Buying St Kitts and Nevis Real Estate for Citizenship: The Complete Guide

A true gem of the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis real estate investment is a lucrative opportunity for investors. Not only does tourist accommodation on the twin islands provide significant economic returns, but the country operates a citizenship by investment program that grants citizenship to St Kitts and Nevis property investors.

Saint Kitts Real Estate Market History and Overview

St Kitts and Nevis comprises two sister islands: St Kitts – the bustling heart of the country’s economy – and Nevis – the smaller island, peaceful and charming. The St Kitts government has successfully developed a robust tourism industry, blessed with incredible landscapes and stunning beaches.

The country has a wide range of real estate options, from luxury villas and apartments in Jones Estate to international hotels and classy resorts like the Four Seasons.

In 1984, St Kitts and Nevis introduced St Kitts real estate citizenship by investment, allowing foreigners to purchase real estate in the country and receive dual citizenship. Additionally, investors can qualify for citizenship by contributing to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), formally the Sustainable Growth Fund.

The economic citizenship program dramatically propelled the country’s economy, particularly its real estate market and tourists visiting the federal two island country. With the increase of the minimum investment amount of $400,000 from $200,000 for joint purchases and $800,000 from $400,000 from sole purchases in July 2023, purchases by foreign buyers in St Kitts saw a slight decline. However, the increased investment threshold demonstrates the growth and potential of the country’s real estate market.

Why Make a St Kitts Property Investment

• Enjoy life on a safe and beautiful island in the Caribbean
• Own condos and residential properties available with beautiful views or a short distance from the country’s international airport
• Earn stable rental income by owning tourist accommodation in privileged tourist destinations
• Get St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by purchasing approved homes or vacation property on St Kitts Nevis islands
• Opportunity to purchase the perfect home as a sole investor, a land lot, or make a joint investment in a commercial building
• Earn rental income on homes and vacation property tax-free, as well as tax-free living through no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, or wealth tax

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Buy St Kitts Property

Requirements for non-nationals

Foreign buyers and non-CARICOM citizens need to follow several steps to make a property investment on St Kitts and Nevis:

1. Look through available St Kitts/Nevis real estate options and make an offer upon finding your dream home.
2. Once your offer has been accepted, we recommend hiring a local attorney to review the Purchase and Sale Agreement, which should be contingent on approval of the application for an Alien Landholding License.
3. Pay a 10 15 percent deposit upon signing.
4. Apply for the Alien Landholding License – it takes two to three months to get approved and amounts to 10 percent of the property value.
5. Once you’ve received the Alien Landholding License, make the full property payment and receive a property certificate of title.

St Kitts and Nevis Property Prices

Due to being the country’s business hub and most populated region, apartments can range between $4,000 and $5,000 per square meter in St Kitts. For low-priced real estate property sales, Half Moon Bay and Bumaire offer cheaper listings while remaining central. Nevis property prices are lower because the island is less developed and sparsely populated.

Four-bedroom, four-bathroom West-Indian style cottages sell for around $400,000 to $500,000 in Nevis. Prices are as low as as $300,000 for two-bedroom properties and vacation homes on St Kitts. Purchasing St Kitts homes in areas like Christophe Harbour or near tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park will command higher prices.

Here’s an overview of real estate prices in St Kitts and Nevis.

• 10.53 acres of waterfront development lands in the South East Peninsula for $7 million.
• A three-bedroom, 6,845 square foot estate in the St Thomas parish with stunning views of the natural landscape and mountain for $4.9 million.
• A ten-bedroom building in Christophe Harbour with views of the Caribbean Sea for $5.9 million.
• A three-bedroom, 150,000 square feet home with a wrap-around veranda and a short distance from the local airport and capital, Charlestown, for $915,000

St Kitts and Nevis Property Transaction Costs

Below are the buyers’ required fees to purchase Saint Kitts and Nevis real estate based on the property value:

• Alien Landholding License: 10 percent
• Legal fees: 1 percent to 2.5 percent
• Land assurance fund: 0.20 percent

St Kitts and Nevis property tax

Annual property taxes on a real estate investment on St Kitts range from zero to five percent, depending on the property type and its market value.

Finding Property for Sale in St Kitts and Nevis

Several St Kitts real estate websites offer property to buy in St Kitts-approved areas. Global real estate websites listing government-approved St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment (CIP) real estate projects include:

• St Kitts Nevis Realty
• 7th Heaven Properties
• Sotheby’s International Realty
• Remax St. Kitts

Pre-approved St Kitts and Nevis CBI properties for sale

Frigate Bay: The Silver Reef development offers spacious luxury two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury condominiums with access to a community pool and just a short drive to Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport from $420,000.

St Paul: Eco-friendly, classical-style cottages with panoramic views encompassing the Caribbean Sea and the natural beauty of Mount Liamiga are available at the Belmont Farm Resort in Kittitian Hill from $450,000.

Frigate Bay: One-bedroom apartments are available at Calypso Bay Resort from $350,000, featuring dual balconies in both the living room and bedroom, exclusive access to tennis courts and a swimming pool, and just a five-minute drive from capital city of Basseterre and Porte Zante.

New Castle: A renovated West-Indian style home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, views of the St Kitts peninsula, and a private pool and jacuzzi is on offer at Villa Oasis in Oualie Bay on the island of Nevis from $865,000.

Other properties and vacation homes for sale in the islands of St Kitts and Nevis

Buying Saint Kitts and Nevis Real Estate to Get Citizenship

Foreigners considering buying property in Saint Kitts can purchase government-approved real estate through the citizenship by investment scheme and gain citizenship on St Kitts and Nevis. When choosing this route, investors have the following options:

• Buy a real estate unit in an Approved Development worth a minimum of $400,000
• Buy a condominium unit worth $400,000
• Buy a single-family private dwelling worth at least $800,000

Qualifying real estate investments must be held for at least seven years before selling to maintain a second passport.

Best Places to Buy Real Estate in St Kitts/Nevis

Some of the best places for buying property in St Kitts and Nevis include:

Frigate Bay: Located on the Island of St Kitts, this town is central with a mix of luxury homes, condos, and resort properties, and is close to amenities such as golf courses, restaurants, and nightclubs.

South Peninsula: This area in St Kitts boasts relaxing ocean views and secluded beaches, making it ideal for privacy and tranquillity. South Peninsula properties often include luxury beach front villas or estate homes surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and mountains, and investors may find the perfect piece of land to build their own home in paradise.

Oualie Beach: Located on the northwest coast of Nevis, Oualie Bay has calm waters for scuba diving and breathtaking sunsets. Properties for sale in Oualie Beach feature beachfront cottages and resorts.

Charleston: Charleston is a coveted location for real estate investment in Nevis. Buyers can discover beachfront estates, luxury condos, and boutique hotels like the Hamilton Resort in this sought-after area.

Is it worth obtaining property in St Kitts and Nevis?

There are plenty of things to do in St Kitts for homeowners and visitors, from golf courses and beaches to deep sea diving and snorkeling. This makes owning commercial properties and vacation rentals in St Kitts and Nevis highly profitable. A reputable Saint Kitts and Nevis realty real estate agent can connect you directly with property developers on both islands and the two islands’ landscape offers buyers natural beauty close to landmarks like plantation sites and Brimstone Hill Fortress. The country has a stable government, good schooling, healthcare services for all, and a year-round tropical climate.

Not only are the islands worth a Caribbean investment from a financial perspective, but the country provides the opportunity to obtain Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship and permanent residence as a property investor. With a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport, you enjoy visa free travel to more than 125 countries, tax-free living, and and the opportunity of permanent residence in the sister islands of St Kitts and Nevis with lifetime citizenship.

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 Saint Kitts and Nevis Property

Do I need to be a Saint Kitts and Nevis citizen to purchase property?

You do not need to be a St Kitts and Nevis citizen to purchase a property or homes on St Kitts and Nevis. However, you must apply for an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) to buy real estate. You can complete a process completely stress free without an ALHL through the country’s citizenship program by purchasing government-approved real estate.

Is Saint Kitts and Nevis real estate citizenship expensive?

St Kitts real estate citizenship is relatively expensive compared to other Caribbean islands. Prices in the twin-island federation start at $400,000 to acquire St Kitts real estate shares and $800,000 for a sole investment.

Can foreigners buy property in St Kitts?

Non-nationals may buy real estate on the sister islands of St Kitts and Nevis by applying for an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) or purchasing real estate in St Kitts-approved areas as part of the process of the country’s citizenship by investment program. To purchase any property in the West Indies, St Kitts/Nevis citizens do not need an ALHL.

Can I sell my investment after obtaining citizenship?

You can sell your St Kitts/Nevis real estate property after obtaining citizenship, provided you’ve owned it for at least seven years.