The Sustainable Island State Contribution has gone into effect on July 27, 2023. 

• Main applicant only: US$250,000
• Main applicant and a spouse: US$300,000
• Main applicant and one dependent: US$300,000
• Main applicant, a spouse and one or two dependents; US$350,000
• Main applicant and two or three dependents: US$350,000
• Each additional dependent under 18: US$50,000
• Each additional dependent aged 18 or over: US$75,000

The Citizenship by Investment Unit will respond to all applications within 120 days of lodging the application, At such point CIU will inform applicants of whether an application is:

• Approved-in-principle;
• Denied; or
• Delayed for cause and is still being processed.

Additional Fees:

Due diligence fee: $10,000 for main applicant and $7500 for each dependent over 16
Lawyer/Agent fee:  Typically around $6,000 per application depending on the number of family members
Passport fee: $350 per person
Additional: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

The Sustainable Island State Contribution fund has recently replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund. This fund will be directed towards advancing St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island with a thriving quality of life, based on the following 7 pillars:

1. Increasing local food production;
2. Transitioning to Green Energy; 
3. Diversifying the economy;
4. Attracting and supporting sustainable industries; 
5. Evolving the Creative Economy; 
6. Recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and 
7. Expanding social protection and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable.

Property purchase in St. Kitts and Nevis can be in the form of shares or a single property investment. The real estate investment minimum ranges from $400,000 to $800,000. Account for additional fees to be tacked onto these costs such as due diligence fees, a government fee and passport fees. Real estate is recoverable after 7 years. Meaning, CBI applicants are able to sell their real estate investment and the buyer will also be eligible for citizenship by investment. 

A range of exclusive property is available on the island of St Kitts and the island of Nevis from beachfront villas, private homes or luxurious hotels to apartment and cozy mountain retreat condos.

Minimum real estate investment: $400,000 (resort hotel shares only); $800,000 (full title deed on condos or private homes)

Government Fee: of $25,000 for single applicant, and $15,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependent children, regardless of age
Due diligence fee: $10,000 for main applicant and $7500 for dependents above 16 years.
Passport fee: $350 / person
Lawyer fee:  Averages $6,000 per application depending on the number of family members
Additional: Courier charges, Bank transfer, Translation, Notary etc  $1,000

Real estate investment must be made on an approved real estate project to qualify for the citizenship by investment program.

The following criteria must be met to acquire citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis:

• Applicants must fulfill one of the aforementioned minimum investment requirements 
• Attend a mandatory interview with a member of the Citizenship by Investment Unit in person at the St. Kitts and Nevis Consular or Embassy (virtual options exist) 
• Be of outstanding character
• Have no criminal record – a certified police certificate
• Be in excellent health – a certified medical report
• Have a high personal net worth from a legitimate source of funds
• Pass the analysis done by the anti money laundering committee 

Restricted Countries:

Nationals from Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq Afghanistan, North Korea and Cuba are banned from applying regardless of where they reside. 

In-person meetings can be arranged with the CIU in Dubai, London and Zurich. You can make an appointment request on your online application. 

Dependents

Dependents can be added under the following criteria:

• Main applicant’s spouse
• Children of the main applicant and/or their spouse under the age of 18
• Children of the main applicant and/or their spouse between 18 and 30 years if they are enrolled full time at a recognized higher education institution; and/or fully supported by the main applicant
• Main applicant or spouse’s parents and grandparents over the age of 55 who live with and are fully supported by the main applicant
• A child of the main applicant or spouse of the main applicant who is above the age of 18 years and physically or mentally challenged.

Dependents can now be added anytime after the main applicant obtains St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. They will pay the required additional fees at the time of adding dependent(s). 

General Documentation

All applicants will need to submit to following: 

• Completed C1 – C3 application forms;
• Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate 
• Certified copy of proof of name change 
• Certified copy of current national identity card(s) for all applicants over the age of 16
• Certified copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number and issuing country;
• HIV test results dated no more than 3 months prior to application submission date. Children under age 12 are exempt. 
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Six photographs approximately 35 x 45mm in size, taken within the past six (6) months (N.B. one of the photographs must be certified and attached to the C2 form).

Supporting Documentation for the Main Applicant:

In order to have your application for citizenship by investment considered, you must also provide supporting documents that include:

• One original document of evidence of residential address (e.g. certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant or notary public);
• Employment letter(s) stating the start of employment, position held and salary earned;
• Certified copy of business license or incorporation documents;
• One original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate(s) if applicable (i.e. if married persons apply together);
• Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable);
• Statement and evidence of source of fund to be invested in St. Kitts and Nevis;
• Affidavit of financial support for applicants between the ages of 18-30;
• Certified copy of university degrees (if applicable) and;
• Limited Power of Attorney.

Certification

Additionally, any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. Finally, all documents must be certified and authenticated according to the law of the jurisdiction from which it originates.

1. Book a free consultation with Lincoln Global Partners

Our team of citizenship investment specialists are dedicated to helping you find the right investment option to meet the necessary requirements to guarantee a successful citizenship application. They will assess your individual circumstances and present the best investment options for you based on your criteria.

2. Gather your documentation

A comprehensive checklist will be supplied to you and an experienced citizenship specialist will accompany you through the documentation retrieval process. They will carefully inspect each document to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied.

3. Submit your application

Once you have provided us with all necessary paperwork, our team will analyze your file and prepare it ready for submission. The authorized local agent will then submit your application to the St Kitts and Nevis government, in accordance with the law.  Prior to submission of your application the government fees must be paid.

4. Processing of application

Once your application has been submitted The St Lucia Citizenship By Investment Unit will screen your application rigorously by performing an in-depth background check to verify the information that is provided. At this stage we will assist you with scheduling the new mandatory interview at your nearest St. Kitts and Nevis consulate or embassy or on the ground in the country.

5. Receive your pre-approval

Once the St. Kitts and Nevis Government has reviewed the citizenship application and made a decision, you will receive an accompanying letter detailing the outcome. This will come within 120 day of lodging your application. 

6. Complete your investment

Upon receiving pre-approval for the St. Kitts CBI program, it is time to proceed with your investment (sustainable growth fund non refundable contribution, real estate purchase or investment in approved public benefit projects).

7. St Kitts and Nevis Passport delivery

After making the minimum investment required to obtain citizenship here, your St Kitts and Nevis citizenship certificate will be issued. Additionally, the passport application will be submitted on your behalf and the St. Kitts and Nevis passport will be courier-delivered to your chosen location without the need to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis does not require you to take an oath as other Caribbean programs do. 

St Kitts and Nevis – known as the Mother Colony of the Caribbean. St. Kitts is one of the more popular Caribbean destinations for a temporary or permanent relocation. An obvious driver for this is the long standing citizenship by investment program, but the stable economy and business opportunities also lure expats to this sunny dual-island paradise.

Aside from enjoying all the dual citizenship benefits, living in St. Kitts and Nevis can offer a much needed respite. Whether that be a break from the hustle and bustle or a tax break. Yep, you read that right. A common reason people pursue second citizenship, particularly in the Caribbean, is for the attractive tax environment. St. Kitts and Nevis tax residents enjoy tax free worldwide income and no capital gains tax. Those who obtain St. but don’t become tax residents aren’t required to pay income tax or wealth tax. So whether you acquire Saint Kitts citizenship simply for the visa free access while maintaining a home-base outside the island, or to come here and live, you will enjoy tax benefits.

As for the place itself – you are afforded benefits beyond taxes. The environment is incredible, Optimal weather conditions exist outside of hurricane season. World-class beaches are lined with palm trees, offering plenty of greenery against the sandy shores and turquoise waters. The culture is a mix of influences from African, British, Carib, and French backgrounds. The lifestyle is one of ease and calm – a true island vibe. English is the official language, so expats are completely at ease in this regard. Your money goes far here as well, although expect imported goods to have a high price tag. 

If you go for the property investment route to qualify for the CBI program, you can invest on either island. St. Kitts is the bigger, more lively island. The landscape is lush and it’s famous for its black sandy beaches. More condo types of living are available on St. Kitts. While Nevis is the more tranquil and preserved island. Known for its silver sandy beaches, hiking trails and luxury private estates. 

And while it is a hiatus, Europe and North American are in close connectivity via flights. You’ll want plenty of airport connectivity when your second citizenship allows you visa free travel to 157 countries around the globe.

Overall, St. Kitts and Nevis is certainly a citizenship program worth pursuing.