The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the oldest and most reputable in the Caribbean, established in 1984. It offers the main applicants and their families the opportunity to obtain citizenship through a qualifying contribution. There are a few options. These include a donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund, the Public Benefit Option (BPO), or making a real estate investment.
Successful applicants gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU and the UK. The program also allows dual citizenship. Thus, it enables applicants to retain their existing nationality while benefiting from global mobility.
Key Aspects of Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
- The St Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment is a unique program that opens doors for individuals and their families to become citizens of the beautiful twin-island nation of St Kitts & Nevis, located in the Caribbean.
- The program promotes Saint Kitts and Nevis as one one of the fastest countries to get citizenship. Unlike many traditional immigration processes, applicants can often gain citizenship within just a few months.
- By making a substantial donation to the country, either through real estate or a government donation, applicants are paving a pathway to citizenship.
- Minimum investment amount for Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship is $250.000 (Note that additional fees are not added).
- Main applicants can include their spouse, children under 18, and financially dependent children up to 25 who are in full-time education. They may also include children with disabilities and parents aged 55 or older who live with and are fully supported by the main applicant.
- Applicants must attend an in-person interview during the application process, and dependents aged 16 or older may also be required to participate.
- The applicants can benefit from visa-free travel to all EU Schengen countries, as well as Switzerland, the UK, and Ireland. Besides, they can travel around the CARICOM with their Saint Kitts & Nevis passport.
- There is no minimum residency requirement. However, applicants who choose the real estate investment route must hold their property for at least seven years.
- As one of the tax haven places in the Carribeans, the citizens do not have to pay income tax.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Benefits of Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
- Eligibility Criteria for Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
- Saint Kitts & Nevis Investment Options
- Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI Fees and Costs
- Investment Requirements
- Application Process: How to Get Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment?
- How to Get a St Kitts Passport
Benefits of Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship by investment offers valuable benefits to its applicants. The following benefits are stated below:
Travel and Global Mobility
Located in the Caribbean, the benefits of Saint Kitts & Nevis citizenship makes international travel easier. The passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries. Additionally, it allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Dual Citizenship
Since the country allows dual citizenship, applicants can keep their original nationality while benefiting from a second passport. This means there is no requirement to renounce existing citizenship.
Investment and Financial Benefits
The program offers different investment options, such as real estate and government funds. As there are no personal income, wealth, or inheritance taxes, applicants can manage their finances more efficiently. To reduce risk, they only need to make their contribution in three months after their application is approved.
Family and Daily Life Benefits
Applicants can include their spouse, children, and sometimes parents in their application. Moreover, living in Saint Kitts & Nevis offers access to international schools, reliable healthcare, and a welcoming community. The country also has a rich culture with local festivals and traditions.
The Cost of Living
The cost of living in Saint Kitts & Nevis is generally lower than in major Western cities, with affordable housing, fresh local produce, and tax-friendly policies. Depending on the location you choose to live, the cost of living may change.
For example, if you prefer to live in the city center, you need to pay approximately 13,512.75 EC$ per square meter. While the payment per meter drops 10,810.20EC$, if you decide on living outside of the city center. Therefore, it also becomes a desirable retirement destination, offering warm weather, a peaceful environment.
Program Flexibility and Security
The application process is fast, and approval usually takes only a few months. The program follows clear legal rules, ensuring a safe and transparent process. Besides, there is no requirement to live in the country before or after getting citizenship. Note that applicants who prefer the real estate option, only need to hold their investment for 7 years.
Eligibility Criteria for Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment
The Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment program allows individuals to gain citizenship through donation. To apply, there are certain eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. This includes specific investment options and other criteria that must be fulfilled to qualify for citizenship.
Main Applicant
To be eligible for the citizenship by investment program, you must follow the criteria stated below:
- They must be at least 18 years old,
- They must make a substantial investment in either a government-approved real estate project or a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund,
- They must undergo a comprehensive medical examination, including proof of being free from contagious diseases.
- Background and due diligence checks to ensure applicants have no criminal history.
- They need to provide authentic documentation such as a valid passport, birth certificate, and other legal identity proofs.
- They need to demonstrate their capability to maintain themselves and their family without imposing a burden on the country through stable financial resources.
- Applicants who have had a visa denial to a country with which Saint Kitts & Nevis has visa-free access may face ineligibility, though some exceptions may apply.
- Letters of recommendation from banks, employers, or other professional entities, along with character references.
Family Inclusion
The main applicant can include the following family members in their application:
- Their spouse
- Children under 18
- Children aged 18-25 who are studying full-time at a recognized school or university and depend on the main applicant for support
- Children over 18 who have physical or mental disabilities
- Parents of the main applicant or their spouse who are 55 or older and depend on the main applicant for support.
- The main applicant’s sibling who is younger than 30 years and dependent on the main applicant for support (Note that the sibling shouldn’t have had a child).
Saint Kitts & Nevis Investment Options
There are three options the applicants can choose from to become a St Kitts and Nevis citizen through donation. These options are as follows.
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
For individuals who want to contribute to the growth and development of the islands, there’s an option to contribute a minimum of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution. It basically focuses on seven pillars of prioritization. These are:
- Fortifying the local food production
- Moving to green energy
- Contributing to the development of the economy
- Supporting eco-friendly industries
- Developing the creative economy
- Recovering from Covid-19 effects
- Providing more help for vulnerable groups
Minimum Contribution Requirement for SISC
Considering the factors stated above, it becomes a thoughtful contribution that reflects a commitment to societal improvement and offers a straightforward path to citizenship:
- Single applicant: $250,000
- Applicant and family members up to 4: $250,000
- For each additional dependant who is under 18 years old: 18: $25,000
- For each additional member who is 18 or over: $50,000
The due diligence fees are $10,000 for the main applicant, $7,500 for the dependents who are 16 and over.
Public Benefit Option (BPO)
In return for contributing to the project that benefits the nation, contributors can obtain citizenship through Public Benefit Option. Eligible projects are:
- Development of the industry
- Building real estate on State land and transferring it to State ownership
- Projects that create jobs and develop skills
Minimum Contribution Requirement for BPO
To apply for the citizenship by investment program, contributors must pay $250,000 to the approved BPO projects that can improve the public wealth. And due diligence fees are $10,000 for the main applicant, and $7,500 for each dependent.
Real Estate Investment
Under this option, there are two different sections. These are explained below:
Private Real Estate Investment
Known for its outstanding real estate investment opportunities, Saint Kitts & Nevis offers applicants a road to citizenship. To apply for this option, you need to contribute:
- A condominium unit or share in approved developments for at least $325,000.
- A single-family home in Approved Private Real Estate for at least $600,000.
- Properties under the Private Real Estate Sale Investment Option that cannot be resold for 7 years.
- Approved Private Real Estate that cannot be used for a new CBI application unless significant investment (construction, renovation, etc.) is made to the property.
Minimum Contribution Requirement for Private Real Estate Investment
There are two options for applicants to be eligible for citizenship. In the first option, the main applicant can buy a condominium unit or share in approved developments for at least US$325,000.
In the second option, you can purchase a single-family home in Approved Private Real Estate for at least $600,000. Additionally, applicants must pay due diligence fees, which are $10,000 for the main applicant, and $7,500 for each dependent.
After the initial application process, investors need to pay post-approval fees stated below:
- Main applicant: $25.000
- The spouse: $15,000
- Dependants under the age of 18: $10.000
- Dependents who are 18 or over: $15.000
Approved Real Estate Investment Option
Among St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment options, the Developer’s Real Estate Investment offers applicants the chance to put money into units in approved developments.
Minimum Contribution Requirement for Approved Real Estate Investment
Each applicant must pay $325,000 to an Approved Development which they can sell after 7 years to get citizenship. Due diligence fees in Saint Kitts citizenship by investment include $10,000 for the main applicant, and $7,500 for each dependent.
After the initial application, the main applicant must pay:
- Main applicant: $25.000
- The spouse: $15,000
- Dependants under the age of 18: $10.000
- Dependents who are 18 or over: $15.000
In addition to these fees, real estate buyers should consider purchase costs, such as required insurance fund contributions and conveyance fees.
Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI Fees and Costs
The following table demonstrates the required investment amounts, and governmental and due diligence fees:
| Investment Option | Minimum Contribution | Due Diligence Fees | Dependents Fees |
| Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) | $250,000 (Single Applicant or Family up to 4) | $10,000 (Main Applicant) $7,500 (Dependents 16+) | $25,000 (per additional dependent under 18) $50,000 (per additional dependent 18+) |
| Public Benefit Option (BPO) | $250,000 | $10,000 (Main Applicant) $7,500 (Each Dependent) | N/A |
| Private Real Estate Investment | $325,000 (Condo/unit share) $600,000 (Single-family home) | $10,000 (Main Applicant) $7,500 (Each Dependent) | $25,000 (Main Applicant) $15,000 (Spouse) $10,000 (Dependents under 18) $15,000 (Dependents 18+) |
| Approved Real Estate Investment Option | $325,000 (Approved Development) | $10,000 (Main Applicant) $7,500 (Each Dependent) | $25,000 (Main Applicant) $15,000 (Spouse) $10,000 (Dependents under 18) $15,000 (Dependents 18+) |
Investment Requirements
To be eligible for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, the applicants should contribute one of the following options.
- Investment in approved property projects with a 7 years holding period, with minimum amounts set by the government
- Non-refundable contributions to the government’s development fund, with varying tiers based on family size
Due Diligence Requirements
To prevent any illegal applications, the government investigates the financial status of the applicant before they admit his/her citizenship contribution. Therefore, you need to:
- Provide a clean criminal record
- Offer a detailed analysis of financial sources to confirm legitimacy, transparency, and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
- Have no visa refusals from any country with which Saint Kitts & Nevis has visa-free access
- Attend face-to-face or virtual interviews
Minimum Stay Requirement
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria of the program, you do not have to stay in Saint Kitts and Nevis. There are no obligations related to minimum stay requirements. Therefore, you can stay and live wherever you want during the process.
Interview
Each main applicant must attend an interview after they submit their application as a part of the security protocol. Besides, each dependent who is 16 or over may also be required to attend the interview.
Required Documents
Before applying for the citizenship by investment program, you must gather certain documents:
- Application forms
- Copies of passports, national IDs, or other government-issued identification for all applicants
- Certified birth certificates to verify age and relationships within the family
- Official medical reports confirming the general well-being of applicants
- A clean criminal background
- Marriage or divorce certificates to affirm marital conditions
- Detailed financial evidence, including bank statements, asset documents, or other proofs of fiscal responsibility
- Legally validated documents related to the investment route chosen, such as property agreements or fund donation receipts
- Official receipts, bank transaction records, or notarized documents that confirm full payment of all associated costs and fees
- Letters of recommendation from professional associates, financial institutions, or community leaders to validate personal character and professional standing
Application Process: How to Get Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment?
1. Get into Contact with Get Golden Visa
Before you apply, you can contact Get Golden Visa’s expert team. Our experts will provide you the necessary information and donation opportunities to streamline your CBI program.
2. Gather All The Required Documents
In this process, you are required to gather the necessary documents stated above and complete the forms. It usually takes 2-4 weeks.
3.Document Review and Interview
At this point, the government or an authorized agency will verify the documents submitted. They may cross-reference with international databases to gather further information or clarify any uncertainties including due diligence check, which typically takes 4 months.
Regardless of the investment type, the applicants need to attend the interview which is conducted by an independent firm or Unit officials. Besides, dependents who are 16 or older may also be asked to show up in the interview.
4.Submitting the Citizenship Application
After attending the interview, you will get an approval-in-principle letter. Then, you need to make your contribution within three months, pay the necessary fees and send your proof of payment to CIU. This process will typically take up to 3 months.
5. Receiving Citizenship Approval
Once the application is reviewed, and if all criteria are met, you can obtain your citizenship approval. The processing time generally takes 4 to 6 months. Following that, you can apply for the St. Kitts and Nevis passport.
How to Get a St Kitts Passport
Once you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, your authorized agent will typically handle the passport application process for you. After that, you will be issued a passport valid for 10 years within 4 weeks. It can be renewed if it is lost, expired, or if the passport holder has changed their name. Passport fee is $350.
Get Golden Visa: Discover Our Expertise and Let Us Guide You
Get Golden Visa is a customized investment consultancy firm. We assist individuals in acquiring dual residency and citizenship by facilitating the necessary investments, whether in real estate, subscribing to funds, or other financial ventures.
Reach out to our seasoned professionals for answers to any queries you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you qualify for St Kitts citizenship by investment?
Qualifying for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment involves several paths. A minimum donation of $250,000 into the Sustainable Growth Fund or a real estate investment of at least $400,000 in government-approved properties can be made. All options require a due diligence fee and are subject to government fees.
How strong is St Kitts passport?
The St Kitts and Nevis passport ranking is 17th globally in 2025. Renowned for its strength, the St. Kitts passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, making it a highly regarded travel document.
Can I live in Europe with a St Kitts passport?
A St Kitts passport does not grant automatic residency in Europe, but it does provide visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Thus,permanent residency would require adherence to individual country regulations.
Is dual citizenship allowed in St Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment grants dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain your original citizenship while enjoying the benefits of Nevis citizenship. This includes visa free travel, real estate investment opportunities, and more.
What are the fees associated with obtaining citizenship?
Along with the minimum contribution, either through real estate investment or other avenues, additional costs include government fees and a due diligence fee. These are essential parts of the process to obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.
What are the benefits of investing in real estate in St Kitts and Nevis?
Real estate investment in St Kitts and Nevis not only qualifies you for Nevis citizenship but also presents an opportunity for potential growth in property value.
Is foreign income taxed in St. Kitts and Nevis?
No, St. Kitts and Nevis does not tax foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or inheritance.
Can foreigners purchase property in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, foreigners, including US citizens, can buy property in St. Kitts and Nevis when they purchase government-approved real estate under the Citizenship by Investment program.
