ST. Kitts & Nevis
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

ST. KITTS & NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CIP)


The world's oldest and one of the most prestigious CBI programs, established in 1984. Modernized with fast processing (as little as 10 weeks) and a strong passport offering visa-free access to about 150 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area.

Processing Time:
Target of 90 days (approx. 10-12 weeks) from application to approval, without additional acceleration fees.

Visa-Free Access:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to about 150 countries, including the Schengen Area (90/180 days), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia (90 days). Maintains visa-free access to the UK.

Key Benefits:
  • Prestige & Trust: The oldest CBI program globally, known for its rigorous standards and respected passport.
  • Fast and efficient processing with a clear timeline.
  • No residency or physical presence requirement.
  • Zero personal income, capital gains, wealth, inheritance, or gift taxes for non-residents.
  • Inclusion of family members under a single contribution.
  • Dual citizenship is permitted.
  • Strong asset protection laws, particularly in Nevis.

Investment Options & Minimum Financial Requirements:
Applicants must choose one of three government-approved routes:
  1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) – Donation:
  • Contribution: USD $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four (main applicant + 3 dependents).
  • Additional Dependents: $25,000 per minor, $50,000 per adult beyond the initial four.
  • Note: This is a non-refundable contribution to a government fund.

1.Real Estate Investment:
  • Minimum Investment: USD $325,000 in an approved condominium/hotel share (reduced from $400,000 in 2024).
  • Alternative: USD $600,000 for an approved single-family private home.
  • Government Fee: Starting at $25,000 for the main applicant.
  • Holding Period: Minimum 7 years.
2.Approved Public Benefit Project (PBP):
  • Minimum Contribution: USD $250,000 for a family of up to four.
  • Note: A non-refundable investment into a specific, approved public infrastructure project (e.g., schools, hospitals).
Additional Government Fees:
  • Due Diligence Fee: ~$7,500 for the main applicant, ~$4,000 per dependent aged 16+.
  • Processing Fee: ~$1,500 per person.
  • Passport Fee: Varies.

Eligible Family Members:
Spouse; children under 30 (financially dependent); parents and grandparents aged 55+ (financially dependent); unmarried siblings under 30 (financially dependent, no children).

Physical Presence (Residency) Requirement:
None. There is no requirement to visit or reside in St. Kitts & Nevis before or after obtaining citizenship.

Pathway & Key Obligations:
  • Mandatory Interview: Typically required for all applicants (can be conducted virtually).
  • Due Diligence: Enhanced, multi-layer background checks. A clean criminal record and legitimate source of funds are mandatory.
  • Oath of Allegiance: Required.
  • Investment Holding: Real estate must be held for the minimum 7-year period.

Taxation:
No personal income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax on worldwide income for individuals who are not tax residents (i.e., do not spend more than 183 days per year in the federation).

Important Considerations:
  • The real estate holding period of 7 years is the longest in the Caribbean CIP landscape.
  • The program has undergone significant reforms (2023-2025) to enhance integrity, including increased due diligence and mandatory interviews.

Additional Notes:
  • St. Kitts & Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the OECS.
  • The country is renowned for its favorable asset protection and trust laws.
  • All applications must be submitted through a government-licensed Authorized Agent.