St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme

Eligibility Criteria: How to obtain Citizenship by Investment in St Kitts and Nevis

Applicants who are interested in obtaining St Kitts and Nevis citizenship may choose between three investment options:

1. A non-refundable contribution of $150,000;

OR

2. Purchase of real estate;

OR

3. Investing in approved Public Benefit Projects.

Option 1: A non-refundable contribution to the government’s Sustainable Growth Fund where the main applicant must make a minimum donation of $125,000, or $170,000 for a family of up to four members, these figures are valid until 30th June 2023, following which the fee for a main applicant will increase to $150,000.

Option 2: The programme offers two options for applicants who would like to carry out a property investment.

Option A: For a minimum of $200,000, the applicant can either opt to purchase a share or a whole property in a government- approved real estate project. After seven years, the investor will be able to sell the property. Furthermore, the investor also earns up to five percent per year when renting the property.

Option B: For an approved Private Home the minimum investment amount is that of $400,000. Such a dwelling cannot be sold for at least five years. 

Option 3: Applicants may invest a minimum of $175,000 in projects approved under the scheme called Public Benefit Projects.

The above investments do not include other fees like Due Diligence, Professional fees or any other costs. Aside from these financial criteria, applicants undergo a strict due diligence process and they are subject to background checks.

Our Advisory team will be happy to assist you and provide you with a capital outlay for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme so you can have the full associated cost for your particular application. Our team and partners will guide you through the process of becoming a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis.

Applicable Fees

The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship programme is the best entry route to obtaining a second passport through a property investment of not more than $400,000.

Application Process: Step-By-Step Guide

1. Sign with CSB Group as your trusted partner;
2. Advise which route to Citizenship you shall opt for;
3. Provide all necessary KYC documents which include passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates etc;
4. Submit application to the Government Authority in charge where background checks are carried out and pay due diligence fees;
5. Be approved under the programme;
6. Decide which invest route is best;
7. Carry out the investment;
8. Become a St Kitts and Nevis passport holder.

Processing Time

Upon receipt of the duly completed application forms, necessary documents, and the corresponding funds, the current processing time for the application is approximately 3-4 months, irrespective of whether the client opts for the SGF (Sustainable Growth Fund) option or the real estate programme. For those seeking expedited processing, an Accelerated Application Process (AAP) is available at an additional cost, resulting in decisions being made within 60 days.

Documents Required

• Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate;
• Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable);
• Certified copy of current national identity card(s);
• Certified copy of current passport(s);
• HIV test results;
• Police certificate “Certificate of No Criminal Record” or “Police Clearance Certificate” from country of citizenship and any country where the applicant has lived for more than one year over the past 10 years;
• Six photographs approximately 35 x 45mm in size.

Benefits of having a St Kitts and Nevis Passport

The country’s passport serves as an ideal second travel document for visa free travel to over a hundred countries in Europe and the Caribbean.

One of the most attractive benefits that this programme offers is its quick processing time. Applicants interested in applying for a St Kitts and Nevis passport can opt for the Accelerated Application Process (AAP) which grants applicants with the opportunity of having their St Kitts and Nevis passport at hand in as little as 60 days.

The country also offers a very attractive zero tax regime. In St Kitts and Nevis, there exists no income, wealth or inheritance taxes making it a perfect hub for smart tax-planning and family wealth planning. In fact, one can add his/her children, parents, grandparents and siblings to the application.

Another major advantage of the programme is that applicants are not required to visit the country at any stage of the application process. It is also beneficial to know that there are no restrictions on having duel citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.

Furthermore, being a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, allows you to travel to visa-free to over 140 countries around the world. This includes all countries forming part of the European Union, as well as, the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth countries. Additionally, a St Kitts and Nevis passport also allows its holders to obtain a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa to the US.

About St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign state located in the Americas and it is also a member of the British Commonwealth. 

St Kitts and Nevis is a peaceful and welcoming two-island state situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The country is home to very lovely beaches, coral reefs and a picturesque mountainscape.

Apart from the natural beauty the country offers, St Kitts and Nevis also has a rich history and an authentic culture.

The capital city is Basseterre and it is situated on the southern coast of the country. The city is also the main commercial and industrial hub of St Kitts and Nevis.

Taxes in St Kitts and Nevis

When considering investment options in St Kitts and Nevis, whether it be government-approved property, private home sales, or the donation route, it is vital to take tax-related factors into account. Individuals who acquire St Kitts and Nevis citizenship may enjoy certain tax benefits within the country. These include potential exemptions from capital gains, inheritance, and other wealth taxes specific to St Kitts and Nevis (although individuals may still be subject to taxation in their country of residence or citizenship). Furthermore, there are no residency requirements upon arrival, and citizens face no travel restrictions imposed by the country, making it an appealing choice for those seeking international mobility.

The tax advantages associated with obtaining St Kitts and Nevis citizenship include:

• No personal income taxes are levied within the country,
• Estate or inheritance taxes are not imposed by the government,
• There are no gift or wealth taxes,
• Capital gains derived from foreign investments are not required to be reported,
• All foreign income can remain untaxed in St. Kitts and Nevis if kept abroad.

By acquiring a second passport in St Kitts and Nevis, applicants may gain access to enhanced business opportunities, as the new passport affords greater flexibility and fewer restrictions compared to many other countries worldwide. However, it is crucial to seek advice from a tax attorney to understand and navigate your specific tax situation, particularly if you are considering non-residency in your home country and residency in St Kitts and Nevis, or if you are contemplating renouncing your US citizenship.

How can CSB Group assist you when applying for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment?

CSB Group provides top-notch services to families worldwide. CSB Group is widely known for delivering discreet and confidential Citizenship and Residence advice to Private Clients, High-Net-Worth (HNW) individuals and their families in their search for global mobility.

The CSB Group Advisory Team and their on-the-ground partners will assist you and your family in every step of the journey to gain Citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis through the Citizenship by Investment Programme and will guide you in making the right investment choice.