A guide to citizenship by Investment in St. Kitts & Nevis
St Kitts & Nevis is known as the “Platinum Standard of Citizenship by Investment Programs” around the world and certainly lives up to the reputation by providing one of the longest-running and most trusted programs. Established in 1984, the citizenship program offers applicants a second passport in little as 2- 3 months. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a beautiful to 2- island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, boasting white sandy beaches with clear blue water, mountains, and tropical rainforests. This untouched nature and beauty have earned St Kitts & Nevi the title of being one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
As one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean, St Kitts & Nevis offers a politically and economically stable environment with a sophisticated legal framework and highly developed banking systems.
Benefits
Applicants of the citizenship by investment program can benefit from this prosperous nation and obtain a passport that comes with many benefits including:
- Investment is only required after the application approval
- Dual citizenship
- Visa-free travel to over 140 countries including the EU & the UK
- Right to live, work and study in St Kitts & Nevis and any of the CARICOM member countries
- Confidential (St Kitts & Nevis does not notify your home country)
- Passed to future generations
- Remote application and no residency requirements
Requirements for St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship
Applicants proceeding with the citizenship by investment program must be at least 18 years of age and hold a clean criminal record. Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit conduct a thorough due diligence process to ensure only the highest moral standing applicants can proceed. Applicants are required to provide personal documentation such as passports, national IDs, birth and marriage certificates, and proof of funds. Along with the required documentation, applicants have the choice of proceeding with 2 investment options.
Investment Options
The first investment option includes a non-refundable donation to the SGF (Sustainable Growth Fund) starting at USD$ 100,000. The amount will increase according to the number of dependents included within the same application. The SGF is a government fund focusing on supporting socio-economic initiatives such as education, health, infrastructure, and climate change. Saint Kitts & Nevis is currently offering a reduced offer of just USD$ 150,000 (regular USD$ 195,000) for a family of 4, valid until 31 December 2021. investing in government-approved real estate projects in the tourism sector is the second investment option.
Investors can opt for an investment of USD$ 200,000 and maintain the investment for seven years or invest USD$ 400,000 and maintain the investment for five years. After a set period, investors can choose to sell the investment without affecting their citizenship status.
Process and Costs
The Citizenship Unit offers a fast track and streamlined process. Once applicants have obtained all required documentation as well as chosen their investment route, they must submit their application through an authorized local agent (as required by law). The typical timeframe is 2-3 months (accelerated process available at an additional fee) and once the application is approved, applicants can proceed with their chosen investment and acquire their St Kitts and Nevis passport.
Additionally, applicants are required to pay associated fees such as:
- Application fee: USD$ 230 per applicant
- Passport fee: USD$ 350 per applicant
- Due diligence fee:
- Main applicant: USD$ 7,500
- Dependents over 16 years of age: USD$ 4,000
In addition, if proceeding with the real estate investment option, applicants are required to pay the property application fee
- Main applicant: USD$ 35,050
- Spouse: USD$ 20,050
- Each additional dependent: USD$ 10,050
Contact Us
St Kitts & Nevis is a business-friendly jurisdiction that offers zero to low tax rates as well as other advantageous tax incentives. Income, wealth, and inheritance are all tax-exempt and non-residing citizens of St Kitts & Nevis can benefit from their territorial tax system.
Ready to obtain your St Kitts & Nevis passport? Contact us at info@kraemerlaw.com