St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) allows foreign nationals to directly qualify for citizenship by investing in the country’s social and economic development. Launched in 1984, St Kitts and Nevis’s program was the first to grant economic citizenship. There are four qualifying investments, including two non-refundable contribution options and two real estate investment options. The minimum investment threshold is $250,000, and investors complete the process in 12 months.

This guide offers everything you should know about citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis, including:

• Investment requirements
• Required documents
• Processing fees
• Application process
• Citizenship timeline
• Benefits

Overview of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

The St Kitts Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is the world’s oldest. It was introduced into the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act in 1984. The CBI program was established to develop the country’s social and economic growth by granting foreign investors second citizenship in exchange for their foreign direct financial investment.

This investment can be made through four investment opportunities starting from $250,000, including a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), investment in approved projects of various real estate developers, purchasing a private home, or a contribution to fund public benefit projects.

Under regulation 3 of SRO 52 of 2011 of the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) was established as the government authority to oversee the country’s citizenship program.

The application process typically takes 12 months to complete. After that, successful applicants receive a Certificate of Naturalization and a St Kitts and Nevis passport.

Key Program Details

• Visa free countries: 154
• Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
• Tax framework: No income taxes
• Processing time: 12 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 65
• 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 Benefits

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements are listed 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 and a St Kitts and Nevis passport to applicants who qualify under criteria decided by the cabinet.

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

Qualifying dependents

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 Act treats biological, stepchildren, and legally adopted children equally. The Act allows financially dependent stepchildren and legally adopted children of the main applicant or their spouse to obtain citizenship.

Restricted countries

• Iran
• North Korea
• Afghanistan
• Russia
• Belarus
• Ukraine

Restricted countries nationals are not accepted in the citizenship program. To qualify, nationals from these countries must have lived outside the country for at least ten years, as well as have no ties to it.

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)
2. Real estate investment in an approved real estate development
3. Purchase of an approved private home
4. Contribution to approved public benefit projects

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.

The minimum is designed for prospective applicants seeking the most affordable, fastest, and most straightforward route to qualify for citizenship by investment.

2. Purchase of shares in approved real estate projects

Buying real estate shares worth at least $325,000 in a government-approved real estate project is a route to second citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.

Approved real estate investment applicants benefit from a recoverable investment through rental income or reselling the shares after seven years. Approved projects for St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship include luxury resorts, villas, or condominium resorts.

3. Purchase of a single-family private house

The second real estate option is purchasing a single-family private dwelling valued at least $600,000

An approved private home investment is designed for applicants looking to relocate to St Kitts and Nevis with their family members. The St Kitts and Nevis real estate investment is recoverable with the option to sell after seven years time post obtaining citizenship.

4. Public Benefit Option (PBO) contribution

A minimum contribution of $250,000 to the Public Benefit Option qualifies as an investment for St Kitts and Nevis and Nevis citizenship.

Applicants benefit from a St Kitts second passport and support government-approved public benefit projects to improve education, health, or infrastructure initiatives.

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. Fees for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment include:

• Due diligence fee
• Passport fee
• Application form fee

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 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 Citizenship Application Process and Timeline

The entire application process to obtain St Kitts and Nevis takes 12 months:

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.

*Only applications submitted by an Authorized Agent licensed by the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit are accepted.

Mandatory interview

All citizenship applicants over 16 must attend a citizenship interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU as part of the application process. The interview can be conducted virtually or in person in St Kitts or at a location approved by the Board of Governors. There is no requirement to visit St Kitts.

Citizenship processing time

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship timeline is about 12 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 4 to 12 (processing)

• The CIU outsources background checks
• Complete the virtual interview
• Make the required investment

Months 12 (Approval)

• Pay the St Kitts passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
• Obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport

Compliance and Legal Structure

As outlined in the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations form the legal basis for the citizenship program. The Act defines the 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 allows dual citizenship, permitting citizens to maintain multiple citizenships and preserve the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a passport in St Kitts and Nevis.

Key amendments to the program

June 2011: St Kitts Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) established under 3 of SRO 52 of 2011 of the Citizenship Act.

October 2016: Introduced 60-day Accelerated Application Process (AAP)

October 2017: Introduced Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF) non-refundable contribution option.

November 2017: Introduced CBI Escrow Accounts legislation.

April 2018: Introduced Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) non-refundable contribution option.

July 2023: Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) replaces Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).

August 2023: Raised minimum investment needed from $175,000 to $250,000.

September 2023: Mandatory citizenship interview requirement introduced for applicants 17 and over.

March 2024: Signs the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

July 2024: Reduced the minimum $350,000 non-refundable contribution requirement for up to four family members to $250,000.

July 2024: Established a new Board of Governors to restructure the CIU

November 2024: Reduced real estate investment needed to $325,000 from $400,000 for shares in real estate developer projects and $600,000 from $800,000 for a private real estate purchase.

Pros and Cons of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

Pros

Fast application process: It takes 12 months to receive a St Kitts and Nevis passport.

Reliable: This CBI program 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.

Payment after pre-approval: You are only required to invest in St Kitts and Nevis once your application has been approved in principle.

Benefits in other countries: As a member of CARICOM and OECS, St Kitts and Nevis citizens enjoy privileges in member states.

Cons

High cost: St Kitts and Nevis has the most expensive Caribbean citizenship program.

Limited investment routes: There is no option to make a qualifying business investment

Extreme weather: The region is vulnerable to hurricanes and natural disasters.

CBI Comparison between St Kitts and Nevis and Other Caribbean Countries

• St Kitts and Nevis: The first nation to introduce citizenship by investment and grants the most powerful Caribbean passport, facilitating visa free access to 154 countries.
• Antigua and Barbuda: The cheapest Caribbean citizenship program for a family of four.
• Dominica: The most affordable citizenship by real estate investment.
• Grenada: The only Caribbean nation offering eligibility for the US E2 Visa.
• St Lucia: Offers the most diverse qualifying investments.

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)