Citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis

by Coates Global Coates Global

St. Kitts and Nevis are a pair of Caribbean islands offering pristine beaches and lush surroundings. African, British, Carib, and French influences can be found in their diverse culture. With good air connections to Europe and North America, it is an ideal location for owning a second home in the Caribbean.

As a means of fostering national development, several nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, have implemented policies that permit the acquisition of citizenship in exchange for financial and/or direct contributions to the government.

Background information and legal issues

The St. Kitts citizenship program was established in 1984 and requires applicants to contribute financially to the nation. In return, they receive full citizenship for themselves and their families.

Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011, and Part II, 3(5) of the Citizenship Act of 1984 provide the legal framework for citizenship by investment. These clauses give the government the ability to implement a citizenship program in which those who meet certain requirements established by cabinet decisions are given citizenship.

Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

Once you become a citizen through the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family are entitled to full citizenship for life, which can be passed down through the descendant line.

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel is possible to 156 countries with a St. Kitts and Nevis passport, including the Schengen Area of Europe, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Future generations will have access to citizenship by descent.
In addition to adding dependents after receiving citizenship, applicants may include a spouse, children under the age of 31, parents, grandparents over the age of 55, and dependent unmarried siblings under the age of 31 who are not parents.
As a Commonwealth member, St. Kitts and Nevis offers its citizens access to benefits in the UK and other member nations.
With convenient air connections to Europe and North America, St. Kitts, and Nevis is a desirable location for second home ownership.
The country allows dual citizenship.
No minimum stay is necessary.

St Kitts And Nevis Citizenship by Investment

A reputable and well-respected Citizenship by Investment program that has been in operation since 1984 and requires a minimum gift of US$150,000. There are several choices available, including the following:

A minimum gift to the government's Sustainable Growth Fund of $150,000 USD (SGF). According to the number of participants listed in the application, the donation amount rises. For instance, a family of four would typically contribute $190,000.
A $175k donation to social infrastructure projects, typically an investment in a government-approved social housing project. A family of up to four people could donate at this level (not including government fees).
Investing between $200,000 and $400,000 in island real estate A share of equity worth US$200,000 can be split between two people or two families. Investors each contribute a minimum of US$200,000 to become co-owners of the property on an equal basis. Seven years is the bare minimum investment term.
With an investment minimum of US$400,000 and a five-year investment term, the option of sole ownership of the property is available.
With either choice, the citizenship is unaffected if the real estate is sold following the minimum investment term. Up until 2022, government approval was required for real estate projects; however, the law has recently changed, and there are no longer any restrictions on the kinds of real estate that can be bought.

St Kitts And Nevis Citizenship Requirements

Those who wish to apply for citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis must:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Conduct a criminal background investigation.
Utilize bank statements and employment references to demonstrate exemplary character.
Make an acceptable investment

Family obligations

The citizenship application for St. Kitts may include family members. The principal investor could be:
Dependent spouse, dependent children, dependent grandparents over 65.
Dependent siblings younger than 25.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Citizen Of St. Kitts Through Investment?

Typically, it takes 3–4 months to process an application for the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Investment Program after the applicant submits their file to the St. Kitts Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU). Most applicants take between 2 and 6 weeks on average to compile all of their supporting documents. The application can be submitted remotely without having to travel, thanks to La Vida's in-house processing team, which will help applicants through the entire process.

The Coates Global team of highly qualified international experts is available to give you all the information and counsel you need to make an informed decision about a Citizenship by Investment program. They are also in the best position to help you with every step of the application process both locally and internationally. Get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation.