Work visas
Kittitian and Nevisian Work Permit
For non-citizens who need permission to take up paid employment in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The permit is applied for by the employer on the worker's behalf.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Validity (up to one year) and any fees are indicative; the three-week advertising and local-labour requirements come from an official SKNIS notice. Confirm current work-permit fees and duration with the Labour Department.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Saint Kitts and Nevis government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Work Permit
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored employment authorisation
- Responsible body
- Labour Department / Ministry of Labour
- Validity
- Commonly up to one year, renewable before expiry
- Duration and fee vary by case; confirm officially.
- Local-labour test
- Post advertised locally for three consecutive weeks
Who it is for
- Non-citizens taking up paid employment in Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Employers who cannot fill a specialised position from the local labour market
Requirements
- A specific job offer from a local employer for a specialised position
- Evidence the vacancy was advertised locally for three consecutive weeks
- Evidence the employer consulted the Labour Department and tried to recruit locally
- Applicant generally applies from outside the Federation
- Supporting documents (passport, qualifications, references) as required
What you can do
- Work legally for the sponsoring employer for the permit's validity period
- Apply to renew before expiry if the employment continues
How to apply
- Employer advertises the post locally and consults the Labour Department
- Employer submits the work-permit application for the named foreign worker
- Applicant remains outside the Federation while the application is processed
- On approval, the worker enters and takes up the authorised employment
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.