St.Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Program Overview

St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis citizenship investment program is the world's longest running program of its kind. The country leverages the power of its passport to attract investors with adequate means to make substantial contributions to boost national development.

The program has constantly evolved and improved over the years. The country was among the first to offer short-term reduction of minimum investment requirements to finance its hurricane relief fund.

St. Kitts and Nevis or SKN has balanced attraction of foreign investments with security concerns and has a strong due diligence process to ensure continuation of the program attracting foreigners' capital.

The country's passport is ranked second in the Caribbean region after Barbados and offers visa free travel to 155+ countries. Membership of CARICOM or the Caribbean Community means St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment applicants enjoy easy access to 20 member states.

Citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis

The citizenship by investment program offered in St. Kitts and Nevis is a strong Caribbean option. Not only because it has been running the longest, but because the St. Kitts and Nevis passport offers visa free travel to 156 countries.

It's the second highest ranked Caribbean passport, just under Barbados. Beyond visa free travel, St. Kitts and Nevis citizens enjoy a high quality of life in a small but thriving country. Since St. Kitts and Nevis is part of CARICOM, holders of the St. Kitts and Nevis passport enjoy access and integration with the other 20 member states.

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program —Recent Changes

At the end of July 2023, the s government swapped the discounted Sustainable Growth Fund program, raised investment requirements, and setup a new Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).

SKN joined the other four Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment programs and increased the investment requirements to $200,000 with effect from July 9, 2024

Advantages of CBI in St. Kitts

The St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program offers multiple benefits ranging from a quick application process and inclusion of family members and future generations to dual citizenship and visa related privileges to a large number of countries.

Apart from providing a clear pathway to St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. flexible requirements and potential tax freedom make the economic citizenship program a top choice for those looking for a second passport.Visa-free travel to 155+ countriesBoost your global mobility with the St. Kitts and Nevis passport. You'll have visa-free access to the Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland and many more countries including Mexico, which was the latest to be added to the list.Access to the USThe visa reciprocity advantage ensures SKN passport holders who want to visit the US can apply for a multiple entry access B1 Tourist Visas and B2 business visa that's valid for a period of ten years.
Full Residence Status in St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOMObtain the rights to live, work and invest in St. Kitts and Nevis. As a member of CARICOM, citizens can can also reside in any other member nation.
No physical Residency RequirementsOne of the most defining benefits of obtaining a St. Kitts and Nevis passport through its investment program is that you don't need to reside in the country to acquire nor maintain citizenship.Tax benefitsCitizens pay zero tax on worldwide income. Those choosing to settle and reside here need not pay any capital gains tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax.Include Your FamilyThe entire family, including siblings, can be included in your application. The main applicant can include his/her spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings in a single application.

However, you can do this even after obtaining citizenship. As long as you pay the investment needed, you don't need to rush and can apply for citizenship, additions, family members, and other aspects can be done at your convenience.Commonwealth country and legal systemSt. Kitts and Nevis is a Commonwealth country which gained independence in 1983. Investment Diversification You can choose to contribute to the revamped version of the Sustainable Growth Fund. Or, you can use the other investment program option and make a real estate investment.

Investing in foreign real estate developer projects through an authorized agent can diversify your investment portfolio and you can use your time post obtaining citizenship for earning returns on your investment. You can sell the real estate that is part of an approved public benefit project constructed by real estate developers after seven years.Request A Callback

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program Options

You can become a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis through one of the following two forms of investment.

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) Minimum Investment

The Sustainable Island State Contribution is the new Sustainable Growth Fund and has been in force since July 9, 2024. The requirements of this investment program option are:

• Main applicant or Main Applicant and up to three dependents: US$250,000
• Each additional dependent under 18: US$25,000
• Each additional dependent aged 18 or over: US$50,000

The Citizenship by Investment Unit will respond to all applications for investment in real estate projects within 120 days of lodging the application. Investors will receive information about approval, denial, or the reason for delay in processing.

Other Fees:

Investment apart, other fees and government fee applies to the process.

Due diligence fee: Only due diligence fee is $10,000 for main applicant and $7500 for each dependent over 16
Lawyer/Agent fee:  Typically around $6,000 per application depending on number of family members.
Passport fee: $350 per person
Additional Government Processing Fee: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

Real Estate Investment

Property purchase in St. Kitts and Nevis can be in the form of purchase of shares or a single property investment.

The minimum real estate investment requirement ranges from $400,000 to $800,000. The property can be sold after seven years and the buyer can use the purchase of the approved development to qualify for citizenship.  

A range of exclusive community focused projects and luxury properties are available in the country. These range from beachfront villas, private homes or luxurious hotels to apartment and cozy mountain retreat condos.

Minimum real estate investment: $400,000 (resort hotel shares only); $800,000 (full title deed on condos or private homes)

Government Fee: of $25,000 for single applicant, and $15,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependent children each plus government fees.
Due diligence fees: $10,000 for main applicant and $7500 for dependents above 16 years.
Passport fee: $350 / person
Lawyer fee:  Averages $6,000 per application depending on the number of family members
Additional: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

There are various real estate developers in the country. However, real estate investment must be made on an approved real estate project or approved public benefit project to qualify, which means you need to keep this in mind if engaging a real estate consultant.

Citizenship by Investment Program Eligibility and Requirements

Besides meeting investment criteria there are a number of other requirements in which the main applicant must meet.

Key Requirements

• Follow the government recommended payment steps and fulfill the minimum investment requirement
• Attend a mandatory interview with a member of the Citizenship by Investment Unit in person at the St. Kitts and Nevis Consular or Embassy (virtual options exist) 
• Be of outstanding character
• Have no criminal record – a certified police certificate
• Be in excellent health – a certified medical report
• Have a high personal net worth from a legitimate source of funds
• Pass the analysis done by the anti money laundering committee 

Restricted Countries:

Nationals from Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq Afghanistan, North Korea and Cuba are banned from applying regardless of where they reside. 

Dependents

• Main applicant’s spouse
• Children of the main applicant and/or their spouse under the age of 18
• Children of the main applicant and/or their spouse between 18 and 30 years if they are enrolled full time at a recognized higher education institution; and/or fully supported by the main applicant
• Main applicant or spouse’s parents and grandparents over the age of 55 who live with and are fully supported by the main applicant
• A child of the main applicant or spouse of the main applicant who is above the age of 18 years and physically or mentally challenged.

Unlike other countries where the investment program requires applicants to list family members at the very beginning, SKN allows dependents to be added anytime after the main applicant obtains St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship.

Required Documents

When preparing your citizenship by investment application for St. Kitts and Nevis it's vital to have the correct documents in specified formats. In the case you have any missing documents or the documents you submit are in an incorrect format you will be notified in 3-4 days and have 90 days to resubmit.

General Documentation

All applicants will need to submit to following: 

• Completed C1 – C3 application forms;
• Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate 
• Certified copy of proof of name change 
• Certified copy of current national identity card(s) for all applicants over the age of 16
• Certified copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number and issuing country;
• HIV test results dated no more than 3 months prior to application submission date. Children under age 12 are exempt. 
• Police Clearance Certificate
• 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).

Supporting Documentation for the Main Applicant:

In order to have your application for citizenship by investment considered, you must also provide supporting documents that include:

• One original document of evidence of residential address (e.g. 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) and;
• Limited Power of Attorney.
• Proof of completion of biometric and fingerprinting requirement.

Certification

Additionally, any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. Finally, all documents must be certified and authenticated according to the law of the jurisdiction from which it originates.

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How to get citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis?

Now that you're aware of the requirements, here's a rundown of the how-to process step-by-step.

How to get a St. Kitts and Nevis Passport in 7 steps

1. Book a free consultation with Lincoln Global Partners

Our team of citizenship investment specialists are dedicated to helping you find the right investment option to meet the necessary requirements to guarantee a successful citizenship application. They will assess your individual circumstances and present the best investment options for you based on your criteria.

You can get answers to your queries related to the minimum investment needed, total costs including the due diligence fee, whether government implemented escrow legislation applies to you, and the various real estate project options you can consider.

2. Gather your documentation

A comprehensive checklist will be supplied to you and an experienced citizenship specialist will accompany you through the documentation retrieval process. They will carefully inspect each document to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied.

3. Submit your application

Once you have provided us with all necessary paperwork, our team will analyze your file and prepare it ready for submission. The authorized local agent will then submit your application to the St Kitts and Nevis government, in accordance with the law.  Prior to submission of your application the government fees including the due diligence fee must be paid.

4. Processing of application

Once your application has been submitted The St Lucia Citizenship By Investment Unit will screen your application rigorously by performing an in-depth background check to verify the information that is provided. At this stage we will assist you with scheduling the new mandatory interview at your nearest St. Kitts and Nevis consulate or embassy or on the ground in the country.

5. Receive your pre-approval

Once the St. Kitts and Nevis Government has reviewed the citizenship application and made a decision, you will receive a government approval letter detailing the outcome. This will come within 120 day of lodging your application. 

6. Complete your investment

Upon receiving pre-approval for the St. Kitts CBI program, it is time to proceed with your investment (sustainable growth fund non refundable contribution, real estate purchase or investment in approved public benefit projects).

7. St Kitts and Nevis Passport delivery

After making the minimum investment required to obtain citizenship here, your St Kitts and Nevis citizenship certificate will be issued. Additionally, the passport application will be submitted on your behalf and the St. Kitts and Nevis passport will be courier-delivered to your chosen location without the need to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis does not require you to take an oath as other Caribbean programs do.

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Life in St. Kitts and Nevis

While there’s no requirement to live in St. Kitts and Nevis during or after going through the citizenship by investment process, you may consider setting up home in the land of your newfound passport.

While there’s no requirement to live in St. Kitts and Nevis during or after going through the citizenship by investment process, you may consider setting up home in the land of your newfound passport.

St. Kitts is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for a temporary or permanent relocation. Aside from enjoying all the dual citizenship benefits, living in St. Kitts and Nevis can offer a much needed respite. Whether that be a break from the hustle and bustle or a tax break. Yep, you read that right.

Apart from visa free travel, a common reason people pursue second citizenship, particularly in the Caribbean, is for the attractive tax environment. St. Kitts and Nevis tax residents enjoy tax free worldwide income and no capital gains tax. Those who obtain St. but don’t become tax residents aren’t required to pay income tax or wealth tax.

The culture is a mix of influences from African, British, Carib, and French backgrounds. The lifestyle is one of ease and calm – a true island vibe. English is the official language, so expats are completely at ease in this regard. Your money goes far here as well, although expect imported goods to have a high price tag. 

If you go for the property investment route to qualify for the CBI program, you can invest on either island. St. Kitts is the bigger, more lively island. The landscape is lush and it’s famous for its black sandy beaches.

More condo types of living are available on St. Kitts. While Nevis is the more tranquil and preserved island. Known for its silver sandy beaches, hiking trails and luxury private estates. 

Apply for St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship with Lincoln Global Partners

Citizenship by investment in St. Kitts and Nevis is a great opportunity for individuals to increase their global mobility, enjoy the safety net of a second passport, returnable investment opportunities, and gain exceptional citizenship benefits.

Lincoln Global Partners is a specialist international investment migration firm with offices in the UK, UAE and Brazil. Our professionals are experts in the field of citizenship by investment and we are ready to assist you every step of the way with your St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment application.

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FAQ's SKN Citizenship by Investment Program FAQs

Do I have the option of investing in the Sustainable Growth Fund?

No. The Fund has been discontinued and has been replaced by the Sustainable Island State Contribution.

Does SKN allow dual citizenship?

Yes. You can retain your first passport if the country of original nationality too permits dual citizenship.

Is it mandatory to work with an authorized agent to apply?

Yes. This is a measure to protect citizenship investors. Ignoring this can result in your application being rejected.

Is it mandatory to work with law firms for the citizenship by investment program application process?

There are many law firms operating in this field and there are no real downsides to working with an independent professional firm.

Even before you actually start the application process, working with a law firm can help you get answers to the many questions you may have about the entire process. These may include queries like whether you can start with partial investment and deploy the remaining investment after some time.

Remember, only relatively few passports get issued, which means working with an independent professional firm commissioned to specialize in CBI programs can be a smart decision.

Contact us to start the process and become a Global Citizen in 2025