We have reached the most crucial section of this country page, and let us explain why this is so. We have pointed out extensively that two things have become vital for survival during the new world order, and these are (1) second citizenship and (2) asset protection.
These are the foundations of any successful family office in the 21st century. Without a secure second passport and an excellent asset protection structure, there’s not much to do. Luckily, Saint Kitts and Nevis offers us the highest standard for both.
Why is Saint Kitts and Nevis one of the Most Sought-After CBI Programs Worldwide, and Why Should You Choose it Among the Five Active Caribbean CBI Programs?
-Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship is the oldest and most prestigious citizenship program in the Caribbean. It is no wonder why many of the world’s wealthiest people are taking up St, Kitts CBI options. Plus, as it has so much time in the market, it is widely known for its steadiness and won’t raise many eyebrows.
-It offers visa-free travel to over 160 countries including the UK, the EU, Hong Kong, and Russia.
-It offers virtually tax-free living for its tax residents.
-St Kitts and Nevis also has a government-approved fast-track option that gives applicants a 60-day processing time for an extra payment of $25,000 for the main applicant and $20,000 per dependent.
-Despite its speed, prestige, and usefulness the passport is relatively inexpensive to acquire. In fact, the cost of a real estate investment begins at only $200,000.
-Furthermore, the government approved a $150,000 discounted fee for a family of four for applicants using the Sustainable Growth Fund option. Due to its success, the government decided to keep that very same option available for another year.
-It is one of the most inclusive programs worldwide, meaning you can include your spouse and all dependent children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.
-We have an excellent real estate investment available which might rapidly earn your money back.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis program was the first citizenship by investment in the world and is still standing strong until this date. This speaks for itself. Many CBI programs end quickly due to foreign pressure or corruption scandals. The fact that the Nevis CBI program has survived for so long speaks about its quality and reliability.
Acquiring second citizenship by investment is a great option because you don’t have to wait for long residency processes and visa renewals and you don’t have to live long years in a country before acquiring a passport.
With a simple investment, which can even bring returns in many cases, you can get a new nation and a new home in only a few months. This section is about the citizenship by investment program of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the oldest of its kind.
Why has second citizenship become vital in these times? Well, let us remember the year 2020. The massive regulations and draconian laws imposed by practically all governments have seriously limited and restricted the freedom of movement within cities and countries and internationally.
Even now that the airlines are operating again, traveling to other countries is hard and involves many requirements and restrictions, and different regulations apply, which are constantly changing. However, most countries close their borders for visitors, but they are much less likely to close them for their own passport holders. If your country of origin suddenly closes its borders, who can deny you travel or enter a second country of which you are a legitimate citizen?
Thus, a second passport (at least) has become very important these days as it improves your freedom of movement, and Saint Kitts and Nevis has an excellent program to offer. In this section, we discuss the requirements and advantages of the oldest investment citizenship program.
Other Reasons to Have a Second Passport
Sometimes, whole populations can be affected by the decisions of their governments. Venezuela is a good example of this. For Venezuelans, it has been increasingly harder to do business internationally due to the multiple sanctions that this nation is getting. Thus, it becomes hard for Venezuelans to open bank accounts abroad or travel to other destinations. Many countries are imposing visas on Venezuelans even for touristic purposes. It is needless to say that this problem goes away if you hold a second passport.
We talk about Venezuela because it is currently the most evident case, but the elephant in the room is that this can happen to any country at any time, especially in the western world and particularly now with the turmoil and economic unrest that the pandemic is generating. Even Europeans and Americans might suffer this and this may happen sooner than they think.
If you believe this is too fatalistic, you have the right to think that, but there are still other benefits that you can get from this Caribbean passport or any other second passport. Think about your children. Most citizenship programs allow for the passport to be transferred to your descendants. Thus, you will be giving your children the best gift possible: a future full of opportunities.
Saint Kitts and Its Program
Created in 1984, the Saint Kitts and Nevis program has become the oldest in the world, giving people the possibility to invest in the country’s economy in exchange for a passport or citizenship that cannot be revoked. If you want to know the legal framework and regulations in detail, you can consult the SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS CITIZENSHIP ACT (NO. 1 OF 1984).
From all the five Caribbean programs, St Kitts and Nevis have more travel options because you can travel visa-free to several different countries with this passport.
This is undoubtedly useful for individuals who are required to travel on business as this saves a lot of money and time in visa processes which can be very tiresome. Saint Kitts and Nevis passport is ranked number 30 on the best passport list, meaning those passports that offer the best accessibility and travel options. This document offers visa-free access to 160 countries, including important business centers and markets such as Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the European Union.
Currently, there are two options available to qualify for Citizenship by Investment: either through a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) or by acquiring government-approved real estate. Both routes offer lifetime citizenship, which can also be passed on to descendants, as well as access to extensive visa-free travel. But first, we want to introduce you to the Fast-track application.
Fast-track Application
All citizenship by investment programs offer a quick path to citizenship, at least quicker than the traditional way. However, some have an option titled “fast track,” which means that the process is even faster than the regular program. Saint Kitts offers this fast-track option reducing the waiting time from 4 months to 45-60 days.
The applicant will still have to submit all the necessary documents and go through all the due diligence processes but, paying an extra fee; his application will be given an accelerated treatment by the corresponding entities (Citizenship by Investment Unit and due diligence providers)
If, for whatever reason, you need a second citizenship fast, then this fast track is something you may want to consider.
Fast Track Fees (Not Including the Investment):
-Main applicant: 25,000 USD.
-Dependents older than 16: 20,000 USD.
-Extra fee of 500 USD for each dependent who is under 16 years of age.
You may be wondering what the difference between the fast-track and the regular programs is. As we have explained, the difference is that the corresponding entity prioritizes your application for an extra fee, and the due diligence process is faster. The donation requirements remain the same. Please note that this does not mean that the due diligence process will be less strict. This process will be carried out as strictly as any other application, but it will be given special priority.
Difference Between the fast Track and the Regular Program
Compare the Fees
Fast track fees
Regular program fees
Main applicant
25,000 USD
7,500 USD
Dependent over 16
20,000 USD
4,000 USD
Fast track fees
Regular program fees
Main applicant
25,000 USD
7,500 USD
Dependent over 16
20,000 USD
4,000 USD
Compare the Timing
How to Apply to The Program, and How Does it Work?
Most of the investment citizenship programs allow for different investment options, from which the applicant can choose the most convenient for them. These investments are usually real estate, bonds, investment funds, donations to the state through the Sustainable Growth Fund, charity foundations, etc.
In the same line, Saint Kitts and Nevis offers two different options. One is real estate, which means the applicant must buy a real estate property for a minimum stipulated value, and this property (or pre-construction) has to be approved by the government. The other option is acquiring citizenship through a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund. Besides this, the applicant will have to pay the corresponding government fees and legal fees (these processes have to be conducted through an agent).
Usually, the real estate option is more expensive and complicated as it requires you to choose the right property to acquire the title and, in some cases, if you buy a property in a facility that is still under construction, you have to wait until the units are built. However, although more complicated, this option also brings more benefits because you will have a strong asset (a real estate property) from which you can get rental income or capital gains if you sell it.
Likewise, in some cases, local banks in St. Kitts and Nevis offer financing on property under the citizenship program. The minimum purchase amounts still apply, but taking a loan to make the investment is a legitimate source of funds. In some cases, you can also borrow against property you have already purchased. Financing options are very much case by case, depending on both the property and the borrower, and should be discussed with your chosen CBI agent. Obviously, there are financing costs involved. Nevertheless, it is important that readers know the options are available, with banks in St Kitts and Nevis being generally more open to financing options than in other CBI jurisdictions.
Obviously, since you are acquiring a nationality, you will be required to hold the property under your ownership for a stipulated period before being able to sell it. But in the end, this is an investment that’s highly likely to bring returns. However, if you want more detailed information, you are welcome to contact our experts for a consultation or visit the government website.
The donation is simpler, but it's not an investment, meaning you don't get returns and you don’t get your funds back. With real estate, you can get your funds back by, for example, selling the property in seven or ten years or renting it, depending on the citizenship program’s requirements. However, the process through the Sustainable Growth Fund is an excellent choice for those who want a passport that is 1) more affordable, 2) quick, and 3) hassle-free. In fact, since Saint Kitts and Nevis started offering its reduced fee of $150,000 for a family of four, the program received a renewed interest mainly from Indian and Middle Eastern applicants, which led it to expand the discount for another year.
Let us go through the options Saint Kitts and Nevis offers to all investors and entrepreneurs looking for a new place to call home.
Who Can Be Included in the Application?
-Main applicant.
-Spouse.
-Dependent children (or spouse´s children) under 30 years old.
-Dependent parents or grandparents (or the spouse´s) over 55 years old.
-Dependent siblings (or the spouse´s) under 30 years old.
Required Documents
We understand that the process can seem complicated, but here you will find a list of the documents that are usually needed when applying for a second passport in St. Kitts and Nevis.
For Each Applicant:
-Citizenship Application Form C1 - Personal data and declaration
-Citizenship Application Form C2 - Photograph and Signature Certificate
-Citizenship Application Form C3 - Medical Certificate
-Certified copy of Passport(s)
-Certified copy of National ID card, if applicable
-Certified copy of Residence Visa, if applicable
-Two (2) Original or certified copies of excerpt of full birth record or Birth Certificate
-Original HIV Test results, stamped and signed by Lab or Medical Doctor for applicants eight (8) years and older
-Original Police Certificate/ Certificate of No Criminal Record (valid for six (6) months) from country of birth and country where resident for more than one (1) year in the past ten (10) years
-Eight (8) recent coloured passport photos (size 45mmx 35mm, white background, full face, no smiling, both ears showing) Certified copy of proof of name change, if applicable
-Passport Application form
-Certified copy of Household Register (Chinese applicants only)
For Main Applicant:
-Original Bank Statement from internationally recognized bank, for past twelve (12) months, stamped by Bank
-Original Bank Reference Letter, valid for six (6) months
-Original Professional Reference Letter from attorney, chartered accountant, notary public
-Original document of proof of current residential address (utility bill, bank statement, written confirmation can be included in Bank Reference Letter or Professional Reference Letter)
-Original letter of employment, if employed
-Certified copy of Company Incorporation documents, Share Certificates, Business License, if self employed
-Certified copy of Educational Certificate(s) issued by University, if applicable
-Two (2) Original or certified copies of Marriage Certificate, if applicable
Certified copy of Divorce Certificate, if applicable
-Affidavit of Financial Support of dependent children between ages eighteen (18) and thirty (30) and parents age fifty-five (55) and older
-Limited Power of Attorney permitted Service Provider to submit application(s) and collect passport(s)
For dependent children between eighteen (18) and thirty (30)
-Proof of enrollment/full-time education
All documents must be in English or if the original language is not English, documents must be translated by a sworn legal translator or byty areas like education, health, climate change and resilience, infrastructure, tourism and culture, and the prom a company whose main business is professional translations.
Additional documents may be required as evidence, explanation or otherwise in support of the information provided by the applicant.
Sustainable Growth Fund
The SGF will channel resources to prioriotion of indigenous entrepreneurship, to the benefit of all citizens, including you. This is the government donation option we discussed earlier.
It must be emphasized that this new initiative is a first for the Caribbean, and puts the St. Kitts & Nevis program on a similar footing to the Turkish CBI program where any property qualifies, rather than just government approved projects. It will surely appeal to those who are interested in establishing a real physical (not to mention fiscal) residence in the Federation, who want to spend time there and put down roots. It is also aimed at those investors who strongly prefer individual, titled and unencumbered real estate. In short, it's probably aimed at the North American market where a Plan B strategy alongside a home in paradise is now a very attractive proposition.
Applicants may qualify for citizenship by contributing to the state, specifically to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).
-Single applicant: 150,000 USD contribution.
-Family of four or main applicant plus three dependents (applicant plus spouse plus two children): 150,000 USD contribution.
-Additional dependents (whatever their age may be): 10,000 USD contribution.
Thus, depending on the contribution, the number of individuals who can apply, but they have to depend on the main applicant and be close relatives. With a little less than 200,000 USD plus fees, you and your dear ones can get a second citizenship.
The fees are also nonrefundable and correspond to due diligence processes and processing fees. These fees are 7,500 USD for the main applicant and 4,000 USD for each dependent older than 16 years.
Process of Obtaining Citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis Through Investment in the SGF
The process for obtaining citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis through investment in the SGF can be summarized as follows:
1.The investor signs the Trust agreement, fills in all application forms and pays government due diligence and application fees in full.
2.The application is submitted to the CIU with a cheque for the payment of the due diligence and application fees.
3.The due diligence process starts and usually takes 90 days.
4.Once due diligence checks are completed; approval from the CIU is received.
5.The investor pays the investment amount to the SGF account.
6.The office of CIU issues the Certificate of Registration. A local agent submits it together with the passport application to the Passport Office.
7.The documents are issued and sent to the investor via a reputable courier service.
Real Estate Investment
It is also possible to acquire a passport through a real estate investment and here, the program offers two choices. The real estate investment includes hotel shares, condos, and villas. The first option is acquiring second citizenship by purchasing an investment whose minimum value is USD 200,000, in which case you are bound to hold the property for seven years (in other words, you can sell it only seven years after acquiring citizenship). The other option is acquiring a property with a minimum value of USD 400,000, in which case you are allowed to sell the property after five years.
To sum up:
Real Estate Investment Options in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Option 1: Property with a minimum value of USD 200,000 (resaleable after seven years).
Option 2: Property with a minimum value of USD 400,000 (resaleable after five years).
The Fees in a Nutshell (for real estate option):
If the application for real estate investment is approved, the following government fees will be charged in principle.
-Main Candidates: USD 35,050
-Spouse of main applicant: USD 20,0500
-Other eligible dependents of major applicants, regardless of age: USD 10,050
In addition to these costs, the purchaser needs to know the purchase costs (mainly compulsory contributions to the insurance fund and transfer costs). Also, please note that these are additional fees that do NOT apply with the donation option. But, if you want more details about these two options and their fees you can visit the government’s official website.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship in a Nutshell
Comparing the St Kitts and Nevis CBI
Luckily, Mundo has partnered with experts and duly certified agents that can help you get citizenship in Saint Kitts or any of the Caribbean countries. For instance, Park Hyatt St. Kitts has been designated as an approved project by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis. A US$ 220,000 investment, in addition to the associated government fees (through our limited partnership structure) in Park Hyatt St. Kitts entitles you to apply for citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis.
Contact us to get a consultation with one of our experts.
Nevis world-class services Trusts and Corporate
Years of practice in his field: 30
Karina Dinsberga
Years of practice in his field: 10
Financial structures Trust and banking
Years of practice in his field: 10
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