The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is the world’s oldest and one of the most trusted citizenship-by-investment programs. Established in 1984, it allows eligible individuals and their families to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution to the country.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Have no criminal record.
- Must pass a thorough background check.
- Must make a qualifying investment (see options below).
- Source of funds must be legal and verifiable.
Investment Options
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)(replaces the former Sustainable Growth Fund)
- USD $250,000 – Single applicant
- USD $300,000 – Main applicant + spouse
- USD $350,000 – Family of up to 4 persons
- Non-refundable donation to national development
- Real Estate Investment
- USD $400,000 minimum (resalable after 7 years)
- Must be in government-approved real estate projects
- Additional government fees apply
- Public Benefit Option
- USD $250,000 minimum investment into a government-approved project
- Must support national priority sectors (infrastructure, education, health, etc.)
Application Process
- Engage an Authorized Agent
- Applications must be submitted through a licensed CBI agent.
- Document Preparation
- Gather passport copies, birth certificates, police clearance, proof of funds, etc.
- Complete official application forms.
- Due Diligence & Government Review
- Extensive background checks conducted.
- Interview may be required in some cases.
- Approval & Payment
- Upon approval in principle, investment and fees must be paid.
- Citizenship Certificate & Passport Issuance
- Citizenship certificate issued
- Passport delivered via secure courier
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 3 to 6 months
- Accelerated option is no longer available (as of 2023)
Costs
- Investment: From USD $250,000 to $400,000+
- Due diligence fees:
- USD $10,000 (main applicant)
- USD $7,500 (each dependent over 16)
- Passport and processing fees:
- Vary by family size and investment option
- Agent/legal fees: USD $15,000–$25,000 (average)
Benefits
- Citizenship for life, passed to future generations
- Dual citizenship allowed
- No residency or visit requirements
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the EU, UK, and more
- Tax-friendly environment: no income, inheritance, or wealth tax
Important Notes
- Real estate must be held for a minimum of 7 years
- Citizenship can be revoked if obtained fraudulently
- Children born after approval can acquire citizenship by descent
Contact SVESA Today Looking for a second passport with global access? SVESA offers full legal support and application handling for the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program.