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
- 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
- Fast citizenship process: The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment processing time in 2025 takes just four to six months.
- Citizenship for your family members: Dependent family members, including a spouse, children, and parents, qualify for citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis.
- Great tax benefits: The St Kitts and Nevis tax regime does not impose personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.
- No residency requirements: The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements do not include a minimum residency period.
- 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.
- No in-person interviews: Applicants seeking citizenship can apply remotely, and the mandatory interview takes place virtually.
- 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.
- Investment only required after pre-approval: The qualifying investment is made after receiving pre-approval, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
- 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.
- 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 |
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Application Process
- Contact Authorized Agent: Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) to submit your citizenship application.
- Initial due diligence checks: Your licensed agent will perform preliminary due diligence checks to ensure a successful application.
- Client agreement and retainer payment: Confirm the agreement with your licensed agent to submit your application by making a retainer payment.
- Gather documents and complete forms: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated Authorized Agent will submit your application on your behalf*.
- Due diligence process: An independent professional firm commissioned by (CIU) will carry out comprehensive due diligence checks.
- Attend citizenship interview: The main applicant and dependents over 16 must attend a mandatory virtual interview with CIU-approved professionals.
- Receive Approval in Principle: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 120 days stating their application has received pre-approval.
- 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.
- Receive citizen approval: You and your family will be granted citizenship by the CIU.
- 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.
- 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
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.