St. Kitts & Nevis

About St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis, a captivating twin-island nation nestled in the eastern Caribbean Sea, is celebrated for its unspoiled beaches, verdant rainforests, and breathtaking coral reefs. Comprising the larger St. Kitts and the smaller yet equally captivating Nevis, the country boasts a rich cultural tapestry woven from African, European, and indigenous influences, evident in its vibrant music, diverse cuisine, and lively festivals.

As a member of esteemed international organizations like the United Nations and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), holding a St. Kitts & Nevis passport affords numerous advantages, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 160 countries. With tourism and agriculture driving its economy, tourism contributes significantly, accounting for over 60% of the country’s GDP. St. Kitts & Nevis has garnered acclaim as a leading eco-tourism destination, esteemed for its commitment to sustainable tourism practices and the allure of its natural wonders, complemented by the warmth of its hospitality.

Key details about St. Kitts & Nevis:

• Capital: Basseterre
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
• Current Population: 53,192

St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship By Investment

To acquire citizenship in St. Kitts & Nevis, applicants have several options:

1. Make a minimum donation of USD 250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).
2. Make a qualifying contribution to an Approved Public Benefit Project.
3. Invest a minimum of USD 400,000 in an approved real estate project.

Benefits of St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship By Investment

The passport of St. Kitts & Nevis enables visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 160 countries, including notable destinations such as Hong Kong, the Schengen Area, and the United Kingdom.

Visa-Free Countries

Holding citizenship in St. Kitts & Nevis grants visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to over 160 countries, including destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, the Schengen Area, and the United Kingdom. With a St. Kitts & Nevis passport, applicants can travel to any country on the following list without needing to fulfill any Visit Visa requirements.

Programme Requirements

Application Process

TThe application process is straightforward and typically takes up to 6 months from initiation to receiving the citizenship documents. It can be divided into the following stages:

• 1 - Assessment & Onboarding
  • Appointment with The Elite Passport’s client advisors.
  • Conducting due diligence checks by The Elite Passport.
• 2 - Application Submission
  • Onboarding the client and payment of retainer fees.
  • Preparation of documents and submission of the application for St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship.
• 3 - Document & Application Processing
  • Processing of the application.
  • Receiving government pre-approval.
  • Fulfillment of investment requirements.
• 4 - Approval & Passport Handover
  • Approval of the application.
  • Issuance of the St. Kitts & Nevis passport within 4-6 months.
  • Handover of the passport to the client by The Elite Passport’s advisors.

Real Estate

Discover everything you need to know about purchasing premium real estate in St. Kitts & Nevis.

Legal Basis

The St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship program, established in 1984, has been a magnet for individuals worldwide, offering citizenship and a passport in exchange for investment in the country's economy. Its legal framework is based on the following constitutional, legislative, and regulatory structures:

1. Constitutional Basis: Chapter VIII (Sections 90-95) of the Constitution of St. Christopher and Nevis governs citizenship matters.
2. Legislative Authority: Section 92 (1) (h) of the Constitution empowers Parliament to specify that eligible individuals can become citizens upon application. This authority was exercised by Parliament in 1984, leading to the enactment of Section 3 (5) of the St. Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, 1984 (No. 1 of 1984).

Costs of St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship

To qualify for economic citizenship by investment, applicants may choose from one of the following options:

Donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund

A non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution Fund as per the following breakdown.

• Single Applicant: $250,000
• Main applicant, spouse and two dependents: $350,000
• Main Applicant and Spouse: $300,000
• Each additional dependent: $75,000

Real Estate Investment

St Kitts and Nevis offers three options for real estate investors.

1. A minimum investment of $400,000 share in a government-approved real estate project. The projects include five-star hotels and resorts.
2. A minimum investment of $400,000 in a condominium unit designated as an Approved private Home.
3. A minimum investment of $800,000 in a single-family private dwelling designated as an Approved Private Home.

The property can be sold in 7 years. The investor can earn an income of 2 to 5% per annum from leasing the property.

• Minimum Investment: $400,000

Government Fees

Apart from investing in an enterprise project or real estate, applicants are required to pay the following government fee:

• Main Applicant: $25,000
• Single Applicant: $10,000
• Applicant applying with spouse & more than 4 dependents: $10,000
• Main applicant & spouse: $40,000
• All eligible dependents under 18: $5,000
• Processing fees (Up to 4 family members): $30,000

Application processing fees

Certain processing costs associated with the real estate investment and donation options also need to be paid. These include:

• Main Applicant: $2,000
• All eligible dependents: $1,000

Due Diligence & Background Checks

Both investment options entail a range of compulsory background checks. The applicant must pay the fees for these background checks to a due diligence agency preferred by the government to screen applicants based on their application. These include:

• Main Applicant: $7,500
• Eligible dependents aged 16 and older: $5,000

The Elite Passport’s professional fees, official application forms, certification of citizenship and passport, courier & other disbursements will be quoted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there fee requirements for including children above 18 in the citizenship application?

  For children aged 0 to 30, the standard citizenship costs apply, which include the Application Fee, Passport Fee, and Government Due Diligence Fees. Additionally, there's an extra charge of USD 10,000 in government fees for each child dependent who is over 30 years old.

• How long is St. Kitts & nevis passport valid?

  At The Elite Passport, we're committed to facilitating the renewal process for St. Kitts & Nevis passports. Our team is prepared to offer any assistance necessary to ensure that passports are renewed efficiently, allowing individuals to continue enjoying the benefits of citizenship without interruption.

• What makes St. Kitts & nevis passport unique?

  St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) stands as the pioneer program in the industry, with a legacy dating back to 1984. Widely recognized for its stability, the program offers unparalleled benefits. Passport holders of St. Kitts & Nevis enjoy visa-free access to over 160 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports in the Caribbean region. Additionally, the program permits dual citizenship and facilitates the transfer of citizenship to future generations, cementing its reputation as a premier choice for global investors seeking second citizenship.

• Are there any residency requirements to obtain a st kitts and nevis passport?

  Unlike some European countries, St. Kitts and Nevis does not impose residential requirements for acquiring citizenship. As long as the applicant passes the due diligence checks and provides the necessary documents, they can directly qualify for citizenship without the need for prior residency in the country. This makes the citizenship acquisition process more streamlined and accessible to international investors.

• How long does the St. Kitts & nevis application take?

  The standard processing time for a St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship application is approximately 4-6 months. However, applicants also have the option to expedite the process through a fast-track option offered by the government for an additional fee of USD 25,000.00. With the fast-track process, investors' applications can be approved within just 2 months, allowing for a quicker acquisition of citizenship.

• Can I apply for the citizenship by investment program to the government directly?

  To obtain citizenship in St. Kitts & Nevis, applications must be submitted through a government-approved agency like The Elite Passport. Direct applications to the government are not accepted. If you're interested in applying, you can contact The Elite Passport to book a private Appointment. Simply email Charbel@theelitepassport.com or click the link provided to leave your contact details. One of their experienced client advisors will reach out to assist you further.

• Is the application form available online?

  To clarify, the application form for citizenship by investment in St. Kitts & Nevis must be obtained through and submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit by an authorized person or representative. This means that individuals cannot directly access the application form themselves; it must be facilitated by an approved agent or agency.