St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide

Have you ever dreamed of living in the Caribbean, enjoying idyllic beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and attractive tax incentives? If so, St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment makes it possible to live that dream.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is a sought-after program that allows foreign investors to obtain a second passport by investing in the country’s economy. Getting one of the Caribbean’s most powerful passports provides you with visa-free access to over 150 countries and the reassurance of alternative citizenship in a financially and politically stable environment.

The investment requirement starts at $250,000 for you to apply as a single applicant or include up to three family members.

This guide offers everything you should know about the program, including:

• Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship
• St Kitts and Nevis CBI overview
• St Kitt and Nevis CBI eligibility criteria
• Investment options for St Kitts and Nevis CBI
• Steps to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship
• St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost
• St Kitts and Nevis CBI required documents

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Benefits

1. Short citizenship timeline: The Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship application process 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.
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: No minimum residency is required to start the citizenship by investment application process.
5. Enhanced travel freedom: St Kitts and Nevis passport holders can travel visa free to 154 countries, including EU Schengen states, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
6. No in-person interviews: Applicants can apply for citizenship 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.

Overview of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

St Kitts Citizenship by Investment was introduced into the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act in 1984. 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 Benefits Option (BPO) contribution

Key Program Details

• Visa free countries: 154
• 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: $260,600
• Minimum total family of four: $269,400
• Eligible dependents:
  • Spouse
  • Children under 26 or with disabilities
  • Parents over 55
• Passport validity:
  • 10 years for citizens 16 and over
  • 5 years for citizens under 16
• Visit or residency requirement: None
• Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria

The 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 been declared bankrupt within ten years of applying
• 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 25, in full-time education and financially supported by 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)

The Sustainable Island State Contribution is a government fund to which investors can make a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to qualify for citizenship.

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. Applicants must maintain their investment for at least seven years.

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 can be sold after seven years.

4. Public Benefit Option (PBO) contribution

The Public Benefit Option requires a non-refundable donation of $250,000.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Application Process

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 checks: 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

Application Fees and Processing Charges

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

• Due diligence fee
• Passport fee
• Application form fee

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.

Estimated St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Cost

Here is an example of the estimated cost to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship through the SISC donation option for a single applicant and a family of four, including government fees. The family example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 7 and 17.

Required Documents 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

St Kitts and Nevis Passport Ranking

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.

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

How to get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment?

You can obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment by making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or Public Benefit Project, or a real estate investment of at least $325,000 or $600,000.

What is the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit?

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is a government body assigned to manage the St Kitts and Nevis economic citizenship scheme, process applications, and regulate Authorized Agents.

What is the economic citizenship program in St Kitts?

The St Kitts economic citizenship program is another term for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, allowing investors to obtain citizenship by investing in the economy.

How much does Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost?

The minimum investment amount for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program starts at $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of four, excluding government fees. The total St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost includes government, application, and passport fees and depends on the investment option and the number of dependents included in the application.

How long is the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship application process?

Once you have submitted your St Kitts and Nevis citizen application, you will receive your approval letter within four months and citizenship within four to six months.

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

The minimum real estate investment in the St Kitts and Nevis CBI program is $325,000 to acquire shares in an approved real estate project and $600,000 to purchase an approved private home. Alongside the donation or purchase costs, and due diligence fees, a government fee applies to real estate investments.

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

Two or more applicants can apply for citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis, provided additional applicants are qualified dependents of the main applicant.

Is St Kitts citizenship worth it?

Lifetime citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis is more than worth it, given that its dual citizenship benefits allow visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the UK and EU Schengen countries. Besides increased global mobility, there is no income, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth tax, and the country is politically stable and a member of several regional alliances.

What is the St Kitts and Nevis Investment Programme?

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme, also known as the St Kitts Golden Visa, is the longest-standing CBI scheme in the world. It’s a program attracting foreigners to obtain citizenship by making a significant economic contribution.

How do I immigrate to St Kitts and Nevis?

You can immigrate to St Kitts and Nevis through the St Kitts and Nevis Investor Visa (CBI program). The St Kitts and Nevis government has a citizenship by investment (CBI) program granting citizenship to foreigners who make a substantial contribution to the country through real estate investment and fund donations.

Can you buy St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?

You cannot buy citizenship or a passport in St Kitts and Nevis. St Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship program is not based on a transactional exchange of funds; rather, it represents a collaborative endeavor. This program enables foreign nationals to contribute to the economic and social progress of the country by participating in thoughtfully curated investments designed to maximize both the nation’s economic growth and social advancement.

Can St Kitts and Nevis citizenship be revoked?

Successful applicants of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program may have their citizenship revoked if it was acquired through fraudulent tactics such as misrepresentation or the withholding of information during the application process. Furthermore, citizens who pose a threat to national security or engage in activities deemed detrimental to national interests may face citizenship revocation.

Can unmarried or same-sex couples apply for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment?

Couples applying for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment must be legally married and submit an authorized marriage certificate to qualify. St Kitts and Nevis does not recognize same-sex relations or marriage, therefore excluding same-sex couples as qualified applicants for its citizenship.