Saint Kitts and Nevis

This twin-island nation has a rich heritage that is a treat to explore. A combination of the colonial and the contemporary, St. Kitts and Nevis is the perfect place if you wish to enjoy the best of both antiquity and modernity. The country’s characteristic sandy beaches and woody mountains beckon the curious.

The Citizenship by Investment program in the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is the government flagship program established to encourage foreign investors to invest in the upcoming lucrative markets of the seaside country. Applicants can apply for citizenship and a second passport.

• No physical stay or relocation required during the application
• Application processing is between 3-4 months
• Flexibility to travel Visa-free to 130 countries, including the UK,  Singapore, and the Schengen countries
• Zero tax on personal income, capital gains, foreign income, inheritance, wealth, and gift
• Zero restrictions on capital import 
• Exemptions from all import duties and huge export allowances 
• Varied corporate incentives and tax reliefs

The Citizenship by Investment program of the island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis was set up after the passing of the Citizenship Act, 1984. Interested applicants can even apply for a St. Kitts and Nevis passport which is valid for a term of 10 years.

Eligibility criteria for citizenship are:

• Persons above the age of 18
• Persons of sound physical and mental state
• Persons in possession of legal and investment-worthy funds
• Persons capable of making ethical business decisions
• Persons with a clean criminal record

Non-Eligible Countries:  Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Cuba

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis offers multiple investment options for interested applicants 

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

The SISC is a non-refundable contribution to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund. This is the fastest and most affordable way to obtain citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The minimum investment is US$250,000 for a single applicant, US$300,000 for a couple, and US$350,000 for a family of four.

In addition to the required processing fee of $10,000. The all-inclusive investment amount, encompassing all associated charges, typically totals around $ 260,000 for individual applicants. Please note that there are also lawyer fees that may apply, with costs varying based on the size of your family and the specific tier you choose

Real estate

The real estate investment option involves investing in a government-approved real estate project. This is a good option for investors who want to generate a return on their investment. The minimum investment is US$400,000, and the property must be held for at least seven years before it can be sold. Dependent children must pay additional government fees of US $10,000 each regardless of age.

• • Main applicant only: US$250,000
  • Main applicant and a spouse: US$300,000
  • Main applicant and one dependant: US$300,000
  • Main applicant, a spouse and one or two dependants; US$350,000
  • Main applicant and two or three dependants: US$350,000
  • Each additional dependant under 18: US$50,000
  • Each additional dependant aged 18 or over: US$75,000
  • Due diligence fee: $10,000 for main applicant and $7,500 for dependants above 16 years.
  • Lawyer fee:  Averages $6,000 per application depending on family members
  • Passport fee: $350 per person
    Additional: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

  Real Estate option:

  • Minimum purchase: $400,000 (share in resort/hotel) or $400,000 (with title condos or private homes)
  • Government Fee: of $25,000 main applicant and $15,000 for spouse and $10,000 for children regardless of age
  • Due diligence fee: $10,000 for main applicant and $7,500 for dependants above 16 years.
  • Passport fee: $350 / person
  • Lawyer fee:  Averages $6,000 per application depending on family members
  • Additional: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

  Note: Please ask us for quote for exact costs as the fees and costs involved vary depending on clients case

• What is the minimum investment needed?As of Jan 2019, the St.Kitts government has introduced the minimum investment amount to USD 150,000 under SGF donation to the state fund and USD 200,000 under real estate for a single applicant.A non refundable charity donation of minimum US$ 150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) for a single person + payment of DD processing fees ($7500).  The total investment amount (including all charges) comes approx around USD 157,500 for single applicant plus additional lawyer fees apply (average $6,000 per file) depending on accompanying family members(or)
  2. Designated recoverable Real Estate Investment with a value of at least US$ 200,000 plus payment of various registration and other fees . Additional charges include Govt processing fee, DD and application fees.

  Additional costs apply including for any family dependents. You can include a spouse and children below 18 yrs of age in the citizenship application.

  Are there any fees for children aged over 18 years of age to be included in the Citizenship application?

  Yes. Children who are aged between 18 – 25 years pay additional Government fees. Siblings are also possible.

  What is the time frame to process the application?

  The application process time after receiving the complete application forms and documents (as well as paying the funds) is currently 3-4 months – regardless if a client chooses the SGF option or the real-estate program. There is also an Accelerated application process (AAP) for additional fee where decisions are made in 60 days.

  What is the main difference between SGF and Real Estate options?

  SGF option (replaces SIDF)  is a public charity and the investment amount is donated to the sugar industry foundation (charity). is non refundable by the Govt. With the real estate option it is a bit expensive, but investment is recoverable (real estate can be sold after 5yrs).

  The real estate investment is a recoverable investment, because you can sell it after 5-7 years.  As of new rules from 2012, the next buyer will qualify for citizenship.

  We highly recommend the real-estate program, because having a “second home” in St.Kitts is a very good reason for getting a St.Kitts citizenship and passport. This would help even if you are questioned at border controls.

  As you can see, the real estate option is expensive but the real estate option is a recoverable investment, however, you can only sell your property after 5 years. It also qualify the next buyer for citizenship.

  Both real estate and SIDF take the same approval time

What are the rules for adding family members and dependents?

There are no limits to add permitted dependents. Permitted dependents rules are:

• A spouse of the main applicant;
• A child under the age of 18 of the main applicant or his or her spouse;
• The child of the main applicant or his or her spouse between 18 and 30 years who is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning after his/her 18th birthday and/or fully supported by the main applicant;
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his/her spouse above the age of 55 years living with and fully supported by the main applicant or;
• 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.

Note: Children/siblings above 30 years cannot apply

Where to get application forms?

This is only available with authorized agents at cost of $250. It is not free.

Are children exempt from paying due diligence fee?

Yes, note only children below 16 years are exempted from paying $4000 due diligence fee.

Are there any restrictions on who can apply?

We do not accept clients from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Cuba Afghanistan irrespective of where they live

Please keep in mind citizenship granted under this citizenship-by-investment program is at discretion  by the Government.

Obtaining a Second citizenship or passport by “legal” means are involves a lot of formalities nowdays and Governments are making sure that such programs are only available for wealthy or high net worth investors who are capable to making a substantial contribution to economy of the country and who are able to support themselves financially.

What are the most important documents required?

• Medical report indicating HIV test results (test results must not be older than three months upon submission of an application; children under the age of 12 are exempt);
• Police certificate “Certificate of No Criminal Record” or “Police Clearance Certificate” from country of citizenship and any country where the applicant has lived for more than one year over the past 10 years (children under the age of 16 are exempt) and;

Are there any taxes?

St. Kitts & Nevis has no personal income tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance taxes.

How long is the validity of passport?

The passport issued carries 10 year validity and after that it can be renewed.

What documents are needed?

We highly recommend our clients to arrange the following important documents, before applying  for  citizenship program. Normally it takes 1-2 months to arrange for these documents in your home country. There are several other documents needed at a later stage, and we will assist you accordingly.

1. Police clearance certificate. If you have lived in any other country in the past 10 years, you have to obtain, “certificate of no criminal record” in all the countries you have lived in the past 10 years. If you are in US, you will need to obtain police clearance from county and FBI.

Please note that, police certificates must be less than six months old at the time you lodge your citizenship application.

2. Two Original birth certificates per person.
3. Documents which are not in English, must be officially translated.
4. Medical certificate with HIV clearance (not older than 3 months)
5. Certified copy of Marriage certificate.
6. Two Reference letters from Bankers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountant (not older than 3 months).

Make Saint Kitts & Nevis your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

52,441
POPULATION
US$31,095
GDP (per capita)
US$1.758 billion
GDP (purchasing power parity)

CAPITAL CITY
Basseterre
TIME ZONE
Eastern Caribbean Time Zone (UTC-04:00)
TOTAL AREA
261 km2
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
ECD $
MAIN INDUSTRY
Tourism, Financial Services
SCHENGEN/ EU
EU travel–Visa Free

KEY ADVANTAGES

• Modern international airport and hub
• Affordable option for families
• Favorable tax regime

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Disclaimer
The materials contained in this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.