Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in St Kitts & Nevis - The Ultimate Guide
In today’s increasingly uncertain world, forward-thinking individuals are increasingly looking to second citizenship programs as a pathway to enjoying increased global mobility, peace of mind and financial security. By making a qualifying investment into the economy of certain Caribbean island nations, eligible investors and their families can apply to become full citizens of countries such as St Kitts & Nevis.
Gaining citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis through its Citizenship by Investment Program unlocks a world of benefits. Our comprehensive guide outlines the program’s various advantages as well as everything you need to know about applying, from eligibility rules to application costs and typical processing times.
Find out what kind of investment you would need to make in order to qualify for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Program. There are several investment options to choose from. Our guide outlines these routes, including the requirements of the real estate investment option and the financial contribution option, along with details of the application process.
Drawing on years of experience in the Caribbean, we have created this in-depth resource for those considering applying for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program. Read on to discover why investors choose St Kitts & Nevis to protect their future and find out how this trusted program could provide greater security, freedom and flexibility for you and your family.
Introduction
Introduced in 1984 by the Government of St Kitts & Nevis to spur economic growth and encourage foreign direct investment, the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is the world’s oldest of it kind.
It offers a straightforward path to citizenship for eligible applicants through one of four investment options: a Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) to the Federal Consolidated Fund; an investment in an approved real estate development; purchasing an approved private home; or making a contribution to an Approved Public Benefit Project.
Overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit within the Ministry of Finance, the program has become a pillar of the Federation’s economy, building resilience and driving economic growth.
In exchange for investment, applicants gain security, opportunity and unparalleled global mobility with one of the world’s most powerful passports.
St Kitts & Nevis has earned a reputation for operating a globally respected citizenship program. In 2023, the Federation implemented major changes to its program including the introduction of new investment thresholds, new investment options and a mandatory interview, in order to bolster international confidence and reinforce the program’s integrity and commitment to due diligence.
The changes introduced in 2023 cement St Kitts & Nevis’s status as a trusted choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking second citizenship via the world’s longest established program and an extremely powerful passport.
“The changes introduced in 2023 cement St Kitts & Nevis’s status as a trusted choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking second citizenship via the world’s longest established program known and an extremely powerful passport”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants of the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program become full citizens of the Federation with the right to live and work on both islands with no restrictions.
Your citizenship rights can be passed on to future generations, allowing your children and grandchildren to enjoy all the same benefits and safeguarding your family’s future.
As citizens of St Kitts & Nevis, successful applicants can also take advantage of the country’s membership of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) which provides nationals with the right to take up residence, work without permission and establish a business in any other CARICOM member states. There are 15 member states of CARICOM: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.
Citizens of St Kitts & Nevis also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Acquiring citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis can therefore unlock an array of opportunities across CARICOM and the vast Commonwealth.
No Residency Requirement
A key benefit of the St Kitts & Nevis program is the lack of a residency requirement for new citizens. Successful applicants are not obligated to permanently live in the country after obtaining citizenship.
As a citizen you have the option to spend as much time as you desire in this idyllic island paradise, renowned for its high quality of life, natural beauty and pleasant tropical climate. Why not take advantage of your citizenship and enjoy a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle by residing part-time or full-time in this beautiful and welcoming country?
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Upon obtaining citizenship through the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, you can apply for a St Kitts & Nevis passport through a separate application process.
As a citizen of St Kitts & Nevis, you will enjoy enhanced global mobility to travel and conduct business. The St Kitts & Nevis passport is globally recognized and highly valued for its extensive visa privileges, allowing holders visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 155 countries and territories worldwide.
For example, with a St Kitts & Nevis passport you can enjoy visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen area and the UK.
The passport also provides visa-free access to major destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and many others.
Financial Advantages
St Kitts & Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers successful applicants who take up residence a highly appealing tax regime – including no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax and no tax on income generated outside the country. Along with the country’s natural beauty and enviable lifestyle, these tax advantages have made St Kitts & Nevis one of the most sought-after destinations for investors seeking second citizenship in the Caribbean. For those seeking the opportunity for substantial wealth preservation together with an unparalleled quality of life, St Kitts & Nevis provides a unique opportunity to prosper in an island paradise.
Fast Track Application Process
St Kitts & Nevis offers a rapid route to acquiring second citizenship in the Caribbean. The country seeks to rapidly process applications while maintaining strict due diligence standards. Thanks to a streamlined application process, you could receive approval in principle within 120 days from submission of your application, providing you with swift access to all the benefits of citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis and the peace of mind that comes with expanded opportunities.
Family-Friendly Program
The St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program readily welcomes families, allowing the main applicant to include immediate relatives in their application. Spouses, children, parents and grandparents can all apply for citizenship alongside the main applicant. In addition, the right to citizenship passes to future generations, allowing descendants to inherit all the benefits of citizenship as well. So, for families, applying for citizenship in St Kitts & Nevis creates a legacy of security and access to opportunity for generations to come.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
A key advantage of the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is that dual citizenship is permitted. Unlike some countries, The laws of St Kitts & Nevis fully recognize dual nationality. Applicants can therefore acquire a valuable second passport without having to renounce their existing citizenship. This makes the program ideal for investors looking to enjoy the benefits of a new citizenship while retaining their current one.
Requirements
In order to be eligible for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, an applicant must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be of good character with no criminal record,
- Be able to satisfy the minimum required investment and pay the required processing, due diligence and administrative fees,
- Pass due diligence checks.
- Nationals of the following countries are not eligible to apply for citizenship in St Kitts & Nevis: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Russia
The following family members of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) can be included in the application:
- Spouse
- Dependent children aged under 18 the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
- Children aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally disabled, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) who are aged 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
Investment Options
- 1 Option 1 Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
Applicants can qualify for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program by making a Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) to the Federal Consolidated Fund.
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) allows investors to make a sustainable and secure contribution to their new nation. The SISC will support seven key areas of the economic and social development of the Federation of St Kitts & Nevis:
- Increasing local food production
- Transitioning to Green Energy
- Diversifying the economy
- Attracting and supporting sustainable industries
- Evolving the Creative Economy
- Recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic
- Expanding social protections and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable
Investment Amount
- Main applicant only: US $250,000
- Main applicant and a spouse: US $300,000
- Main applicant and one dependant: US$300,000
- Main applicant, a spouse and one or two dependants; US $350,000
- Main applicant and two or three dependants: US $350,000
- Each additional dependant under 18: US $50,000
- Each additional dependant aged 18 or over: US $75,000
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment amount outlined above for the real estate investment option, additional administrative fees are payable on approval in-principle.
Applicants are required to pay the below due diligence fees:
Due Diligence Fees
- Main applicant: US $10,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US $7,500
- 2 Option 2 Investment in a Real Estate Development
Applicants can qualify for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in an approved real estate development in St Kitts & Nevis.
Investment Amount
The minimum real estate investment in an Approved Development is US $400,000 (re-saleable after seven years) for each main applicant.
Search St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment real estate to browse approved real estate development investment opportunities.
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment amount outlined above for the real estate investment option, additional administrative fees are payable on approval in-principle.
Applicants are required to pay the below due diligence and post-approval application fees:
Due Diligence Fees
- Main applicant: US $10,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US $7,500
Application Fees
On approval-in-principle of an application made through the real estate investment route, the below post-approval application fees apply:
- Main applicant: US $25,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: US $15,000
- Any qualified dependant under 18: US $10,000
- Any qualified dependant aged 18 or over: US $15,000
Additional Costs
In addition to the investment and fees, applicants should be aware of additional purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contributions and conveyance fees).
- 3 Option 3 Investment in a Private Home
Applicants can qualify for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in an approved private home.
Investment Amount
The minimum investment in a condominium unit designated as an Approved Private Home is US $400,000.
The minimum investment in a single-family private dwelling home designated as Approved Private Home is US $800,000.
Search St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment real estate to browse approved private homes for sale.
Resale
A property purchased under the Private Home Sale Investment Option shall not be resold for a period of at least seven (7) years.
The Approved Private Home does not qualify for purchase in a subsequent CBI application, unless the Federal Cabinet is satisfied that substantial further investment was injected into the real estate unit by way of further construction, renovation or otherwise.
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment amount outlined above for the Private Home Investment option, additional administrative fees are payable on approval in-principle.
Applicants are required to pay the below due diligence and post-approval application fees:
Due Diligence Fees
- Main applicant: US $10,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US $7,500
Application Fees
On approval-in-principle of an application made through the private home investment route, the below post-approval application fees apply:
- Main applicant: US $25,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: US $15,000
- Any qualified dependant under 18: US $10,000
- Any qualified dependant aged 18 or over: US $15,000
- 4 Option 4 Investment in a Public Benefit Project
Applicants can qualify for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in an approved Public Benefit Project.
The Public Benefit Option is designed to provides the Government of St Kitts & Nevis with the means of achieving its capital investment goals and to benefit the people of St Kitts and Nevis, local employment, the transfer of technology and capacity building.
Investment Amount
Under the Public Benefit Project investment option, each main applicant is required to make a minimum contribution of US $250,000 in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project, to be paid to the relevant Approved Public Benefactor.
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment amount outlined above for the Public Benefit Project option, additional administrative fees are payable on approval in-principle.
Applicants are required to pay the below due diligence and post-approval application fees:
Due Diligence Fees
- Main applicant: US $10,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US $7,500
Application Fees
On approval-in-principle of an application made through the Public Benefit Project investment route, the below post-approval application fees apply:
- Main applicant: US $25,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: US $15,000
- Any qualified dependant under 18: US $10,000
- Any qualified dependant aged 18 or over: US $15,000
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- 1 Compile Application
Complete all required forms for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program in the English language and gather together all required supporting documents with the guidance and support of an authorized Agent. We can introduce you to a qualified and authorized Agent with experience of handling citizenship applications.
- 2 Submit Application
Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) via an authorized Agent for review and due diligence.
- 3 Application Review, Interview & Determination
The application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Interview
Each main applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St Kitts & Nevis or by officials of the Unit either virtually, in person in St Kitts & Nevis or in person at a location approved by the Board of Governors of the CIU.
Due Diligence
Strict due diligence (including AML (anti-money laundering), CTF (counter-terrorism financing) and criminal record checks will be conducted by multiple organizations including the CIU, international due diligence firms and regional and international law enforcement agencies.
Determination
Within 120 days of acknowledgment from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of submission of a citizenship application, the CIU will advise whether an application is:
- Approved-in-principle;
- Denied; or
- Delayed for cause and is still being processed.
- 4 Conclude Investment
If approved, applicants are required to pay the balance of the required investment and the remaining fees.
- 5 Citizenship Granted
The passport(s) will then be made available for collection either in St Kitts & Nevis or at an Embassy or Consulate, usually within a period of 30 days. At this time successful applicants will take an oath of allegiance.
Real Estate
Searching for real estate approved for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program? Several of our property listings in St Kitts & Nevis are approved projects under the CIP program.
Several of the listings on our site are officially approved projects which means that an investment in to one of them provides eligibility to apply for citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis.
Search our St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment real estate options or contact us to discover your options.
Costs & Fees
Administrative Fees
In addition to the minimum required investment / financial contribution outlined above for each investment option, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay the below due diligence and post-approval application fees:
Due Diligence Fees
- Main applicant: US $10,000
- Each dependant aged 16 or over: US $7,500
Application Fees
On approval-in-principle of an application made through the real estate investment, private home investment and public benefit project investment route, the below post-approval application fees apply:
- Main applicant: US $25,000
- Spouse of the main applicant: US $15,000
- Any qualified dependant under 18: US $10,000
- Any qualified dependant aged 18 or over: US $15,000
Find Out More
We would be delighted to discuss your options and consider whether the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program would be a good fit for you.
To request a telephone callback, please complete the contact form and a specialist citizenship advisor will be in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.