St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment requirements

St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program require applicants 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 main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:

1. Sustainable Growth Fund

Under a limited-time offer (LTO) available for a period of six months from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023, the following non-refundable contributions apply:

•       USD 125,000 for a main applicant
•       USD 150,000 for a main applicant and a spouse
•       USD 170,000 for the main applicant, a spouse, and two dependents
•       USD 10,000 for each additional dependent under 18 years old
•       USD 25,000 for each additional dependent over 18 years old

Applications submitted under the LTO will qualify for the Accelerated Application Process, with a shortened processing time from 90 days to 60 days, at no additional cost.

From 1 July 2023, the non-refundable contribution requirement will revert to USD 150,000 for a single applicant, USD 175,000 for a main applicant and a spouse, USD 195,000 for a main applicant, a spouse, and two dependants, USD 10,000 for each additional dependent under 18 years old, and USD 25,000 for each additional dependent over 18 years old.

2. Public Good Investment Option

A non-refundable contribution of USD 175,000.

3. Real estate acquisition

The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 400,000 for an approved private home. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years.

Background and legal considerations

The citizenship program of St. Kitts was established in 1984 and requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they and their families are granted full citizenship.

The legal basis regarding citizenship by investment is contained in Part II, § 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984, and Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011. These provisions allow the government to operate a program under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by cabinet decisions.

Procedures and time frame of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for the processing of all applications. There is also an accelerated application process available with a 45- to 60-day processing time frame. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and may request that the applicant attend an interview, although this is rarely necessary. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. The applicant must personally complete the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements of the program are reasonable and the procedures straightforward. Most applicants will normally visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process, which usually takes between three to four months from submission of the application to the CIU for approval. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently.

Upon approval-in-principle of the application, the funds for the real estate, SGF contribution, government fees, and other fees will be released to the various parties. Thereafter, the prime minister will sign the certificate of registration, which confers citizenship status. Once the certificate of registration is issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport.

Fees and costs

Piptan International Inc. charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application and depending on whether the real estate or SGF option is chosen. The full agreed fee (less any retainer paid initially) is paid into an escrow account in advance and is released when the application is submitted to the government.

 Dual citizenship

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

 Piptan International Inc. in St. Kitts and Nevis

Through its office in St. Kitts, Piptan International Inc. has been helping foreign nationals acquire citizenship through the citizenship by investment program for nearly 20 years. The firm has unrivalled expertise and experience in relation to this program, having been mandated by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to reform the program in 2006–2007 and to design the new contribution option at that time. The changes introduced by the government in 2007, with the professional assistance of Piptan International Inc., including the creation of a dedicated citizenship by investment unit, the streamlining of processes, redesign of application forms and procedures, and the international promotion of the program, have made the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program one of the most successful programs in the world.