Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
The world's first economic citizenship program, running since 1984. A strong passport for travel and business with no residence requirement.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an English-speaking Caribbean nation. Since 1984 it has operated the world's first economic citizenship program: an investor makes a substantial contribution and, in return, receives citizenship without a residence requirement.
Legal framework
The program is governed by the Citizenship Act of 1984 and the 2024 Citizenship by Investment Program Management Act, administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Investment options
- SISC (Sustainable Island State Contribution). A non-refundable donation from $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. From $325,000 for a condo/share, or from $600,000 for a standalone home, with a minimum 7-year holding period.
- Public Benefit Option (PBO). From $250,000 contributed to a government-approved social or infrastructure project.
Eligibility
The main applicant must be over 18, with a clean reputation and lawful source of funds. A due diligence fee applies - $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 per family member aged 16 or over.
As of 2026 the program is closed to citizens of Russia, Belarus, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea and some other countries. A second passport does not help here: the 2023 exclusion order shuts the program to every citizen of these countries, even one with another nationality, and to anyone ordinarily resident there. For Russian and Belarusian citizens the Vanuatu fund contribution and property in Turkey remain open, and the second passport quiz shows other options for your passport and budget.
Among Caribbean programs, also compare Grenada: residence and citizenship in Grenada open the way to the US E-2 visa.
What it costs, item by item
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Island State Contribution | $250,000 for a family of up to four |
| Surcharge for the fifth and further members | $25,000 under 18, $50,000 aged 18+ |
| Due diligence, main applicant | $10,000 |
| Due diligence, each family member 16+ | $7,500 |
| Approved real estate instead | from $325,000 for a project share, from $600,000 for a house, held 7 years |
| Medical certificates, apostille and translations | from $300 per person |
| Our support | fixed price after a free consultation |
Due diligence fees are not refunded on refusal. The contribution is paid only after approval in principle.
Compare with all programs: second passport cost in 2026
How much Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship costs per family member
The $250,000 contribution covers a family of up to four. A fifth and each further member adds $25,000 under 18 or $50,000 at 18 or over, and due diligence is paid for everyone aged 16 or over.
| Who | Fund contribution | Due diligence |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | $250,000 | $10,000 |
| Spouse | included | $7,500 |
| Child aged 16 or over (up to 30 in full-time study) | included | $7,500 |
| Child under 16 | included | none |
| Parent of the applicant or spouse aged 55 or over | included | $7,500 |
| Fifth and further family members under 18 | $25,000 | - |
| Fifth and further family members aged 18 or over | $50,000 | - |
We will calculate online the full cost for your family: the contribution, fees for each member and due diligence.
Documents and where to get them
- passports, birth and marriage certificates with apostille;
- police clearances from your country of citizenship and every country where you lived over 6 months in recent years;
- medical certificate and tests;
- proof of source of funds: statements, asset sale contracts, tax returns;
- bank reference;
- photos and forms.
Steps and timeline
- Pre-check, 1-2 weeks. Source of funds and eligibility.
- Filing via a licensed agent and due diligence fee.
- Due diligence and interview, conducted by all Caribbean programmes under a 2024 agreement.
- Approval in principle and contribution payment.
- Certificate of citizenship and passport.
The whole path usually takes 3-6 months.
What changed
- Selling citizenship became a ground to suspend visa-free travel. Before: Visa-free travel was suspended over irregular migration and security threats. Now: The EU can suspend visa-free travel for a country that sells citizenship without a genuine link. Official source
What changed since 2024
In 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 introduced a 7-year holding period for real estate. Restrictions for nationals of several countries, including Russia and Belarus, remain.
Why applications are refused
- citizenship or permanent residence in a restricted country;
- source of funds not proven;
- a criminal record, investigation or sanctions;
- a concealed visa refusal by a country with visa-free access for St Kitts;
- contradictions in forms or at the interview.
Taxes
St Kitts has no personal income tax. Citizenship alone does not make you tax resident: you keep paying tax where you live unless you move.
Caribbean programmes compared
| Country | Minimum contribution | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | $250,000 | 3-6 months |
| Dominica | $200,000 | 3-6 months |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $230,000 | 3-6 months |
| Grenada | $235,000 | 4-9 months |
| Saint Lucia | $240,000 | from 90 days officially |
Caribbean programmes are closed to Russian and Belarusian nationals. For them Vanuatu and Turkey fit.
Who can be included
The application can include a spouse, children up to 30 if studying and supported by the applicant, disabled children of any age, and parents and grandparents aged 55+ who live with or are supported by the applicant. Children and parents can be added after citizenship by paying the contribution and due diligence for each. A child born after citizenship is registered as a citizen by descent via a consulate or honorary consul.
After you get the passport
An adult passport is valid for 10 years and is renewed via consulates and honorary consuls. You don't have to live on the island, but renew early so you are not left without a passport on a trip. Citizenship passes to children and grandchildren. Many holders open a local bank account, but banks run their own checks and may refuse, so plan the account alongside the application.
What we do
We check for nationality and residence restrictions, prepare source-of-funds documents, file via a licensed agent, prepare you for the interview and support you through to the passport. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits of Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship
Global mobility
Entry without a prior visa to 157 destinations, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom; Ireland has required a visa since 15 June 2026.
Tax advantages
No tax on worldwide income, capital gains, gifts, or inheritance.
Dual citizenship and Commonwealth privileges
No need to renounce your existing nationality; Commonwealth membership grants privileges in the UK and other member states.
Citizenship for the whole family
Spouse and children up to 26 (if in education) can be included; citizenship is passed on to descendants.
Caribbean lifestyle and security
Tropical climate and high political and economic stability, with a legal system based on the British model.
How to obtain citizenship: step by step
Choose an authorised agent
Applications go only through a licensed agent from the CIU's official list; you pass initial KYC and choose an investment route.
Gather and submit documents
Passports, police clearance certificates, a medical certificate and proof of source of funds. Due diligence fees: $10,000 for the main applicant, $7,500 per dependent aged 16+.
Due diligence and interview
The CIU runs multi-layered checks; the main applicant undergoes an interview. A decision arrives within 120-180 days.
Investment and fees
The investment is made only after approval-in-principle, via the chosen route (SISC, real estate or PBO).
Receive the passport
The CIU issues a Certificate of Naturalisation, and passport documents are then filed with the Passport Office.
FAQ
What is the Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI program?
Who can apply?
Can Russian citizens apply?
How long does the process take?
Is residence required?
What does citizenship cost a family of four?
Can I buy property instead?
Is there an interview?
Is there income tax in St Kitts?
Are Russian nationals accepted?
Can parents be added later?
157 visa-free destinations with a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport
Europe
Americas
Asia
Africa and Oceania
Services
Murblz services in Saint Kitts and Nevis
A passport or residence permit opens the door, but life behind it is awkward without a bank account and a roof over your head. Murblz specialists help with the account, property and company in the same country. The quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
See also
Related programs and destinations
Similar destinations:
The same program in other countries:
Articles about Saint Kitts and Nevis
Ready to apply for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?
We compare the investment options in the St Kitts and Nevis programme, check the source of funds and prepare the application file. The catalogue lists every investment passport.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
Free consultation