St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship 

 

Applicants willing to make a contribution of at least $150,000 are eligible to receive citizenship within just 60 days.

 

A passport from St Kitts & Nevis grants you visa-free entry to over 150 countries – including all EU countries. The program is ideal for investors who don’t want to live on the islands, and you won’t even have to visit the island to gain citizenship. Added benefits of the program include the ability to bring your spouse, dependent children and dependent parents aged 55 or over, as well as no tax chargeable on worldwide income.

St Kitts & Nevis’ citizenship by investment program was established in 1984 which makes it the longest-running program of its kind in the world. The aim of the program is to attract investment to benefit the development of the country and further its economic diversification. In return, applicants can choose between two straightforward routes which both offer speedy citizenship at relatively low amounts (compared with European golden visa programs).

​

Processing Time

 

The processing time for each application currently stands at around four to six months for either investment option.

 

However, from October 2016 the government added a 60-day accelerated process option for an additional fee of $25,000 for main applicant plus $20,000 for each dependant over 16. There is also $500 passport fee for each applicant under the accelerated process option. These payments include due diligence fees and speed  up the process to a maximum of 60 days – but applications have been known to be completed within just 45 days. This makes St Kitts and Nevis’ golden visa program even faster than Cyprus’ program.

​

Investment options

 

There are two investment options for this citizenship program:

​

 Option 1: Non Refundable Contribution - Hurricane Relief Fund

The goverment has launched the Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF)  Investment Contribution to assist the Government with repairs to public infrastructure and private property damaged during the 2017 Hurricane season. The HRF option will be available for a six(6) month period ending on 30 March 2018.

​

The main applicant is required to contribute US$150,000 for himself and up to three family members. Each additional dependant, regardless of age is required to pay US$25,000.

​

Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must be also paid. These fees amount to US$7,500 for the main applicant, and US$4,000 for each dependant of the main application who is over the age of 16 years.

​

Option 2: Non Refundable Contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)

​

This option will be valid after 30 March 2018 when Hurricane Relief Fund is closed. Under this option, applicants may qualify for citizenship through a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF). The SIDF is a public charity tasked with diversifying St Kitts and Nevis’ economy.

​

• Single applicant: USD 250,000

• Applicant with up to three dependants (applicant plus spouse and two children below the age of 18): USD 300,000

• Each additional dependant: USD 25,000​

​

Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must be also paid. These fees amount to USD7,500 for the main applicant, and USD4,000 for each dependant of the main application who is over the age of 16 years.

​

Unmarried dependant children who are older than 18 but younger than 30 can also be included in the application. Similarly, dependent parents aged 55 or above may also be included.

​

​

Option 2: Real estate investments

​

To qualify for citizenship through the real estate route, you must invest at least USD 400,000 in a pre-approved real estate project, which may include hotel shares, villas, and condominium units.  The property can be re-sold 5 years after the purchase but the new buyer may not be qualified for citizenship. 

​

Although choosing the real estate investment option means that you will be able to benefit from selling your investment and potentially make money from it, this option incurs an additional obligatory government fee. Therefore, on approval in principle of an application through a real estate investment or other approved project, the following fees also apply:

​

​

• USD 50,047 for the Main Applicant;

• USD 25,047 for the Main Applicant's spouse and each child aged under 18;

• USD 50,047 for each dependant adult (dhildren aged between 18 and 30 and dependant parents aged 55 and above.

 

 

Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must also be paid. These fees amount to US$7,500 for the main applicant, and US$4,000 for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of 16 years.

In addition to these fees, real estate buyers should be aware of purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contributions and conveyance fees).

​

Frequently asked questions

​

What is the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)?
The SIDF is a charity established by the government of St Kitts & Nevis which aims to diversify the economy of the country following the closure of its sugar industry. Established in 2006, the foundation develops existing and new industries as well as projects that will ensure the continuing strength of the economy.

​

Will my contribution be returned after a set period of time?
No, your contribution to the SIDF is non-refundable and will be spent by the charity.

​

How will my contribution be used by SIDF?
The SIDF grants money to a variety of projects that will further the country in terms of economic and social stability. Past and current projects include green electricity generation, tourism expansion, and the establishment of the Agricultural Fund. To date, the SIDF has invested over $55,000,000 into various development projects of national interest.

​

What kinds of real estate can I invest in?
You will be investing in real estate projects that have been pre-approved by the government of St Kitts and Nevis. These projects contribute to either the economy or the social development of the country, and may or may not include owning actual real estate units. For example, you can own shares in a hotel development rather than physical property. Approved real estate includes property from housing estates to golf resorts.

​

IWhat is the Government fee for real estate investment applications?
Once approved, the main applicant must pay a government fee of USD50,047. The applicant’s spouse as well as any dependant under 18s must pay USD25,047 each, and any adult dependants must also pay USD50,047. Note that these fees are one-off and non-refundable.

​

When will I be able to re-sell my real estate investment?
You must retain your investment for a minimum period of five years, after which time you are free to sell as you please.

​

 

Contact Coates Global

At Coates Global, our experts have successful helped countless investors gain global citizenship – and we are proud to maintain a 100% client satisfaction rating. From helping you choose the right investment strategy until the passport is in your hands – Coates Global keeps you informed at every stage along the way.

Contact one of our legal advisers today and we will be happy to discuss your second citizenship requirements.

​

Telephone: +44 20 7799 1600                                              WhatsApp: +44 7916 120544

​