St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: Expert Guide to the Caribbean
Embracing Citizenship Benefits in St Kitts and Nevis
Safe haven
For the whole family
$250,000
Minimum investment
$350,000
Family of four
4 months
Acquisition period
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is a fast and straightforward way for investors and their family members to obtain citizenship in this dual-island nation. By making a minimum investment in the country’s economy – either through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), an Approved Public Benefit Project, or a real estate investment – you can obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport and enjoy the many benefits of being a citizen of the Caribbean.
Why choose a Caribbean passport?
- To access greater global mobility. As a St Kitts and Nevis passport holder, you can enjoy visa-free travel to more than 140 countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, the Schengen Zone, Singapore, and the UK.
- To obtain second citizenship for yourself and your family members in a country that offers stability and opportunity.
- To benefit from a favorable tax environment. St Kitts and Nevis has no income tax on worldwide income, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, providing an optimal environment for you to diversify your investment portfolio.
- To benefit from St Kitts and Nevis’s thriving tourism industry by making a high-end tourist real estate investment.
- To enjoy your golden years of retirement in a peaceful, bright, and beautiful slice of Caribbean paradise.
Citizenship by Investment - What You Need to Know
Citizenship by investment is a term used to refer to programs that offer investors a route to obtain citizenship of a country by making a financial contribution to its economy. Also known as economic citizenship programs, there are five Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment (CBI) programs: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
Each of these countries has a Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) that oversees and regulates its CBI program in accordance with each country’s laws. The Unit processes each application, assessing the documentation provided and conducting stringent due diligence checks to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of all applicants aged 16 and over. This due diligence process is a crucial step in maintaining the program’s credibility and ensuring its longevity.
The investment routes under a Caribbean CBI program are generally a non-refundable donation to a government fund or a real estate investment. Some countries offer additional options, such as creating a business enterprise, contributing to an educational institution, or even government bonds. Family members can be included in your application, and once granted, citizenship is lifelong and passed down to future generations.
9 Benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Having a second citizenship gives you and your family the freedom and flexibility of global mobility with visa-free access to over 140 countries.
2
Family inclusion
3
Dual citizenship benefits
4
Multiple investment options
The minimum investment amount is $250,000, and investors can choose between a national fund, a public benefit option, and three types of real estate investments.
5
Fast application process
Your citizenship application will be processed and citizenship granted within four months.
6
Tax optimization
7
No residency requirements
8
Flexible requirements
Applicants to the citizenship program are not required to sit and pass any language tests or meet any academic requirements.
9
Visa-free travel
Who can obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?
As the main applicant, you must:
- Be older than 18
- Have a clean criminal record
- Prove excellent character using employer references and bank statements
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
As per St Kitts and Nevis’ program guidelines, the following family members can be included in your application for citizenship:
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse who are:
- Under 18
- Between 18 and 25, in education, and financially supported by the main applicant or spouse
- 18 or older and mentally/physically challenged
- Parents of the main applicant or spouse aged 65 and above who live with and are fully supported by the applicant
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Investment Options
St Kitts and Nevis offers three investment options under its Citizenship by Investment Program. Each of these investment routes include additional fees, such as government fees, due diligence fees, and application fees.
Option 1
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The lowest cost route to gain St Kitts Citizenship is donating to the Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund (SISC). A replacement to the Sustainable Growth Fund, investors can make a minimum non-refundable contribution of $250,000 as a single applicant, $300,000 as a couple, or $350,000 as a family of up to four people.
Money from the fund is used to support the production of local food, economic diversification, Green Energy, sustainable initiatives, recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Creative Economy, and the expansion of social protection for the nation’s most vulnerable groups.
Single applicant | Applicant and spouse | Additional dependent (over 18) | Additional dependent (under 18) | |
Minimum donation | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
Government application fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | $15,000 per dependent | $10,000 per dependent |
Due diligence fee | $10,000 | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over |
Application form fee | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms |
Passport fee | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport |
Option 2
Real estate investment
Making a real estate investment is an attractive option if you are looking to recoup your investment after a few years. St Kitts and Nevis offers three routes under the real estate investment option:
Real estate shares
Real estate purchase of shares in a unit in an Approved Real Estate Development. These shares tend to be in luxury resorts, villas, and condominium resorts, with more than 50 real estate developer projects available to choose from. The minimum investment required is $400,000, and the shares must be held for at least seven years before being resold. During this time, you can rent out your property and enjoy a share of the profits.
Important note: The unit can only be resold once by the original purchaser.
Private Homes Sale Investment
Purchase a condominium unit for at least $400,000 or a private single-family dwelling for at least $800,000. The investment property can be resold after seven years, but not to another investor wanting to apply to the CBI program unless they intend on investing more in the property. This can be through further construction, renovation, etc.
Important note: An applicant cannot make a joint investment with another CBI applicant for this option.
Single applicant | Applicant and spouse | Additional dependent (over 18) | Additional dependent (under 18) | |
Minimum investment | $400,000 (property shares), $400,000 (condominium unit), or $800,000 (single-family private home | $400,000 (property shares), $400,000 (condominium unit), or $800,000 (single-family private home | $400,000 (property shares), $400,000 (condominium unit), or $800,000 (single-family private home | $400,000 (property shares), $400,000 (condominium unit), or $800,000 (single-family private home |
Government application fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | $15,000 per dependent | $10,000 per dependent |
Due diligence fee | $10,000 | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over |
Application form fee | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms |
Passport fee | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport |
Option 3
Public Benefit Option (PBO)
This investment option allows applicants to contribute a minimum of $250,000 directly to one of the government’s Approved Public Benefit Projects that is used to benefit the inhabitants of St Kitts and Nevis.
Single applicant | Applicant and spouse | Additional dependent (over 18) | Additional dependent (under 18) | |
Minimum donation | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
Government application fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | $15,000 per dependent | $10,000 per dependent |
Due diligence fee | $10,000 | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over | $7,500 per family member aged 16 and over |
Application form fee | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms | $250 per set of forms |
Passport fee | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport | $350 per passport |
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
St Kitts and Nevis CBI Pros and Cons
As with all of the citizenship by investment programs offered in the Caribbean – and the world – there are pros and cons to consider when obtaining citizenship through St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment. As such, this section will discuss several pros and cons of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program to help you make your decision.
Pros
Straightforward application process
The application process is straightforward and can be completed remotely. The process takes four months to complete from the day you receive acknowledgment of submission from the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Trusted program
St Kitts and Nevis has the longest-running CBI program in the world with a history of being reliable. It is, in fact, one of the most sought-after CBI programs and is a benchmark of the global investor immigration industry by continually improving on the requirements and process. For example, the St Kitts government recently introduced a number of changes, such as increasing the minimum investment amount, restricting eligible family members, and including a mandatory interview as part of the due diligence process, all of which serve to protect the integrity of the program.
Protection of information
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) does not release the information of applicants to the program. Additionally, the bank and company information of all citizens is also kept private. There is also government-implemented escrow legislation to protect real estate project investors.
Schedule of payments
Applicants are only required to pay the minimum investment needed once their application has been approved in principle. This is to protect citizenship investors.
Weather
The island experiences warm weather year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below the 20 degrees Celsius range.
Stable currency
The nation's official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which is pegged at a rate of EC$2.70 to US$1. The currency is managed through a regional central bank and shared by several other Eastern Caribbean islands.
Friendly population
St Kitts and Nevis' population is relatively small, resulting in a strong sense of community and togetherness. People are friendly and welcoming, creating a warm environment for newcomers to experience.
Tax-free environment
Individuals and companies can benefit from several tax exemptions and limited taxes, such as no personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
Ease of travel
I addition to visa-free travel, inhabitants of the island can easily access neighboring islands by ferry, while international travel is made possible by two international airports - one in St Kitts and one in Nevis.
Cons
Limited investment options
While there are two donation options (Sustainable Island State Contribution and Public Benefit Option) and three different real estate routes (shares, condominium units, or single-family homes), the investment options basically boil down to making a donation or real estate investment.
Expensive for families
Unfortunately, the minimum investment requirements can work out quite pricey for a family, particularly when compared to other CBI programs in the Caribbean. The program also includes a government fee and other fees.
Restricted countries
Nationals of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine are not able to apply to this CBI program. However, if you are from one of these banned countries, you can apply to the program if you meet the following conditions: You have not lived in said country for more than ten years and you have no ties to the country.
Cost of living
The cost of goods and services can be slightly more expensive than in other Caribbean islands. This is due in part to the need to import some goods from other countries. However, it is still more affordable than in places like the US or the UK.
Natural disasters
There is a high threat of natural disasters in St Kitts and Nevis as the nation is located in the hurricane belt of the Caribbean.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Client agreement and retainer payment
Once you are satisfied following our initial due diligence check, your client agreement will detail the entire process to help put your mind at ease. You will choose your investment route and begin the application process.
2. Document preparation
Gather all the necessary documents and complete the application forms provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
3. Submit your application through GCS
St Kitts and Nevis' Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) does not accept applications submitted directly by applicants. As per regulations, Global Citizen Solutions will submit your application on your behalf.
4. Due diligence checks
The CIU will conduct a thorough due diligence check to ensure that your application meets their requirements. Within 60 to 90 days of submission, successful applicants will receive a confirmation letter stating that their application is 'approved in principle'.
5. Mandatory interview
All main applicants must partake in a mandatory virtual interview. Additionally, dependents aged 16 and above may be asked to attend virtual interviews by the CIU. The interview will be conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU. If a translator is necessary for applicants who do not speak English (or English is not their first language), a certified one will be provided by the CIU. The cost of the interview requirement is included in the due diligence fees shown in the tables above.
6. Government approval letter
Successful applicants will receive a letter from the CIU stating that their economic citizenship application is 'approved in principle'.
7. Make your investment and send confirmation
Once you have received your letter, you must make the qualifying investment and pay the government administration fees. You must also send proof of payment to the CIU.
8. Become a St Kitts and Nevis citizen
You and your family will be granted St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, and your passports will be issued.
9. Collection of COR
Once you have been granted citizenship, the CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration. This citizenship certificate must be collected in person either in St Kitts and Nevis or from a Consulate or Embassy approved and specified by the CIU.
Citizenship by Investment Documents Required
The following section details the list of documents required to apply for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment. It is important to note that the CIU may request additional documents deemed necessary.
Each set of application forms costs $250. The following forms will need to be completed:
- Form C1: Application for registration as a citizen (supplied by Global Citizen Solutions)
- Form C2: Photograph and Signature Certificate (supplied by Global Citizen Solutions)
- Form C3: Medical Certificate (supplied by Global Citizen Solutions) including original HIV Test results (required for all applicants aged 12 and over and must not be older than three months)
Important note: As you can see, your local authorized agent will provide you with forms C1, C2, and C3 (and C4 below). Only the original forms will be accepted by the CIU.
Depending on the investment route you choose, you will require the following documents:
- Form C4: Application form
- Completed Purchase and Sales Agreement (Approved Real Estate Investment Option)
- Completed C1, C2, and C3 forms
- Relevant form for investment route (C4 for SISC or Purchase and Sales Agreement for real estate investment)
- Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate
- Certified copy of proof of name change, such as Deed Polls or jurisdictional equivalent (if applicable)
- Certified copy of current national identity card/s (not applicable to children under 16)
- Certified copy of current passport/s showing:
- Name
- Photo
- Citizenship/nationality
- Date and place of issue
- Expiry date
- Passport number
- Issuing country
- HIV Test results, no older than three months (not applicable for children under 12)
- Police certificate/certificate of no criminal record/police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and any country you have lived in for over a year during the past ten years (not applicable for children under 16)
- Six photographs, one of which must be certified and attached to the C2 form. They must:
- Be about 35 x 45mm in size
- Have been taken within the last six months
- At least one original professional reference not older than six months (e.g., from an attorney, notary public, official accountant, or other professionals of similar standing)
- 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, no older than six months
- Certified copy of military records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
- One original document proving your residential address. This can be:
- A certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your full name and address
- Written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public
- Employment letter/s stating when employment began, 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)
- Statement and evidence of source of funds to be invested in St Kitts and Nevis
- Affidavit of financial support for applicants aged between 18 and 30
- Certified copy of university degrees (if applicable)
- Limited Power of Attorney
Are you interested in applying for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment?
Contact us today to get the ball rolling. We will provide you with all the up-to-date information you need to complete your application and obtain second citizenship in this beautiful Caribbean nation.
St Kitts and Nevis Taxes
The St Kitts and Nevis government has created a favorable tax environment to encourage investment in the country. In St Kitts, tax residents benefit from a number of exemptions, such as on foreign-sourced income, no personal income tax, no estate duty, no inheritance tax, no succession tax, no gift tax, and no wealth tax.
To become a tax resident, you must live in the country for a minimum of two months during the tax year. However, you can obtain permanent tax residency status through the CBI program.
Key considerations for St Kitts and Nevis tax
Corporate income tax
A 33 percent rate is taxed on the net profits of a company that is incorporated in the country. The nation does offer qualifying companies a tax holiday for up to 15 years on corporate profits.
Withholding tax
A 15 percent withholding tax is levied on income received from within St Kitts and Nevis by non-residents.
Property tax
A minimal property tax is charged annually and calculated based on the property’s market value and its classification (residential, commercial, accommodation, institutional, and agricultural).
Value-added tax
Value-added tax, or VAT, sits at a rate of 17 percent in St Kitts and Nevis. Hotel accommodations and restaurants pay a reduced rate of ten percent. Most food, funeral expenses, and medicine is also exempt from VAT.
Social security tax
If you are employed in St Kitts and Nevis and are between 16 and 62, you must pay five percent of your wages to St Kitts and Nevis’ Social Security Board. Local business owners must match this contribution.
St Kitts and Nevis in Pictures
Why choose St Kitts and Nevis?
Officially named the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, this twin-island nation is located in the West Indies and forms part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Federation is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the Organization of American States (OAS).
St Kitts is the larger island that offers a more built-up and luxurious lifestyle, while Nevis, the smaller of the two islands, offers a more laidback environment with plenty of natural beauty. Separated by a relatively small stretch of sea known as “the narrows”, it’s possible to travel between the two islands by five-minute water taxi.
This small, peaceful country in the Caribbean is known for its year-round sunshine, palm-fringed white sand beaches, luxurious hotels, and rich culture. Its developed economy and quality healthcare and education attract foreign investors from all over the world looking to enjoy a good quality of life in an island paradise. The nation is also home to Green Vervet monkeys, which are some of the most photographed faces on the island.
The climate on this Caribbean island is humid and hot. The best months to visit are April, May, and June, during which time temperatures tend to fall within the high 20s and low 30s (degrees Celsius). Across the island, you’ll find mountain peaks, salt lakes, coconut plantations, palm trees, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. Activities often enjoyed here include diving, snorkeling, fishing, yachting, hiking, and swimming.
Tourism is a great driving force for the nation’s economy. Its citizenship program is also a strong contributing factor to the nation’s thriving tourism industry and developing infrastructure. There are many sites that attract visitors, such as Timothy Hill, a popular spot in St Kitts offering scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. There are also several secluded wild beaches, the National Museum, and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Kitts and Nevis: Discover the world
You’ll find two international airports in the country: Robert L Bradshaw in St Kitts and Vance W Amory in Nevis. These airports receive flights from places such as Canada, Europe, the US, the UK, and the rest of the Caribbean. Airlines that operate flights to the island include American Airlines, Delta, Iberia, and United.
You can also get to the island by boat thanks to Christophe Harbour, Port Zante, the country’s main marina. It offers 24-hour access to the docks, refueling, and a deep-water harbor. Once you are there, you can travel around the island by taxi (a widely accessible and easy option), bus (an inexpensive option), or car (available for rent on both islands). Finally, if you would like to island hop and explore the rest of the Caribbean, you can do so by ferry or boat.
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 of 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.
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda government to promote the country’s CBI program and act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for Antigua and Barbuda.
Talk to a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
No, you cannot buy citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis. You can, however, apply to the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program and make a minimum investment in order to obtain citizenship. Applicants must meet the program’s requirements – such as having a clean criminal record and being over 18 – and make a minimum investment of $250,000 in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) (the new Sustainable Growth Fund) or an Approved Public Benefit Project. Alternatively, you can make a minimum real estate investment of $400,000 in approved real estate projects.
St Kitts citizenship by investment includes other fees, such as government fees. Processing fees and due diligence fees apply. For example, family members over 16 pay a $7,500 due diligence fee each, plus government fees of $15,000 per dependent over 18.
The St Kitts and Nevis passport is a strong passport to hold. It ranks 53rd on our Global Passport Index, based on global mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life. A St Kitts passport also enables visa-free travel to over 140 destinations worldwide, including the UK, Europe’s Schengen Zone, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia. Dual citizenship is recognized.
The fastest way to acquire St Kitts citizenship is through the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program. The application process for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment takes about four months to complete, and there is no requirement to visit St Kitts.
To qualify for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, you must make a minimum contribution to the country’s economy. This can be a non-refundable contribution to a state fund, investment in an Approved Public Benefit Project, or a real estate purchase (approved real estate development or approved private home). To obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport, you must also meet the requirements of the investment program and pay additional fees, such as a government fee.
Yes, St Kitts citizens can travel to the US, but this is not visa-free access. As a St Kitts and Nevis passport holder, you will have the option to apply for a B-1/B-2 US Visa that is valid for ten years. With this visa, you can stay in the US for up to 180 consecutive days in a year. During this time, you can travel within the US and attend conferences.