How to Get Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship: CBI Guide for 2025

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 an 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.

Benefits of Being a St Kitts and Nevis Citizen

Gaining St Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers exclusive benefits, from visa-free travel to financial advantages. The St Kitts and Nevis CBI program provides a secure pathway to citizenship in one of the most desirable Caribbean nations. This citizenship through investment opportunity extends to the entire family, ensuring long-term security and global mobility.

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.
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 favorable 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 country with a warm climate environment 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 55.
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.

Learn more about St Kitts and Nevis citizenship

Investment Options for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme

The citizenship by investment program in St Kitts and Nevis offers multiple investment options for securing a second passport. Applicants can invest in government-approved real estate projects or make a foreign investment in the country’s economy. Understanding citizenship costs, including processing fees and due diligence check fees, ensures a smooth application process.

1) Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), introduced in 2023, replaced the former Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) limited-time offer. Designed to drive national progress, the SISC supports St. Kitts and Nevis’ seven key development goals, including: enhancing local food production, diversifying the economy, transitioning to green energy, fostering sustainable industries, strengthening the creative sector, supporting post-pandemic recovery, and expanding social protections for the most vulnerable. Contributions made through the SISC are directed to the Federal Consolidated Fund, ensuring transparent and impactful investment in the nation’s sustainable future.

The minimum investment requirement by law are as follows:

Single Applicant: US$250,000
Main Applicant & Spouse (married couple): US$250,000
Main Applicant and One, Two or Three Dependents: US$250,000
Each Additional Dependent Under 18: US$25,000
Each Additional Dependent Aged 18 or Over: US$50,000

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$325,000 (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

The St Kitts and Nevis CBI private real estate option allows investors to secure citizenship through recoverable investment in government-approved properties. Minimum purchase costs start at $400,000 for a condominium or $600,000 for a private home.

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:

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.

How much does it cost to buy citizenship in the Caribbean?

What Changes Were Made to St Kitts and Nevis CBI in 2024?

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit introduced significant updates in October 2024, enhancing investment opportunities while strengthening program oversight. These changes improve accessibility, transparency, and long-term dual citizenship benefits. The changes outlined below are also reflected in the information about investment options above.

Key Updates to the Citizenship Program:

Lowered Investment Thresholds: The Approved Development Option now requires a $325,000 minimum investment (down from $400,000), and the Approved Private Real Estate Investment Option is reduced to $600,000 (previously $800,000), making real estate investment more attractive.
Expanded Eligibility for Dependent Parents: The minimum age for dependent children’s parents has been lowered from 65 to 55, allowing more families to qualify under the citizenship program.
Reduced Fees for Newborns: The fee to add a newborn has decreased from $30,000 to $7,500, making it more affordable for families expanding after obtaining St Kitts and Nevis citizenship.
Stronger Financial Due Diligence: Applicants must not have been declared bankrupt in the past 10 years, ensuring investors meet stricter requirements for applicants and maintain financial integrity.
Increased Program Oversight: All real estate development projects now require evaluation by Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) experts, ensuring transparency and high investment standards.

Application Process for Alternative Citizenship Through Investment

The process for applying for St.Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment can be summarized in 5 key 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 Citizenship 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 St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship and Passport

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.

Get in touch with a licensed citizenship by investment expert

Eligibility Requirements for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme has specific legal requirements that applicants must meet to obtain citizenship status. These include submitting key documents, verifying the source of funds, and undergoing application checks. Additionally, investors can include eligible family members, but must account for additional costs and citizenship approval criteria.

Valid Identification & Personal Documents: Applicants must submit a valid passport, national ID, and birth certificate. These documents confirm identity and the birth certificate must be in long format, clearly showing parents’ names for verification purposes.
Proof of Source of Funds: Investors must provide bank statements and supporting financial records to verify the source of funds. While there’s no stable income requirement, applicants must prove they can meet the citizenship programme’s investment thresholds.
Medical Certificate & HIV Test: A medical certificate (C3 form) must be submitted, including recent HIV test results. This ensures applicants meet the necessary health requirements before obtaining citizenship status.
Investment in a Government- Approved Option: Applicants must invest in real estate investment or contribute to the Sustainable Island State Contribution. This requirement supports national development and is a key condition for citizenship approval.
Banned Nationalities & Restrictions: Citizens from Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Russia are currently ineligible. The list is subject to change, so applicants should check for updated restrictions before applying.

Ultimate guide to each Caribbean passport: What’s the future of citizenship by investment?

Apply for Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship

At JH Marlin, our experienced lawyers guide you through the entire St Kitts and Nevis CBI application process, ensuring seamless document filing, selecting the right investment option, and meeting all requirements.

We provide expert assistance, handling every detail with precision. Even after you obtain citizenship, our team remains available for additional support, making your transition smooth and stress-free. Trust us for a hassle-free experience!