St. Kitts and Nevis – Citizenship by Investment

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment Program requires a person 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 person must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements and select one of the three following options:

• The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000 from an approved real estate development. The real estate cannot be resold within a five-year period
• A non-refundable contribution to the SIDF of an amount starting from USD 250,000 for a single applicant
• A non-refundable contribution to the Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF) of an amount starting from USD 150,000 for an applicant with up to three dependents

An applicant may make a contribution to the SIDF or HRF according to the following criteria:

1. A single applicant is required to make a contribution of USD 250,000 (SIDF Option)
2. An applicant with up to three dependents is required to make a contribution of USD 300,000 (SIDF Option)
3. An applicant with up to three dependents is required to make a contribution of USD 150,000 using the newly introduced HRF Option. (Available until March 31st 2018)
4. A contribution of USD 25,000 is required for each additional dependent, regardless of age

All options allow for a dependent between 18 and 30 years to be included in the application of the main applicant, if the dependent is a full-time student and is financially reliant on the main applicant. The government also allows for parents and grandparents over the age of 55 to be included in the application as dependents, if they are living with and are fully supported by the main applicant.

All applicants must have a completely clean personal background with no criminal record.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for the processing of all applications.

There is also an Accelerated Application Process (AAP) available with a 45 to 60 day processing time frame. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and may request that the applicant attends an interview, although this is rarely necessary.

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.

There is no direct taxation in St. Kitts and Nevis. Even if citizens reside on the islands, they will not be subject to personal income tax, estate duty, inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes or net worth tax.

• A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free travel to 141 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Russia, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen area
• The applicant and their family receive full citizenship and passports
• Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries
• Kitts and Nevis is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean, with good air links to Europe and North America