD
St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), requiring financial institutions to identify foreign residents and automatically exchange account information to combat tax evasion. Banks and Financial institutions must report information on accounts held by non-residents to the local Competent Authority for exchange with partner jurisdictions.