Requirements

As a returning national, it's important to have proof of eligibility to reaffirm your status as a citizen or resident of your home country of origin. Proof of eligibility includes documents or items, such as a valid passport, residency permit, or national identification card, serves as evidence to authorities and immigration officials that you have the right to return. By ensuring you have the necessary documentation readily available, you can expedite the immigration process and smoothly transition back to your homeland.

• Proof of nationality (e.g. St. Kitts and Nevis passport, birth certificate, or National ID)
• Employment letter
• Documents showing length of stay abroad (e.g. tax returns, salary/wage receipts, social security documents, etc.)
• Retirement Letter
• Pension Letter
• Airline ticket

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Items imported duty-free under the policy will not be sold [five (5) years for vehicles and three (3) years for all other items] before informing the Customs & Excise Department and making arrangements to pay the duty on the residual value. Items are for the applicant’s use and will not be transferred to another party whether as a gift or as a sale. To be considered as residing in St. Kitts and Nevis for the purpose of this policy, a Returning National, during the first three (3) years of his/her return, must NOT return abroad and reside there for a continuous period of more than three (3) months. NOTE: Failure to comply with any of the above may result in the levying of duties on all items imported.

Application Form

What you need to know

Personal effects and household items include clothing, jewelry, hobby collections (e.g. stamps and coins), furniture, paintings and works of art, soft furnishings (e.g. curtains), and electrical appliances.

Please see Sample List of Personal and Household Items for Duty-Free Concessions.

Note: Periods for duty-free concessions on imported goods are as follows:

• Three (3) months prior and three (3) months after returning home or
• Six (6) months after returning home or
• Extensions maybe granted on a case-by-case basis by the Returning Nationals Secretariat

Steps to Imports a Vehicle

• Returning Nationals bringing a vehicle into the Federation will be required to pay the following charges:- 12% Customs Service Charge plus the Environmental Levy – in relation to the Environmental Levy:
• For Motor Vehicles imported in year of manufacture up to 24 months after the date of manufacture, EC$1,000.00;
• For Motor Vehicle imported after two (2) years but less than four (4) years after the date of manufacture, EC$3,500.00;
• For cars imported four (4) years or more after the date of manufacture, EC$5,000.00.
• Only one (1) vehicle is allowed for duty-free concession per family.
• The vehicle must be owned by the Returning National for at least six (6) months prior to arriving in the Federation and be accompanied with a copy of the title from the country of origin.
• The Returning National must be 18 years of age or older and be a holder of a valid driver’s licence in the country of origin.
• The vehicle must be cleared from Customs within six (6) months of following the policy or post the clearance of personal and household items.
• Vehicle ownership/control cannot be transferred within 3 years of concession. Notify the Customs & Excise Department of any sale within this period.
• Where at any time within three (3) years of the grant of the concession, the Authority finds that the condition above is contravened, the Returning National may be ordered to pay on demand, the applicable duty and taxes as determined by the Customs & Excise Department.

See Customs & Excise Duty Calculator

What you should know...

As a returning national, clearing customs upon your arrival in your home country is an essential step to complete before you can proceed with your journey. Customs clearance ensures that you comply with the country’s regulations and laws regarding the importation of goods, including personal belongings and any items you may have acquired during your time abroad. Understanding the procedures and requirements for clearing customs as a returning national is crucial to facilitate a smooth and efficient process.

• When Returning Nationals arrive in St. Kitts and Nevis, they should first visit or contact the Returning Nationals Secretariat (in St. Kitts) or the Ministry of Finance (In Nevis) for the proper procedure for clearing their personal effects and/or automobile through the Customs & Excise Department.
• The Returning National will be interviewed by the Administrator to determine their eligibility for the duty-free concessions.
• The Returning National will complete an application for the duty-free concessions and if all the requirements have been met, the Administrator will certify this to the Comptroller of Customs. Prior to the recommendation, a background check will be done on the information provided by the applicant. This may require 2-3 working days to complete or as needed, based on information provided.

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