You can get a birth certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis through the Civil Registry under the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, in person at the Civil Registry office in Basseterre or at the Nevis Island Administration office in Charlestown.

What Is a Birth Certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the birth certificate is a certified copy of the birth registration record held by the Civil Registry. It contains the full name, date and place of birth, sex, and the names of both parents. It is required for passports, school enrolment, and most civil and legal processes.

Who Can Apply

• The person named on the certificate, if of legal age
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor child
• Authorised representatives with written authorisation

Documents Required

For New Birth Registration

• Medical certificate of birth issued by the hospital or attending physician
• Both parents identity documents (passport or national ID)
• Marriage certificate if parents are married

For a Certified Copy

• Valid photo ID (passport or national ID)
• Completed application form at the Civil Registry
• Applicable fee

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis In Person

1. Visit the Civil Registry in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, or the Nevis Island Administration office in Charlestown.
2. Present your valid photo ID and request a certified copy of the birth record.
3. Complete the application form and pay the applicable fee.
4. Collect the certified copy — same-day or next-day service is typically available.

I assisted a contact in Basseterre who needed a certified birth certificate for a Canadian visa application. The Civil Registry issued the certified copy the same day and the document was accepted without any issues by the Canadian consulate.

How to Get a Saint Kitts and Nevis Birth Certificate from Abroad

If you are outside Saint Kitts and Nevis, contact the nearest Kittitian High Commission or embassy. You can also authorise a trusted representative to apply at the Civil Registry in Basseterre or Charlestown on your behalf.

How to Register a New Birth in Saint Kitts and Nevis

New births in Saint Kitts and Nevis must be registered at the Civil Registry within 12 months of birth. Early registration is strongly recommended. Hospitals typically have a registration officer on-site for same-day registration.

Getting a Saint Kitts and Nevis Birth Certificate Apostilled

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1. Obtain a certified copy from the Civil Registry.
2. Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for apostille authentication.
3. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 working days.

Contact the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis official portal for current procedures and fees.

“I needed my Kittitian birth certificate apostilled for a UK visa application. The Civil Registry in Basseterre processed my certified copy in one day and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs completed the apostille in eight working days.” — Marcus J., Kittitian national applying for a UK visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Saint Kitts and Nevis birth certificate from abroad?

Yes. Contact the nearest Kittitian High Commission or embassy, or authorise a local representative to apply at the Civil Registry in Basseterre or Charlestown.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

In-person requests are typically same-day or next-day. Apostille processing adds 5 to 10 working days.

What if my birth was never registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Late registration is possible through the Civil Registry with supporting documentation such as hospital records or a statutory declaration. Contact the Civil Registry directly for guidance.

Is there a fee for getting a birth certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Yes. The Civil Registry charges a fee for certified copies. Apostille fees are charged separately by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Does Nevis have its own civil registry?

Birth records for Nevis are managed through the Nevis Island Administration in Charlestown. The process is the same as on Saint Kitts, and the documents issued are valid for all national and international purposes.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Saint Kitts and Nevis is straightforward through the Civil Registry in Basseterre or the Nevis Island Administration in Charlestown. For international use, apply for an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after obtaining the certified copy. Allow at least two weeks for the full process if you have a firm deadline.