St. Kitts and Nevis, a stunning island nation in the Caribbean, has long been a favorite travel destination thanks to its proximity to the United Kingdom and the European Union. Saint. Kitts and Nevis is a beautiful country, but the real appeal lies in its citizenship-by-investment scheme.
Saint Kitts and Nevis passports are among the most powerful in the world and in the Organization of Eastern European States, allowing their holders visa-free entry to 156 countries and territories. The United Kingdom, Singapore, and the European Union all fall within this category.
Here at Global Residence Index, we’ll walk you through all you need to know to make an informed decision about gaining St. Kitts’s economic citizenship and show you why the beautiful island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a great choice.
You should seriously consider getting a Caribbean passport by investing if:
- Your current passport restricts your ability to travel internationally. So, you may want to consider applying for a passport from a Caribbean country in exchange for financial investment. Hence, entering over 140 countries without a visa is possible if you can access St. Kitts and Nevis.
- You want to spread the risk of your investments and are looking for a country with favorable tax laws. No individual or corporate income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes are levied in St. Kitts and Nevis.
- You’re looking to capitalize on the booming Caribbean tourism industry by purchasing a luxury vacation property.
- You and your loved ones need to come up with a backup plan. Having second citizenship provides options in times of international unrest.
- You are preparing to retire to a tranquil, tropical paradise. Being a St. Kitts and Nevis citizen entitles you and your family to residency in any other 15 Caribbean Community member states (Caricom).
What is the Citizenship by Investment program?
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in St. Kitts was established in 1984, the same year the island gained its independence. It has been functioning longer than any other CBI program.
Foreign investors can gain citizenship in a country through a “citizenship by investment” scheme (also known as an “economic citizenship” or “golden visa”) if they make a monetary or real-estate investment towards that country’s progress.
Government bonds, donations to universities, and the launch of new businesses are just a few of the additional investment opportunities available in some nations. Family members may be granted permanent citizenship, which can be passed down through the generations.
Each and all materials submitted with an application will be thoroughly investigated. This is a crucial part of the CBI application process because it involves verifying the identification, financial standing, and safety of the applicant and any dependents over 16. Effective due diligence ensures a citizenship-by-investment scheme’s legitimacy (and durability).
Why St. Kitts and Nevis?
Due to the widespread adoption of the nickname “Kitt” for Christopher in the 17th century, the island is more frequently known as “St. Kitts” rather than by its official name, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
St. Kitts, the larger of the country’s two islands, is where the capital city of Basseterre can be found. The Commonwealth of Nations includes the nation of St. Kitts as one of its member states.
This nation is located in the Caribbean Sea. Nevis, the smaller of the two islands, is the one to the left. Roughly 50,000 people are living in the two areas combined.
Who can become a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Let us find out how one can become a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Main Applicant
The following requirements must be met by any applicant for St. Kitts’ citizenship by investment program:
- Be a legal adult;
- Exhibit moral excellence (proved through employer references and bank statements)
- Have no criminal record;
- Be in a position to make an appropriate investment
Affiliates in the family
The applicant and their immediate family members are included in the application and granted permanent citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis.
- Spouse;
- Children of the main applicant or spouse who are under 18; between 18 and 30 and financially supported by the main applicant or spouse; or 18 or older and physically or mentally disabled;
- Children of the main applicant or spouse who are under 18; between 18 and 30 and financially supported by the main applicant or spouse; or 18 or older and physically or mentally disabled;
- Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are 55 or older and live with and are fully supported by the main applicant or spouse;
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant or spouse who are 30 or younger and financially dependent on the main applicant or spouse;
Saint Kitts and Nevis’s citizenship application procedure
Applying for a passport from St. Kitts is a quick and easy process. Please follow the steps outlined below: To obtain a passport and subsequent citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis, one must:
- Choose a registered representative to deal with your application;
- Provide a full application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU);
- Get the CIU’s approval on your investment proposal within three to four months (this is a temporary approval till the investment is made);
- Choose an investment option; and finally,
- Become a citizen of St. Kitts-Nevis and get a new passport.
Saint Kitts and Nevis offers a fast-track application process that ensures the citizenship certificate and passport will be ready in less than 60 days.
Benefits of Citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis
Let’s look at what the citizenship by investment program in St. Kitts and Nevis offers.
Maximum speed in a CBI initiative
If you use the AAP, your new passport will arrive in less than 60 days. There will be no further fees if you go the SGF Donation route before June 30th, 2023. That’s a major plus if you’re racing against the clock.
Reliable
This CBI program has been running longer than any other globally and has never had major issues or hiccups.
Cost-effective for a single applicant
With minimum investment criteria of $100,000 in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Lucia, this program is not the cheapest in the Caribbean. In contrast to the overall cost of the program, the special offer (for the SGF option) is quite affordable because of the tax break.
Confidential
St. Kitts and Nevis CIU do not make public a registry of CBI participants out of respect for participants’ privacy. Citizens’ financial and business records are similarly shielded from public view.
Conclusion
As a bonus, having St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship entitles you to permanent residency on one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean—visa-free entry to over 140 countries and generous tax breaks.