ST. KITTS & NEVIS

• Citizenship by descent is extended to successive generations.
• Option to include a spouse, children under 26, parents aged 65 and over, and add dependents post-citizenship approval for the primary applicant.
• St. Kitts and Nevis, as a Commonwealth member, affords its citizens specific advantages in the UK and other Commonwealth nations.
• The dual-island nation presents an appealing opportunity for acquiring secondary residency, boasting favorable air connections to Europe and North America.
• The country permits dual citizenship.
• No minimum residency period is mandated.

St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship By
Investment Requirements

Effective for all CBI applications submitted from 8 July 2024, the revised CBI option investment thresholds are:

1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) (Regulation 21):

• US$250,000 – Main applicant or a family of up to four persons being:
• A main applicant with a spouse and up to two dependants; or
• A main applicant with up to three dependants
• US$25,000 – each additional dependant under 18 years of age
• US$50,000 – each additional dependant aged 18 years of age or over

2. The Developer’s Real Estate Investment (Regulation 20) minimum investment in an Approved Development remains at US$400,000 (resalable after 7 years).

3. The Private Real Estate Investment (Regulation 22) minimum investments in Approved Private Real Estate are:

• US$400,000 – for a condominium unit or share in a real estate development (resalable after 7 years).
• US$800,000 – for a single-family private dwelling home (resalable after 7 years).

4. The Public Benefit Option (Regulation 23) minimum investment in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project remains at US$250,000.

Procedures and time frame of the
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by
Investment Program

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) oversees all application procedures. The CIU meticulously reviews each application, mandating an interview for all investors seeking citizenship by investment. Interviews are typically conducted virtually by default or in person at a location specified by the CIU and endorsed by the Board of Governors. If necessary, dependents aged 16 years or older may also be required to attend interviews. These interviews are conducted by an impartial professional firm appointed by the CIU, which also conducts background due diligence checks on the CIU itself. Background due diligence checks are outsourced by the CIU and carried out by independent professional firms in Europe, the UK, and the USA, aligning with the requirements established by the Board of Governors. False statements or omissions in the application will result in its rejection. The applicant must personally complete the designated government forms, exclusively available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements for the program are reasonable, and the procedures are straightforward.

While most applicants typically visit the islands before deciding on real estate purchases, it is not mandatory for the application process. The typical timeframe for application processing from submission to the CIU's approval is 120 days (four months). However, under the real estate option, the timeframe may fluctuate depending on the development. Therefore, selecting a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently is crucial.

Upon approval of the application, completion of all processes and due diligence checks, and fulfillment of the investment requirement, the main applicant receives a Certificate of Registration. This certificate must be collected in person in St. Kitts and Nevis or at an embassy or consulate designated by the CIU and approved by the Board of Governors. The Certificate of Registration signifies citizenship status, allowing the applicant to proceed with a passport application.

Fees And Costs

Tisoro Global’s fees vary based on the specific case and the number of individuals included in an application, as well as the chosen option (SISC, Approved Public Benefit Project, or real estate). The complete agreed-upon fee, minus any initial retainer, is paid into an escrow account upfront and is disbursed upon the submission of the application to the government.

Dual Citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Tisoro Global In St. Kitts And Nevis

With its St. Kitts office, Tisoro Global has facilitated citizenship acquisition for foreign nationals through the citizenship by investment program for nearly two decades. The firm possesses unparalleled expertise and extensive experience with this program, having been tasked by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to overhaul it in 2006–2007. During this period, Tisoro Global played a pivotal role in designing the new contribution option. The reforms implemented by the government in 2007, with the professional guidance of Tisoro Global, included the establishment of a dedicated citizenship by investment unit, process streamlining, application form and procedure redesign, and global program promotion. These enhancements have positioned the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program as one of the most successful initiatives worldwide.