Bank account in St Kitts and Nevis
Immigrant Invest assists with opening personal and corporate bank accounts in St Kitts and Nevis. We manage the entire process from start to finish, with no travel required.
Eligibility for a bank account in St Kitts and Nevis
Foreign nationals can open bank accounts in St Kitts and Nevis, provided they meet the bank’s compliance standards. Local banks operate under strict anti-money laundering regulations and apply enhanced Due Diligence to non-resident clients.
Banks usually assess the following:
- purpose of opening the account;
- expected transaction volumes;
- source of funds;
- professional background of the applicant;
- business activity and ownership structure, in the case of companies.
Physical presence for St Kitts and Nevis bank account opening is usually not required. However, applicants may need to send original documents by courier or undergo a video identification procedure.
A properly prepared application significantly increases the chances of approval. Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary compliance review before submission to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Request assistance with a bank account opening
Types of bank accounts available
The banking sector in St Kitts and Nevis includes several commercial banks and credit institutions. Among the best-known banks are St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, the Bank of Nevis, Republic Bank St Kitts, and Hamilton Reserve Bank.
Banks offer personal and corporate accounts in Eastern Caribbean dollars as well as major international currencies such as US dollars, euros and pounds sterling.
1
Personal chequing account
Chequing accounts, also known as current accounts, are designed for everyday banking needs, including card payments, cash withdrawals, and international transfers.
Typical features include:
- online and mobile banking access;
- debit cards;
- domestic and international wire transfers;
- multi-currency options at selected banks.
Some banks require an initial deposit. For instance, at St Kitts Co-operative Credit Union, the minimum to open a chequing account is $100.
Chequing accounts, also known as current accounts, are designed for everyday banking needs, including card payments, cash withdrawals, and international transfers.
Typical features include:
- online and mobile banking access;
- debit cards;
- domestic and international wire transfers;
- multi-currency options at selected banks.
Some banks require an initial deposit. For instance, at St Kitts Co-operative Credit Union, the minimum to open a chequing account is $100.
2
Personal savings and term deposit accounts
Personal savings and term deposit accounts are used to hold funds and earn interest over time. Available options include standard savings accounts with flexible access and term deposits for 3, 6 or 12 months. Some savings accounts offer automatic monthly transfers.
Minimum opening balances depend on the bank and currency. For example:
- Bank of Nevis requires EC$25, or approximately $9, as the minimum opening balance for a Regular Savings account.
- St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank requires a minimum balance of EC$100, or approximately $37, to avoid service charges on a Regular Savings account.
Maintenance fees may apply if the required balance is not maintained.
Personal savings and term deposit accounts are used to hold funds and earn interest over time. Available options include standard savings accounts with flexible access and term deposits for 3, 6 or 12 months. Some savings accounts offer automatic monthly transfers.
Minimum opening balances depend on the bank and currency. For example:
- Bank of Nevis requires EC$25, or approximately $9, as the minimum opening balance for a Regular Savings account.
- St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank requires a minimum balance of EC$100, or approximately $37, to avoid service charges on a Regular Savings account.
Maintenance fees may apply if the required balance is not maintained.
3
Commercial chequing accounts
Commercial chequing accounts, also known as corporate current accounts, are available to companies conducting operational or international business activity. These accounts enable businesses to receive payments from clients, settle with suppliers and contractors, process payroll, and conduct international trade transactions.
Opening balances depend on the institution and business profile. For example, Republic Bank St Kitts states that a Commercial Chequing Account can be opened with any amount starting at EC$100, or approximately $37.
Commercial chequing accounts, also known as corporate current accounts, are available to companies conducting operational or international business activity. These accounts enable businesses to receive payments from clients, settle with suppliers and contractors, process payroll, and conduct international trade transactions.
Opening balances depend on the institution and business profile. For example, Republic Bank St Kitts states that a Commercial Chequing Account can be opened with any amount starting at EC$100, or approximately $37.
4
Foreign currency accounts
Foreign currency accounts allow clients to hold and transact in major global currencies rather than only in Eastern Caribbean dollars. In St Kitts and Nevis, accounts are available in US dollars, euros and British pounds sterling. In some cases, a broader range of currencies, such as Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, Japanese yen and UAE dirhams, may also be available.
Minimum balances depend on the bank and the currency of the account. For example, St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank states that a US dollar foreign currency savings account can be opened with $200.
Foreign currency accounts allow clients to hold and transact in major global currencies rather than only in Eastern Caribbean dollars. In St Kitts and Nevis, accounts are available in US dollars, euros and British pounds sterling. In some cases, a broader range of currencies, such as Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, Japanese yen and UAE dirhams, may also be available.
Minimum balances depend on the bank and the currency of the account. For example, St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank states that a US dollar foreign currency savings account can be opened with $200.
Documents required to open a bank account in St Kitts and Nevis
Required documents for bank account opening in St Kitts depend on the chosen institution, the client’s risk profile, and the account type.
Documents must be provided in English. If issued in another language, they should be translated into English and the translation notarised. Documents may also need to be notarised and, in some cases, apostilled, depending on the bank’s requirements and the country in which they were issued.
For individuals
Banks usually request the following:
- passport or other valid identification document;
- proof of residential address, for example a utility bill issued within the last 90 days or a current lease or mortgage statement;
- bank reference letter;
- professional letter of recommendation;
- bank statement issued within the last 90 days.
Additional documents may be requested.
For companies
Corporate applications generally require the following:
- certificate of incorporation or company registration certificate;
- memorandum and articles of association;
- certificate of good standing;
- identification documents for directors and beneficial owners;
- proof of address for authorised signatories or beneficial owners;
- documents confirming the source of corporate funds, such as contracts, invoices, or bank statements;
- board resolution authorising the opening of the account and appointing authorised signatories, where applicable.
Banks may request additional documentation depending on the ownership structure, business activity, and jurisdiction of incorporation.
Bank account opening process with Immigrant Invest
Based on Immigrant Invest’s experience, opening a St Kitts and Nevis bank account takes at least 1 month. Once all documents are in order, banks process applications within 2—4 weeks.
1—3 days
Initial consultation and compliance pre-check
Immigrant Invest clarifies your goals, whether you need a personal or corporate account, your preferred currencies, and whether remote opening is suitable. We also outline likely activation amounts and key compliance considerations.
Our legal and AML team reviews your profile and recommends the most suitable bank based on your citizenship, residency status, source of funds and transaction needs.
1+ weeks
Document preparation
Our lawyers provide you with a tailored list of required documents. We help you prepare, certify, and translate documents into English if needed, and ensure everything complies with the bank’s formatting requirements.
1 day
Application submission
We complete the application forms, prepare supporting explanations and submit the document package to the bank. We also confirm the next steps and the expected review process.
2—4 weeks
Bank Due Diligence and review
The bank conducts compliance checks and may request clarifications or additional documents. We manage all communication and help you respond promptly and accurately.
1+ days after approval
Approval and account activation
Once the application is approved, you make the activation transfer required by the bank. After the funds are credited, the account becomes fully active.
Why choose Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest holds a licence issued by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to operate in the investment migration sector.
Our compliance team includes certified AML specialists with extensive experience in international banking procedures. We understand how Caribbean banks assess non-resident clients and structure applications accordingly.
Your Immigrant Invest team
Our legal and compliance specialists ensure that the bank account opening process is handled smoothly and efficiently.
Our clients’ reviews
Names and photos of investors have been changed to comply with non-disclosure agreements.