Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment in 2025 is a prestigious program that allows investors and their families to obtain a second passport in just 4–6 months — without a residence requirement, with visa-free access to 154 countries worldwide, and with tax advantages.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an English-speaking Caribbean nation known for a favorable business climate and scenic landscapes. Since 1984, it has operated the world’s first economic citizenship program: the investor makes a substantial contribution to the country’s economy (for example, a non-refundable donation of $250,000 to a state fund or a real estate purchase from $325,000) and, in return, receives local citizenship and a Caribbean passport.
Obtaining a second passport of Saint Kitts and Nevis gives the investor nearly unrestricted freedom of movement — visa-free entry to 154 countries (including the EU and Schengen) and long-term visas to key destinations (a 10-year U.S. visa).
In addition, citizens are exempt from tax on worldwide income; there are also no wealth taxes or inheritance duties on personal assets and estates. Membership in the Commonwealth of Nations grants special privileges in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. The Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI program is globally renowned for its reliability and high standing — its clear rules and strict due diligence checks make the path to a second citizenship safe and transparent.
Legal Framework for Obtaining Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
The program is governed by the national legislation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Its foundations are set out in the Citizenship Act of 1984 and subsequent regulations, including the 2011 Citizenship by Investment Regulations. A dedicated authority — the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) — administers the program under the 2024 Citizenship by Investment Program Management Act.
An applicant must contribute the officially prescribed amount: currently the minimum non-refundable donation is $250,000 (Sustainable Island State Contribution, SISC) or an equivalent investment in approved real estate (from $325,000).
The program also offers a unique opportunity to participate in public-interest projects. The Public Benefit Option (PBO) allows an investor to contribute a minimum of $250,000 to a government-approved social project with long-term significance for the country’s development. This option is particularly attractive for those who want not only a second passport but also to make a tangible contribution to the economy and society of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The main applicant must be over 18, have a clean reputation, and prove the lawful source of funds. Due diligence requirements include the absence of criminal convictions and serious financial problems. General immigration restrictions also apply: those previously refused a Schengen or U.S. visa (without subsequently obtaining one), and those with a criminal conviction or bankruptcy in the last 10 years, are not eligible. A mandatory due diligence fee is payable — $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for each adult family member.
The applicant may include immediate family members: a spouse and children (minors, as well as up to age 26 if in education). In addition, financially dependent parents or parents over 55 (of the applicant or spouse) fully supported by the applicant may be included. Thus, Saint Kitts and Nevis investment citizenship allows an entire family to obtain passports, with citizenship transmissible by descent to future generations.
Benefits of Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
- Visa-Free Travel And Global MobilityThe investor and family receive visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom. A Caribbean passport gives remarkable mobility — tourism and business trips become faster and easier, and the need for visas is minimized.
- Tax Advantages And Financial BenefitsSaint Kitts and Nevis offers a highly favorable tax regime. There is no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, gifts, or inheritance.
This means an investor can have businesses or bank accounts worldwide, and, upon relocating to Saint Kitts, their global income is not taxed locally. Such conditions make the Federation attractive for global investors and entrepreneurs.
Citizens can also do business on the islands with minimal administrative barriers, opening additional financial advantages. - Citizenship For The Whole FamilyThe program allows inclusion of close relatives: spouse and minor children, as well as children up to 26 who are enrolled in higher education. Foreign investors value the ability to secure citizenship for the entire family at once.
Moreover, future generations benefit from citizenship by descent: children born in wedlock to citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis automatically receive a passport. Thus, citizenship acquired through investment may be passed down, ensuring long-term stability and rights for the investor’s descendants. - Dual Citizenship And Commonwealth PrivilegesSaint Kitts and Nevis permits dual (multiple) citizenship, so the investor need not renounce their existing nationality. This provides flexibility — one can use the advantages of their home-country passport while also benefiting from a Caribbean passport.
As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Saint Kitts grants its citizens particular privileges when traveling and doing business in Commonwealth countries (including the UK). There are no residency requirements after obtaining the passport — you are free to live and work wherever convenient while retaining citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis. - Caribbean Lifestyle And SecurityCitizenship opens the door to a high quality of life in a tropical climate. The islands are known for pristine nature, clean beaches, and warm seas, making local living comfortable and health-friendly.
Citizens can reside permanently or seasonally, enjoying the environment, infrastructure, and an international expat community. Saint Kitts and Nevis is among the safest states in the region.
How to obtain Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: Step-by-Step Guide
You select an agent from the CIU’s official roster, sign an agreement, pass initial KYC (passport scans, basic questionnaires), and decide on the investment route:
– SISC (Sustainable Island State Contribution)
– Real Estate (approved private real estate: share/condo or a standalone home)
– Public Benefit Option (contribution to an approved social project)
The agent completes official forms and files the dossier with the CIU.
Due diligence fees are paid at this stage: $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for each dependent aged 16+.
Your application is assigned a number; the CIU sends an acknowledgment and initiates checks.
Within 120–180 days from acknowledgment of receipt, you will receive one of: approval-in-principle, refusal, or a notice of continued review.
Keep supplementary documents on source of funds/wealth ready; prompt responses to CIU requests speed things up.
- SISC (State-Fund Contribution): $250,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four; additional dependents: $25,000 (under 18) / $50,000 (18+).
- Approved Private Real Estate: minimum $325,000 — condo/share in a project or $600,000 for a standalone home; minimum holding period 7 years.
- Public Benefit Option (PBO): $250,000 minimum contribution to a government-approved social or infrastructure project (for example, schools, hospitals, tourism facilities). The amount is fixed for a single applicant or a family of up to four; surcharges for dependents are the same ($25,000 per child under 18, $50,000 per adult dependent).
The agent submits transfer confirmations and receipts for all government fees to the CIU.
The Passport Office then processes your passport; filing and logistics are usually coordinated by the agent.
There are no residency requirements; citizenship is lifelong and can be passed on by descent.
FAQs about Saint Kitts And Nevis Citizenship
