Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in St Kitts & Nevis - The Ultimate Guide
In an uncertain world increasing numbers of people are looking for the security of a second citizenship for themselves and their families. A second passport can provide increased freedom to travel internationally, peace of mind, as well as enhanced financial security. Several Caribbean island nations offer citizenship to eligible applicants including the island of St Kitts & Nevis.
We put together this guide for investors wondering how to get citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis and considering applying for the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program. The St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program enables qualifying investors to apply for full citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the nation’s economy. There are several approved investment routes available to investors. Our guide covers all aspects of the program from eligibility requirements, investment options and application costs through to the benefits of citizenship.
Introduction
In 1984 St Kitts & Nevis was the first country in the world to launch a Citizenship by Investment Programs.
Well established over more than 3 decades, it is also one of the most trusted programs of its kind in the world.
The program offers eligible applicants full citizenship in exchange for an eligible investment in real estate or a significant financial contribution to the country’s economy.
While similar to other programs in operation in the Caribbean, this program also offers benefits unavailable elsewhere.
The St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is unique in the region in offering a guaranteed fast-track route to citizenship via its Accelerated Application Process (AAP) which aims to allow successful applicants to receive citizenship within 60 days of submission of an application.
“The St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is unique in the region in offering a guaranteed fast-track route to citizenship via its Accelerated Application Process (AAP) which aims to allow successful applicants to receive citizenship within 60 days of submission of an application”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants become full citizens with the right to live and work in St Kitts & Nevis and in other CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries. Grenadian citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
No Residency Requirement
Successful applicants are not required to permanently reside in St Kitts and Nevis but the option is available.
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Successful applicants receive a St Kitts & Nevis passport which offers visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 157 countries worldwide, including the EU-Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and Russia.
Financial Advantages
St Kitts & Nevis’s attractive tax regime offers freedom from inheritance tax, personal income tax and wealth tax.
Fast Track Application Process
Thanks to a straightforward application process you could receive your new passport in 3 to 4 months. For an additional cost it is also possible to apply for fast-track consideration an Accelerated Application Process (AAP) which aims to allow successful applicants to receive citizenship within 60 days of submission of an application.
Family-Friendly Program
The program allows for family members to apply together, including spouses, children, parents and grandparents of the main applicant.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
St Kitts & Nevis recognizes dual citizenship so there is no requirement under Grenadian law for applicants to give up their current citizenship.
Requirements
Applicants for citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able of good character with no criminal record
- Must be able to make at least the required minimum investment
The following family members of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) can be included in the application:
- Spouse
- Dependent children aged under 18 the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
- Children aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally disabled, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) who are aged 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
Investment Options
- 1 Option 1 Real Estate Investment
An investment in approved St Kitts & Nevis real estate which until November 2022 includes private homes throughout the Federation.
Joint investment: Minimum US $200,000 (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 7 years).
Independent investment: Minimum US $400,000 (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 5 years).
Search our St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment real estate for approved properties in St Kitts & Nevis.
- 2 Option 2 Financial Investment
A non-refundable financial contribution to St Kitts & Nevis’s Sustainable Growth Fund.
Main applicant: US $150,000
Family of up to four members: US $150,000
Per sibling: US $20,000
For each additional family member after the third, excluding a spouse and siblings: US $10,000
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- 1 Compile Application
Complete all required forms for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program in the English language and gather together all required supporting documents with the guidance and support of an authorized Agent. We can introduce you to a qualified and authorized Agent with experience of handling citizenship applications.
- 2 Submit Application
Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) via an authorized Agent for review and due diligence.
- 3 Application Review & Determination
The application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Strict due diligence (including AML (anti-money laundering), CTF (counter-terrorism financing) and criminal record checks will be conducted by multiple organizations including the CIU, international due diligence firms and regional and international law enforcement agencies. Approval in principle or rejection is usually provided within a period of 90 days.
- 4 Conclude Investment
If approved, applicants are required to pay the balance of the required investment and the remaining fees.
- 5 Citizenship Granted
The passport(s) will then be made available for collection either in St Kitts & Nevis or at an Embassy or Consulate, usually within a period of 30 days. At this time successful applicants will take an oath of allegiance.
Real Estate
Searching for real estate approved for the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program? Several of our property listings in St Kitts & Nevis are approved projects under the CIP program.
Several of the listings on our site are officially approved projects which means that an investment in to one of them provides eligibility to apply for citizenship of St Kitts & Nevis.
Search our St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment real estate options or contact us to discover your options.
Costs & Fees
Financial Contribution Route
As outlined above, to qualify for the financial contribution route, applicants are required to make the following non-refundable contributions to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund:
- Main applicant: US $150,000
- Family of up to four members: US $150,000
- Per sibling: US $20,000
- For each additional family member after the third, excluding a spouse and siblings: US $10,000
Real Estate Investment Route
Besides the minimum required investment, applicants are required to pay the following government fees:
- Main applicant: US $35,000
- Spouse: US $20,000
- Sibling: US $40,000
- Per each additional dependent (other than a spouse or sibling): USD 10,000
Additional Fees
In addition, applicants must pay due diligence and processing fees.
Find Out More
We would be delighted to discuss your options and consider whether the St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program would be a good fit for you.
To request a telephone callback, please complete the contact form and a specialist citizenship advisor will be in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.