St Kitts and Nevis Dual Citizenship for Expats: Your Questions Answered

St Kitts and Nevis is a popular Caribbean island known for its warm iridescent waters, pristine beaches, and eye-catching coral reefs. It is also one of only five Caribbean countries that offer a citizenship by investment program. For many, the ability to obtain a second citizenship in a Caribbean country is reason enough to invest in the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship program. That’s why, in this article, we will discuss everything related to St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship – what dual citizenship is, how to obtain it, and more.

What is dual citizenship?

Citizenship refers to a person’s legal status as a recognized member of a country under its nationality and citizenship law. When a person holds dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality), it means their legal status is recognized under the nationality and citizenship law of two countries. In some cases, an individual can hold multiple citizenship.

Such individuals are generally entitled to the rights of citizenship in each country in which they have citizenship – such as the right to a passport and to vote and may also be subject to the obligations of holding that citizenship – such as tax obligations.

Some nations do not recognize dual citizenship or place restrictions that only allow for dual citizenship in specific cases. Some countries may require an individual to renounce their existing citizenship in order to become a citizen of their nation, while others may allow dual citizenship only with certain nations.

St Kitts and Nevis Dual Citizenship: An Overview

An important question for many when looking to relocate to a different country is whether or not that country allows dual nationality. If you’re interested in St Kitts and Nevis for your new home, you may be delighted to learn that can legally apply for St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship as the Caribbean nation recognizes dual and multiple citizenship.

Yes, St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship is allowed under Section 93 of the St Kitts and Nevis Constitution. This means that if you obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis, you do not have to give up your existing citizenship but can instead be recognized as a national of both countries. It is important to note that while St Kitts and Nevis allows dual citizenship, other countries do not. As such, it is important to check the dual/multiple citizenship laws of the country you already hold citizenship for. For example, countries like China, Nepal, and Malawi do not allow dual citizenship, while countries such as Japan have restrictions on dual citizenship.

So, how do you obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis? There are different paths, namely by birth/descent, marriage, naturalization, and investment. The requirements for St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship will depend on the route you choose, which we will discuss below. For example, newly naturalized citizens must take the Oath of Allegiance. Once you have obtained St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, however, it is lifelong and can be passed down to future generations.

Citizenship by birth

Any child born in St Kitts and Nevis will automatically be granted citizenship, regardless of the nationality held by their parents.

Citizenship by descent

If you have parents or grandparents from St Kitts and Nevis, you may be eligible to obtain citizenship yourself. You will need to submit a form to the Ministry of National Security, either in person or through a consular. The form must provide the following information for your parents or grandparents:

• Names
• Dates of birth
• Places of birth
• Places of usual residence

The form will also require details from you as the applicant, including your addresses for the past ten years and your criminal record.

In addition to this form, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Applicant’s birth certificate
• Parents’ birth certificates (certified by a Justice of Peace or Notary)
• Grandparents’ birth certificates, if applicable (certified by a Justice of Peace or Notary)
• Police certificate, for applicants 16 and older
• Two passport-sized photos

You will also need to pay an application fee of $55.

Citizenship through marriage

If your spouse is a St Kitts and Nevis national, then you can apply for citizenship after three years of legal marriage. You will need to send an application form to the Ministry of National Security and Information, along with the following documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate (applicant)
• Birth certificate (spouse)
• Divorce decree or death certificate (applicable if either spouse was previously married)
• Police certificate from any place the applicant has resided in the past six months
• Two passport-sized photos

During the St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship application process, you will also need to pay an application fee, the amount of which depends on the year your marriage was registered. If your marriage was registered before 1983, the fee is $185. If your marriage was registered after 1983, the fee is $370.

It is important to note that the government can choose to reject an application for citizenship if the spouses are divorcing or no longer live together. Furthermore, you cannot marry a St Kitts and Nevis national for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship for yourself.

Citizenship by naturalization

Long-term residents of St Kitts and Nevis can apply for citizenship. This route to citizenship is the longest, as applicants must have lived in St Kitts and Nevis for at least 14 years consecutively and must have resided in the country continuously for the 12 years prior to their application.

Applicants must submit a form to the Ministry of National Security, and it must include the registered addresses of anywhere the applicant has lived in the country. If you are granted citizenship, you will need to pay a fee of $5,320.

Citizenship by investment

St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship was the first country to grant citizenship to foreign nationals in exchange for an economic contribution to the country.

Having started in 1984 under Part II, Section 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program allows foreigners to get a St Kitts passport by pursuing one of the eligible investment routes.

Under the St Kitts citizenship program; the requirements for dual citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis don’t include maintaining residency in order to obtain a St Kitts and Nevis passport in four months.

1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

The SISC allows investors to obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable minimum investment of $250,000 to the country’s federal consolidated fund, a government fund used to support the country’s sustainable growth initiatives.

As per an announcement by the St Kitts and Nevis government on 27 July 2023, the SISC has replaced the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) as the program’s fund investment option.

2. Approved Public Benefit Option

Investors can make a minimum non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to an Approved Public Benefit Project.

3. Real estate investment

Investors can make a minimum real estate investment of $400,00 in an Approved Real Estate Development, purchase a condominium unit worth at least $400,000. The minimum investment needed for a real estate purchase of a single-family private home is $800,000. Your St Kitts and Nevis real estate investment can be resold after seven years.

Additional fees

The cost of dual citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis will vary depending on your chosen route under the investment program. In addition to the qualifying investment amount, you will need to pay due diligence fees, application form fees, passport fees, and government fees. As mentioned, these fees will vary depending on your investment route and the number of family members you include in your application.

As per new regulations announced on 27 July 2023, the Accelerate Application Process, which could be benefitted from at an additional cost, is no longer available.

Family eligibility for dual citizenship by investment

As the main applicant, you must be over 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, and be able to prove that you are of good character. Additionally, you can include the following family members in your application:

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant or spouse, under 18; aged between 18 and 25, in education and financially supported by the main applicant or spouse; or aged 18 or over and physically/mentally challenged
• Parents of the main applicant or the spouse aged 65 or above, living with and fully supported by the applicant

St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship application process under the investment program

Once you decide to apply for the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program, our experts from Global Citizen Solutions will guide you through the following steps to gain your second passport:

1. Contact Global Citizen Solutions: Contact our specialized team for a consultation regarding your CBI application.
2. Initial due diligence checks: Global Citizen Solutions will perform initial due diligence checks at no additional cost to ensure a successful application.
3. Client agreement and retainer payment: The client agreement contains details regarding the entire process to help put your mind at ease.
4. Document gathering and form completion: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
5. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit your application on your behalf*.
6. Due diligence checks commissioned by the CIU: After paying the necessary due diligence fee, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will process your application and carry out all due diligence checks.
7. Mandatory interview: All main applicants must attend a mandatory virtual interview. Dependents aged 16 years and older may also be asked to attend an interview by the CIU.
8. Receive ‘approval in principle’ from the CIU: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 120 days stating their application is ‘approved in principle’.
9. Make your investment: Once you have received your approval letter, you must make your qualifying investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CIU.
10. Become a St Kitts and Nevis Citizen: You and your family members will receive citizenship approval from the Investment Unit and receive your passports at an address of your choice.
11. Collect Certificate of Registration: The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in St Kitts and Nevis or at an approved Consulate or Embassy specified by the CIU.
12. Full citizenship received: You are now a fully registered citizen of St Kitts and Nevis!

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from St Kitts and Nevis Authorized Agents like Global Citizen Solutions.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis

There are several excellent benefits to obtaining citizenship and becoming a St Kitts and Nevis passport holder. This section highlights some of these benefits.

Visa-free access to over 150 countries

St Kitts and Nevis passport holders enjoy visa free travel to the Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more countries. Renewing a St Kitts and Nevis passport as a dual citizen is also straightforward and can be done in St Kitts or at a St Kitts and Nevis Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Option for a long-term US B-1/B-2 Visa

Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis can apply for long-term visas to both the United States and Canada. For the US, a ten-year B-1/B-2 visa is available; for Canada, a ten-year tourist visa is available.

Tax advantages

St Kitts and Nevis taxes offer an attractive tax environment. The tax advantages of St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship and residency include no personal income tax and no capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax. Furthermore, the nation has double taxation agreements with several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada.

Companies registered in St Kitts and Nevis are also eligible for tax benefits. For example, companies in the hospitality and tourism industries enjoy reduced VAT rates.

Quality education and healthcare

The nation offers a variety of quality public and international schools, which is particularly important if you are relocating with your family. The island’s seven universities offer a range of excellent courses, and students can even apply for scholarships in Asia, the Commonwealth, Europe, the UK, and the US.

St Kitts and Nevis: What to Expect

So, you want to obtain St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship, you know how to do it, and now you want to know what to expect. This dual-island nation offers more than just investment opportunities and great tax benefits, it also offers a warm climate, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural landscapes. In this section, we’ll discuss what you can expect when relocating to St Kitts and Nevis.

Weather

You will experience warm and humid conditions throughout the year in St Kitts and Nevis. The wet season occurs between July and December and overlaps with the hurricane season, which extends from June to November.

Good quality life

St Kitts and Nevis offers an excellent healthcare system with well-developed medical facilities, as well as high-quality education facilities. You’ll also find a relatively low cost of living here, particularly when compared to other Caribbean nations.

Activities

You’ll find a variety of activities on offer, including water sports, golfing, fishing, biking, and hiking. Throughout the year, the country hosts a number of festivals related to music, arts, and local traditions that the entire community can enjoy.

Language

English is the country’s primary language, making it easy for expats to navigate life here.

Sites to see

There are a number of sites to visit in St Kitts and Nevis, such as the Brimstone Hill Fortress, the St Kitts Scenic Railway, Timothy Hill, and a selection of fantastic beaches.

Travel

Travel within the Caribbean can be done using regional airlines or water transport facilities, such as ferries, yachts, catamarans, and private speedboats. For international travel, Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport enables travel to destinations including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Continental Europe.

Culinary delights

You’ll find that many of the ingredients used in St Kitts and Nevis’ cuisine are locally grown. Influenced by African and West Indian cultures, popular local dishes include conch fritters, goat water, sugar cake, and pelau. In restaurants, you’ll also find food available from a variety of different cultures.

So, is St Kitts and Nevis citizenship right for me?

As you can see, acquiring citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis comes with a number of benefits, from warm weather and a good quality of life to visa free travel to over 150 countries and great tax benefits. The country also offers a variety of St Kitts and Nevis real estate options to suit every need, from short-term rentals and vacation homes to modern apartments and family-sized villas.

Furthermore, thanks to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program, the timeline for obtaining St Kitts and Nevis citizenship is one of the shortest among countries offering citizenship by investment, and there’s no requirement to visit St Kitts to submit application forms or attend a citizenship interview.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About St Kitts and Nevis Dual Citizenship

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and St Kitts?

You can have dual citizenship in the US and St Kitts and Nevis. Both countries allow dual citizenship.

Can St Kitts and Nevis citizens live in the USA?

Citizens from St Kitts and Nevis require a residency permit to be able to live in the United States.

Can a US citizen stay and work in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Us citizens require a single-entry visa that allows them to stay in St Kitts and Nevis for up to 30 days. There is also a multiple-entry visa that is valid for 90 days and allows the holder to stay in Saint Kitts and Nevis for the full 90 days or enter and leave the islands within this period.

A business visa must be obtained by anyone looking to work or run a business in St Kitts and Nevis.

Can St Kitts citizens travel to the USA without a visa?

Citizens from St Kitts and Nevis require a B-1/B-2 visa to travel to the United States. 

What are the benefits of obtaining a second passport from St Kitts and Nevis?

A St Kitts second passport is highly advantageous, providing visa free travel to over 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea, and Schengen countries.