FAQs

For a comprehensive listing of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here to visit the Nevis Branch of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission.

STARTING A BUSINESS IN NEVIS

Business Proposal to start a new business and/or apply for Concessions should include the following:

 

  1. Description of the project including size, capital investment, concept, and layout designs (if applicable).
  2. Impact on the economy with regard to number of jobs to be created, spin opportunities for new business ventures which can emerge or spin off opportunities to attract tourism or further new investment to the island.
  3. Information on work permits requirements (if applicable).
  4. Time scale for completion of the full project and if it is to be done in phases, the time period for each phase.
  5. Environmental Impact Assessment (if applicable).
  6. The licences and/or concessions required. (A comprehensive list of items that concessions are required on should be provided or specific categories of items that would be required to execute the project). If concessions from certain taxes or fees are being requested, these should be stated specifically as well.
  7. The amount of Government owned land required (if applicable).
  8. Background information on the principals of the business venture and their experience in the area of business that they are applying to establish.
  9. For tourism related projects, information on how the project will be marketed, outline of marketing strategy, any information related to the marketing that is already being carried out. Reference letters from persons who will be using the services (including travel agents if applicable) or who have used the services of the applicant before in a previous venture.
  10. Also, for tourism related businesses; information on how the business itself will add value to our ability to attract new visitors, or how it will increase visitor spending, and evidence of the success of a similar business in a similar size market (if applicable).

STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS IN NEVIS

Establishing a Business


Steps to establish a business include but are not limited to:

  • Incorporating a local company (Facilitated by the Companies Registry/Nevis Financial Services Department)
  • Applying for a Business & Occupations Licence (Facilitated by the Ministry of Finance)
  • Registering as a taxpayer (Facilitated by the Inland Revenue Department)
  • Registering as an employer/employee (Facilitated by the St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board)
  • Applying for an Alien Landholding Licence -(foreigners owning shares in an ordinary company or foreigners serving as directors of an ordinary company) (Facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Submitting Proposals for Review (Facilitated by the Ministry of Finance and NIPA)
  • Applying for Incentives (Facilitated by the Ministry of Finance)
  • Applying for Work Permits (Facilitated by the Premier’s Ministry)
  • Due diligence