St. Kitts and Nevis is an exclusive Caribbean destination with impressive natural beauty, and has a rich history with varied influences from different cultures. The islands offer sunshine almost year-round, and a diverse range of landscapes. Today, the main economic drivers are tourism, real estate and financial services. The Federation is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the British Commonwealth, CARICOM and many other international organizations.
Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) is the process of obtaining a second citizenship in another country by investing in the economy of that country. This can be life-saving in the event of any unfortunate political and economic decisions of a single country. This type of insurance is priceless for investors and their families.
The Citizenship-by-Investment Program (CIP) of St. Kitts and Nevis was originally established in 1984. The legal basis regarding Citizenship-by-Investment is contained in Part II, Section 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984, and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment Regulations, 2011.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 154 destinations including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.
- The applicant and all his or her family members receive full citizenship and passports within 6 months.
- No personal visits required to St. Kitts and Nevis, no residence requirements.
- Dual Citizenship: there are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.
- Favorable income tax regime: no personal income tax, exemptions on worldwide income, inheritance and capital gains, tax holidays.
- Valid for life. Transferable to descendants.
- St. Kitts and Nevis citizens can potentially obtain long term visas to USA and Canada.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
- Established offshore legislation.
- Well-regulated financial services sector.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean, with good air links to Europe and North America.
- No knowledge of the language required.
- The official and business language is English.
There is no direct taxation in St. Kitts and Nevis. Even if citizens reside on the islands, they will not be subject to personal income tax, estate duty, inheritance or succession taxes, gift taxes or net worth tax.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, there is a corporate income tax of 35% of net profits but the country offers qualified companies a tax holiday on corporate profits for up to 15 years. Nevis does not levy tax on companies and foundations as long as no business is transacted on the island. There is also an annual property tax in St. Kitts and Nevis which is minimal and calculated on the market value of the property. The current rate of VAT in St. Kitts and Nevis is 17%.
To qualify for citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, investors must meet the following criteria:
- Be over 18 years of age and of sound health
- Clean personal record with no criminal record
- Have a high personal net worth
Select one of the two investment options
| Donation | Real Estate Investment |
|---|---|
| Make a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) of an amount starting from US$150,000 for a single applicant. | An investment of at least US$200,000 in an approved real estate development. Such investment cannot be resold within a 5 or 7 year period. |
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through a contribution to the SGF.
- Single applicant: a non-refundable contribution of US$150,000 is required.
- Main applicant with up to three dependents (for example, a spouse and two children): a non-refundable contribution of US$195,000 is required.
- Additional dependents, regardless of age: US$10,000.
Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must be also paid. These fees amount to US$7,500 for the main applicant, and US$4,000 for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of 16 years.
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through an investment in a pre-approved real estate project, which may include hotel shares, villas, and condominium units.
The minimum real estate investment required by law is US$200,000 (resalable after 7 years) or US$400,000 (resalable after 5 years) for each main applicant.
Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must also be paid. These fees amount to US$7,500 for the main applicant, and US$4,000 for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of 16 years.
On approval in principle of an application made through a real estate investment, a Government fee applies, as follows:
- Main applicant: US$35,050.
- Spouse of the main applicant: US$20,050.
- Any other qualified dependent of the main applicant regardless of age: US$10,050.
In addition to these fees, real estate buyers should be aware of purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contributions and conveyance fees).
| Ownership Type | Share | Full Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Property Value | $200,000 | $400,000 |
| Government Stamp Duty @6% | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| Government Assurance Fund @0,2% | $400 | $800 |
| Legal Fee @1% | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Total Property Purchase | $214,400 | $428,800 |
* Company Incorporation Fee, Surveyor's Fee, Furniture are included.
SGF Contribution
| Contribution | |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | $150,000 |
| Applicant with up to three dependents (e.g. spouse and two children) | $195,000 |
| Applicant with up to five dependents (e.g. spouse and four children) | $215,000 |
| Applicant with up to seven dependents (e.g. spouse and six children) | $235,000 |
| Additional contribution for each dependent above seven | $50,000 |
* Government Fees are included in SGF Contribution, except for an additional sum of US$50,000 for qualified dependents above the age of 18.
Real Estate Investment
| Minimum Investment | Government Fee |
|
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | $200,000 | $35,050 |
| Applicant with up to three dependents (e.g. spouse and two children) | $200,000 | $70,200 |
| Applicant with up to five dependents (e.g. spouse and four children) | $200,000 | $95,300 |
| Applicant with up to seven dependents (e.g. spouse and six children) | $200,000 | $115,400 |
- All options allow for a dependent between 18 and 30 years to be included in the application of the main applicant, if the dependent is a full-time student and financially reliant on the main applicant.
- The government also allows for parents and grandparents over the age of 55 to be included in the application as dependents if they are living with and are fully supported by the main applicant.
- Government due diligence fees: US$7,500 per applicant plus US$4,000 per dependent over the age of 16.
- Passport fee per applicant is US$355 in addition to the above.
- All figures are indicative only and may change without notice. Not all costs are shown.
- We will be delighted to help you, kindly contact us for further information on the program, on how to apply and the breakdown of the exact costs for your family.
- We provide our services only in cases where we have identified that our service can genuinely be of benefit.
- We oversee the process at each stage and work exclusively towards the result.