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 substantial economic contribution to the development of the country. Citizenship can be obtained by investing in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), making a real estate investment, or contributing to an Approved Public Benefit Project. The application process includes thorough background checks for both applicants and their families.

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.

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, capital gains tax, or 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 have the opportunity to live in any of the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

Plan B: 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.

Quick process: The processing time is relatively quick, taking up to 120 days or four months from the date of acknowledgment of submission.

Family inclusion: Your family members – spouse, children, and parents – can be included in the application. And since citizenship is lifelong, it will be passed down to future generations.

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

Flexible requirements: There are no residency requirements for citizenship, meaning you can complete the application process remotely without the need to travel to St Kitts and Nevis. Even your mandatory interview will take place virtually. There are also no language tests or academic requirements either.

Global mobility: 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.

Diverse investment opportunities: The program offers multiple investment options, from a fund contribution to a real estate investment.

Why St Kitts and Nevis?

St Kitts and Nevis is officially named the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis – however, the island became known as St Kitts, as in the 17th century, Kitt was the usual nickname for Christopher. Located in the West Indies, the country is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and is composed of two islands: the larger one, St Kitts, is home to the capital city, Basseterre. The smaller island is Nevis. Together, they have a population of about 50,000.

The nation has an English-speaking population and a booming tourism industry. There are also plenty of activities to cater to all types of interests, such as hiking through the lush rainforest,  ziplining, climbing Mount Liamuiga (the island’s dormant volcano), kayaking, jet skiing, surfing, paddle-boarding, and more. The nation is also big on festivals. Throughout the year, you can enjoy Sugar Mas – the St Kitts and Nevis Carnival, Nevis Culturama, Green Valley Festival, and the St Kitts and Nevis Music Festival, to name a few.

Getting to St Kitts and Nevis

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. For travel between the islands, you can go by ferry, boat, or catamaran, and on the island, you can get around on foot, by car, taxi, bike, or rail.

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 of the main applicant or the spouse aged 65 or above, living with and fully supported by the applicant

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 Island State Contribution (SISC)

The Sustainable Island State Contribution has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund as per an announcement made on 27 July 2023. This government fund offers an opportunity for investors to make a significant contribution to the economic and social prosperity of the twin-island nation. The revenue from the fund will help to transform the nation into a Sustainable Island State by providing support to the areas of local food production, Green Energy, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the Creative Economy, COVID-19 impact recovery, and expanding social protection for the most vulnerable.

2. Real estate

If you prefer to make an investment that can be recouped after a few years, there is the option of purchasing a real estate unit in an Approved Development in St Kitts and Nevis. Qualifying investments are pre-approved by the government, and projects take the form of shares in luxury resorts, villas, or condominium resorts. The minimum investment is $400,000, and the shares can be resold after seven years. However, it is important to note that the real estate unit can only be resold once by the original purchaser.

With more than 50 projects to choose from, the options are extensive. Our experts at Global Citizen Solutions will be able to help you choose the best real estate investment opportunities. Owners may rent out their property and enjoy a share of the profits or use them for holidays.

Alternatively, you can choose the Private Homes Sale Investment option and purchase a condominium unit for at least $400,000 or a private single-family house for a minimum price of $800,000. A CBI applicant can no longer make a joint investment with another CBI applicant for the purchase of a private single-family dwelling. The house can be resold after seven years but cannot be sold to another investor looking to obtain citizenship by investment unless the investor will invest more in the property through further construction, renovation, etc.

3. Public Benefit Option (PBO)

This third option allows applicants to invest directly in a public benefit unit 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

Fast application process: The application process takes about four months (120 days) from the date of acknowledgment of submission by the CIU.

Reliable: This CBI program is the longest-running in the world, with no history of problems and setbacks. As one of the world’s most sought-after economic citizenship programs, it has been (and continues to be) the benchmark of the global investor immigration industry.

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.

Schedule of payments: You are only required to pay the qualifying minimum contribution amount once your application has been approved in principle.

Cons

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

Limited investment options: There are basically two types of investment routes: donation (whether to the SISC 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. However, if you are from a banned country but have not been living in that country for over ten years and have no ties with the country, then you can apply to the program.

Citizenship by Investment - Application Process

Once you decide to apply for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, our experts from Global Citizen Solutions will guide you through the following steps to gain your second passport:

1. Contact Global Citizen Solutions: Contact our specialized team for a consultation regarding your CBI application.
2. Initial due diligence checks: Global Citizen Solutions will perform initial due diligence checks at no additional cost to ensure a successful application.
3. Client agreement and retainer payment: The client agreement contains details regarding the entire process to help put your mind at ease.
4. Document gathering and form completion: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
5. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit your application on your behalf*.
6. Due diligence checks commissioned by the CIU: The CIU will process your application and carry out all due diligence checks.
7. Mandatory interview: All main applicants must attend a mandatory virtual interview. Dependents aged 16 years and older may also be asked to attend an interview by the CIU.
8. Receive ‘approval in principle’ from the CIU: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 120 days stating their application is ‘approved in principle’.
9. Make your investment: Once you have received your approval letter, you must make your qualifying investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CIU.
10. Become a St Kitts and Nevis Citizen: You and your family members will be granted citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis and receive your passports at an address of your choice.
11. Collect Certificate of Registration: The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in St Kitts and Nevis or at an approved Consulate or Embassy specified by the CIU.
12. Full citizenship received: You are now a fully registered citizen of St Kitts and Nevis!

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents like Global Citizen Solutions.

Important note: As per regulations published on 19 July 2023, all main applicants must partake in a mandatory interview as part of the application process to St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI program. The interview will be conducted online (default) or in person either in St Kitts and Nevis or a location approved by the Board of Governors. Additionally, any dependent aged 16 or over may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the application process.

The interview will be conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU, which will also provide a certified translator in cases where the applicant or dependent does not speak English, or English is not their first language. Furthermore, the increased due diligence fees cover the cost of the mandatory interview requirements.

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 percent 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 percent 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 percent.

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 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 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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

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 $250,000 to the country’s development (donating to St Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution or funding a Public Benefit Project) or by making a real estate investment of at least $400,000.

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 (CIU) 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. You can read more in our article: St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

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.

The timeframe for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is around four months, usually. Citizenship is lifelong and can be passed on to future generations.

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 $250,000 for a single applicant or $350,000 for a family of four, plus government fees.

The total St Kitts citizenship by investment cost will depend on the type of investment chosen and how many family members are included in the citizenship and passport application.

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

Yes, a US citizen 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 it take to process the citizenship application?

The application process is relatively quick. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive your approval letter within 120 days from the date of acknowledgment of submission.

What is the minimum investment required under the real estate option?

You must make a minimum investment of $400,000 in shares of a pre-approved real estate project, $400,000 in a condominium, or $800,000 in an approved private house. There is also a government application fee starting at $25,000 and a $10,000 due diligence fee for the main applicant, as well as application form fees and passport fees.

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

No, two or more applicants can no longer apply for citizenship together by buying one piece of real estate under the Private Homes Sale Option.

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. Citizenship is passed on to future generations.

Is St Kitts citizenship worth it?

Yes, definitely. A St Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free travel to over 140 countries and easy access to a US visa, valid for ten years. You can also enjoy tax benefits and access business opportunities.

Applying to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program makes this wealth of benefits available in exchange for an investment in the country, which can be a donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution, a real estate investment, or support to a Public Benefit Project.

Can I apply for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by making a donation to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)?

No, the SIDF has been discontinued as a route to obtain citizenship and replaced by the Sustainable Island State Contribution option.