St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island Caribbean destination offering pristine beaches and tropical landscapes. Its culture is diverse, with African, British, Carib, and French influences. It is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean, enjoying good air links to Europe and North America.
In 2007, Henley & Partners was mandated by the government to reform the program and to promote it internationally for several years. During this mandate, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program became the most successful of its kind globally.
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Factsheet
USD 250,000
Enjoy the full benefits of citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent
Several countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis, have adopted programs that allow the acquisition of citizenship on the basis of an investment and/or a direct contribution to the state as a means of developing the country.
The citizenship program of St. Kitts was established in 1984 and requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they and their families are granted full citizenship.
The legal basis regarding citizenship by investment is contained in Part II, § 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984 and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011. These provisions allow the government to operate a program under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by cabinet decision.
When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a stringent application procedure including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.
To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:
1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
A non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to SISC for an applicant and up to three qualifying dependents
2. Approved Public Benefit Project
A minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project.
3. Real estate acquisition
The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 325,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 325,000 for a condominium unit or USD 600,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for processing all applications. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and a mandatory interview is required for all investors applying for citizenship by investment, either virtually (default) or in person at a location specified by the CIU and approved by the Board of Governors. Dependents of a main applicant aged 16 years or over may also be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary. Interviews are conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU, which also performs background due diligence checks on the CIU itself. All background due diligence checks are commissioned by the CIU and conducted by independent professional firms in Europe, the UK, and the USA in accordance with the requirements set by the Board of Governors. The CIU will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. The applicant must personally complete the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements of the program are reasonable and the procedures straightforward.
Most applicants will usually visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently.
Once the application has been approved, all processes and due diligence checks have been finalized and the investment has been made, a Certificate of Registration will be issued to the main applicant, which must be collected in person in St. Kitts and Nevis or at an embassy or consulate specified by the CIU as approved by the Board of Governors. The Certificate of Registration confers citizenship status and once it has been issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport
Henley & Partners charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application and depending on whether the SISC, Approved Public Benefit Project, or real estate option is chosen. The full agreed fee (less any retainer paid initially) is paid into an escrow account in advance and is released when the application is submitted to the government.
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Through its office in St. Kitts, Henley & Partners has been helping foreign nationals acquire citizenship through the citizenship by investment program for nearly 20 years. The firm has unrivaled expertise and experience in relation to this program, having been mandated by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to reform the program in 2006–2007 and to design the new contribution option at that time. The changes introduced by the government in 2007, with the professional assistance of Henley & Partners, including the creation of a dedicated citizenship by investment unit, the streamlining of processes, redesign of application forms and procedures, and the international promotion of the program, have made the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program one of the most successful programs in the world.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program grants citizenship to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions.
Investment options include a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or an approved public benefit project or purchase real estate from an approved development.
Benefits include visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the right to live, work, and study in St. Kitts and Nevis, and access to a tropical climate and beautiful beaches.
The minimum investment starts at USD 250,000 for a Sustainable Island State Contribution.
Processing times for citizenship by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
There are no mandatory residence requirements, but applicants are encouraged to visit St. Kitts and Nevis.
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.
Should you have any questions, or if you would like a detailed breakdown of the exact costs for your family, kindly contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
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