St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide for 2024
Embracing Citizenship Benefits in St Kitts and Nevis
Safe haven
For the whole family
$250,000
Minimum investment
$250,000
Family of four
4-6 months
Acquisition period
St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship program allows foreign nationals to directly qualify for citizenship by investing in the country’s social and economic development. Launched in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program is the world’s oldest economic citizenship program, granting second citizenship to investors one of four qualifying investments.
This guide presents all the essential details about citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis, including:
Overview of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
St Kitts and Nevis pioneered the concept of citizenship by investment (CBI) when it introduced the first economic citizenship initiative in 1984. Through the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Act, the government grants a second passport to investors who make a foreign direct investment that improves the nation’s socio-economic development.
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority tasked with regulating all aspects of the St Kitts and Nevis CBI program in accordance with the Nationality Act and standards set by governmental entities, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The St Kitts and Nevis government has identified four investments to advance the nation’s objectives:
- State fund contribution
- Real estate investment in approved projects
- Private home purchase
- Contribution to a Public Benefit Project
The minimum investment threshold starts at $250,000, and applicants can include their children, spouses, and parents in their applications.
Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 154
- Visa free to EU Schengen Area: Yes
- Tax framework: No income taxes
- Processing time: 4 to 6Â 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)
- Unique feature: Provides an exclusive $600,000 private home purchase option
Ten Benefits of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Holding St Kits and Nevis citizenship status gives investors and their family members the freedom and flexibility of global mobility, as well as protection in a politically and financially stable jurisdiction.
2
Family inclusion​
Main applicants applying can submit a family application, allowing their spouse, dependent children, and parents to become St Kitts and Nevis citizens.
3
Dual citizenship benefits
St Kitts and Nevis recognizes dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality and holder multiple citizenships.
4
Unique real estate investment
St Kitts and Nevis offers the only Caribbean citizenship program allowing investors to purchase a home from private sellers as a qualifying investment.
5
Fastest application process
St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship by investment program is the fastest in the Caribbean, with the citizenship timeline taking just four to six months.
6
Tax optimization
St Kitts and Nevis citizens and residents benefit from no personal income tax, wealth, or inheritance tax.
7
No residency requirements
Applicants are not required to visit St Kitts and Nevis during the diligence process. The mandatory interview is conducted virtually.
8
Flexible requirements
Applicants to the citizenship program are not required to sit and pass any language tests or meet any academic requirements.
9
Enhanced global mobility
The St Kitts and Nevis passport is powerful, facilitating visa free access to 155 countries, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Schengen Area countries, Taiwan, and the UK.
10
Investment after approval
The required investment is made only after the application has been approved in principle, increasing confidence and reducing risk.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
In order for the main applicant to make a citizenship application to St Kitts and Nevis, the applicant must meet the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements.
- Be older than 18Â
- Have a clean criminal recordÂ
- Prove excellent character
- Be in good health
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
- Partake in a virtual interview
As per St Kitts and Nevis’ program guidelines, the following family members can be included in your application for citizenship:Â
- SpouseÂ
- Children of the main applicant or spouse who are:Â
- Under 18Â
- Between 18 and 25, in education, and financially supported by the main applicant or spouseÂ
- 18 or older and mentally/physically challengedÂ
- Parents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and above who live with and are fully supported by the applicantÂ
- St Kitts and Nevis nationality law treats biological children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. The legislation allows financially dependent stepchildren and legally adopted children of the main applicant or their spouse to obtain citizenship.
- Medical clearance:Â Prospective applicants must prove good health by taking comprehensive tests confirming they have no health conditions that put public health at risk.
- Police clearance:Â A clean criminal record in all countries of residence over the past ten years is required to complete the citizenship process.
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Afghanistan
- Russia
- Belarus
Restricted country nationals can apply for the citizenship under the following circumstances:Â
- They migrated prior to the age of majority or maintained permanent residence in a non-restricted country for at least ten years.
- They have no economic ties to any restricted country.Â
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.Â
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Investment Options for Citizenship by Investment in St Kitts and Nevis
The investment routes for obtaining citizenship under the Antigua CBI program start from $230,000 and include:
- Non-refundable donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
- Real estate investment in an approved real estate project
- Purchase of an approved private home
- Non-refundable contribution to an approved public benefit project
1. Donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The Sustainable Island State Contribution option allows single investors and families of up to four to make a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to qualify for citizenship.
Money contributed to the fund is used to support government-sponsored projects, public-private partnerships, and approved charitable initiatives
The SISC option is designed for investors seeking the most affordable, fastest, and straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis.
SISC Donation | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional (Under 18) | Additional (18 and over) |
Minimum Donation | $250,000 | +$25,000 each | +$50,000 each | |
2. Approved real estate investment
Investors can purchase real estate shares valued at least $325,000 in an approved development to acquire citizenship. Shares tend to be in luxury resorts, villas, and boutique hotels. An alternative option is purchasing a single condominium unit of the same value. Approved St Kitts and Nevis real estate shares must be held for at least seven years to maintain citizenship.
Real Estate Shares | Single Applicant | Applicant + Spouse | Additional (under 18) | Additional Dependent (18 and over) |
Minimum Investment | $325,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | +$10,000 each | +$15,000 each |
3. Approved private home purchase
Investors can purchase a private single-family dwelling house worth least $600,000 to acquire citizenship. While private home sales are an option, they must be approved by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Approved private homes must be held for at least seven years to maintain citizenship.
Private Home | Single Applicant | Applicant + Spouse | Additional (under 18) | Additional Dependent (18 and over) |
Minimum Investment | $600,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | +$10,000 each | +$15,000 each |
4. Donation to the Public Benefit Option (PBO)
The Public Benefit Option requires applicants to make a minimum contribution of $250,000 directly to one of the government’s Approved Public Benefit Projects. Applicants benefit from a St Kitts and Nevis second passport while supporting government-approved public benefit projects to improve education, health, or infrastructure initiatives.
Public Benefit Option | Single Applicant | Applicant + Spouse | Additional (under 18) | Additional Dependent (18 and over) |
Minimum Donation | $250,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | +$10,000 each | +$15,000 each |
Government fees and charges
In addition to the minimum investment needed and government application fee (for the real estate and PBO options), investors must pay fees to complete the citizenship process. Fees for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment include:
- Due diligence fee
- Passport fee
- Application form fee
Fee | Main Applicant | Spouse | Other Dependents | ||||||
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $7,500 for per applicant over 16 | |||||||
Application Form | $250 per application | ||||||||
Passport Fee | $350 per passport | ||||||||
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Estimated Citizenship Cost for a Single Applicant and Family of Four
Here is an example of the estimated St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost through the cheapest investment 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.
Costs | Single Applicant | Family of Four | |
Investment Required | $250,000 | ||
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $15,000 | |
Application Form | $250 | $1,000 | |
Passport Fee | $350 | $1,400 | |
Total | $260,600 | $277,400 | |
After gaining citizenship, the main investor can apply for citizenship for a dependent child under the age of three by paying a government fee of $7,500.
Required Documents for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
The following section details the list of documents required to apply for St Kitts 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:Â
- Form C1: Application for registration as a citizen (supplied by Global Citizen Solutions)Â
- Form C2: Photograph and Signature Certificate (supplied by Global Citizen Solutions)Â
- 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)Â
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.Â
Depending on the investment route you choose, you will require the following documents:
- Form C4: Application formÂ
- Completed Purchase and Sales Agreement (Approved Real Estate Investment Option)
- Completed C1, C2, and C3 formsÂ
- Relevant form for investment route (C4 for SISC or Purchase and Sales Agreement for real estate investment)Â
- Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificateÂ
- Certified copy of proof of name change, such as Deed Polls or jurisdictional equivalent (if applicable)Â
- Certified copy of current national identity card/s (not applicable to children under 16)Â
- Certified copy of current passport/s showing:Â
- NameÂ
- PhotoÂ
- Citizenship/nationalityÂ
- Date and place of issueÂ
- Expiry dateÂ
- Valid passport numberÂ
- Issuing countryÂ
- HIV Test results, no older than three months (not applicable for children under 12)Â
- 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)Â
- Six photographs, one of which must be certified and attached to the C2 form. They must:Â
- Be about 35 x 45mm in sizeÂ
- Have been taken within the last six monthsÂ
- 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)Â
- Bank statements for a 12-month period from the date of submission of the applicationÂ
- At least one original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, no older than six monthsÂ
- Certified copy of military records or exemption from military service (if applicable)Â
- One original document proving your residential address. This can be:Â
- A certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your full name and addressÂ
- Written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary publicÂ
- Employment letter/s stating when employment began, position held, and salary earnedÂ
- Certified copy of business license or incorporation documentsÂ
- One original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate/s (if applicable)Â
- Statement and evidence of source of funds to be invested in St Kitts and NevisÂ
- Affidavit of financial support for applicants aged between 18 and 30Â
- Certified copy of university degrees (if applicable)Â
- Limited Power of AttorneyÂ
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.Â
Step-by-Step 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
The (CIU) will process your application and 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.
Citizenship timeline
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship processing time is about four to six months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.
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
Why choose St Kitts and Nevis CBI?
- St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship program is respected worldwide, demonstrated by the government’s expanding diplomatic ties.
- New citizens and residents enjoy unspoiled beauty and life on a safe tropical island.
- St Kitts and Nevis passport holders can travel to 155 countries visa free, including the UK, EU countries, Taiwan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
- Successful applicants gain lifetime citizenship for themselves and their families.
- The St Kitts and Nevis government issues second passports faster than any other Caribbean country, with the citizenship process taking as little as four months.
- The program has no in-person Caribbean citizenship interview or language test requirements.
- Visiting St Kitts and Nevis is not required to obtain a passport, and it can also be renewed abroad.
- Investors considering relocating to St Kitts and Nevis can purchase a private home as a qualifying investment.
- There is no personal income tax on local or worldwide income, nor wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax in St Kitts and Nevis.
Compliance and Legal Structure
Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations define the citizenship program’s investment routes, investment thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and applicant requirements before and after obtaining citizenship.
Core requirements include:
- Minimum investment amounts
- Due diligence procedures
- Application fees
- Application process and timeline
- Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
- Rights and responsibilities of new citizens
Dual citizenship law
St Kitts and Nevis recognizes dual nationality, allowing citizens to maintain multiple citizenships and preserve the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a passport in St Kitts and Nevis.
Citizenship revocation
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has the authority to cancel citizenship obtained through investment if it discovers any dishonesty or breaches of its rules.Â
Key revisions to the program
June 2011: St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) formed under 3 of SRO 52 of 2011 of the Citizenship Act.
October 2016: Established 60-day Accelerated Application Process (AAP)
October 2017: Established Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF) non-refundable contribution option.
November 2017: The government implemented escrow legislation for CBI escrow accounts.
April 2018: Established Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) non-refundable contribution option.
July 2023: Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) replaces Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).
August 2023: Increased minimum contribution threshold from $175,000 to $250,000.
September 2023: Introduced mandatory citizenship interview requirement for applicants 17 and over.
March 2024:Â Signed the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding Agreement (MoA).
July 2024: Reduced the minimum $350,000 non-refundable contribution requirement to $250,000 for up to four family members.
November 2024: Reduced qualifying age of dependent parents from 65 to 55.
St Kitts and Nevis Passport Power Ranking
The St Kitts and Nevis passport is a powerful Caribbean passport that facilitates visa free access to 155 countries worldwide. The passport ranks 45th on the Global Passport Index, and destinations passport holders can travel to without a visa include the UK, Ireland, Taiwan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and EU countries in the Schengen Area. St Kitts and Nevis citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.
St Kitts and Nevis CBI Pros and Cons
Pros
Fast application process: It takes four to six months to receive a St Kitts and Nevis passport.
Reliable: This option to invest in the Caribbean and obtain citizenship is the longest-running in the world, becoming the global benchmark for reliability.
Confidential: The CIU doesn’t publish a list of applicants of the CBI program.
Investment after pre-approval: Applicants are only required to make the Caribbean investment once their application has been approved in principle.
Cons
High cost: St Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship program is the most expensive in the Caribbean for single applicants and families.
Extreme weather: The region is vulnerable to hurricanes and natural disasters.
Lengthy minimum hold period: Real estate investment applicants must hold their investments for at least seven years time post obtaining citizenship, compared to five years in other Caribbean countries.
St Kitts and Nevis CBI Comparison with Other Caribbean Programs
- St Kitts and Nevis: The strongest Caribbean passport and fastest citizenship process.
- Antigua and Barbuda:Â The cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for a large family.
- Dominica:Â The most affordable economic citizenship scheme for a single applicant.
- Grenada:Â The only Caribbean nation offering eligibility for the US E2 Visa.
- St Lucia:Â The only fully guaranteed investment option.
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 an independent professional firm commissioned 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
You cannot buy St Kitts and Nevis citizenship. However, you can apply to the St Kitts and Nevis Investor Visa program, a migration program attracting foreign investment, and obtain citizenship in exchange for contributing at least $250,000 to the country’s economy.
The application process for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment takes about four to six months to complete, provided applicants fulfill all the programs requirements with no encumbrances.
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 Benefits Project, or a real estate purchase (approved real estate project or approved private home).
You must also meet the eligibility requirements of the investment program, including being over 18 and having a clean criminal record, and applying through an approved agent.
The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost starts at $250,000 as a donation to the federal consolidated fund or a $325,000 investment in approved real estate developer projects. These investments qualify for both a single applicant or a family of up to four. Besides the required donation or property purchase costs, passport, a government fee applies.
Whether citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis is a smart financial decision depends on your situation and goals. Many St Kitts citizenship investors benefit financially due to the country’s low taxes, including no income or wealth tax, stable economy, and lucrative investment opportunities, such as hotel accommodations in sought-after tourist destinations.
The St Kitts and Nevis government grants only relatively few passports, and successful applicants of the citizenship program may have their citizenship and passport revoked if it was acquired through fraudulent means such as misrepresentation or withholding information during the citizenship process. Furthermore, citizens who pose a threat to national security or engage in activities deemed detrimental to the country’s national interests can also face citizenship revocation.
St Kitts and Nevis offers the most powerful Caribbean CBI passport, allowing visa free travel to strategic destinations, including the UK, Singapore, the EU Schengen countries, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia.
A worthy reason to acquire citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis is that there is no personal income tax, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax. Additionally, investing in an approved real estate project with assistance from a reputable real estate consultant is a recoverable investment with the potential to produce significant financial returns.
According to the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship official website, ciu.gov.kn, two applicants cannot apply for St Kitts citizenship together under the same investment. However, accompanying family members of the main applicant are eligible to apply for citizenship.