St. Kitts and Nevis, was the leader in 1984 when it introduced the Citizenship by Investment program to the world. This was as a means to 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.
Background and legal considerations
The citizenship program of St. Kitts established in 1984 requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country and 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 the St Kitts & Nevis cabinet.
Benefits of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
Getting the citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts and Nevis you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
- A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 150 destinations including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.
- Citizenship-by-descent is available to future generations.
- Ability to include a spouse, children under 26, parents, grandparents aged 55 and over, and unmarried dependent siblings under 26 with no children, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is an attractive location for owning a second home, with good air links to Europe and North America.
- Dual citizenship is allowed by the nation.
- There is no minimum stay required.
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements
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:
Sustainable Growth Fund
Under a limited time offer available until 31 January 2024, the following non-refundable contributions apply:
— USD 125,000 for a main applicant
— USD 150,000 for a main applicant and a spouse
— USD 170,000 for a main applicant, a spouse, and two dependents
— USD 10,000 for each additional dependent under 18 years old
— USD 25,000 for each additional dependent over 18 years old
A non-refundable contribution of USD 175,000.
Real estate acquisition
The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 400,000 for an approved private home. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years.
Procedures and time frame of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for the processing of all applications. There is also an accelerated application process available with a 45- to 60-day processing time frame. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and may request that the applicant attend an interview, although this is rarely necessary. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and 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 normally visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process, which usually takes between three to four months from submission of the application to the CIU for approval. 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.
Upon approval-in-principle of the application, the funds for the real estate, SGF contribution, government fees, and other fees will be released to the various parties. Thereafter, the prime minister will sign the certificate of registration, which confers citizenship status. Once the certificate of registration is issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport.
Fees and costs
Henley & Partners charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application and depending on whether the real estate or SGF 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.