Saint Kitts and Nevis: all programs

Saint Kitts and Nevis in brief

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island federation in the eastern Caribbean with about 47,000 people, the smallest state in the Western Hemisphere. The capital is Basseterre on Saint Kitts; Nevis's main town is Charlestown. The economy rests on tourism, building villas and hotels, financial services and the world's oldest citizenship by investment programme, running since 1984.

The currency is the East Caribbean dollar, firmly pegged to the US dollar at 2.70. English is the official language. There is no personal income tax.

How to obtain status in 2026

Due diligence is added to the contribution: $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for each family member aged 16+. Applicants are interviewed, and the whole path takes 3-6 months.

Citizenship and passport

Citizenship by investment is granted with no requirement to live on the island; it passes to children, and dual citizenship is allowed. The St Kitts passport gives visa-free entry to many countries, including Schengen and the UK, but travel conditions change, so check them at the time of applying. Naturalisation through residence is possible but takes many years.

What changed since 2024

Caribbean states agreed a $200,000 minimum price for citizenship and common due diligence standards, including interviews. St Kitts passed a new programme law, raised the contribution to $250,000 and set a seven-year property holding period. Checks have become longer and stricter, especially on source of funds and past visa refusals.

Which nationalities the programme excludes

The citizenship by investment programme does not accept applications from citizens of Russia, Belarus and several other countries. The restriction concerns applying for citizenship, not travel: entry to the islands for these passports follows the general visa rules.

If your passport is on the list, a manager in the chat will suggest another citizenship by investment country and compare timelines and costs. Ask an expert.

Practicalities

• applications can be filed only through a licensed agent;
• the contribution is paid after approval in principle, and the due diligence fee is not refunded on refusal;
• after citizenship the passport is issued separately and renewed through consulates;
• to live on the island, arrange housing and a car in advance; traffic drives on the left;
• insure property for the hurricane season from June to November.

If you move: the first 30 days

Most St Kitts passport holders do not live on the islands. Those who move spend the first month on entry, housing, a car and a bank account.

1. Entry. Citizens of the UK, the European Union, the US and Canada need no visa to visit, with a stay of 3 to 6 months depending on the passport. Before travel every visitor obtains an electronic travel authorisation, and the passport must be valid for at least 6 more months. A stay can be extended at the immigration department for a fee.
2. Work. You cannot work on visitor entry: a foreigner needs a work permit, issued before starting work. St Kitts citizens need no permit.
3. Housing. For the first weeks a serviced flat paid by the month in Frigate Bay is convenient, while a long lease is found in advance or on the spot.
4. Car. Buses here are private minibuses without a fixed timetable, so almost everyone drives. A foreigner drives on a temporary licence: about $25 for 3 months or about $50 for a year. It is issued by the traffic police or directly by the rental company.
5. Bank. A local bank account requires a reference letter from your bank no older than 3 months, statements proving income and proof of address. Source of funds documents are prepared before arrival. More on the page about a personal account in St Kitts.
6. Insurance. A policy with medical evacuation is arranged before the move, so that you are covered for serious illness from day one.

Taxes

Citizenship alone does not change tax residence: tax is paid where you live unless you move to the island.

Property

A foreigner buying property outside programme-approved projects needs a landholding licence, with a fee of 10% of the purchase price or assessed market value, whichever is higher. Properties in approved projects are bought without a separate licence and used for citizenship. The main buying areas are Frigate Bay, the southern peninsula with luxury estates, and quiet Nevis.

Business and accounts

A company on the island is registered through a local lawyer, and a foreigner needs a permit to work in the country. Local banks open accounts for new citizens and residents but run strict source-of-funds checks. We help with personal accounts and property selection.

Cost of living

Budget for the first 3 months

One person with rent needs $2,800-4,000 a month, or $8,400-12,000 for three months. On top come the landlord's deposit and a car: cars are imported to the islands, so buying and renting cost more than in the US. A family with two children and a two-bedroom home in Frigate Bay needs from $4,500 a month, more with a private school.

Money is easiest kept in US dollars: the local currency is pegged to the dollar, and dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Districts, prices and life in the capital are covered in the Basseterre guide. A manager in the chat will calculate the full cost of moving for your family.

Family: schools and healthcare

Public schools teach in English on the British system, and there is a private international school. Healthcare is limited: the Basseterre hospital handles simple cases, and complex treatment means flying to Puerto Rico, the US or neighbouring islands, so insurance with evacuation is needed.

Where to live

Frigate Bay is chosen for beaches, restaurants and golf, Basseterre for work and shops, the southern peninsula for secluded seaside villas, and Nevis for quiet and nature. See the Basseterre city guide.

Citizenship, property and accounts: further reading

• St Kitts citizenship by investment - contribution, property, due diligence and timelines.
• Property in St Kitts - approved projects and how to buy.
• Personal account - documents and checks at a local bank.
• Business account - for a company that works with the islands.

Who Saint Kitts and Nevis suits

Investors who want a reliable second passport without a residence requirement and without income tax, and families planning travel and education abroad. It suits less those who need a big city and strong healthcare nearby.