Exceptional employees are an essential priority for any business, and we believe building an outstanding team shouldn’t be limited by borders. You may choose to send some of your current employees to Saint Kitts and Nevis to bolster your expansion there.
Types of Work Visas in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Employees must obtain a business visa for entry if they plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days for business. The government in Saint Kitts and Nevis offers two main types of visas — tourist and business. The average processing time for visas is about two weeks, so ensure your employees apply with enough time to complete the transaction before they need to travel.
After entering the country with the appropriate visa, employees will also need a work permit. Applicants will need to supply information on their medical condition, including a Mantoux skin test and a test for syphilis. They will also need a police record from their current country of residence and a notarized passport identification page.
As the employer, you’ll also need to provide some information to support the work permit application, including evidence that you’ve advertised the vacancy for at least three weeks before hiring a nonnational employee.
Requirements to Obtain Saint Kitts and Nevis Work Visas
Along with a completed and signed application, the requirements to obtain a business visa include:
- A passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- Two passport photos
- A confirmed itinerary or return ticket
- An official letter from the employer guaranteeing financial support during the applicant’s stay and outlining the length and purpose of the trip
- Payment of the application fee
Application Process
Because visa requirements can vary depending on your employee’s country of origin, it’s important to begin the application process by contacting your nearest embassy or consulate. You’ll be able to get the latest information on application requirements, immigration policies, and country-specific requirements for your employee through the appropriate embassy.
The application process can be slightly different for each employee, but you can follow some basic guidelines to most effectively manage visa requirements. Ensure you have adequate time to complete these steps to get the appropriate documentation for your nonnational workers.
- Speak with the appropriate consulate or embassy about permit and visa requirements for your employee’s specific situation.
- Obtain all the required documentation from your employees, including passport information and photos.
- Submit the relevant documentation and the completed and signed visa application through the government’s secure online site.
- Wait to receive application approval.
Other Important Considerations
Employees must have a legal presence in Saint Kitts and Nevis before they can obtain a work permit. Once they’ve established legal residency, they can apply for a business permit for varying durations. The options available include one to two months, three to six months, and seven months to a year. You will also need to pay a fee for the work permit.
Keep in mind that not all nonnational employees will need a visa to enter the country, depending on their nationality and the duration of their stay. You’ll need to consult with the appropriate embassy to ascertain each employee’s requirements.
Partner With G-P
At G-P, we have worldwide resources and localized expertise to manage your company’s compliance as you expand globally. When you work with us, we’ll make sure your expansion is quick and seamless. Get in touch with one of our representatives to learn more.