Citizenship By Investment
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Government-Licensed Advisory by NTL | World's First CBI Programme Since 1984
Programme Highlights
- World's First: Established in 1984, the longest-standing CBI programme with over 40 years of operation
- Minimum Investment: USD 250,000 (SISC for family of 4) or USD 325,000 (Real Estate)
- CARICOM Mobility: Right to live, work, and study across 15 Caribbean Community member states
- Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 30, and dependent parents 55+ eligible
- No Residency Requirement: No minimum stay before or after citizenship grant
- Dual Citizenship: Permitted with no requirement to renounce existing citizenship
- Processing Time: 3 to 6 months from complete application submission
- Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 155+ destinations worldwide
About Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis, officially the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is a twin-island sovereign state in the West Indies. A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains strong international relationships and regional integration. The Federation is known as the "Mother Colony of the West Indies" as the first home of English and French colonists in the Caribbean.
Location
Eastern Caribbean, Lesser Antilles, between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean
Area
261 square kilometers (101 square miles)
Population
Approximately 47,000 to 58,000
Capital
Basseterre (on Saint Kitts)
Official Language
English
Currency
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Government
Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy (Commonwealth realm)
Economy
Tourism, financial services, light manufacturing, and agriculture
Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
Citizenship by Investment Unit Bill, 2024
The Citizenship by Investment Unit Bill, 2024, passed by the National Assembly on June 14, 2024, established the CIU as a statutory corporation with enhanced governance, transparency, and accountability structures.
Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)
The CIU was formally launched as a statutory corporation on October 1, 2024. The CIU operates under a Board of Governors and is responsible for receiving, processing, and determining citizenship applications under the programme. The CIU conducts thorough due diligence, maintains international standards, and ensures transparency through annual audits and reports.
Programme History
Established in 1984, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the world's first and longest-standing CBI programme. With over 40 years of operation, the programme has established international recognition and maintains rigorous standards for due diligence and applicant vetting. The programme is consistently ranked among the best citizenship by investment programmes globally.
Saint Kitts and Nevis pioneered citizenship by investment in 1984, establishing the model that many countries have since adopted. The programme's longevity and stability reflect its success and international acceptance.
Investment Options
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme offers four qualifying investment routes. Recent updates in October 2024 reduced the real estate investment threshold and introduced enhanced due diligence measures:
Additional Government Fees
In addition to the investment amount, applicants must pay government processing fees and due diligence fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee (Main Applicant) | USD 25,000 | Non-refundable government processing fee |
| Processing Fee (Spouse) | USD 15,000 | Non-refundable government processing fee |
| Processing Fee (Dependent under 18) | USD 10,000 | Per dependent |
| Processing Fee (Dependent 18+) | USD 15,000 | Per dependent |
| Due Diligence (Main Applicant) | USD 10,000 | Background verification fee |
| Due Diligence (Dependent 16+) | USD 7,500 | Per dependent aged 16 years or older |
Total programme cost includes: (1) Investment amount (SISC, real estate developer, private real estate, or PBO), (2) Government processing fees (waived for PBO families of up to 4 until December 31, 2025), (3) Due diligence fees, (4) Professional advisory fees, (5) Additional costs such as medical examinations, document certifications, and translations.
Eligibility Requirements
Main Applicant Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years old |
| Health | Good health, no communicable diseases (medical certificate required) |
| Character | Good character with no serious criminal record |
| Financial Standing | Sufficient lawful funds to complete qualifying investment |
| Source of Funds | Legal and verifiable source of investment funds |
| Mandatory Interview | All main applicants and dependents 16+ must attend interview (virtual or in person) |
| Residence | No minimum stay required before or after citizenship |
Eligible Dependents
The Saint Kitts and Nevis programme allows inclusion of qualifying family members in the main application:
Legally married spouse of main applicant (marriage certificate required)
Biological or legally adopted children under 30 years of age, including adult children ages 18-30
Parents or grandparents of main applicant or spouse, aged 55 years or older, who are financially dependent (changed from previous age 65+ requirement in October 2024)
As of recent programme updates, dependent siblings can no longer be included in citizenship applications. Only spouse, children under 30, and parents 55+ qualify as eligible dependents.
Mandatory Interview Requirement
Each main applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU or by CIU officials. Dependents aged 16 or over may also be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary. Interviews may be conducted virtually (default option), in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or at other locations approved by the Board of Governors.
Ineligible Applicants
- Citizens of banned nationalities: Iran, Iraq, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Afghanistan (irrespective of where they live)
- Applicants who have been denied visas to countries with visa-free access for Saint Kitts and Nevis passport holders may face additional scrutiny
- Applicants with serious criminal convictions may be refused
- Applicants who pose security risks or have been involved in activities contrary to public policy may be refused
- Applicants who make false statements or omit relevant information will have applications declined
Programme Benefits
Citizenship Advantages
Over 40 years of operation since 1984, establishing international trust and recognition.
Permitted with no requirement to renounce existing citizenship.
Spouse, children up to age 30, and parents 55+ eligible in single application.
Citizenship passes to future generations by descent.
No minimum stay required before, during, or after citizenship grant.
Applications typically processed within 3 to 6 months from complete submission.
No income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax.
Citizens enjoy certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
10-year validity biometric passport issued under the CBI programme.
CARICOM Mobility
Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship provides the right to live, work, and study in CARICOM member states without work permits or additional visas.
CARICOM Member States (15 Members):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME): Participating CARICOM states allow free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states.
Global Mobility
Saint Kitts and Nevis passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to 155+ destinations worldwide, including:
- Europe (Schengen Area): 90 days within 180-day period visa-free access to 27 European countries
- United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required as of January 8, 2025 (visa-exempt but ETA mandatory)
- Ireland: Visa-free access
- Russia: Visa-free access
- Hong Kong: Visa-free access
- Singapore: Visa-free access
- Taiwan: Visa-free access
- Saudi Arabia: Visa-free access
United States Access: Saint Kitts and Nevis citizens can obtain a 10-year US B-1/B-2 visa for travel, business, family visits, and medical care.
Canada Access: As of June 6, 2023, Saint Kitts and Nevis citizens who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a paper visa when traveling to Canada by air.
Note: Visa-free access policies are subject to change by destination countries. Applicants should verify current visa requirements before travel.
Application Process
Applications to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme must be submitted through government-authorized agents. NTL is an authorized agent licensed to submit applications to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Process Timeline
Initial Consultation and Pre-Screening
Comprehensive eligibility review, investment route selection, family composition analysis, and preliminary due diligence check. NTL conducts complimentary pre-assessment.
Contract Signing and Retainer Payment
Sign advisory contract with NTL and make initial retainer payment to begin formal application preparation.
Document Preparation and Collection
Gather identity documents, police certificates, source of funds documentation, medical certificates, and supporting documents for all applicants and dependents. NTL assists with document verification and form completion.
Payment of Due Diligence Fees
Due diligence fees and government application fees paid to CIU. Background verification process initiated by independent professional firms.
Application Submission to CIU
Complete application package submitted to Citizenship by Investment Unit through authorized agent.
Due Diligence and Background Verification
CIU conducts comprehensive background checks through independent professional firms in Europe, the UK, and the USA. Verification of identity, source of funds, criminal record, and security clearance.
Mandatory Interview
Main applicant and dependents aged 16+ attend interview conducted by independent professional firm or CIU officials. Interviews conducted virtually (default), in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or at approved locations.
Government Approval
CIU issues government approval letter after successful completion of due diligence and interview. Approval indicates application has passed government review subject to investment completion.
Investment Execution
Complete selected investment route: SISC contribution, real estate purchase (developer or private), or Public Benefit Option contribution. Confirmation of investment provided to CIU.
Certificate of Registration
CIU issues Certificate of Registration conferring citizenship status. Certificate must be collected in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis or at an embassy or consulate specified by the CIU as approved by the Board of Governors.
Passport Application
Apply for Saint Kitts and Nevis biometric e-passport (10-year validity). Passport application processed and issued following receipt of Certificate of Registration.
Applications typically processed within 3 to 6 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, completeness of documentation, due diligence requirements, interview scheduling, and current processing volumes at the CIU.
Required Documents
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (certified copy of all pages)
- Birth certificate for all applicants
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs (recent, white background)
Civil Status Documents
- Marriage certificate (for spouse inclusion)
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Adoption certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of dependency for adult children or parents
Police Certificates
- Police certificate from country of citizenship
- Police certificate from country of residence (if different from citizenship)
- Police certificates from any country where applicant has resided for 6+ months since age 16
- All certificates must be issued within 6 months of application submission
- Certificates must be apostilled or legalized
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (6 months) demonstrating source of investment funds
- Source of wealth documentation (employment records, business ownership, inheritance, asset sales, etc.)
- Bank reference letters
- Professional reference letters
- Proof of net worth
- Tax returns or tax clearance certificates (if applicable)
- Business registration documents (if business owner)
Medical Certificates
- Medical examination report from licensed physician
- HIV/AIDS test results (applicants 12 years and older)
- Confirmation of no communicable diseases
- Medical reports must be completed on government-provided form
Investment Documentation
- SISC Route: Bank transfer confirmation and payment receipt to Federal Consolidated Fund
- Real Estate Developer Route: Sales and purchase agreement, proof of payment, property details from approved project
- Private Real Estate Route: Sales agreement, proof of payment, property valuation, title documents, CIU approval
- Public Benefit Option: Contribution confirmation to approved public benefit project
Additional Requirements
- Curriculum vitae (CV) for main applicant
- Proof of residential address
- Declaration of any visa refusals
- Affidavit of support for dependent family members
- Professional recommendation letters
Document Authentication: All documents must be apostilled or legalized by the issuing country's competent authority. Documents in languages other than English must be officially translated by certified translators.
Post-Approval Considerations
No Residency Requirement
Saint Kitts and Nevis does not require any minimum stay before, during, or after citizenship is granted. However, the Certificate of Registration must be collected in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis or at an approved embassy or consulate.
Investment Holding Period
- SISC Contribution: Non-refundable with no holding period obligation
- Real Estate (Developer and Private): 7-year mandatory holding period from citizenship grant. Property may be sold after 7 years. Developer properties can be sold to other CBI applicants; private properties require substantial additional investment to qualify for resale to CBI applicants.
- Public Benefit Option: Non-refundable contribution with no holding period obligation
Taxation
No Worldwide Taxation: Saint Kitts and Nevis does not impose personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax on its citizens.
Tax Benefits:
- No personal income tax
- No capital gains tax
- No inheritance tax
- No wealth tax
- Favorable environment for establishing offshore businesses
Passport Validity and Renewal
Saint Kitts and Nevis biometric e-passports issued under the CBI programme are valid for 10 years and may be renewed at Saint Kitts and Nevis diplomatic missions worldwide or in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Programme Changes
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under government legislation and CIU regulations, which are subject to amendment. Investment thresholds, fees, procedures, and programme terms may change by government decision. The most recent updates in October 2024 reduced the real estate investment threshold and introduced mandatory interview requirements.
NTL: Authorized Agent Services
NTL is a government-authorized agent for the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme, providing comprehensive application support with established CIU relationships and extensive programme experience spanning multiple decades.
Our Advisory Services
Complimentary Pre-Screening and Assessment
Free preliminary eligibility review, general due diligence check, and investment route recommendation.
Investment Route Analysis
Detailed comparison of SISC, real estate developer, private real estate, and Public Benefit Option routes with consideration of family size, liquidity preferences, holding period obligations, and tax planning.
Document Preparation and Review
Complete document collection, verification, translation, apostille/legalization coordination, and application form preparation.
Source of Funds Documentation
Guidance on preparing comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation to satisfy CIU due diligence requirements and independent verification firms.
Application Submission to CIU
Submission of complete application package to Citizenship by Investment Unit as authorized agent with established submission protocols.
Interview Preparation and Coordination
Preparation for mandatory interview, coordination of interview scheduling (virtual or in person), and guidance on interview process and expectations.
CIU Liaison and Application Management
Ongoing communication with CIU, response to information requests, status updates, and application monitoring throughout processing.
Investment Execution Support
Coordination of investment completion following government approval, including SISC transfers, real estate transactions, or PBO contributions.
Certificate and Passport Procurement
Coordination of Certificate of Registration collection and passport application processing.
Compliance Standards
NTL operates in strict accordance with Saint Kitts and Nevis programme requirements and international best practices:
Government-authorized agent with established CIU relationships and submission privileges.
Comprehensive client verification and source of funds review prior to application submission.
All services provided in accordance with CIU regulations and government legislation.
Adherence to international best practices for citizenship and residency advisory services.
Info & Useful Links About Saint Kitts and Nevis
Request Your Eligibility Assessment
Contact NTL for a confidential consultation on Saint Kitts and Nevis' Citizenship by Investment Programme. Our authorized agents will assess your eligibility, explain investment options, and outline the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment is USD 250,000 through the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) for a family of up to four persons, or USD 325,000 for real estate investment with a 7-year holding period.
Applications are typically processed within 3 to 6 months from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity, due diligence requirements, interview scheduling, and current processing volumes at the CIU.
Yes. Saint Kitts and Nevis permits dual citizenship. Applicants are not required to renounce their existing citizenship.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme was established in 1984, making it the world's first and longest-standing CBI programme with over 40 years of operation.
No. There is no minimum stay required before, during, or after citizenship is granted. However, the Certificate of Registration must be collected in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis or at an approved embassy or consulate.
Eligible dependents include spouse, children under 30 years of age, and dependent parents or grandparents aged 55+ (changed from 65+ in October 2024). Siblings are no longer eligible for inclusion as of recent programme updates.
Yes. As of recent programme updates, each main applicant is required to attend an interview. Dependents aged 16 or over may also be required to attend if deemed necessary. Interviews can be conducted virtually (default), in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or at approved locations.
Yes. After maintaining the real estate investment for 7 years from citizenship grant, you may sell the property. Developer real estate can be sold to other CBI applicants. Private real estate requires substantial additional investment through construction, renovation, or improvements to qualify for resale to another CBI applicant.
No. Saint Kitts and Nevis does not impose personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax on its citizens.
Until December 31, 2025, government processing fees are waived for families of up to 4 applicants under the Public Benefit Option, making it an exceptionally cost-effective option for family applications during this promotional period.
Saint Kitts and Nevis passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic visa access to 155+ destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area (90 days), United Kingdom (with ETA), Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many others.
Yes. Citizens of the following countries are not eligible to apply: Iran, Iraq, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Afghanistan, irrespective of where they currently live.
This page provides general information only. The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under government legislation and CIU regulations, which are subject to amendment. Programme requirements, investment thresholds, fees, and procedures may change by government decision. The most recent updates in October 2024 reduced the real estate investment threshold to USD 325,000 and introduced mandatory interview requirements.
All applications must be submitted through government-authorized agents. Applications are adjudicated by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), now a statutory corporation established under the Citizenship by Investment Unit Bill, 2024. NTL provides professional advisory services to support compliant applications but does not guarantee approval, processing timelines, or investment outcomes.
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