Saint Kitts and Nevis PEO & Employer of Record

WeHG provides an International PEO and vglobal Employer of Record service in Saint Kitts and Nevis to companies willing to join the Saint Kitts and Nevis market or hire local/expat employees in this country.

The general approach requires establishing a subsidiary in Saint Kitts and Nevis.  However our solution allows you to start the operations in Saint Kitts and Nevis within days hence save time and money.  WeHG would hire candidates on your behalf while you maintain full operational control of their work. So legally they would be our employees, on our local payroll, 100% compliant but will work on your behalf. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis fast facts

Population, million: 53,199
Land area, sq. km: 261 km²
Capital: Basseterre
Local currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$)

GDP per capita:$ 15,246
GDP in currency:$0.87 billion
Economic growth percentage: 2.84%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.13%
Volume of export: $ 33 million
Import of goods and services: $ 593 million
Total population: 53,199
Population of working age (15-64): 43.6%

Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is an island country in the West Indies. Located in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles, it is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, in both area and population. The country is a Commonwealth realm, with Elizabeth II as Queen and head of state. It is the only federation in the Caribbean.

Hiring, Negotiating and Doing Business in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Necessity of written employment contract

The contract may be written or oral.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Employment Contract

Types of employment agreements

Fixed-term and short-term contracts.

Saint Kitts and Nevis working hours

The typical work week is a 40hrs during the hours of 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm.

Overtime

Overtime must be paid, with some exceptions, in the amount of one and a half hours.

Vacation leave in Saint Kitts and Nevis

14 days after the first year of work, exclusive of Sundays and public holidays. 

Sick leave

Your eligibility to claim Sickness Benefit depends on whether or not you are working at the time you make a claim for the Benefit.

In order to receive this Benefit you must have paid at least 26 contributions into Social Security; and at least 8 contributions in the 13 weeks prior to your illness. You must also have been in employment up to the time of becoming incapable of work.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Maternity Leave

A maternity allowance is paid for a maximum of 13 weeks. You are entitled to claim from as early as 6 weeks before the expected date of confinement.  However, you can opt to begin your leave period from as late as the date of confinement.

In any case you will be entitled to the benefit for the duration of 13 weeks once you do not work during that period.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Severance Laws

Except as provided by employment may be terminated in the following circumstances:

• without notice during probationary period except otherwise provided in writing in contract;
• without notice where the employee is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his/her employment;
• without notice where employee is guilty of misconduct in relation to his/her employment or the employee is no longer performing his/her duties satisfactorily: provided employee has been warned in writing on at least two occasions within a period of six months indicating the nature of the misconduct or unsatisfactory performance and in the case of the last warning, employer stated his/her intention to dismiss the employee for a repeat offence or continued unsatisfactory performance.
• Where medical practitioner certifies infirmity of mind or body likely to be permanent, provided infirmity lasted for a period of three months;
• Where employee redundant for reason that –
  • employer has discontinued or ceased to carry on all or part of business;
  •  employer has modernised, automated or mechanised all or part business;
  •  employer has reorganised business to improve efficiency;
  • employer finds it impossible to carry on business at the usualrate or level due to shortage of material or a mechanical breakdown or for any cause beyond his control;
  • employer is forced to reduce business due to lack of market orchange in market;
• where employer dies and business ceases to exist;
• where business is liquidated by bankruptcy or otherwise. 

Notice period

• three months and less than a year’s continuous service, one week notice
• one year and less than three years, two week’s notice;
• three years and less than five years, three week’s notice;
• Five and less than seven years, four weeks
• Seven and less than ten years, five weeks
• Ten and less than fifteen years and more, six weeks
• Fifteen and more, ten weeks

Saint Kitts and Nevis Tax

There is no individual income tax in St. Kitts & Nevis.

Social security contributions – Employers contribute 5% of employee earnings for social security (main scheme) and 1% of employee earnings for employment injury benefits. The contribution ceiling for the main scheme and employment injury benefits is XCD 6,500 per month. Employers also contribute 3% of employee earnings for the Housing and Social Development Levy and 1% of employee earnings for severance payments.  

Employees contribute 5% of earnings to social security, up to a contribution ceiling of XCD 6,500. The Housing and Development Levy also applies, at a rate of 3.5% on earnings up to XCD 6,500; 10% on earnings from XCD 6,500.01 to 8,000; and 12% on earnings exceeding XCD 8,000. 

Health Insurance Benefits in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis Holidays

• New Year’s Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Labour Day
• Whit Monday
• Culturama Day
• National Heroes Day (in Saint Kitts and Nevis)
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

Why Choose WeHireGlobally

WeHG takes care of all the onboarding hurdles, payroll, compensation and benefits, tax filing, and termination of employment. Our Employer of Record solution allows you to manage your foreign teams efficiently while minimizing cost and risk.