Company Incorporation St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Share capital requirements
A minimum share capital is not required, but usually, the standard authorized share capital is $50,000 divided into 50,000 ordinary shares of $1. The minimum paid-out capital is $1.

Shareholder requirements
BC (business companies) may be formed by one or more shareholders, who can be natural or legal persons and non-residents. Details of shareholders are not publicly available. There is no limitation on the use of nominees.

Director requirements
A minimum of 3 directors is required, who may be individuals or corporations, residents or non-residents. However, if the company is incorporated by less than 3 shareholders, it is allowed to appoint less than 3 directors. Therefore, a company may be incorporated by a sole shareholder and a sole director. Details are not publicly disclosed. Nominee directors are allowed.

Secretary requirements
A secretary is required, who can be a corporation or an individual, resident or non-resident.

Registered address requirements
BCs must have a registered agent authorized by the government and a registered office address in Nevis.

General Meeting 
Annual meetings are not required by law and can be conducted in or outside of Nevis.

Compliance requirements
Nevis BCs are required to prepare and maintain accounting records, to reflect the financial position of the company. Account records should be kept for 5 years from the date of their preparation and may be kept anywhere. Companies are not required to file accounts, annual returns or divulge information relating to ownership. However, you are required to have them for AML/CFT regulations. Nevis BCs are subject to an annual government license fee.

Taxes
Corporate income tax – Nevis companies that are not controlled and managed in or from within Nevis are considered nonresident for tax purposes in Nevis, and therefore, not subject to corporate income tax in Nevis unless they constitute a permanent establishment in Nevis. A permanent establishment can be constituted when a company carries on certain business activities via a place of business in Nevis.

Other taxes – Saint Kitts and Nevis does not levy direct personal taxes. Personal income, as well as, capital gains and net wealth are not subject to taxation.

Property tax is assessed on the market value of the real property, ranging from 0.2% to 0.3%, depending on the location and use. There is a stamp duty on the transfer of real property from 6% to 10%. Value-added tax is 17% for most goods and services. A reduced rate of 10% applies to the tourism sector. Certain goods are tax-exempt.

Benefits of a St. Kitts and Nevis company
• No corporate taxes, withholding taxes, capital gains taxes
• Reputable jurisdiction with high regard for economic liberty
• Ease of operation, maintenance, and control
• Maximum confidentiality and anonymity
• The registration process is quick, simple, and cost-efficient