St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide for 2024

Beyond its natural beauty and reputation as a small peaceful country, St Kitts and Nevis is renowned for its long-running citizenship by investment program. It allows foreigners to obtain a St Kitts passport by making a direct investment that substantially contributes to the country’s social and economic development.

Qualifying investments include donating to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), investing in an approved real estate project, or contributing to an Approved Public Benefit Project. The citizenship program’s minimum investment threshold starts at $250,000, and you will acquire your St Kitts passport in 12 months. 

This article breaks down all the information you should know about St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program, including program requirements, citizenship application process, associated government fees and government recommended payment steps, time to citizenship, and citizenship benefits.

Historical Overview of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

The St Kitts Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is the oldest of its kind in the world. It was introduced into the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act in 1984, one year after the country became independent from British colonial rule. It’s not only the world’s longest-running CBI program, but one of just five Caribbean countries offering dual citizenship benefits by investment.

The immigration program was primarily established to develop the country socially and economically, enhancing the well-being of St Kitts and Nevis citizens. The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program advances the nation’s objectives by providing foreign investors the chance to obtain citizenship in exchange for their foreign direct financial investment.

This contribution can be made through several investment routes, including a donation to fund government projects concerning healthcare, education, and infrastructure, investment in approved projects of various real estate developers, the purchase of a private home, or a contribution to fund public benefit projects.

Under regulation 3 of SRO 52 of 2011 from St Kitt’s Citizenship Act, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority established to oversee the country’s citizenship program and approve investments that qualify for citizenship.

St Kitts and Nevis economic citizenship can be extended to eligible family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.

Benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

1. Global mobility: Applicants can obtain alternative citizenship, creating opportunities and flexibility for themselves and their families. A Caribbean passport is the ultimate plan B.

2. Fast processing time: The Saint Kitts citizenship processing time, including the due diligence process, is relatively quick, taking up to 12 months.

3. Family inclusion: Your family members – spouse, children, and parents – can be included in the application. Future generations are eligible for acquiring citizenship by descent.

4. Tax optimization: St Kitts and Nevis citizens enjoy an attractive tax environment, avoiding personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, estate duty, or succession taxes.

5. Flexible requirements: There are no residency requirements for obtaining citizenship, meaning you can complete the application process remotely without the for a personal visit to St Kitts and Nevis. The mandatory interview will take place virtually. There are also no language tests or academic requirements.

6. Visa free travel: St Kitts and Nevis passport holders can travel visa free to over 150 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. The recently signed visa waiver agreement between the St Kitts and Nevis and the Canadian government reinforces the nation’s commitment to maintain strong diplomatic ties, ensuring hassle-free travel for its citizens.

7. Dual citizenship: St Kitts and Nevis recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you keep your previous passport (provided that country allows it).

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Requirements

The legal framework for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is contained in Part II, Section 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984, and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011. These regulations enable the St Kitts government to operate the program and grant citizenship to applicants who qualify under criteria decided by the cabinet.

Requirements for the main applicant

In order to fulfill the St Kitts citizenship by investment program requirements, the main 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

Requirements for family members

The following dependents 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 full-time 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

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment official website, ciu.gov.kn, has more information about the program and what’s required for a qualified dependent. 

Required Documents for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

During the application, all documentation provided will go through a due diligence process. This is a vital step in a St Kitts and Nevis CBI application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the applicant and all accompanying family members aged 16 or over. This is crucial to guarantee the credibility of the application.

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 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 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 acquiring citizenship by investment, 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.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Options

To qualify for the St Kitts CBI program, you must choose one of the three investment routes, which include two options for real estate:

1.  Donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
2. Real estate investment in an approved real estate development
3. Purchase of an approved private home
4. Contribution to approved public benefit projects

Investors should note that besides the minimum contribution or real estate purchase costs, due diligence fees apply for all applicants.

1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

The new Sustainable Island State Contribution, also known as the Federal Consolidated Fund, is a government fund that enables investors to make a non-refundable contribution of at least $250,000 to the economic and social prosperity of the twin-island nation. The fund’s revenue will help transform the nation into a Sustainable Island State by providing support to local food production, Green Energy, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the Creative Economy, COVID-19 impact recovery, and expanding social protection for the most vulnerable. 

SISC was created by the St Kitts and Nevis government in 2023 to replace the new Sustainable Growth Fund. Previously to SISC and the former Sustainable Growth Fund, there was the Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF) option. Launched in October 2017, the Hurricane Relief Fund accumulated and provided significant aid and support to the nation following two devastating Category 5 hurricanes.

2. Approved real estate purchase

Buying real estate in a government-approved real estate project is a recoverable investment through rental income and/or reselling the property. The Government implemented escrow legislation to protect citizenship investors who support real estate projects in the country.

There are three options for the real estate investment route:

• Investing at least $400,000 in a unit in a government approved property development in St Kitts and Nevis.

These government-approved real estate projects take the form of shares in luxury resorts, villas, or condominium resorts. The remaining investment, including a due diligence and government fee, apply to the minimum investment needed, and the shares can be resold after seven years. Important note: the real estate unit can only be resold once by the original purchaser. 

There are over 50 real estate developer projects to choose from, and an expert real estate consultant at Global Citizen Solutions will help you choose the best St Kitts and Nevis real estate investment opportunities for you. 

An alternative investment option under the real estate option is Private Homes Sale Investment.

• Purchase a condominium unit for at least $400,000
• Purchase a single-family private dwelling for a minimum cost of $800,000

A CBI applicant can no longer make a joint investment with another CBI applicant to purchase an approved private home. Additionally, a government fee applies to real estate investment for the main applicant and family members. The investment can be resold after seven years time post obtaining citizenship 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. 

The main applicant can rent out their properties and enjoy between two and five percent income per annum.

3. Public Benefit Option (PBO) Contribution

This third option allows applicants to make a minimum contribution of $250,000 public benefit unit in a government-approved public benefit project that benefits the population of St Kitts, known as Approved Public Benefit Projects. The approved public benefactor can be education, health, or infrastructure projects.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Application Process and Timeline

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 entire application process to obtain your St Kitts second passport in just 12 months:

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 Global Citizen Solutions provides.
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 Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will process your application and carry out all due diligence checks.
7. Mandatory interview: All main applicants must attend a mandatory virtual interview. The CIU may ask dependents aged 16 years and older to attend an interview.
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 government 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 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 the country 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 can retrieve your St Kitts and Nevis citizenship certificate.

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications from applicants but only from Authorized Agents, like Global Citizen Solutions, who have been licensed by the St Kitts and Nevis government and St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit.

Mandatory interviews

All citizenship applicants must partake in a mandatory citizenship 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 or at a location approved by the Board of Governors. Any dependent aged 16 or over may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the process of applying.

The interview will be conducted by independent professional due diligence agents and law firms commissioned by the CIU. They also provide a certified translator in cases where the applicant or dependent does not speak English or English is not their first language. The increased due diligence fees cover the cost of the required mandatory interviews.

CBI Compliance and Oversight in St Kitts and Nevis

The Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis (CIU), headquartered at the country government office in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, is the government authority responsible for handling the country’s CIP program.

The CIU maintains collaboration with government authorities, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the US Treasury, and the European Union to ensure adherence to regulations such as know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) policies, while also overseeing the activities each independent professional firm commissioned to accept applications.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the four other Caribbean CBI countries to strengthen and advance compliance efforts in their programs. The memorandum was enacted on 30 June 2024, marking ensuring the integrity of the St Kitts CBI scheme.

Rights and Privileges Associated with a St Kitts Nevis Passport by Investment

• Enhanced global mobility: With a St Kitts and Nevis passport, you have visa free access to over 150 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia.
• Optimized finances: You can meet your capital investment goals by investing in a high-end tourist real estate project and receive a return on your investment in the Caribbean’s thriving tourism industry.
• Lucrative real estate investments: You can invest in a high-end tourist real estate project and receive a return on your investment in the Caribbean’s thriving tourism industry.
• Increased protection: You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family members. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
• Free movement: You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. With St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, you and your family can live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Pros and Cons

Pros

Fast application process: While there’s no longer an accelerated application process, processing takes just 12 months from the date of acknowledgment of submission by the St Kitts and Nevis Investment Unit (CIU).

Reliable: This CBI program is the longest-running in the world. As one of the world’s most sought-after economic citizenship programs, it is the benchmark of the global investor immigration industry.

Confidential: The CIU doesn’t publish a list of those participating in the CBI program. Financial institutions 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.

Benefits in other countries: As a member of the Caribbean Community and the Commonwealth of Nations, St Kitts citizens enjoy certain travel and business privileges.

Cons

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

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

Extreme weather: The region 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.

Restricted countries: Nationals of Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine are not accepted and must not have been living in that country for over ten years, as well as have no ties with the country, to qualify.

CBI Comparison between St Kitts and Nevis and Other Caribbean Countries

• St Kitts and Nevis: The first nation to introduce citizenship by investment. The St Kitts passport is the most powerful among Caribbean CBI countries.
• Antigua and Barbuda: The cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for a family of four.
• Dominica: The most affordable economic citizenship program for single applicants.
• Grenada: The only Caribbean nation offering eligibility for the US E2 Visa through citizenship by investment.
• St Lucia: Offers the most diverse qualifying investments, including the opportunity to invest in infrastructure projects with a minimum value of $200,000.

About St Kitts and Nevis

Frequently Asked Questions about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI)