Launched in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) set the standard as the first of its kind. A foreign investor can become a St Kitts and Nevis citizen and settle in a financially and politically stable environment by investing in the country’s economy. Investments start from $250,000 for single applicants or families of up to four, and available investments include a non-refundable contribution or real estate investment. The St Kitts and Nevis passport issued to successful applicants is one of the Caribbean’s most powerful, granting visa free access to 155 countries.

⚠️ St Kitts and Nevis Public Benefit Option Limited Time Offer 

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit has announced a limited time offer that will waive government application fees for the Public Benefit Option (PBO) for applications with up to four family members, replacing the previous single-applicant waiver. The new pricing incentive will remain in effect until 31 December 2025.

St Kitts CBI Key Program Details

st-kitts
  • Visa free countries: 155
  • Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
  • Tax framework: No income taxes
  • Processing time: 4 to 6 months
  • Minimum government fund contribution: $250,000
  • Minimum real estate investment: $325,000
  • Minimum total for one applicant: $260,610
  • Minimum total family of four: $277,440
  • Minimum holding period for real estate investment: 7 years
  • Eligible dependents:
    • Spouse
    • Children under 30
    • Children with disabilities
    • Parents over 55

Passport validity:

  • 10 years for citizens 16 and over
  • 5 years for minors under 16

Visit or residency requirement: None Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual) Crypto allowed: Partially for wealth verification

Overview of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program was introduced in 1984 under Part II, Section 3 (5) of the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, 1984. Foreign investors must make a direct financial contribution to the country’s economic growth, and in return, they receive dual citizenship. The required investment starts from $250,000, and investors obtain citizenship and a

St Kitts and Nevis passport

by making one of four investments:

  • Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) contribution
  • Approved real estate investment
  • Approved private home purchase
  • Public Benefit Option (BPO) contribution

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Benefits

real-estate-in-st-kitts-and-nevis
  1. Fast citizenship process: The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment processing time in 2025 takes just four to six months.
  2. Citizenship for your family members: Dependent family members, including a spouse, children, and parents, qualify for citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis.
  3. Great tax benefits: The St Kitts and Nevis tax regime does not impose personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
  4. No residency requirements: The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements do not include a minimum residency period.
  5. Visa free travel: St Kitts and Nevis passport holders can travel visa free to 155 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
  6. No in-person interviews: Applicants seeking citizenship can apply remotely, and the mandatory interview takes place virtually.
  7. Security of a Plan B: St Kitts and Nevis provides a solid Plan B to ensure financial stability and access to a safer, more politically stable environment.
  8. Investment only required after pre-approval: The qualifying investment is made after receiving pre-approval, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
  9. Member of CARICOM and OECS: St Kitts and Nevis is a committed member of CARICOM and OECS, advancing regional cooperation and economic progress in the Caribbean.
  10. Dual citizenship allowed: St Kitts and Nevis recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships and all privileges of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. Flexible asset requirements: Contributing to St Kitts and Nevis’s number one ranking for investment in Global Citizen Solutions Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report, investors can use crypto assets for partial wealth verification or have a family member financially sponsor their application.

Eligibility Criteria for Citizenship by Investment in St Kitts and Nevis

Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations

outline the eligibility criteria for the program.

Main applicant

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Have no criminal record
  • Be of excellent character
  • Not have declared bankruptcy
  • Be able to make a qualifying investment

Citizens of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, Russia, and Belarus do not qualify unless they have lived outside the country for at least ten years and have no ties to it.

Qualifying dependents

  • Spouse
  • Children of the main applicant or spouse
    • Under 18
    • Between 18 and 30, with substantial financial dependence the main applicant or spouse
    • 18 or over and physically/mentally challenged
  • Fully dependent parents of the main applicant or the spouse aged 55 or above

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment official website, ciu.gov.kn, provides more information about the eligibility criteria.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Options

1. Contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

Sustainable Island State Contribution

is a government fund established to create a sustainable economic environment for St Kitts and Nevis. Investors must make a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to the fund to acquire citizenship.

Sustainable Island State Contribution

Single Applicant

Family of Up to Four

Additional Dependent

(Under 18 years old)

Additional Dependent 

(Over 18 years old)

Minimum Donation

$250,000

+$25,000 each

+$50,000 each

2. Purchase of shares in approved real estate projects

The real estate shares option requires an investment of at least $325,000 in a government-approved real estate project. 

St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship

properties comprise luxury resorts, villas, or condominium units. Owners of shares of real estate developer projects must maintain their investment for at least seven years time post obtaining citizenship.

Real Estate Shares

Single Applicant

Applicant

+ Spouse

Additional Dependent

(over 18 years old)

Additional

Dependent

(under 18 years old)

Minimum Investment

$325,000

Government Application Fee

$25,000

$40,000

+$15,000 each

+$10,000 each

3. Purchase of a single-family private house

The approved private real estate option allows investors to purchase a single-family private dwelling valued at least $600,000. This

St Kitts and Nevis real estate

investment requires buyers to maintain the full title deed for seven years.

Private Home

Single Applicant

Applicant

+ Spouse

Additional Dependent

(over 18 years old)

Additional

Dependent

(under 18 years old)

Minimum Investment

$600,000

Government Application Fee

$25,000

$40,000

+$15,000 each

+$10,000 each

4. Public Benefit Option (PBO) contribution

St Kitts and Nevis Public Benefit Option

requires a non-refundable donation of $250,000 to an approved public benefit project.

Fee

Single Applicant

Main Applicant

+ Three Dependents

Additional Dependent

(over 18 years old)

Additional

Dependent

(under 18 years old)

Minimum Investment

$250,000

Government Application Fee

N/A

$50,000 each

$25,000 each

Required Documents for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

person signing documents on a table for st kitts and nevis citizenship by investment

This is a list for reference. The CIU may request additional documents if necessary.

Citizenship application forms

Applicants are charged $250 for each set of forms issued. For reference, the following forms in this guide are referred to as:

  • Application for registration as a Citizen (Form C1)
  • Photograph and Signature Certificate (Form C2)
  • Medical Certificate (Form C3) including original results of HIV Test (HIV test is required for all persons applying for citizenship, including children over 12 years). Note: The HIV test results must not be older than three months.

Sustainable Fund forms

  • Investment Confirmation/Escrow Agreement (Form C4)

Real estate forms

  • Completed Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement (Approved Real Estate Investment Option)

Forms C1, C2, C3, and C4 will be supplied by your local authorized agent. (

Only original application forms are accepted

Required documents for submission:

  • Completed C1, C2, AND C3 forms
  • Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of the birth certificate
  • Certified copy of proof of name change (Deed Polls or jurisdictional equivalent, if applicable)
  • Certified copy of current national identity card(s) (children under the age of 16 are exempt)
  • Certified copy of valid passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country
  • HIV Test Results must be no older than three months (children under the age of 12 are exempt)
  • Police Certificate “certificate of no criminal record” or “police clearance certificate” from the country of citizenship and any country where you have lived for more than one year over the past ten years (children under the age of 16 are exempt)
  • Six photographs approximately 35 x 45mm in size, taken within the past six (6) months (N.B. one of the photographs must be certified and attached to the C2 form)

Other supporting documents required from the main applicant:

  • At least one original professional reference (e.g., from an attorney, notary public, official accountant, or other professionals of similar standing) not older than six months.
  • Bank Statements for a 12-month period from the date of submission of the application
  • At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than six months
  • Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
  • One original document of evidence of residential address (e.g., a certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public)
  • Employment Letter(s) stating the start of employment, position held, and salary earned
  • Certified copy of Business License or Incorporation documents
  • One original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate(s) if applicable (i.e., if married persons apply together).
  • Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable)
  • Statement and evidence of source of fund to be invested in St Kitts and Nevis
  • Affidavit of Financial Support for applicants between the ages of 18 -30
  • Certified copy of University Degrees (if applicable)
  • Limited Power of Attorney

Minimum stay requirement

Though St Kitts and Nevis offers the world’s longest-running and most credible CBI program, applicants are not required to visit the country or maintain a minimum physical residence before or after gaining citizenship. The entire citizenship process can be completed remotely, without the need to travel to receive a St Kitts and Nevis Passport. That said, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis plans to introduce legislation in 2025 that will require a residency period of about 30 days for investors to get citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis, with final regulations pending.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUWdByFXY3o]

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Application Process

new-st-kitts-and-nevis-application-process-2023-step-by-step
  1. Contact Authorized Agent: Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) to submit your citizenship application.
  2. Initial due diligence checks: Your licensed agent will perform preliminary due diligence checks to ensure a successful application.
  3. Client agreement and retainer payment: Confirm the agreement with your licensed agent to submit your application by making a retainer payment.
  4. Gather documents and complete forms: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms.
  5. Submit your application: Your dedicated Authorized Agent will submit your application on your behalf*.
  6. Due diligence process: An independent professional firm commissioned by (CIU) will carry out comprehensive due diligence checks.
  7. Attend citizenship interview: The main applicant and dependents over 16 must attend a mandatory virtual interview with CIU-approved professionals.
  8. Receive Approval in Principle: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 120 days stating their application has received pre-approval.
  9. Make your investment: Once you have received your government approval letter, you must make your qualifying investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CIU.
  10. Receive citizen approval: You and your family will be granted citizenship by the CIU.
  11. Collect Certificate of Registration: The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in the country or at an approved Consulate or Embassy.
  12. Full citizenship received: You are now a fully registered citizen of St Kitts and Nevis and can retrieve your citizenship certificate and St Kitts passport.

*Only applications submitted by an Authorized Agent licensed by the

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit

are accepted.

Citizenship timeline

Month 1 (preparation)

  • Choose the qualifying investment
  • Choose an Authorized Agent
  • Prepare the required documents and submit to the CIU

Months 3 (processing)

  • The CIU outsources background checks
  • Complete the virtual interview
  • Make the required investment

Months 4 to 6 (Approval)

  • Pay the St Kitts passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
  • Obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport
person calculating caribbean costs

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Application Fees and Processing Charges for St Kitts CBI

Besides the minimum investment and government application fee (for the real estate option), applicants must pay fees to directly qualify for citizenship.

  • Due diligence fee
  • Passport fee
  • Application form fee

Fee

Main Applicant

Spouse

Additional Dependent 

(Over 18 years old)

Additional Dependent 

(under 18 years old)

Due Diligence Fee

$10,000

$7,500 for per applicant over 16

Application Form

$250 per application

Passport Fee

$360 per passport

A main applicant who successfully applies for the program can transfer citizenship to a future dependent child under the age of three by paying a government fee of $7,500.

Citizenship for “additions” of dependents

Investors can add their spouse or dependent children after submitting their application. The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has separate fees depending on whether the addition was included during the application process or after issuing a Certificate of Registration.

Spouse

Fee

During Application Process

After Obtaining Citizenship (though CIU)

After Obtaining Citizenship and 3 Years of Marriage (through National Security Secretariat)

Due Diligence Fee

$7,500

Government Fee

$30,000

EC 1,000 ($370)

Application Fee

$250

Child

Fee

During Application Process

Child Born Before

Child Born After

Due Diligence Fee

$7,500 for children over 15.5

Government Fee

$30,000

$10,000

Application Fee

$250

Fee

After Obtaining Citizenship

Child Under Three

Child Over Three (though CIU)

Child Over Three (through National Security Secretariat)

Due Diligence Fee

$7,500

$7,500 for children over 15.5

Government Fee

XCD 1,000 ($370)

Application Fee

$250

Estimated St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Cost

Here is an example of the estimated cost to obtain

St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship

for a single applicant and a family of four. The family example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 7 and 17.

Single applicant

Costs

SISC Contribution

PBO Contribution

Shared Real Estate Investment

Private Home Purchase

Investment Required

$250,000

$325,000

$600,000

Government Application Fee

$25,000

Due Diligence Fee

$10,000

Application Form

$250

Passport Fee

$360

Total

$260,610

$360,610

$635,610

Family of four

Costs

SISC Contribution

PBO Contribution

Shared Real Estate Investment

Private Home Purchase

Investment Required

$250,000

$325,000

$600,000

Government Application Fee

$85,000

Due Diligence Fee

$25,000

Application Form

$1,000

Passport Fee

$1,440

Total

$277,440

$437,440

$712,440

Comparing St Kitts CBI with Other Caribbean Programs

St Kitts and Nevis

  • Strengths:
    • Fastest citizenship timeline
    • Most reputable program
    • Most visa free countries
    • Zero personal income tax
  • Weakness:
    • Most expensive CBI program
    • Grandparents and siblings are ineligible

Antigua and Barbuda

  • Strengths:
    • Most affordable program for large families
    • Zero personal income tax
  • Weaknesses:
    • Minimum residency requirement

Dominica

  • Strengths:
    • Most affordable CBI program
    • Most affordable real estate investment
  • Weakness:
    • No visa free access to the UK or Schengen Area
    • Only two investment routes

Grenada

  • Strengths:
    • Eligibility for the US E-2 Visa
    • Wide list of approved real estate developments
  • Weaknesses:
    • Only two investment routes

St Lucia

  • Strengths:
    • Offers the only full-guaranteed investment option
    • One of two programs offering business investment
  • Weaknesses:
    • Only one approved real estate development
    • Longest citizenship timeline

Why use Global Citizen Solutions?

Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.

So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?

  • Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
  • Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
  • 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
  • Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
  • An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family’s mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
  • Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
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