St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment

About St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis, officially known as ‘The Federation of St Christopher and Nevis,’ is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean Sea.

St Kitts and Nevis’ pleasant tropical climate, turquoise waters, and sugar-soft beaches make the two islands a fashionable tourism destination, and a true earthly paradise. The country is also one of the most eco-friendly places on earth, with Nevis expected to be run by geothermal energy in a matter of years.

Previously under British rule, St Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983. It still has close ties with Great Britain as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Federation is also a member of the United Nations (UN), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

St Kitts and Nevis is a mix of relaxation and active business. It has many golf courses and SPAs, but it also provides one of the world’s most business-friendly environments for entrepreneurs hoping to set up companies and pursue other commercial activities.

Location

The islands of St Kitts and Nevis are situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Federation may be accessed directly from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, by simply choosing one of a wide range of international airlines serving the island on a daily basis.

Citizenship by Investment

Established in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the oldest economic citizenship programme in the world. It is run by the Citizenship by Investment Unit that, with more than 30 years of administrative experience and a renewed commitment to transparency, serves as a positive example to all other countries with similar programmes.

Under the Programme, business leaders and their families are allowed to invest in this peaceful country in return for full citizenship.

General Requirements

Applicants for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme must fulfil the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good character
• Have no criminal record
• Pass a detailed background check
• Be able to provide proof of source of funds
• Be healthy

Investors may apply with their spouse and dependent children, and, in some cases, dependent parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Benefits

• Full citizenship status
• No requirement to visit St Kitts and Nevis before, during, or after application
• No interview requirement
• No English language requirement
• Low processing fees
• Fast processing time
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Discretion
• Social and political security
• Global mobility
• No foreign income, capital gains, gift, and inheritance tax
• Excellent asset protection services and business environment
• 60-day processing for all successful applicants who choose the premium Accelerated Application Process (AAP) for an additional fee.

Investment Options

Applicants and their families may gain citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis by choosing one of the following options:

1. Contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
2. An investment in pre-approved real estate
3. An investment in a private home
4. An alternative investment

Contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)

The Sustainable Growth Fund took effect in April 2018. Accepting direct contributions to the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, the Fund focuses on stimulating the areas of education, health, and infrastructure, mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting economic growth, and promoting, preserving, protecting, and developing the culture and heritage of the nation. Under a Limited Time Offer, the investment contribution for a family of up to four members is US$150,000. The Limited Time Offer excludes siblings, for which an additional US$20,000 must be paid. The Limited Time Offer will expire on 31 December 2021.

Investment in Pre-approved Real Estate

The pre-approved real estate option requires applicants to purchase property that has been pre-approved by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis. The minimum required investment under the pre-approved real estate option is US$400,000, with a further requirement to hold that property for a minimum of five years. Alternatively, applicants can invest into a share system, paying a minimum of US$200,000. In this instance, real estate must be held for a period of seven years to maintain an investor’s economic citizenship status. Additional Government fees apply to both real estate options. These Government fees must be paid to the Government, while the minimum investment must be paid to the seller’s escrow account.

Investment in a Private Home

Starting in 2021 and until 1 November 2021, applicants can invest in any private home in St Kitts and Nevis, in the knowledge, however, that it can only be used in a citizenship by investment application once and must be held for a minimum of five years. The minimum cost of the home must be US$400,000 exclusive of the value of the land, and additional Government fees apply. The home must be a single unit, and not part of, or a share of, a larger unit

Alternative Investment

Applicants have the option to invest in an alternative project that has received the approval of St Kitts and Nevis’ Cabinet and the St Kitts Investment Promotion Agency. The alternative project will only be approved if 30% of the capital required for the project has already been raised, and if less than 100% of the capital will be derived from citizenship by investment applications. Alternative investment projects can be Government or privately owned, with the applicant needing to invest US$175,000 for the former and US$200,000 for the latter. Government fees apply.