The Citizenship by Investment Programme of St.Kitts and Nevis was the first programme of its kind to be established in 1984. The St.Kitts and Nevis Citizenship programme is based on statute, which means that the granted citizenship may not be revoked no matter what changes may occur in the governmental executives or policy.

Below you can find some of the most frequently asked questions on this scheme:

Requirements

Which requirements should be met in order to submit an application to this scheme ?

The main applicant:

• Must be at least eighteen years of age.
• Must have made or intends to make an investment in the prescribed amount.
• Must meet other application requirements.

What are the minimum financial requirements?

To enter the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program,  two options are available to the applicants:

• Donation of $250,000 to the Sugar Industry diversification foundation (SIDF).
• Purchase of Real Estate in Saint-Kitts and Nevis, the value of which should be at least $400,000.

In addition to the aforementioned amounts, the applicant should take into account the application, due diligence and legal fees, as well as the additional fees for each family dependent ($50,000 / dependent).

Which is the main difference between the SIDF and the Real Estate schemes?

The amount of $250,000 donated to the Sugar Industry diversification Foundation is non-refundable. This is not the case with the Real Estate option, which is recoverable, as it can be sold after 5 years.

Dependants

Can family members be included in the application of the main applicant?

Yes, all permitted dependants can be included in an application (with an additional charge of $50,000 per person).

A permitted dependent is considered to be:

• The spouse of the main applicant
• A child under eighteen (18) years old of the main applicant or his/her spouse
• A child of the main applicant or his or her spouse between 18 and 25 years that  is enrolled at a recognized institution of higher education and is fully supported by the main applicant
• Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his/her spouse above the age of 65 years that are fully supported by the main applicant
• A child of the main applicant or his/her spouse, over the age of 18 years and that is physically or mentally challenged, and as a result is fully supported by the main applicant.

Is there a limit to the number of dependents?

No, such a limit does not exist.

Residency and visit requirements

Is it necessary to reside in St Kitts and Nevis in order to apply for this scheme?

No, there are no residency requirements.

Is travelling to St. Kits and Nevis necessary in order to complete the application?

Generally speaking visiting St. Kitts and Nevis is not necessary in order to complete the application process. However, an interview might be required.

Application Procedure

How long does the application procedure last?

3 – 6 months are required for the assessment of the application.

What documents are required?

The following documents are required among others:

• Clear criminal record from the country of residency of the applicant.
• Original birth certificate.
• HIV medical clearance
• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Two financial reference letters (from Banks, Lawyers or Chartered Accountants)

Benefits

Which are the benefits of acquiring the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship?

Here are some of the benefits that a Citizen by investment can enjoy:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more that 130 countries and territories. The list includes Schengen European countries and major countries in Latin America, North America and Asia
• Tax Benefits: no taxes on income, capital gains, gifts, wealth and inheritance.
• No residency or visit requirements.
• No notification to other countries on the new citizenship.

You can find more information on the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship scheme by investment in our related brochure.