Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment for 2024

Saint Kitts and Nevis made several changes in 2023 to its long-standing citizenship by investment program. Some of the most notable changes include the price and options available, more stringent background checks, and the introduction of a possible interview component.

Established in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment is the oldest CBI program in the world offering high net worth individuals and their families the opportunity to become a citizen of a peaceful Caribbean country.

St.Kitts & Nevis is recognized as the platinum brand for citizenship with a strict due diligence process for applicants. This article covers the most recent updates to the program and outlines what an applicant can expect throughout the citizenship application process. 

Citizenship Benefits: 

• Travel benefits: Passport holders have a high level of visa free travel including visa-free access to Hong Kong and other top destinations. Having a St.Kitts & Nevis passport provides increased international mobility with the ability to travel to many countries without visas. This means you can attend business meetings more easily in different countries. 
• Business opportunities: Investors can access business benefits of travel and ease of doing business in the Caribbean with certain privileges. 
• No residency requirement: There is no requirement to live in the country and the entire process can be done from a distance. 
• Dual Citizenship permitted. Pursuant to section 93 of the St.Kitts & Nevis constitution, citizens can have multiple citizenships. 
• Citizenship by Descent: Ability to pass on citizenship to future generations by descent. Your future newborn child can obtain citizenship at a minimal cost. 
• Citizenship for life: Once you are a citizen, you are a citizen for life with full legal citizenship.
• Tax favourable country: no personal income tax, no gift tax, no wealth tax, no inheritance tax. Investors looking for tax optimization strategies may consider St.Kitts & Nevis as an ideal place to become a tax resident. 
• Quality of Life: enjoy a high standard of living in a peaceful warm climate environment in a country that is politically and economically stable. 
• Family Inclusive: A main applicant can include their direct family: spouse, children below the age of 25 who are enrolled in school and financially dependent parents over the age of 65. 
• Educational Opportunities: There are educational institutions in the Caribbean that families may wish to enroll their children in. St.Kitts & Nevis has a veterinary and two medical schools. 

Investors can choose to either make a non-refundable contribution to the country or alternatively complete a real estate investment option. There are four investment options for investors to choose from for CBI:

1) Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) 

The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) was established in 2023 replacing the Sustainable Growth Fund limited time offer. The SISC was established with the goal of supporting economic and social development to assist in the seven goals of the country; to assist in the increase of local food production, help diversify the economy, aid in the transition to green energy, attract and support sustainable industries, assist the creative economy, provide recovery for the impacts of the pandemic and expand social protections to society’s most vulnerable. Contributions under this option are payable to the Federal Consolidated Fund.

The minimum investment requirement by law are as follows:

Single Applicant: US$250,000

Main Applicant & Spouse (married couple): US$300,000

Main Applicant and One Dependent: US$300,000

Main Applicant, A Spouse and One or Two Dependents: US$350,000

Each Additional Dependent Under 18: US$50,000

Each Additional Dependent Aged 18 or Over: US$75,000

This option is a non-refundable contribution to the country. Due Diligence fees and other fees are also applicable.

2) Real Estate Option: Developer’s Real Estate Investment

Investors can choose to invest in government approved designated real estate in an approved development for citizenship. The minimum investment in a real estate project (approved development) is US$400,000 (resale-able only after 7 years). 

In addition to the real estate, the following non-refundable government fees are applicable 

Main Applicant: US$25,000

Spouse of the Main Applicant: US$15,000 

Any Qualified Dependent Under 18: US$10,00

Any Qualified Dependent Aged 18 or over: US$15,000 

Due Diligence fees and other fees are also applicable.

3) Private Home Sale Option 

Investors can choose to invest in a Single-Family Private Dwelling home that is designated as an approved private home for citizenship that is US$800,000 and above. The property cannot be resold for 7 years. 

It is important to note that the approved private home does not automatically qualify a subsequent buyer for CBI, unless approval has been obtained by the Federal Cabinet that further investment was injected into the real estate unit through either a significant renovation or construction, or otherwise.

In addition to real estate, the following non-refundable government fees are applicable

Main Applicant: US$25,000

Spouse of the Main Applicant: US$15,000

Any Qualified Dependent Under 18: US$10,00

Any Qualified Dependent Aged 18 or over: US$15,000

Due Diligence fees and other fees are also applicable.

If you are looking to relocate to St.Kitts & Nevis, having a private dwelling house might be a practical option. 

 4) Public Benefit Option 

Investors can invest in Approved Public Benefit Projects designated by the CIU. Under this option, the minimum contribution starts at US$250,000 in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project. 

On approval-in-principle the following post-approval application fees are applicable: 

Main Applicant: US$25,000

Spouse of the Main Applicant: US$15,000

Any Qualified Dependent Under 18: US$10,00

Any Qualified Dependent Aged 18 or over: US$15,000

Due Diligence fees and other fees are also applicable.

 For any option chosen, costs will be dependent on the family composition. 

Application Process for Alternative Citizenship

The process for applying for St.Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment can be summarized in 5 steps.

1. Contacting an Authorized agent for citizenship. Attorney Jennifer Harding-Marlin is an authorized agent for St.Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment and has helped numerous clients on their journey to becoming citizens of St.Kitts & Nevis. Enter a client agreement that outlines the terms of service. 
2. Complete the application forms and supplemental documents. At JH Marlin, we will guide you throughout the process and assist you with the forms and documents. Our attention to detail will make all the difference when submitting your completed application. Note: if you are doing the real estate purchase option you will need to enter a purchase agreement prior to the submission of your application for citizenship. 
3. Submission of your file and review by the citizenship by investment unit (CIU). An acknowledgment of submission will be provided to you. The CIU will review the file and issue a confirmation of documents letter that they are processing your file. The CIU will carry out the necessary due diligence background checks.
4. Approval: Once you are approved the CIU will issue an approval letter often referred to as the approval-in principle letter. Only once you receive application approval does the primary applicant need to make a large economic contribution.
5. Receive your Citizenship: Once you have been approved and made the investment contribution, successful applicants will receive a Certificate of Registration as a citizen. Once you are registered as a citizen, your local agent can then apply for a passport for you at the passport office.

As an authorised agent, we will deal directly with the citizenship unit.The processing time for citizenship varies on a case by case basis and can sometimes take a little over 6 months. Please note, there is no more 45-day process or accelerated processing available. 

Eligibility Requirements for Main Applicant

The main applicant for St.Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment must be a minimum of 18 years of age. The applicant must meet all requirements and have a clean background. Upon official approval, the main applicant must satisfy the investment contribution amount and requirements. At JH Marlin, we pre-screen all applicants for citizenship in advance. 

Eligible Dependents

The main applicant can choose to include the following family members in an application for citizenship; spouse (valid marriage certificate required), children under 18 years of age, children between the ages of 18-25 who are fully supported by the main applicant in full-time attendance at a secondary or tertiary level institution, children over 18 who are mentally or physically challenged, parents of the main applicant or spouse who are over the age of 65 and fully living and fully supported by the main applicant.

Banned Nationalities

The list of banned nationalities changes over time. At the moment, the restricted countries for citizenship by investment include; Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Russia. Please contact us at the time that you are considering doing your application for citizenship to receive the updated list.

Requirements For Applicants

When you become a client, a detailed list of application requirements, documents and sample documents will be provided to you. Here is a generalized overview of key documents: valid passports, valid national identification document (such as a driver’s license), birth certificate in long format showing parents names on it, proof of source of funds (no requirement for stable income, however, you must demonstrate you have the funds to do the investment), military service documents (if applicable), marriage certificate, divorce certificate, medical certificate, police clearance certificates. The citizenship requirements vary between citizenship by investment countries. 

Personal Thoughts About St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment for 2024

St.Kitts & Nevis remains a top choice for citizenship by investment and will likely continue to be of interest to international investors. Many of the top entrepreneurs around the world have done the program as it is known to be one of the top Caribbean citizenship by investment programs. Despite the cost being relatively higher when compared to other Caribbean citizenship programs, becoming a citizen offers numerous benefits from family advantages, business advantages and personal advantages. The country is a great place to vacation and live and we at JH Marlin love spending time in the country and would be happy to welcome you to the islands!

General Information About the Country

The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a sovereign country located in the Eastern Caribbean (West Indies). The country comprises two islands and is the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere in both population and land area.

Both the islands of St.Kitts and Nevis offer beautiful landscapes. St.Kitts has Mount Liamuiga and UNESCO heritage site, Brimestone Hill Fortress. Nevis is known to be a quieter island offering the perfect escape for someone looking for tranquility and to be emerged in natural beauty. There are many sugar mill ruins throughout the island. There are plenty of activities for visitors who wish to enjoy the warm tropical climate at any time of year. Some activities include; snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, sailing and more.

The main industries are tourism, agriculture, and financial services. There are a variety of different accommodations from luxury resorts to private accommodations on the beach or up in the mountains.

St.Kitts & Nevis is a member of the Caribbean Community of the Commonwealth of Nations.