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How to Get St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment - St. Kitts Passport Application

St. Kitts And Nevis Citizenship By Investment In 2023

Saint Kitts and Nevis is emerging as a premier luxury destination in the Caribbean, characterized by its thriving trade and tourism hub offering abundant business prospects and favorable tax incentives. This has elevated the allure of Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by investment program, an exceedingly coveted opportunity captivating numerous investors.

Pioneered in 1984, this program holds the distinction of being the world's inaugural citizenship-by-investment initiative and has flourished into the Caribbean's foremost citizenship-by-substantial investment (CSI) scheme.

The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, more commonly known as St. Kitts and Nevis, is a beautiful island country in the Caribbean. It’s the smallest nation-state in the Americas, yet its size is definitely not a reflection of all that it offers.

This dual-island nation is exactly what you’d envision of an exotic paradise. Some St Kitts highlights are the dense tropical rainforests, lush foliage, vervet monkeys, pristine aquamarine waters, white sand beaches, abundant sunshine, and two majestic, dormant volcanoes. In addition to its lavish natural beauty, it has a rich Caribbean culture and heritage.

Investment Options

Saint Kitts and Nevis offers several avenues for investors to secure full citizenship for themselves and their families through economic contributions. There are currently 2 options available:

  1. Investing in approved real estate developments
  2. Making a non-refundable donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).

Here are the details on how to get a St. Kitts passport.

St.Kitts Citizenship by Real Estate Investment

Real estate developments


One of the investment options is approved real estate projects. These government-designated real estate projects provide investment opportunities in upscale hotel shares, villas, and condominiums.

Under the new regulations, you must invest a minimum of US$400,000 in an Approved Development property, with a 7-year holding rule and one resale chance.

Alternatively, you can invest in Approved Private Homes: US$400,000 for condos or US$800,000 for single-family homes. The 7-year holding rule applies, and joint investments for single homes are not allowed.

If you want to sell an Approved Private Home to another CBI candidate, additional investment is needed to enhance the property value.

In addition to the investment, the following processing and due diligence fees are required by the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis:

Government Fees:

  • Main applicant – US$25,000
  • Spouse – US$15,000
  • Dependent below 18 years – US$10,000
  • Dependent over 18 years or parent aged 65 and above – US$15,000

Due Diligence Fees:

  • Main applicant – US$10,000
  • Dependents over 16 years – US$7,500

Please note that the applicant is also required to pay legal fees for the purchase, registration, and tax on the property.

This option provides an easy exit strategy. The real estate can be resold 7 years after purchase, and the subsequent property buyer can apply for citizenship, provided they meet all the requirements.

St-Kitts Passport through Sustainable Growth Fund Investment

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)


Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is the new fund replacing the old Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) that has been created to advance sustainable sectors such as local food production, green energy, creative economy, recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, and expanding social protection and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable citizens.

The purpose is to benefit every citizen and resident of St. Kitts and Nevis through its affiliated programs.

The SISC requires a non-refundable contribution that meets the following financial criteria:

  • US$250,000 for a single applicant
  • US$300,000 for a single applicant and a spouse
  • US$300,000 for a main applicant and one dependent
  • US$350,000 for a main applicant, a spouse, and one or two dependents
  • US$350,000 for a main applicant and two or three dependents
  • US$50,000 for each additional dependent under 18
  • US$75,000 for each additional dependent aged 18 or above.

As per Citizenship by Substantial Investment (CSI) Regulation 3, eligible dependents are:

  • Children under 18
  • Children aged 18-25 in full-time education, fully supported by the main applicant
  • Individuals aged 18+ with disabilities fully reliant on the main applicant
  • Parents aged 65+ living with and supported by the main applicant.

Changes:

  • Siblings are no longer eligible
  • Grandparents are no longer eligible
  • The minimum parent age increased to 65.

Spouse definition unchanged.

Due Diligence Fees:

  • Main applicant–US$10,000
  • Dependents over 16 years – US$7,500

Qualifications & Conditions

In addition to the financial requirements, there are several other qualifications and conditions that must be met in order to apply:

  • Be older than 18 years old
  • Hold no criminal record
  • Have high net-worth
  • Legitimate and verifiable source of funds
  • Be in excellent health 

NB: *There are several countries whose citizens are presently restricted from applying to Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship program. These include citizens of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Belarus, Cuba, and Russia.

St kitts passport application process

The step-by-step application process


The application process for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is straightforward. In fact, the St Kitts and Nevis Program is one of the fastest ways to secure a second passport in the Caribbean. The application processing time is currently 4 months regardless of which investment option you choose.

Standard application

The first step of the application process for Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship is completing application forms C1, C2, C3, and C4. Each person applying must purchase one set of application forms from the government. Each set of forms costs US$250.00. We can provide you with these forms once you are ready to start the application procedure.

Next, you must send us the original, completed forms along with their required supporting documents for compliance verification. The application fees associated with the program can be paid prior to starting the application process. 

A recent update has been made to the application process for investors seeking citizenship through investment. Now, a mandatory interview is required as part of this process (for the main applicant and dependents aged 16+). This interview can be conducted either virtually or in person at a location approved by the Board of Governors.

Note: All government fees associated with the SISC options must be wired directly to the Government Escrow account via one of the banks listed on form C4. A copy of the wire receipts should then be emailed to High Net Worth Immigration (HNWI).

Upon your application getting approved, there is a $361* passport fee for each new Saint Kitts and Nevis passport that is issued.


St kitts citizenship requirements

 

Documents Required

The Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU) is the Government Authority that handles all matters concerning Citizenship by Investment in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. 

Applications for citizenship cannot be directly submitted to the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit; they can only be handled by an authorized local service provider or local lawyers.  

Forms

  • Form C1: Application for registration as a Citizen 
  • Form C2: Photograph and Signature Certificate 
  • Form C3: Medical Certificate including original results of HIV Test (an HIV test is required for anyone applying for citizenship, including children over 12 years, and the results must not be older than 3 months).
  • Form C4: SISC option onlyInvestment Confirmation/Escrow Agreement

The Real Estate Investment option requires an additional set of documents:

  • Copy of a duly executed real estate contract
  • Copy of duly executed escrow agreement
  • Completed Purchase and Sales Agreement
  • Evidence of title transfer (if the closing of the property has already taken place)
  • Confirmation of all funds having been deposited in the escrow account.

Supporting documents

  • Original birth record or certified copy of the birth certificate (i.e., a birth document that includes your parent’s details, a household register, a family book, etc.)
  • Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of current national identity cards (children under the age of 16 are exempted)
  • Certified copy of current passports
  • HIV Test Results must be no older than 3 months (children under the age of 12 are exempted)
  • Police Certificate “certificate of no criminal record” or “police clearance certificate” from the country of citizenship and any country where you have lived for more than 1 year over the past 10 years (children under the age of 16 are exempted)
  • 8 passport-size photographs taken within the past 6 months (N.B. one of the photographs must be certified and attached to the C2 form)

Additional documents required from the main applicant

  • C4 application Form - SISC Option
  • At least 1 professional reference (e.g. from an attorney, notary public, chartered accountant) from within the last 6 months
  • Bank statements for 1 year from the date of submission of application
  • At least 1 bank reference letter issued by an internationally-recognized bank within the last 6 months
  • Certified copy of Military Records or exemption from military service (if applicable)
  • Evidence of permanent residential address (e.g. certified copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement showing full name and address, or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant, or notary public)
  • Employment Letter(s) stating the start date of employment, position, and salary
  • Certified copy of Business License or Incorporation documents
  • 1 original copy of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificates (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of divorce documents (if applicable)
  • Statement and proof showing the source of investment funds
  • Affidavit of Financial Support for applicants between the ages of 18 -25 
  • Certified copy of university degrees (if applicable)
  • Limited Power of Attorney

* A legal translation must accompany any documents not in English.

Most documents can be certified as true copies from the embassy/consulate of the issuing country, or by a Notary Public. All reference letters should be on letterhead and stamped. All stamps should be in English or translated into English. 

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What are St Kitts Citizenship Benefits

Benefits of St. Kitts citizenship and passport?


Becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis opens a whole new world of benefits and opportunities, both for your business and lifestyle alike. The program provides all sorts of freedom when it comes to mobility, wealth management, investment development, and business expansion. With all of these assets, it’s no surprise that the Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is one of the most highly sought-after in the world.

Easily-to-Satisfy Requirements

There’s no need for you or your family members to:

  • Reside or spend any amount of time in the country (though you certainly can!)
  • Give up your current nationality
  • Provide proof of previous investor or business experience.
  • Be proficient in English.

Financial Benefits

  • There are no income, net wealth, or capital gains taxes and no inheritance or gift taxes.
  • Tax breaks for new investors.
  • Practically, if you live in Saint Kitts and Nevis, you can do so tax-free.

Lifestyle

  • Lifetime St. Kitts citizenship for you and your family, which can then be passed on to future generations.
  • The right to reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as in most of the CARICOM member countries at any time and for any length of time.
  • Beautiful place to live with tropical temperatures, gorgeous beaches, and stunning natural beauty.
  • Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis can hold dual citizenship.
  • Full discretion, ensuring that one’s new citizenship status is not reported to third parties and other countries.

Business

    • Significant growth in the high-end tourism sector and affiliated real estate developments.
    • Ample opportunities for labor-intensive manufacturing of goods for export to the United States and Europe, both of which enable decreased import duties on certain goods manufactured in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
    • The workforce is well-educated, friendly, and proficient in English.
    • The government is very keen to expand new labor-intensive industries and grants tax breaks, guaranteed repatriation of profits, and concessions on import duties.

 

Get started on your immigration journey by booking a free consultation today!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: Yes, the program was set up in 1984 by the Citizenship Act part 2, section 3 of the Constitution.
A: To enter the program, you can invest either in real estate or in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). The minimum investment for a single applicant is $250,000 under the SISC and $400,000 under Real Estate.
A:  The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is a federal consolidated fund aimed at improving the socioeconomic situation in St Kitts and Nevis, and the amount of money donated is non-refundable. This is not the case with the Real Estate option as it can be sold after 7 years.
A:  The Real Estate option is more expensive but is a recoverable investment. The SISC option is non-refundable, however, it’s cheaper.
A:  Yes, children born after their parents obtained citizenship would be granted St. Kitts and Nevis via citizenship by descent.
A:  No, there is no limitation on the number of dependents that can form part of each application. However, each dependent will incur an additional fee.

A:  Traveling to St Kitts and Nevis is not obligatory in order to complete the application process. However, the investor and dependent applicants aged 16+ now must attend the interview virtually or in person.

 

A: It is not possible to apply online. A prospective investor must make an application through a government authorized agent. 
A: No, this is not a prerequisite for applying to the St. Kitts citizenship by investment program.

A:  The passport has to be renewed every 10 years. The renewal can be done in any St Kitts and Nevis embassy or consulate around the world.  We can assist with the passport renewal as well.
A: A refund of the initial investment is possible, less application and legal/processing fees.
A: There are a number of reasons for having your application refused. These include a criminal record, tainted reputation and being unable to pass the due diligence requirement. 

A:  No, you need to go through an authorized agent.

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Vicky Katsarova, CEO

“My world travels and my own immigration experiences have given me a deep understanding and clear insight into each of our clients’ specific requirements, aspirations and concerns. It is this intense personal association with client expectations and needs that helps to set our company and our service apart.”

how-to-obtain-st-kitts-citizenship-by-investment

As evidenced by all of the benefits above, there are many reasons why the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program is considered one of the most successful programs of its kind. When it comes to expanding your mobility, freedom and business opportunities, a second citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis truly opens up a beautiful paradise for work, leisure, and wealth management.

If you are interested in learning more about this investment opportunity, please contact us today for your free initial consultation.

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