General Information

Nevis is located in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. The Island is small and charming, dominated by a lush peak and with many beaches. It's sister island of St. Kitts is only 2 miles to the North.

How to get to Nevis:

St. Kitts, Antigua or St. Martin are convenient entry points, from the USA usually via Puerto Rico.  Travellers can now book directly through Puerto Rico with direct flights to Nevis daily as a result of the newly added state of the art Vance Amory International Airport.  From Canada, direct flights to these islands both scheduled and charter. From the UK and Germany , also scheduled and charter flights to these islands.

Immigration:
A 6 months valid passport is required for all nationals. Most EC countries do not require visas. A cash departure tax of US $20 or EC $53 is payable per person upon departure.

Currency and Banking:
East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) with set rate of exchange US $1 = EC $2.6882 , (GBP = EC $5.0 but fluctuates daily). US $ are readily accepted throughout the island and other major currencies can be exchanged at all local banks. Banks are generally open 8:30am to 2:00pm Monday through Thursday with extended hours on Fridays. ATM machines can only be used by local bank cards but cash can be obtained with major credit cards upon production of a passport in all major banks.

Credit Card:
All major cards are usually accepted throughout the island.

Dress Code:
Cotton summer clothing is recommended. During winter, a light cardigan is advisable for the cool evenings. Ladies should note that no bikinis should be worn when walking in town to respect local custom.  Most restaurants have a dress code when dining in the evening.  Topless bathing is forbidden.

Electricity:
110 volts, 60 cycles (as in North America).  240 volts comes direct from the Nevis Electricity Company (Nev Lec) but in most villas is converted via a step-down transformer allowing 110 volt use.  NB All the properties in Nevis Villas allow for 110 use.

Transportation:
Jeeps and cars can be rented starting at approximately US $55 per day (can be higher depending on choice of vehicle). Jeeps are recommended especially when off road driving is anticipated.  Local taxis are available as well as local mini-buses that go around the island very inexpensively.

Shopping:
Nevis has limited shopping but local batik and art are good buys. Essential items can be found in drugstores and supermarkets but be prepared to pay a little more than at home. A day trip to St. Kitts offers many duty free shops selling quality jewelry, Cuban cigars and other goods. Books and magazines are good things to bring.

1. Nevis is part of the twin Island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
2. The Island is 36 square miles in area and is circled by a main road that is 21 miles long. The main mountain is 3,232 feet high and we have a population of 10,080.
3. Nevisians welcome visitors but are very conservative. The dress code is casual but nudity is frowned upon, if you behave with decorum you won't have a problem on Nevis.
4. A Foreigner needs an Alien Land Holding License to own property on Nevis. This should take about three months for approval and Nevis Villas/Seashell Properties has application forms and can assist you with filling them out.
5. Closing costs are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and are as follows:
   Legal fees (estimated) 2%
   Government Stamp Duty (vendor only as of July 1, 2005) 12%
6. Alien Land Holding License 10%
   Total cost to the Purchaser 12%
7. All beaches are public and have at least one established access.
8. Fully serviced Lots (excluding beach front) cost from US $80,000 to US$ 250,000 depending on the size and location and beachfront from US $ 300,000/acre.
9. Construction costs vary US $120 - US $180 per square foot of roofed area depending on location, design and quality of finish. A 2,000 square foot house takes about 6 to 9 months to build.
10. There is a good Government water supply below the 800' contour. Water costs EC $20 (US $8.00) per 1,000 gallons.
11. Electrical charges for an average family in a 3 bedroom house heating water with electricity without air-conditioning is roughly EC $250 (US $93) per month (with a/c add an additional EC$100 depending on use and frequency).
12. Cable TV (42 channels) costs EC $84 (US $32) per month.
13. Grounds maintenance for 0.5 acre costs approximately EC $420 ((US $120) per month.
14. Property management costs approximately EC $800 (US $300) per month.
15. A 3 bedroom house with pool (not on the beach) rents short-term for US $3,000 to US $9,500 per week in high season, US $2000 - US $5000 per week in low season. Rental commissions vary from 15% to as high as 35% on fully managed properties. Long-term rental (6 months plus) from US $1,000 to US $2,500 per month and normally attract a 10-15% commission.
16. Maid services costs EC $20 (US $6.0) per hour.
17. Property insurance (fire, hurricane, earthquake) costs 1% of the sum insured.
18. There is no personal Income Tax or Inheritance Tax. House Tax ranges from US $800 to US $2,000 per annum.
19. The EC $ is tied to the US $ at a fixed rate of EC $2.6882 to US $1.00. You can also have foreign currency accounts at most of the banks, this keeps your funds outside foreign currency controls.
20. Nevis has an excellent reputation as an offshore financial center with up-to-date legislation covering the formation of LLC's, IBC's and asset protection trusts.
21. An Economic Citizenship Program exists providing the possibility to qualify for citizenship through investing over US $250,000 in pre-approved real estate projects.