St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment – The Ultimate Guide by Experts

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by investment program offers an opportunity for foreign investors to obtain citizenship from this Caribbean nation in exchange for a contribution to the development of the country. And it may be more accessible than you think. Until 30 June 2023 you can take advantage of a limited time offer: a $25,000 discount on the Sustainable Growth Fund option, reduced from $150,000 to $125,000 starting price.

Your application will be automatically eligible for the Accelerated Application Process (APP), meaning it will be processed in under 60 days, at no extra cost.

A Caribbean passport by investment may be a great option for you if:

• Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With a St Kitts and Nevis passport, you have visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
• You are considering diversifying your assets and looking for a place where you can enjoy a number of tax breaks. In St Kitts and Nevis there is no income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
• You want to invest in high-end tourist real estate and benefit from the thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
• You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
• You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. With St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, you and your family are allowed to live in any of the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

What is Citizenship by Investment?

The St Kitts Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program was launched in 1984, one year after the country became an independent nation. It is the longest-running CBI program in operation in the world.

Citizenship by investment programs, also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, offer foreign investors the opportunity to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for a contribution to the nation’s development, usually in the form of either a donation to fund government projects or the purchase of real estate. Some countries offer additional investment routes such as government bonds, contributions to educational institutions, or the creation of business enterprises. Citizenship can be extended to family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.

During the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process. This is a vital step in a CBI application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the applicant, as well as all family members aged 16 or over. A solid due diligence process is crucial to guarantee the credibility (and longevity) of a citizenship by investment program.

Benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

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. A Caribbean passport is the ultimate plan B. It is affordable, easy, and fast.

The investment options are affordable, starting at $125,000. 

Your entire family can be included in the application – spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. And since citizenship is lifelong, it will pass down to the generations to come.

Holders of a St Kitts and Nevis passport can travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.

If you opt for the Accelerated Application Process (AAP), you will receive approval within 60 days. But the regular processing time is quite short, too, with approval within 90 days.

There are no residency requirements for citizenship, meaning you can do the whole process remotely, without the need to travel to St Kitts and Nevis at any point. There are no language tests or interviews either.

St Kitts and Nevis citizens enjoy an attractive tax environment, with no income, wealth, or inheritance tax.

St Kitts and Nevis is known for being a prime tourist destination, with white sand beaches, stunning nature, and good communication links with Europe and the United States. The St Kitts airport has direct flights to London and Miami all year round, and to New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Toronto during the peak season, from November to April.

Having a St Kitts and Nevis passport can be advantageous whether you want to relocate to the country and live by the sea, or if you plan to make the best of the Caribbean passport and the tax benefits available for St Kitts and Nevis citizens.

Who is eligible for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?

Main applicant

In order to fulfill the St Kitts citizenship by investment program requirements, the principal applicant must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have no criminal record
• Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Be able to make a qualifying investment

At Global Citizen Solutions, we offer an initial Pre Due Diligence assessment, free of charge, so you can be assured that your application will be successful even before you sign the contract with us.

Family members

The following family members can be included in the application and obtain lifelong St Kitts and Nevis citizenship:

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant or spouse, under 18; aged between 18 and 25, in education and financially supported by the main applicant or spouse; or aged 18 or over and physically/mentally challenged
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse aged 55 or above, living with and fully supported by the applicant
• Siblings of the main applicant or spouse, unmarried, with no children, aged 25 or younger, and dependent on the applicant for financial support

Accelerated Application Process (AAP)

The St Kitts and Nevis second passport program offers a unique opportunity for candidates to fast-track their applications: you will receive your letter of approval within 60 days.

Until 30 June 2023, all Sustainable Growth Fund applications are automatically eligible for AAP at no extra cost.

For applications involving other investment routes, the AAP incurs on higher fees, as shown on the tables below.

Due to operational reasons dealing with due diligence providers, the AAP option is not available for citizens of the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Yemen, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Qualifying Investments: Three Options

In order to qualify for the St Kitts CBI program, you have to choose one of the following investment routes:

1. Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)

The Sustainable Growth Fund was created by St Kitts and Nevis government in 2006, offering an opportunity for investors to make a significant contribution to the economic and social prosperity of the twin-island nation. As the most popular and direct investment path, the revenue from the fund is used to support sustainable growth initiatives in priority areas like education, health, climate change and resilience, infrastructure, tourism and culture, and the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship.

Limited time offer (until 30 June 2023)

There is no government application fee charged for this option.

Until 30 June 2023, this option is exempt from Accelerated Application (AAP) fees. All applications are automatically eligible for fast-track processing under 60 days, at no extra cost.

From 1 July, SGF donations will revert to regular prices: $150,000 for a single applicant, $175,000 for a couple, and $$190,000 for a family of four. And the AAP higher fees will apply.

2. Real estate

If you prefer to make an investment that can be recouped after a few years, there is the option of purchasing real estate in St Kitts and Nevis. Qualifying investments are pre-approved by the government, usually being shares in luxury resorts, villas, or condominium resorts. The minimum investment is $200,000, and the shares can be resold after seven years. The list of real estate developments eligible for the CBI program is available on the St Kitts and Nevis CIU website.

The list is extensive, with more than 50 projects. Our experts at Global Citizen Solutions will be able to help you to choose the best investment opportunities, such as the Park Hyatt resort in Christophe Harbour or the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Beach Casino. Owners may rent out their property and enjoy a share of the profits, and use them for holidays.

Alternatively, you can choose the Private Homes Sale option, and purchase a private single-family house, with a minimum price of $400,000. In this case, it’s also possible for two or more applicants to buy a house together, but each of them must contribute at least $400,000. The house can be resold after five years.

3. Public Benefit Option (PBO)

This third option allows applicants to invest directly in a project, previously approved by the government, that benefits the population of St Kitts and Nevis, known as Approved Public Benefit Projects.

The Pros and Cons of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

St Kitts and Nevis is one of the five countries in the Caribbean that offer CBI programs. The other four are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia. While they are all excellent (and we at Global Citizen Solutions work with all of them), each of them has their own characteristics, that make them more appealing to different clients. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program.

Pros:

Fastest CBI program: With the AAP, you are guaranteed to have your application processed in under 60 days. And at no extra cost if you choose the SGF Donation route before 30 June 2023. If you are on a tight deadline, that’s an advantage that is hard to beat.

Reliable: This CBI program is the longest-running in the world, with no history of problems and setbacks.

Affordable for single applicants: Even though this is not the most affordable Caribbean program (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St Lucia have a minimum investment threshold of $100,000), the tax exemption in the limited time offer (for the SGF option) makes this program quite competitive when it comes to total program costs.

Confidential: The St Kitts and Nevis CIU doesn’t publish a list of those who take part in the CBI program. Bank and company information of citizens are also private in all circumstances.

Cons:

Expensive for families: If you are applying as a family, you can find more affordable programs in the Caribbean.

Limited investment options: There are basically two types of investment routes: donation (whether to the SGF or a Public Benefit Project) or real estate purchase.

Extreme weather: St Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, such as Irma and Maria, that seriously affected the country in 2017. This can be a concern, especially when investing in touristic accommodation.

Banned nationalities: Applications from citizens of Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine are not accepted. So, if you are from one of these countries, this is a definitive con. 

1. Choose your investment route: Decide which of the three investment routes is best for you: making a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund, helping fund a Public Benefit Project, or purchasing real estate.
2. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
3. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the application on your behalf*.
4. Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 90 days of applying via the standard way, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
5. Make your investment: Make the investment and send proof to the CIU.
6. Become a citizen: You and your family will be granted citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis, and receive your passports at an address of your choice.

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants, but only from Authorized Agents.

St Kitts and Nevis Taxes

St Kitts and Nevis tax residents can benefit from tax exemptions on their foreign earned income, which include no personal income tax, no estate duty, no inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes, and wealth tax.

Key tax considerations include:

• A corporate income tax of 33% of net profits on companies incorporated in St Kitts and Nevis. However, the nation may offer relevant companies a tax holiday on corporate profits for up to 15 years.
• A withholding tax of only 15% will be levied on income derived by non-residents from within St Kitts and Nevis.
• Nevis does not levy tax on companies and foundations as long as no business is conducted on the island.
• An annual property tax in St Kitts and Nevis applies. This is minimal and calculated on the market value of the property.
• The current rate of VAT in St Kitts and Nevis is 17%.

List of Documents

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

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 Growth Fund forms

• Investment Confirmation/Escrow Agreement (Form C4)

Real estate forms

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

Important: Forms C1, C2, C3, and C4 will be supplied by your local authorized person. (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 current 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

If you are interested in getting Caribbean citizenship, why not arrange a chat with our Global Citizen Solutions team of experts? With up-to-date knowledge of all the most recent changes and trends in CBI programs, we can help you acquire your St Kitts and Nevis passport in just a few weeks.

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

• Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
• 100% 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.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.

FAQs:

How to get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?

It is possible to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by marriage, by birth, and also by naturalization. Each option has pros and cons. Probably the faster and simpler option is through the citizenship by investment program. You can obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution starting at $125,000 to the country’s development, (donating to St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Fund or funding a Public Benefit Project) or by making a real estate investment of at least $200,000. The St Kitts and Nevis passport is a top ranking second passport allowing visa-free access to over 140 countries, including Europe’s Schengen zone. A valuable asset for global citizens.

What is the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment unit?

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment unit is a government-backed agency that accepts, processes, and approves all incoming applications. You must lodge your application with the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment unit in order to acquire citizenship.

What is the economic citizenship program in St Kitts?

Basically, the economic citizenship program in St Kitts is another way of saying St Kitts and Nevis passport by investment program. In exchange for financial investment in the nation, qualifying investors can obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship.

How much does it cost to get citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis?

Through the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, the costs start at $125,000 for a single applicant or $170,000 for a family of four, plus government fees.

US citizens: Do you need a passport to go to St Kitts and Nevis?

Yes, you must have a valid US passport to enter Saint Kitts and Nevis. No visa is required for visits under 90 days if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and proof of enough funds to cover your travel expenses.

How long does the application process take?

If you go through the standard application procedure, you will receive you approval letter within 90 days. If you opt for the Accelerated Application Process, you can have your application processed and receive the approval letter in less than 60 days.

What is the minimum investment required if the real estate option is pursued?

You must make a minimum investment of $200,000 in shares of a pre-approved real estate project, or $400,000 in an approved private house. There are also a government application fee starting at $25,000 and a $7,500 due diligence fee for the main applicant.

Can two or more applicants apply for citizenship by investment together?

Yes, two or more applicants can apply for citizenship together by buying one piece of real estate under the Private Homes Sale Option. In this case, each applicant must make a minimum investment of $400,000. Each investor can sell the property after seven years, but not to another CBI candidate.

Does St Kitts and Nevis allow dual citizenship?

Yes, dual citizenship is recognized by the country, which means that if you apply for the citizenship by investment program, you can acquire St Kitts and Nevis citizenship and also keep your existing nationality.