Retiring To The Caribbean? St. Kitts And Nevis Is One Of The Best Islands

St. Kitts and Nevis is the best Caribbean location for retiring [Image by John William Hammond on Flickr]St. Kitts and Nevis is a popular destination for beachgoers and foodies alike. The dual-island nation boasts many natural and cultural treasures, including its beautiful landscapes and idyllic beaches washed by the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, for those planning to retire in paradise this dual-island nation is an excellent choice, with its low cost of living and taxes.

St. Kitts and Nevis a popular choice all round

Each year, beachgoers and foodies visit St. Kitts and Nevis for its cultural treasures and natural wonders like mountains and volcanic landscapes. Moreover, its stunning coastline offers idyllic beaches washed by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Basseterre [Image by Roger W on Flickr]Meanwhile, the island is the smallest in the Western Hemisphere in size and population and is one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations. Moreover, St. Kitts and Nevis is easily accessible by a direct flight from several cities on the East Coast of the US.

Dual island nation attracts senior travelers

However, the islands are also getting major attention from senior travelers after St. Kitts and Nevis was named one of the best Caribbean islands for American retirees by visa and relocation consulting firm Global Citizen Solutions (GCS).

[Image by kayokayo on Wikimedia Commons]According to the company, expats relocating there also have several financial incentives to look forward to. GCS stated:

In addition to the serene surroundings, this retirement haven offers one of the most lenient Caribbean tax environments, with zero income taxes on local and worldwide income and no capital gains, inheritance, and wealth tax.

Moreover, the cost of living on these islands is lower than that in the US. For example, renting an apartment in the capital of Basseterre should not cost more than $900. However, groceries are pricier, as many of the products are imported.

Citizenship for foreign nationals

St. Kitts [Image by Karen Blaha on Flickr]St. Kitts and Nevis also grants citizenship to foreign nationals who invest more than $400,000 in real estate or donate at least $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution. This program supports social and economic development on the islands. Moreover, citizenship can be passed down to future generations of the family and has no language requirements. However, the official local language is English.

Another important factor about St. Kitts and Nevis is the level of safety and stability it offers retirees. Meanwhile, the dual island nation’s 2024 Global Freedom Score is 89 out of 100 for its political stability, normal functioning of government and civil liberties. The US State Department’s current alert level for St. Kitts and Nevis is the lowest at Level 1.

Other Caribbean nations for retirees according to GCS

Conch burgers in Eleuthera [Image @explore_bahamas/Instagram]While St. Kitts and Nevis come out tops, GCS lists other great destinations for American retirees. These are the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Maarten and the Cayman Islands. Taking affordability into account, Dominica, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St. Lucia are listed as the most affordable Caribbean nations for retirees.