| Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| National Assembly | |
| |
| Citation | No. 1 of 1984 |
| Territorial extent | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Enacted by | National Assembly |
| Enacted | 28 February 1984 |
| Commenced | 28 February 1984 |
| Status: Amended | |
The primary law governing Saint Kitts and Nevis nationality regulations is the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, which came into force on 28 February 1984.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member state of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Kittian and Nevisian nationals have automatic and permanent permission to live and work in any other OECS country.
With few exceptions, almost all individuals born in Saint Kitts and Nevis are automatically citizens at birth. Foreign nationals may become citizens by naturalisation after living in the country for at least 14 years and fulfilling a good character requirement. Individuals who make a substantial financial contribution to the state are eligible for a facilitated naturalisation with no required period of residence.
Saint Kitts and Nevis was previously a colony of the British Empire and local residents were British subjects. Although Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983 and citizens no longer hold British nationality, they continue to have favoured status when residing in the United Kingdom; as Commonwealth citizens, they are eligible to vote in UK elections and serve in public office there.