Obtaining citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis is a popular pursuit among foreign investors looking to diversify their asset portfolios, incur profitable returns on their investments, and enjoy benefits such as visa-free travel and tax benefits. The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program allows you to do just that. The option to include eligible family members in your application is an added bonus. So, what does St Kitts citizenship cost? That’s what we discuss in this article, including the different investment paths, the minimum investment needed, and additional costs and fees.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
St Kitts and Nevis is a prime tourist destination in the Caribbean, boasting white sand beaches, beautiful natural landscapes, and a rich culture and history. A great attraction for those looking to obtain Caribbean citizenship is the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Program. Read on to learn more about the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost as we compare the three routes under the nation’s CBI program and look at the additional costs you will encounter in the next sections.
As stated, you have three routes to choose from under St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program: Contributing to the Sustainable Island State Contribution, making a real estate investment, or contributing to the Public Benefit Option. Each route has its own advantages, and the right option for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
Citizenship by Investment Options
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) cost
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is the new Sustainable Growth Fund. Last year, the St Kitts government introduced the SISC, which replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund as the government fund investment route that applicants can use to obtain citizenship in the Caribbean. As per new regulations, applicants can contribute a minimum of $250,000 to the SISC and obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis in just 12 months. This donation option helps to develop St Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island by supporting sectors including local food production, Green Energy, and sustainable industries.
The Accelerated Application Process (AAP) – which applicants to the Sustainable Growth Fund automatically qualified for and which applicants to the other investment routes could make use of at an additional cost – is no longer available.
Your minimum SISC donation to the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis must be $250,000 and remains the same when including a family of four (you, spouse, two dependents). The St Kitts and Nevis citizenship cost under the SISC route is outlined in the table below.
Sustainable Island State Contribution | Single | Family of Up to Four | Additional (Under 18 years old) | Additional (Over 18 years old) |
Minimum Donation | $250,000 | +$25,000 each | +$50,000 each | |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $7,500 for each family member aged 16 or over | ||
Application Form | $250 per set of forms | |||
Passport Fee | $350 per passport | |||
Real estate investment cost
The real estate investment option is a popular option for those looking to recoup their investment after a few years. To qualify for citizenship under this route, you can choose one of two options. The first is to make a minimum investment of $400,000 in a unit in pre-approved real estate projects. These developments tend to be in luxury resorts, condominium resorts, or villas. After seven years, the unit can be resold once by the original purchaser.
If you prefer not to invest in an approved development, this second option may be for you. Investors can purchase a condominium unit for a minimum of $400,000 or a single-family private dwelling for a minimum of $800,000 to qualify for citizenship. This investment must be maintained for seven years, after which you can sell the property. However, you cannot sell the property to another CBI applicant unless they intend to invest more in the property in terms of further construction, renovations, etc.
If you are interested in making a real estate purchase to obtain St Kitts citizenship, our St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate Citizenship article looks at this route in greater detail.
The St Kitts citizenship cost for real estate investment is outlined below.
Real Estate | Single Applicant | Applicant + Spouse | Additional (over 18 years old) | Additional Dependent (under 18 years old) |
Minimum Investment | $400,000 (share of property) OR $400,000 (condominium unit) OR $800,000 (single-family private house) | |||
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | +$15,000 each | +$10,000 each |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $7,500 for each family member aged 16 or over | ||
Application Form | $250 per set of forms | |||
Passport Fee | $350 per passport | |||
Public Benefit Option (PBO) cost
This third option allows applicants to invest directly in a government-approved project that benefits the population of St Kitts and Nevis. These pre-approved projects are known as Approved Public Benefit Projects, and a minimum investment of $250,000 is required.
Public Benefit Option | Single | Applicant | Additional (Over 18 years old) | Additional (under 18 years old) |
Minimum Donation | $250,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $25,000 | $40,000 | +$15,000 each | +$10,000 each |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $7,500 for each family member aged 16 or over | ||
Application Form | $250 per set of forms | |||
Passport Fee | $350 per passport | |||
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Schedule of Payments of Costs
When it comes to making the actual payments for your St Kitts and Nevis citizenship application, you may wonder about when each fee needs to be paid. Certain payments are required at certain points during the process to help protect citizenship investors. For example, the qualifying investment is only required once you have received your government approval letter. The table below provides a guideline for the schedule of payments for your application.
Before Approval In Principle | After Approval in Principle | |
Donation/investment | X | |
Government Due Diligence Fees | X | |
Government Application Fees | X | |
Legal Fees | 50 percent | 50 percent |
Bank Due Diligence Fees | X | |
Passport Fees | X | |
Courier Fees | X |
As you can see, a benefit of choosing to contribute to the SISC, the Public Benefit Option, or make a real estate investment is that you are only required to pay the contribution or investment amount after the Citizenship by Investment Unit has issued your approval in principle letter. As mentioned, this is done to safeguard the applicant by minimizing any risks associated with investment. Other ways that investors (and the nation itself) are protected is through the stringent due diligence process, which includes background checks and virtual interviews.
Take a look at our
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Benefits of a St Kitts and Nevis Passport
So, why choose St Kitts and Nevis? Well, there are several citizenship benefits that you and your family members can enjoy when becoming citizens of St Kitts and Nevis and obtaining passports:
Visa-free travel: St Kitts and Nevis passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to over 140 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom.
US ten-year tourist visa: Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis are eligible to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa to the US that is valid for ten years.
Tax benefits: St Kitts and Nevis citizens can benefit from tax exemptions on foreign earned income, which include no personal income tax, no succession or inheritance tax, no gift tax, no wealth tax, no capital gains tax, and no estate duty.
While you would normally be required to be there for a minimum of two months during the year to qualify as a tax resident, the Citizenship by Investment Program gives applicants permanent tax residency status when they obtain their St Kitts passport.
Dual citizenship: St Kitts and Nevis allows dual citizenship, meaning successful applicants can keep their existing nationality after obtaining citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.
Check out our article: St Kitts and Nevis Dual Citizenship: Your Questions Answered.
Fast obtainment period: Your citizenship by investment application will generally take about four months to be processed.
Family inclusion: You have the option to include your spouse, children, and parents in your application for St Kitts passports. Additionally, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship does not expire, meaning it will be passed down to future generations.
Diverse investment options: With the option to contribute to a government fund, public benefit projects, or purchase real estate, St Kitts and Nevis offers investors various routes to citizenship.
No residency requirements: St Kitts and Nevis has no residency requirements for citizenship, meaning you do not need to travel to the country to submit your application and can instead complete the whole process remotely. You will only need to collect your Certificate of Registration in person in St Kitts and Nevis or from an approved Embassy or Consulate specified by the Investment Unit (CIU).
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship?
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.
As you can see, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment cost is straightforward, and the process is simple. Whether you’re a single applicant looking to obtain a second passport, a family looking to start a new life, or a retiree looking to enjoy your golden years on a beautiful Caribbean island, St Kitts and Nevis is an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Cost
How much is a passport in St Kitts Nevis?
The St Kitts and Nevis passport price will depend on which of the investment options you choose to obtain citizenship. The Sustainable Island Contribution option (SISC) (which has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund) requires a non-refundable $250,000 minimum contribution. The Public Benefit Route also requires an investment of $250,000. If you choose the real estate route, you will need to make a minimum investment of $400,000 in an approved real estate development, $400,000 in a condominium unit, or $800,000 in a single-family private home. Additional fees – such as the due diligence fee, government fees, and passport fee – will vary depending on the number of family members the main applicant includes on their application. For example, the government fee applies only to the PBO and real estate investment.
What is the cheapest route to obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport?
A St Kitts passport comes with several benefits, such as visa free access to over 150 countries. The most affordable way to obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport is to make a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) – which has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund – or contribute $250,000 to an approved Public Benefit Project. These investment routes fall under the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program.
What additional fees can I expect?
When applying to the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, the associated fees will include Government fees, application form fees, passport fees, and a due diligence fee. These fees will vary depending on the number of family members you include on your application.
Do I need a bank account in St Kitts and Nevis to apply for the citizenship program?
No, you do not need to have a bank account in St Kitts and Nevis to apply for the Citizenship by Investment Program.
When do I have to make the payment for the investment for the St Kitts and Nevis Program?
In order to safeguard applicants, you will only be required to make the non-refundable contribution or investment once you have received your government approval letter from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Can I pay for the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program in crypto?
Yes, it is possible for you to pay for your St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment application using cryptocurrency. However, it is important to be aware that this will take longer than making a standard bank payment. It is advisable to use a local broker to help you convert from Crypto to Fiat before paying for your application. Global Citizen Solutions can assist in introducing you to a reputable crypto broker.
Is the investment refundable in case my application gets denied?
It is ultimately up to St Kitts and Nevis’ government and Citizenship by Investment Unit to approve your application and grant you citizenship. An application will only be denied if there has been misrepresentation by the applicant. If this occurs, the fees paid until that point (government due diligence fees, government application fees, and 50 percent of legal fees) are non-refundable. The investment is paid only after approval, so a denial doesn’t affect that. However, it’s worth noting that at Global Citizen Solutions, we have never had an application denied and have a 100 percent success rate.
Is the Sustainable Growth Fund still available?
No, the Sustainable Growth Fund is no longer available as a route for investment to obtain citizenship. The Hurricane Relief Fund and the donation to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), which helped raise funds for displaced sugar industry workers, are also no longer available.
