The citizenship program of St. Kitts was established in 1984 and requires applicants to make an economic contribution to the country. In exchange, they and their families are granted full citizenship.
The legal basis regarding citizenship by investment is contained in Part II, 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984, and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011.
These provisions allow the government to operate a program under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by cabinet decisions.
Benefits of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
- Citizenship by descent is available to future generations.
- Ability to include a spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 65 and over, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.
- St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles its citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
- The dual-island nation is an attractive location for owning a second home, with good air links to Europe and North America.
- Dual citizenship is allowed by the nation.
- There is no minimum stay required.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a stringent application procedure including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.
To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:
1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The following non-refundable contributions apply:
— USD 250,000 for a main applicant
— USD 300,000 for a main applicant and a spouse or one dependent
— USD 350,000 for a main applicant, a spouse, and one or two dependents
— USD 50,000 for each additional dependent under 18 years old
— USD 75,000 for each additional dependent over 18 years old
2. Approved Public Benefit Project
A minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project.
3. Real estate acquisition
The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 400,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 400,000 for a condominium unit or USD 800,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions.
St. Kitts and Nevis real estate
Over the recent years, the real estate market trend in St. Kitts and Nevis has been driven by development projects and real estate sales linked to the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.
The CBI program has upgraded its real estate offerings and now offers high-quality luxury homes, beachfront apartments, and hotel suites to investors.
Some other factors that could be attributed to the flourishing real estate sector include the relative ease of ownership of property in the nation, the generally great value for the price of property as opposed to other countries in the region, and the highly attractive tax incentives.
In particular, freedom from income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax have positively impacted the real estate sector.
In addition, the growing tourism sector provides income-generating potential for property owners who chose to offer their homes up for rental.
Moreover, there are direct international flights to St. Kitts from the USA and the UK, and flights to Nevis via San Juan (Puerto Rico) or St. Maarten, allowing international investors to enjoy world class resorts, golf courses, restaurants, and spas all-year round.
Acquisition of property in St. Kitts and Nevis
Clients who are keen to proceed with the citizenship path should ensure that the selected property is a government-approved CBI project.
If not, they should acquire an alien landholding license before purchasing the desired property. It is always advisable to obtain legal real estate representation, and it is strongly recommended that the clients visit the island where possible.
Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in St. Kitts and Nevis by foreign buyers?
There are no restrictions provided that the foreign buyers acquire pre-approved property or apply for an alien landholding license before buying property.
Additionally, there no restrictions for property located in Frigate Bay. However, an alien landholding license is required for property located in other areas.
How can immovable property in St. Kitts and Nevis be acquired?
Immovable property in the country can be acquired through citizenship by investment or through private sales.
