St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship by investment has seen a surge in applicants seeking lucrative property investments in the Caribbean and a second passport. This guide highlights considerations for buying property to qualify for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, including:
St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate Citizenship Overview
The St Kitts and Nevis real estate investment option allows foreign nationals to purchase real estate to gain a citizenship certificate and St Kitts passport through the country’s citizenship program. Foreign buyers can choose from the Approved Private Home Sales Option (PHO) or the Developer Real Estate Investment Option (REO). For a property purchase to qualify as an investment for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, it must be a government-approved private home or government-approved real estate development.
Nine Benefits of Real Estate Citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis
Diverse real estate investments: St Kitts and Nevis is the only Caribbean country with a real estate option of buying a single-family private home to gain citizenship.- Political and economic stability: The long-standing political and economic citizenship ensures real estate investments are secure.
- Favorable tax benefits: St Kitts and Nevis is one of two countries with no personal income tax that allows foreign nationals to invest in the Caribbean through real estate and obtain a second citizenship. Additionally, there is no wealth, capital gains, or inheritance tax.
- Dual citizenship: St Kitts and Nevis recognizes dual nationality, allowing successful real estate investors to maintain their original citizenship.
- Enhanced global mobility: Not only do successful applicants acquire a lucrative Caribbean real estate investment, but they obtain a powerful St Kitts and Nevis passport with visa free travel to 154 countries.
- Family inclusion: Investors can add family members to their citizenship application, including spouses, children, and parents.
- No foreign buyer license: The requirement to apply for an Alien Landholding License is waived when purchasing St Kitts and Nevis real estate through the citizenship by investment program.
- Fast citizenship timeline: Applicants receive approvals in principle from the real estate unit within four months, and the citizenship process takes four to six months to complete.
- Earn rental income: Foreign nationals can purchase property to obtain investment citizenship and earn rental income.
Diverse real estate investments: St Kitts and Nevis is the only Caribbean country with a real estate option of buying a single-family private home to gain citizenship.Who can participate in the St Kitts citizenship by real estate?
The St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship requirements require prospective applicants to:
- Be older than 18
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be of excellent character
- Be able to make a qualifying investment of $325,000 or $600,000, depending on the real estate route
St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate Citizenship Options
The minimum investment needed is:
- $325,000 in shares of a government-approved Caribbean real estate development
- $325,000 sole purchase of a single condominium unit
- $600,000 sole purchase of a single-family private home
Real estate investments made through the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, whether commercial or residential property, must be held for at least seven years after gaining citizenship to maintain citizenship status.
St Kitts and Nevis Approved Real Estate Projects
The following is a list of pre-approved property developments and projects under the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, with each location approved by board of governors overseeing the country’s citizenship program.
St Kitts approved development projects: | Nevis approved development projects: |
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St Kitts and Nevis properties for sale in approved projects
Frigate Bay: Spacious luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury condominiums offered by Silver Reef development are available from $420,000.
St Paul: The Belmont Farm Resort in Kittitian Hill offers eco-friendly, classical-style cottages with panoramic views from $450,000.
Frigate Bay: One-bedroom apartments with dual balconies are available at Calypso Bay Resort from $350,000.
New Castle: Villa Oasis in Oualie Bay on the island of Nevis provides renovated West-Indian style homes from $865,000.
Estimated Cost of St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate Citizenship
Here is an example of the estimated St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship cost when investing in shares of a commercial property 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 |
Real Estate Investment | $325,000 | |
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $15,000 |
Application Form | $250 | $1,000 |
Passport Fee | $360 | $1,440 |
Total | $360,610 | $402,440 |
The estimated St Kitts citizenship cost doesn’t include additional purchase costs such as legal and bank transfer fees and property registration.
Take a look at our St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Property Taxes in St Kitts
Property buyers are required to pay fees to maintain property ownership. Property taxes and management fees for an investment in shares of real estate developments like luxury hotels and boutique resorts are typically retained from sales revenue. Owners of single condominium units and private homes must pay an annual property tax of 0.2 to 0.75 percent.
Citizenship by Investment Process
The following outlines the steps you will follow as a CBI applicant:
Contact Global Citizen Solutions: Contact our specialized team for a consultation regarding your CBI application.- Initial due diligence checks: Global Citizen Solutions will perform initial due diligence checks at no additional cost to ensure a successful application.
- Client agreement and retainer payment: The client agreement contains details regarding the entire process to help put your mind at ease.
- Document gathering and form completion: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms Global Citizen Solutions provides.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit your application on your behalf*.
- Due diligence checks commissioned by the CIU: The Citizenship by Investment Technical Committee and Citizenship by Investment Unit will process your application and carry out all due diligence checks.
- Mandatory interview: All main applicants must attend mandatory interviews (virtual or in person). The CIU may ask dependents aged 16 years and older to attend an interview. Interviews will be conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU.
- Receive ‘approval in principle’ from the CIU: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 120 days stating their application is ‘approved in principle’.
- 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.
- Become a St Kitts and Nevis Citizen: You and your family members will be granted citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis and receive your passports at an address of your choice.
- Collect Certificate of Registration: The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in St Kitts and Nevis or at an approved Consulate or Embassy specified by the CIU.
- Full citizenship received: You are now a fully registered citizen of St Kitts and Nevis.
Contact Global Citizen Solutions: Contact our specialized team for a consultation regarding your CBI application.*By law, the CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents with a St Kitts CIP License granted by the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Why invest in St Kitts real estate?
Under the program’s option to make a Caribbean real estate investment, investors can choose from high-quality luxury villas and homes, beachfront apartments, and hotel suites.- The twin-island federation enables relatively easy property ownership to both citizens and foreigners, good value for the cost of properties, and tax advantages. This includes no personal income tax, wealth tax, gift tax, or capital gains tax.
- The nation’s thriving tourism sector provides great potential for income generation among property owners who make their homes available for rent.
- If your intention is to enjoy the property yourself – be it as a family, retiree, digital nomad, or frequent traveler – the nation’s many sites and activities are sure to keep you entertained.
Under the program’s option to make a Caribbean real estate investment, investors can choose from high-quality luxury villas and homes, beachfront apartments, and hotel suites.Alternative Options for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC): The primary alternative investment option to obtain St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship by investment is a $250,000 non-refundable contribution to the SISC, formally the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), which qualifies up to four persons.
Public Benefit Option (PBO): The PBO allows investors to make a minimum contribution of $250,000 to an approved public benefit project, such as projects boosting local employment opportunities, to qualify for second citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.
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 through Real Estate Investment
Can I buy property in St Kitts and Nevis?
Non-nationals can purchase real estate in St Kitts and Nevis. You must apply for the Alien Landholding License. Alternatively, non-nationals acquiring citizenship through the country’s citizenship by investment program do not need an Alien Landholding License when buying approved St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment properties.
Is St Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship expensive?
Foreign nationals investing in real estate to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment must meet the minimum investment of $325,000 for a condominium unit or shares in an approved development or $600,000 when buying a single-family home.
Can I get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship through real estate investment?
Yes, obtaining citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis by investing in real estate is possible. The main applicant must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, such as being over 18 and having a clean criminal record. The minimum real estate investment amount starts at $325,000.
Where should I buy property in St Kitts and Nevis?
Popular areas to invest in St Kitts and Nevis real estate include Basseterre, Charlestown, Bath, Frigate Bay, and Sandy Point Town.
How long does the citizenship application process take when investing in real estate in St Kitts and Nevis?
The entire application process for the St Kitts and Nevis real estate option takes four to six months.
Is dual citizenship allowed for those obtaining citizenship through real estate investment in St Kitts and Nevis?
Dual citizenship is permitted for St Kitts citizenship applicants through all investment options, including real estate.
Is there a residency requirement to maintain citizenship obtained through real estate investment?
Besides maintaining a property purchase for at least seven years, St Kitts and Nevis investment citizenship through purchasing real estate does not require applicants to visit St Kitts or reside in the country to maintain citizenship.
