At a glance
If you plan to take a job in Saint Kitts and Nevis and have no regional or other exemption, you need a written work permit for that job. You normally must be outside the country when making your first application. Coordinate the application and travel plans with your employer.
- Who qualifies
- Applicants with employer support who apply from the required location
- Documents
- Employer support and personal records
- First application
- Normally apply while outside Saint Kitts and Nevis; only specified exceptions apply
Summary
Foreign employees can seek written permission to work in a specific Saint Kitts and Nevis job when no regional or other exemption applies. The employer and work must be identified, and a prospective employee normally must remain outside the Federation for the first application. Tourist entry does not itself create an exception.
The authorities may also require employer security covering specified obligations; where required, the permit is not valid until it is provided. After labor approval, arrange the corresponding work-permit-holder residence. A pending application cannot authorize an early start.
-
Confirm the specific employer and role Prepare the job and supporting applicant evidence.
-
Check where you must be when applying The first application normally requires the prospective employee to be outside the country.
-
Obtain written work authorization Do not rely on a pending application, tourist entry, or property ownership.
Any regional skilled-national or other exemption must be established separately.
Eligibility
An employer supporting your application
The proposed work and employer must be identified. Work cannot start merely because a job offer or permit application exists.
Will you be outside Saint Kitts and Nevis when the first work-permit application is made, unless an official exception applies
Section 19(4) requires the prospective employee to be outside the Federation for the first application. Renewals and cases covered by a ministerial Order are exceptions; tourist entry alone is not an exception.
Employer records and any required funds for your return travel
The permit may carry job-specific conditions. Section 21 allows an employer security requirement; where required, the permit is not valid until the security is furnished.
Documents for your application
Prepare the identity, background, qualification, and employment documents required by the receiving office. Obtain work-permit-holder residence after the labor permission is granted.
What This Route Allows
The permit allows the specified work under its conditions. Section 6(5) provides work-permit-holder residence for permit holders; the status must be properly recorded.
What This Route Is Not
A pending application, tourist entry, or property purchase does not authorize employment. An OECS or recognized CARICOM skilled-national exemption should be considered separately.
Next Steps
Have the employer confirm the office that receives applications and current checklist before travel. Apply from the required location and wait for permission before beginning work.
Stay up to date on this pathway
Get an email when something important changes.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Skilled Employee Residence
Hong Kong's skilled employment route is for professionals with a confirmed local job that uses their education, technical skills, or substantial relevant experience.
Ireland
Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Permit
A non-EEA senior manager, key employee, or trainee may transfer temporarily from an overseas company to a connected Irish entity under an Intra-Company Transfer Employment…
Netherlands
Netherlands Company Transfer Residence Permit
Managers, specialists, and trainee employees may be able to transfer from a company outside the EU to a Dutch branch under the EU intra-corporate transferee route.