Saint Kitts and Nevis is a Caribbean destination consisting of two islands, offering pristine beaches and tropical landscapes. Its culture is diverse, with African, British, Caribbean, and French influences. It's an appealing place to own a second home in the Caribbean, with good air connections to Europe and North America.
Several countries, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, have adopted programs that allow for the acquisition of citizenship based on an investment and/or a direct contribution to the state with the aim of developing the country. The Saint Kitts citizenship program was established in 1984 and requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they and their family are granted full citizenship. The legal bases concerning citizenship through investment are contained in Part II, § 3(5) of the Citizenship Act of 1984 and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations of 2011. These provisions enable the government to operate a program in which citizenship is granted to individuals who meet the criteria set by cabinet decision.
SCHEDULE A MEETING NOWWhen you acquire citizenship through the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full, lifelong citizenship, which can be passed down to future generations by descent.
A Saint Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 156 destinations, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area in Europe.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country. In return, and subject to a rigorous application process that includes extensive background checks, applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.
To be eligible for citizenship, the principal applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and choose one of the following investment options:
1. Sustainable Island Program Contribution (SISC)
2. Public Interest Project Investment Option
A non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to a public institution in a public interest project.
3. Real Estate Acquisition
The purchase of a real estate property with a minimum value of USD 325,000 in a government-approved real estate project, or a minimum of USD 325,000 in a condo unit, or USD 600,000 for a private family home. These properties can be resold after 7 years under certain conditions.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for processing all applications.
There is also an expedited application process with a processing time of 45 to 60 days.
The CIU carefully reviews the application and may require the applicant to attend an interview, although this is rarely necessary.
The CIU conducts thorough background checks and will refuse an application if the applicant makes a false declaration or omits relevant information.
The applicant must personally fill out the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider.
The program’s documentary requirements are reasonable, and the procedures are straightforward.
Most applicants typically visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but this is not a prerequisite to the application process, which generally takes between three and four months from submission to the CIU to approval.
Under the real estate option, the timeline may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a property project that effectively complements the citizenship application.
After the conditional approval of the application, funds for real estate, the contribution to the FGS, government fees, and other charges will be paid to the various parties.
Next, the Prime Minister will sign the registration certificate, which confers citizen status. Once the registration certificate is issued, the applicant can apply for a passport.
Obtaining citizenship and a passport from Saint Kitts and Nevis can provide numerous benefits to foreign investors, including the freedom to travel without restrictions. At Horizon Passport, we’re here to help you navigate the process of obtaining citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis and answer any questions you may have.
