Over the past decades, St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program has proved itself to one of the most reputable and sought-after CBI programs, giving qualified investors and their families the ability to gain citizenship within 6 months with no residency requirements. Thanks to the new changes introduced early this year, St. Kitts and Nevis program has become more attractive, transparent, and sustainable. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, and the benefits of holding its passport.
About St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island Caribbean destination located some 2,000 km to the southeast of Miami. The twin islands have impressive natural beauty, with pristine beaches and tropical landscapes.
St. Kitts is covered in black and gray sand beaches, while Nevis is nearly unspoiled in its natural splendor. Coral reefs surround the islands, beckoning swimmers and snorkelers from all over the Caribbean. The tropic islands are also a prime location for bird watching, with more than 170 species of birds existing there. The country is well connected by flights from US and Europe.
It is one of the smallest Caribbean islands with a population of just 55,000. The capital city of Basseterre is home to one of the most prominent medical schools in the Caribbean: The University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
It is also home to the headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, as well as the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, which lists securities for companies and corporations in the region.
While tourism and agriculture have always been the main industries in this island state, St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program founded in 1984 has also become another pillar in the economy in recent years. It is the oldest program of its kind and one of the most reputable citizenship by investment programs in the world.
Benefits of Saint Kitts and Nevis Passport
A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free access to 157 destinations, including the EU Schengen area, Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, as well as easy obtaining of a B-1/B-2 visa for the United States, which is valid for 10 years. St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders can also get a 10-year tourist visa to Canada that grants multiple 180-day entries. Holders of St. Kitts and Nevis passport can also benefit from tax exemptions, as there aren’t any taxes on income received outside of its borders.
St. Kitts and Nevis passport is issued for 10 years and can be renewed. A spouse, children under 25, and parents over 55 can receive citizenship with the investor without any residency requirements.
St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders have access to quality education, and students can apply for fully funded scholarship programs in the country and in the UK and US as well. As for young children, the compulsory 12-year school program in the country is free. St. Kitts and Nevis is known for its medical institutions, hosting the University of Medicine and Health Science, where students are qualified to sit for medical licensing exams and gain residency and licensure in the US and Canada.
St. Kitts and Nevis has plenty of business opportunities, and it is famous for its foreign-friendly business policies. With its sunny and mesmerizing beaches and strong national infrastructure, the country has turned into one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean. The country guarantees as well financial privacy by not making any information about offshore business owners and top managers public.
St Kitts and Nevis Passport Ranking
Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is ranked 26th among global passports in 2023, achieving first place among Caribbean passports. It is considered one of the most desirable passports as it gives its holder visa-free access to 157 destinations including the UK, Schengen Area, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many Latin American countries.
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Program
The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Kitts and Nevis was established in 1984, making it the oldest and one of the most reputable citizenship by investment programs in the world. The program allows foreign investors to acquire a St Kitts and Nevis passport and citizenship if they meet certain criteria and successfully pass a thorough due diligence process. St Kitts and Nevis passport and citizenship are granted to qualified applicants within 6 months with no residency requirements. Citizenship is irrevocable and is granted for life.
FAQs about St Kitts and Nevis Passport
Answers to the most frequently asked questions related to St. Kitts program, the investments required, the total cost and the contributions are given below.
How do I become a citizen of St Kitts?
To qualify for citizenship and gain St Kitts and Nevis passports by investment, applicants must submit an application and undergo due diligence. Application forms are only available with authorized agents. Applicants are also required to invest in one of the qualifying routes for citizenship. The first option is a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), and the second is purchase of a real estate property in a government-approved project.
How much does it cost to become a citizen of St Kitts?
Starting from January 1, 2023, until June 30, 2023, a main applicant can make a minimum investment of $125,000 to the SGF. A main applicant and a spouse should invest $150,000 and with additional two dependents the cost surges to $170,000, and each additional dependent under 18 years ($10,000), and above 18 ($25,000).
Applicants can choose to make a minimum investment of at least $200,000 in an approved real estate development which must be held for 7 years. They can also apply for citizenship by purchasing a qualified private home for a minimum investment of $400,000 per main applicant. Unlike the preapproved real estate option, investing in a private home means that it cannot be converted into apartments, condominiums, or divided, and cannot be sold for five years after citizenship is granted, and the property may never be eligible for use in a subsequent Citizenship by Investment application.
How strong is St. Kitts passport?
Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is ranked 26th among global passports, acquiring first place among Caribbean passports. It provides visa-free or visa on arrival access to 157 destinations.
Can I work in USA with St. Kitts passport?
St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders can receive a B-1/B-2 visa for ten years. With this visa, an investor can stay in the US for up to 180 consecutive days during the year. The procedure takes two or three weeks, and the purpose of the visit can be for tourism, treatment, or attending business meetings and conferences.
What nationality is St. Kitts?
After a decisive British victory over the French at Brimstone Hill in 1782, the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis became permanently controlled by the British. Today, the majority of the population is comprised of descendants of Africans. In 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained independence from Britain. St. Kitts & Nevis is a sovereign state and a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as its head of state. It is also part of the British Commonwealth.
What are citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis called?
The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are called Kittitians and Nevisians. Generally, a person holding a citizenship from St. Kitts & Nevis is simply referred to as a ‘Kittitian’.
How do I get St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship?
The government authority is responsible for administering the program, while the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for processing all applications, and examining them thoroughly and if deemed necessary, may request the applicant to attend an interview although this is highly unlikely. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information in the application. To obtain St. Kitts and Nevis passport, applicants must contribute to the approved government fund or invest in a qualifying government-approved real estate property. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the project. Therefore, selecting a real estate project that can provide the necessary paperwork required from the developer for the citizenship application is important.
Is St Kitts citizenship worth it?
St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship-by-investment program is one of the oldest and most reputable programs. Applicants obtain an irrevocable St Kitts and Nevis passport without having to reside in the country or renounce their current nationality. St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship offers its citizens a wide range of benefits such as world-class healthcare, education, international banking, and access to one of the world’s best passports in terms of strength and visa-free travel. Also, St. Kitts and Nevis citizens benefit from being citizens of a Commonwealth country which gives them some rights in the UK including special student scholarships at many leading UK universities reserved for citizens of Commonwealth countries.
Can I travel to the USA with Saint Kitts and Nevis passports?
St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders can receive a B-1/B-2 visa for ten years. With this visa, an investor can travel to the US and stay for up to 180 consecutive days during the year.
How much does it cost to buy citizenship in St Kitts?
The total cost for an individual to acquire citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis is $132,500. This includes a $125,000 contribution to the SGF and $7,500 due diligence fees. While the total cost of citizenship when choosing the real estate investment option is a minimum $232,500. This includes a $200,000 investment in an approved real estate project held for 7 years, $25,000 government fees, and $7,500 due diligence fees. The cost would rise to $432,500 for a private home property held for 5 years.
Can I work in UK with St Kitts passport?
Staying in the UK is allowed with a passport of St. Kitts and Nevis up to 180 days a year. The term can be divided into several visits or living in the UK for six months in a row. However, the passport holders cannot be employed by a UK company. An employment visa in the UK must be obtained if a St. Kitts & Nevis citizen is seeking employment. If the purpose of moving to the UK is employment or study at a British university, St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders need to obtain a residence permit for the relevant category.