Home to the world’s first formal citizenship by investment program, Saint Kitts & Nevis has been naturalizing qualified investors since 1984. It remains one of the world’s most popular CIPs, approving more than a thousand investors and their families each year.
The application process typically takes 3-6 months, but a 45-day accelerated process is available for an additional fee.
Program at a glance
| Program type | Direct citizenship program |
| Time to citizenship | 3-6 months |
| Time to citizenship | 3-6 months |
| Time to permanent residency | 3-6 months |
| Minimum investment | US$250,000 |
| Physical presence requirement | None |
| Application processing time | 3-6 months |
| Grants visa-free travel to | 157 destinations, including Schengen countries |
| Contribution types available | Donation, Property Investment |
General program requirements
Saint Kitts and Nevis has two investment options within its citizenship by investment program.
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
US$250,000 – Family of up to four people
US$25,000 – Each additional dependent under 18
US$50,000 – Each additional dependent over 18
Investment in Real Estate
US$400,000 in a designated real estate unit from an approved development. The unit may be re-sold after seven years to another CBI investor.
Investment Private Homes
US$400,000 investment in a condominium unit designated as an Approved Private Home
US$800,000 investment in a single-family private dwelling designated as an Approved Private Home
Public Benefit
US$250,000 invested in an Approved Public Benefit project.
Additional Fees
For the real estate, private home, and public good investment options, the following additional government fees apply:
Main applicant: US$25,000
Spouse: US$15,000
Each dependent child or qualified dependent under 18: US$10,000
Each dependent child aged 18 or above or qualified dependent: US$15,000
For fast-track (“accelerated”) applications, the corresponding fees will apply:
Main applicant: US$42,500
Spouse: US$32,500
Each dependant child or other qualified dependent under 18: US$22,500
Each dependant child aged 18 or above or qualified dependent: US$32,500
Program benefits
- Increased visa-free travel;
- Settlement rights in multiple countries (beyond the program country itself);
- Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen;
- Minimal physical presence requirements;
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
- Ability to include three or more generations of family members in the application;
- Lower taxes;
- Lower cost of living;
- Safety and security;
- Warm climate;
- Short processing time;
- English as official language
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
An investor must use an approved agent for facilitate the process. After making a deposit, there will be a collection of documents and initial background check.
The agency will submit the application file and all adult applicants will undergo a due diligence from the government.
If the application is approved, the final investment needs to be transferred. Applicants will be granted citizenship and their passports will follow.
There is no language test and no physical presence requirement for the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship.
Applications for this program may be directed to:
The Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit
Legislation upon which this program is based:
Section 3 (5) of Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, 1984 (No. 1 of 1984)
Saint Kitts & Nevis publishes no statistics on its CIP.
