Introduction
St Kitts and Nevis’s reforms in anticipation of a potential US travel ban were swift and decisive. On 23 June 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced upcoming legislation introducing enhanced residency requirements and biometric screening for individuals seeking to live in St Kitts and Nevis or invest in St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment (CBI).
True to form, the announcement aligns with the twin-island federation’s position as the pioneer of economic citizenship. Although not a reactionary move, as Prime Minister Drew stated, “This is not disingenuous; this is actually a path that we have been traveling since day one,” it addresses key criteria to avoid the potential travel restrictions.
Dr. Drew made it clear that the changes aim to uphold the value of the St Kitts and Nevis passport and maintain responsible governance and international cooperation. “This is about safeguarding our national interest, preserving the strength of our passport, and upholding our responsibility as a trusted member of the international community.”
Under the proposed reforms, CBI applicants and long-term residents will be subject to stricter physical presence requirements and biometric data collection, including fingerprinting and facial recognition.
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When taking a broader view of how Caribbean citizenship by investment programs have traditionally been marketed—particularly emphasizing the lack of residency or visitation requirements—some may see the reforms as a step backward. Joe Rice, Senior Immigration Consultant at Global Citizen Solutions, offered a different perspective: “I believe that they are being implemented to make the process more secure. Traveling for Biometrics might be slightly inconvenient for some people, but it is not a negative thing to ask for.”
By acting proactively, St Kitts and Nevis remains a compliant and cooperative ally in global migration and travel policy. This safeguards the country’s position as one of the highest ranking passport on the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index.
“The CBI is not a private club; it is the business of the people. That is why we are embedding transparency and integrity into its very foundation.” Dr. Drew added. As more foreign nationals look to invest in the Caribbean, Joe Rice’s outlook is particularly relevant, noting that while the shift won’t happen overnight, he expects other nations to follow St Kitts and Nevis.
Preparing for the New St Kitts and Nevis CBI Process
For individuals considering St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship, it’s best to view the reforms positively as they enhance security and the country’s global reputation, and limit Caribbean travel restrictions. Commenting on St Kitts and Nevis CBI, Joe Rice noted, “This program has always been known as the “Platinum” program in the Caribbean, and they are forward-thinking and implement new measures to make the program as strong and full-proof as possible.”
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?
– 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.
