St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program was started in 1984, giving it the distinction of being the world’s first country to offer such a program. Now in its fourth decade of operation, the country continues to be a leader among those offering citizenship by investment programs. It has made it its  goal to represent the ‘Platinum Standard’ of citizenship by investment. As the oldest and most trusted program of its kind, St. Kitts & Nevis continues to welcome those seeking to obtain citizenship in this beautiful Caribbean island.

The citizenship by investment program allows applicants to become citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis, without a residency requirement. Once Citizenship is granted, passports may be easily obtained. Dependent children under 26 years  of age may also be included.

St. Kitts and Nevis 60 day Accelerated Application Process (AAP)

St. Kitts and Nevis is the only citizenship by investment program to offer an Accelerated Application Process (AAP). Applying using the AAP will guarantee complete processing of a fully completed application within 60 days of its submission, with some applications completed in as little as 45 days. Applicants will still be required to meet all mandatory criteria and submit the necessary supporting documents to apply for citizenship by investment.

Under the AAP Applications will be given an accelerated treatment from the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Due Diligence Providers and the St. Kitts and Nevis Passport Office. To take advantage of the AAP additional fees will apply.

About St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts is the larger of the 2 Caribbean islands that comprise the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Known for its rain forested mountains and beaches of white, gray and black sands, these dual islands are one of the most stunning spots in the Caribbean.

On its southwestern coast is the capital, Basseterre, and its colonial-era Georgian buildings. Anchoring Basseterre is the Circus, a plaza modeled after London’s Piccadilly Circus, complete with Victorian-style clock tower.

Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, warm skies, clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, St. Kitts and Nevis supports a robust trade and tourism economy and highly skilled workforce. It offers direct flights to and from Europe and the U.S.

Benefits of St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship

• Citizenship is in a British Commonwealth country.

• Citizenship is for life and not revocable.

• Application processing within 4 months.

• Inclusion of dependent children under 26 years of age.

• Inclusion of unmarried dependent siblings under 26 with no children, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.

• Inclusion of dependent parents or grandparents over 55.

• Right to pass on citizenship to future generations.

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 156 destinations including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.

• St. Kitts and Nevis recognizes Dual Citizenship and does not require people to renounce their current citizenship.

• Having a second citizenship may allow children to avoid military service in their home country.

• Off-shore bank accounts, investments, and companies give unique opportunities for business and tax planning.

• A low tax regime, safeguarding citizens from, for example, worldwide income, inheritance, and gift tax.

• There is no residency requirement under the Citizenship by Investment Program.

• No management experience requirement, no education requirement, no interview, and no language requirement.

Qualifications for St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

To qualify under the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, the following criteria must be met:

• The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• Applicants must pass a Due Diligence examination and have no criminal record.

• Applicants must complete a medical examination.

• Applicants must make a qualifying investment in St. Kitts and Nevis as described below.

Investment Options

Applicants must make one of the following qualifying investments in St. Kitts and Nevis:

• Single Applicant: USD $125,000
• Applicant and spouse: USD $150,000
• Family of 4 or less: USD $170,000
• Each Additional Dependent under 18: USD $10,000
• Each Additional Dependent over 18: USD $25,000

From 1 July 2023, the non-refundable contribution requirement will increase to USD $150,000 for a single applicant, USD $175,000 for a main applicant and a spouse, and USD $195,000 for a main applicant, a spouse, and two dependents.

Procedures and time frame of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for the processing of all applications. There is also an accelerated application process available with a 45- to 60-day processing time frame. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and may request that the applicant attend an interview, although this is rarely necessary. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. The applicant must personally complete the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements of the program are reasonable and the procedures straightforward. Most applicants will normally visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process, which usually takes between three to four months from submission of the application to the CIU for approval. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently.

Upon approval-in-principle of the application, the funds for the real estate, SGF contribution, government fees, and other fees will be released to the various parties. Thereafter, the prime minister will sign the certificate of registration, which confers citizenship status. Once the certificate of registration is issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport.