About St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis, officially known as ‘The Federation of St Christopher and Nevis,’ is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean Sea.
St Kitts and Nevis’ pleasant tropical climate, turquoise waters, and sugar-soft beaches make the two islands a fashionable tourism destination, and a true earthly paradise. The country is also one of the most eco-friendly places on earth, with Nevis expected to be run by geothermal energy in a matter of years.
Previously under British rule, St Kitts and Nevis gained independence in 1983. It still has close ties with Great Britain as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Federation is also a member of the United Nations (UN), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).
St Kitts and Nevis is a mix of relaxation and active business. It has many golf courses and SPAs, but it also provides one of the world’s most business-friendly environments for entrepreneurs hoping to set up companies and pursue other commercial activities.
Location
The islands of St Kitts and Nevis are situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Federation may be accessed directly from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, by simply choosing one of a wide range of international airlines serving the island on a daily basis.
Citizenship by Investment
Established in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the oldest economic citizenship programme in the world. It is run by the Citizenship by Investment Unit that, with 30 years of administrative experience and a renewed commitment to transparency, serves as a positive example to all other countries with similar programmes.
Under the Programme, business leaders and their families are allowed to invest in this peaceful country in return for full citizenship.
Successful applicants will be able to travel visa-free to more than 150 countries around the globe, including the European Union, the United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
General Requirements
Applicants for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme must fulfil the following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be of good character
- Have no criminal record
- Pass a detailed background check
- Be able to provide proof of source of funds
- Be healthy
Investors may apply with their spouse and dependent children, and, in some cases, dependent elderly parents or grandparents.
Benefits
- Full citizenship status
- No requirement to visit St Kitts and Nevis before, during, or after application
- No interview requirement
- No English language requirement
- Low processing fees
- Fast processing time
- Dual citizenship is allowed
- Discretion
- Social and political security
- Visa-free travel over 150 countries (including the UK, the EU, and Brazil)
- No foreign income, capital gains, gift, and inheritance tax
- Excellent asset protection services and business environment
- 60-day processing for all successful applicants who choose the premium Accelerated Application Process (AAP) for an additional fee.
Investment Options
Applicants and their families may gain citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis by choosing one of three options:
- Contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
- Contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)
- An investment in pre-approved real estate
Contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
The Sustainable Growth Fund took effect in April 2018. A direct contribution to the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, the Fund focuses on stimulating the areas of education, health, and infrastructure, mitigate the effects of climate change, support economic growth, and promote, preserve, protect and develop the culture and heritage of the nation. The investment contribution for a main applicant is US$150,000, with a US$25,000 investment for the spouse, and a further US$10,000 per dependent. Therefore, a typical family of four, composed of a main applicant, a spouse, and two children, is required to contribute a total of US$195,000. A further contribution of US$10,000 is required for subsequent dependents.
The Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)
The SIDF option is the most popular alternative for citizenship by investment in St Kitts and Nevis. Established in 2006, the SIDF is a public charity that assists the Government with the task of diversifying St Kitts and Nevis’ economy. The minimum contribution required under the SIDF option is US$250,000.
Investment in Pre-approved Real Estate
The pre-approved real estate option requires applicants to purchase property. The minimum required investment under the pre-approved real estate option is US$400,000, with a further requirement to hold that property for a minimum of five years. Alternatively, applicants can invest into a share system, paying a minimum of US$200,000. In this instance, real estate must be held for a period of seven years to maintain their economic citizenship status. Additional Government fees apply to both real estate options.
