Certificate of Good Standing in St. Kitts and Nevis: A Complete Guide

Behind every successful offshore structure in St. Kitts and Nevis stands a valid Certificate of Good Standing (CoGS). Without it, you won’t be able to open a bank account, sell shares, or renew a license.

So what exactly are the local authorities’ requirements for obtaining a CoGS? How long is the certificate valid? And what common mistakes or circumstances can lead to a refusal? Let’s break it down.

What Is a CoGS?

A Certificate of Good Standing (CoGS) is an official document issued by the corporate registrars of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. It confirms that a company is legally registered, has paid all required government fees, and is in full compliance with local laws.

If you own an offshore company in Nevis but don’t have a valid CoGS, you won’t be able to:

• open a corporate bank account or work with a payment provider;
• apply for a financial, gambling, or other type of business license;
• register a branch or subsidiary abroad;
• pass an audit or compliance review.

This document is essential for entities registered under the following acts:

• the Nevis Business Corporation Ordinance (NBCO);
• the Nevis Limited Liability Company Ordinance (NLLCO).

These two laws govern offshore business operations on the island of Nevis, which functions as a separate legal jurisdiction within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

What Exactly Does a Certificate of Good Standing Confirm?

According to Section 128(1) of the NBCO and Section 26(1) of the NLLCO, a CoGS certifies four key facts:

1. The company is registered in Nevis and appears in the official registry.
2. All mandatory government fees and duties have been paid — either on time or, if delayed, along with applicable penalties.
3. The company has not been dissolved and is not in the process of liquidation.
4. The company complies with the relevant corporate legislation in force.

A Certificate of Good Standing (CoGS) also contains:

• the company’s full legal name;
• registration number;
• date of incorporation;
• reference to the relevant governing law (NBCO or NLLCO);
• the Registrar’s official signature and seal.

Important: The CoGS does not confirm any information from the company’s tax filings or financial statements. It is purely a corporate document that reflects the company’s legal status as of the date of issuance. Typically, the certificate includes a disclaimer stating that it only certifies compliance with corporate law — not with any other local or international legislation.

How the Certificate of Good Standing Is Used

In practice, the CoGS acts as a “passport” for your company. Experts highlight five of the most common situations where this document is required:

1. Banking and Financial Services: Banks often request a CoGS when opening, maintaining, or auditing a corporate account. Financial institutions in the EU, UAE, and Hong Kong require it as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
2. Licensing and Regulation: A valid CoGS is mandatory when applying for financial, insurance, cryptocurrency, or gambling licenses. For instance, Nevis authorities require an up-to-date certificate for all licensing applications — even if the company was incorporated less than a year ago.
3. Registering Branches or Subsidiaries: When establishing a branch or subsidiary abroad (for example, in the UAE or Hong Kong), the CoGS serves as official proof of the parent company’s legal existence and good standing.
4. Due Diligence and Audits: Investors, partners, and auditors often request a CoGS as part of the due diligence process to verify that the company is active and not under dissolution.
5. Restructuring: When changing a registered agent, auditor, director, or shareholder, third parties may request a CoGS to confirm that the company is in good legal standing before proceeding.

Legal Framework and Regulatory Authorities

In addition to the NBCO and NLLCO, the Companies Act of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis also applies, serving as the general foundation of the country’s corporate legislation.

Competent authorities:

• Registrar of Corporations (Nevis) — authorized to issue Certificates of Good Standing (CoGS) for IBCs and LLCs registered in Nevis;
• Registrar of Companies (St. Kitts) — the equivalent body for companies incorporated in St. Kitts;
• Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) — oversees and regulates the work of the registrars

Which Legal Entities Can Obtain a CoGS?

The document is available to most registered entities, including:

• International Business Corporations (IBC);
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC);
• Multiform Foundations, established under the Nevis Multiform Foundation Ordinance (NMFO);
• Local companies.

CoGS certificates are not issued to trusts, since they are not legal entities. However, if a trust owns a company, the certificate can be issued for that company. In practice, over 90% of all CoGS requests are for IBCs and LLCs.

Eligibility and Reasons for Refusal

Only a registered agent can apply for a Certificate of Good Standing — this is explicitly required by law. Clients cannot submit applications directly. The agent verifies the company’s status, pays the relevant fees, and handles communication with authorities.

To qualify for a CoGS, a company must maintain Good Standing, meaning it must:

• pay annual government renewal fees on time (e.g., the IBC Renewal Fee of US$300);
• maintain an active registered agent;
• have no outstanding debts or penalties;
• not be in liquidation, court proceedings, or awaiting strike-off from the registry.

Even a short lapse in “Good Standing” automatically prevents a CoGS from being issued. Once the deficiencies are corrected (for example, after reinstatement in the registry), the company may reapply.

Process, Costs, and Timeframe

The process consists of four main steps:

1. Client request through a registered agent.
2. Status verification by the agent (fee payments, registry presence, filing compliance).
3. Formal application submission.
4. Government review and issuance of the CoGS.

Fees:

• Government fee: US$50 (EU$135)
• Agent’s fee: varies depending on the provider (often includes notarization and delivery)

Processing time:

• Standard: 7–12 business days
• Rush service: 2–3 days (+US$100 surcharge)

Format: both electronic (PDF with digital signature and seal) and paper original.

Since 2023, CoGS documents can be verified online via the FSRC Nevis website, using a unique ID number — making Nevis one of the most technologically advanced registries in the Caribbean.

Validity and Renewal

Although the CoGS does not have a legally fixed validity period, in practice, the following timeframes are recognized:

• 30–45 days — for license applications, including gaming licenses;
• 3 months — standard for banking and payment system KYC;
• 6 months — for most regulatory bodies;
• 12 months — rare, used for archival or administrative purposes.

Apostille and International Recognition

Banks, notaries, and regulators in the EU, Switzerland, and the UAE typically require an apostilled CoGS, especially for corporate bank account openings or cross-border transactions.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. 

The apostille is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Procedure:

1. Submission of the CoGS (via an agent or directly).
2. Verification of the registrar’s signature.
3. Apostille stamp issuance.

Timeline and fees:

• 2–5 business days;
• Government fee: US$20 (EU$55);
• Additional agent service fees apply.

Differences Between CoGS and Other Corporate Documents

Document	Issuing Authority	What It Confirms	Legal Validity
Certificate of Incorporation	Registrar	The fact of company registration	Permanent
Certificate of Good Standing (CoGS)	Registrar	Current legal status of the company	As of the issue date
Certificate of Incumbency	Registered Agent	List of directors, members, and UBOs	Private document
Search Report	Registrar	Extract of basic company data	—

Key takeaway: The CoGS is the only official government-issued document that confirms a company’s good standing and operational legitimacy as of a specific date — which is why it’s a key component of international due diligence.

Comparison with Other Offshore Jurisdictions

	St Kitts and Nevis	British Virgin Islands	Belize	Seychelles	Cayman Islands
Form of CoGS	PDF + original	PDF + original	PDF	PDF	PDF
Government Fee	$50	$75	$50	$50	$85
Processing Time (business days)	7–12 (2–3 with fast track)	3–5	5–7	5–10	2–3
Online Verification	✓	✕	✕	✕	✓
Data Confidentiality	Very High	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low
Reinstatement After Strike-Off	✓, 3 years	✓, up to 7 years	✓	✓	✓
Recognition by EU/UAE Banks	High	High	Medium	Medium	High

Summary: Nevis combines a robust legal system with strong confidentiality. Its processing speed and fees are average compared to competitors, but online validation gives its CoGS a clear edge for banks and compliance teams. Unlike Cayman entities, Nevis companies are not required to file financial statements, making the jurisdiction attractive for private holdings and trusts.

Common Mistakes and Practical Tips

Mistake	Recommendation
Applying for a CoGS while the company has unpaid fees — the registry will reject the request.	Always verify your company’s status with your agent beforehand and pay renewal fees before year-end.
Requesting a CoGS without an apostille — can lead to rejection by banks or regulators.	If you plan cross-border operations, order your CoGS with an apostille from the start.
Submitting an “expired” CoGS — many banks require one issued within the last 90 days.	Update your CoGS before any major transaction, account opening, or license application.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Certificate of Good Standing is a cornerstone of St. Kitts and Nevis’s corporate system. It doesn’t just prove that your company exists — it reflects its reputation, compliance, and reliability.

Holding a valid CoGS demonstrates to partners, investors, and regulators that your business operates transparently and in full legal compliance. For Nevis-based international structures, maintaining “Good Standing” isn’t a bureaucratic formality — it’s a key part of asset protection and global trust-building.

For professional assistance with company registration, obtaining a CoGS, licensing, or opening bank accounts, contact our experts. We’ll ensure full legal support and a smooth, risk-free process from start to finish.