Established 1984, the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment program has been a trailblazer, being the world’s first of its kind. As a premium and trusted investment solution, St Kitts & Nevis maintains its reputation by rigorously adhering to strict due diligence processes in full compliance with national legislation and international standards. Effective from July 27, 2023, the Government of St Kitts & Nevis has undertaken significant changes to its Citizenship by Investment program, signaling its commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability in the global investment landscape.
“Today, St Kitts and Nevis takes another bold step in reaffirming our intention to not only offer the best Citizenship by Investment Programme in the world, but also to offer a programme held together by a tight regulatory system designed to be a best-in-practice defense mechanism against illicit actors and those who try to bypass our high-end investment and contribution options. We are continuously committed to preserving the exclusivity and prestige associated with being a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew.
Key changes
- Minimum investments increased for all investment routes
- Real estate can only be resold after 7 years, with a restriction of selling only once to another CBI applicant
- Limited Time Offer (LTO) and Accelerated Application Process (AAP) removed
- Mandatory interviews imposed on all applicants aged 16 and older, either virtually or in person, to strengthen the vetting process
- Siblings and grandparents are no longer eligible to be included as dependents
- The minimum age for parents is increased to 65.
- The Certificate of Registration must be collected in person in St Kitts & Nevis or at an Embassy or Consulate
New investment options
Sustainable Island State (SISC)
The Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) has been replaced by the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), signifying a monumental shift towards attracting high net worth investors and individuals who value the citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis. The Limited Time Offer for the SGF option, initially extended until January 31, 2024, has now closed, effective immediately.
The minimum investment for the Sustainable Island State Contribution include:
- Main applicant only: US$ 250,000
- Family of 4: US$ 250,000
- Each additional dependent under 18: US$ 20,000
- Each additional dependent aged 18 or over: US$ 50,000
By investing in the SISC option, applicants play a crucial role in fostering growth and development across various sectors, ensuring the country’s future as a sustainable and thriving island state.
Approved Real Estate project
Applicants have the option to invest in one of the approved real estate projects in the thriving tourism sector, requiring a minimum investment of US$ 400 000. To maintain eligibility, the property must be held for a minimum of seven years, and it can only be resold once by the original purchaser.
Private Home Sale Investment Option
You can purchase an Approved Private Home, which can be a condominium unit or single-family dwelling. For a condominium unit, you will need to pay at least US$ 400 000 and US$ 800 000 for a single-family dwelling.
Approved Private Home
Applicants have the opportunity to attain citizenship through an investment in an Approved Private Home. The minimum investment for a condominium unit designated as an Approved Private Home is US$ 400,000 and for a single-family private dwelling home designated as an Approved Private Home, the minimum investment is US$ 800,000.
Applicants are required to maintain their investment for a minimum of seven years, and reselling the property to another CBI applicant is subject to Federal Cabinet approval.
Public Benefit Option
Approved Public Benefit Projects not only create opportunities for local employment but also enable initiatives such as technology transfer and capacity building.
Under the Public Benefit Option, each main applicant is required to make a minimum contribution of US$ 250,000 in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project.
Eligibility Requirements
Main Applicant:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be in good health
- Must hold a clean criminal history
- Must meet all application requirements and financial contribution
To be eligible for citizenship in St Kitts & Nevis, individuals must not have been denied citizenship or a visa by any country, including those that offer visa-free travel to citizens of St Kitts & Nevis (including the UK or EU), without subsequently obtaining a visa from the country that denied them.
Eligible Dependents:
- The spouse of the main applicant
- Children aged under 18
- Children aged between 18 and 25 who are in full-time attendance at a recognized secondary or tertiary level institution of learning and fully supported by the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally challenged
- Parents of the main applicant or the spouse of the main applicant aged 65 or over, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
In the interest of national security, defense, and public safety of St Kitts & Nevis, citizens of and persons ordinarily resident in the following countries are not eligible to apply for citizenship:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Russia
Enhanced due diligence & mandatory interviews
To ensure thorough background checks, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will commission independent professional firms from the United Kingdom, USA, and Europe, following the requirements set by the Board of Governors.
As part of the application process, each main applicant must undergo an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU or by officials of the Unit. The interview may take place virtually, in person in St Kitts & Nevis, or at an approved location designated by the Board of Governors. Additionally, dependents aged 16 or over may also be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary.
Upon approval of the Citizenship by Investment application, completion of all processes, and successful due diligence checks, the main applicant will receive a Certificate of Registration. To collect this certificate, the main applicant must do so in person in St Kitts & Nevis or at an Embassy or Consulate specified by the Citizenship by Investment Unit and approved by the Board of Governors.
New due diligence fees:
- Main applicant: US$ 10,000
- Each dependent aged 16 or over: US$ 7,500
Despite the various changes implemented, the St Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment program continues to offer a plethora of benefits that make it an attractive option for global investors. Some of these advantages include visa-free travel to numerous destinations, including the UK, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong among many others, a tax-friendly environment with no income or wealth tax, lifetime citizenship granted upon a one-time investment with no restrictions on dual citizenship and access to global markets and investment opportunities.
