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St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program 2024

According to reports, St. Kitts and Nevis peaked at 1.3 million tourists, while the population is under 55,000. The reason is – they are two beautiful islands with stunning coastlines and warm tropical weather. However, this is not the only attraction. St. Kitts and Nevis also offer lucrative business opportunities. Their favourable economic climate and supportive government policies make them attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

In particular, the investment route of the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program has been a major drive. This citizenship is popular among high-net-worth investors and offers access to multiple benefits, including an advantageous tax regime.

This article will reveal how you can acquire this investment and how it will benefit you.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Explained

The government of these islands has had the citizenship by investment program for 40 years. Through it, they have welcomed thousands of investors and provided for their local community. In particular, the investments of $150,000 – $800,000 go toward their real estate market, hospitality industry, and other programs that improve the lives of their citizens.

Moreover, you can include the following family members in your application:

  • Spouse
  • Children under 26
  • Parents over 55
  • Unmarried, Childless, Financially Independent Siblings under 30

While seeing the changes in St. Kitts and Nevi citizenship by investment policy in the last few years, it remains one of the fastest Citizenship by Investment programs as their process may take as little as 9 months. However, the Hurricane Relief Fund, the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation, and the Public Benefit Option are no longer available.

If you want to invest in St. Kitts and Nevis, you can do so in the following two ways:

1. Sustainable Growth Fund

The first investment you can select is the non-refundable Sustainable Growth Fund. Though this investment replaces the Sustainable Island State Contribution, it remains a charitable investment that contributes to the well-being of the nation.

To examine these costs, explore the table below:

Fees Cost
Main Applicant (or Family Totaling up to 4 Dependents) Investment $250,000
Additional Dependant (over 17) Investment $50,000
Additional Dependant (under 18) Investment $25,000
Main Applicant Due Diligence $10,000
Dependent (over 15) Due Diligence $7,500

2. Real Estate Investment

You can also acquire St. Kitts and Nevi citizenship by investing in real estate. You may invest in development projects and resell it after 7 years. In addition, the minimum investment was lowered in the last revisions of this program.

Here is a table detailing the new real estate fees:

Fee Cost
Real Estate Development Investment $400,000
Main Applicant Due Dilligence $10,000
Dependent (over 17) Due Diligence $7,500
Main Applicant Post-Approval $25,000
Spouse of Main Applicant Post-Approval $15,000
Dependent Post-Approval (under 18) $10,000
Dependent Post-Approval (over 17) $15,000

3. Industry Investment

As an investor, you can apply to become an approved “Public Benefactor”. Then, you will be able to develop one of the country's industries. Your investments will go into approved projects meant to increase employment. To use this investment path, you will need to invest at least $250,000 and pay the following fees:

Fees Cost
Main Applicant Due Diligence $10,000
Dependent Due Diligence (over 15 years old) $7,500
Main Applicant Post-Approval $15,000
Dependent (under 18) $10,000
Dependent (over 17) $15,000

The Advantages of a St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship

Since its inception in 1984, this program has been a popular option for worldwide investors because of its benefits.

Advantageous Tax Regime

When you have this citizenship, you will have access to a tax regime that burdens you less than most other countries’ tax laws. In particular, there are no taxes on the following:

  • Dividends
  • Royalties
  • Wages
  • Capital Gains
  • Inheritance

In addition, the government reduced the income tax rate to 5% on income earned inside the country. Therefore, you retain a greater portion of your profits as you operate within the country. Moreover, the country does not require you to file taxes while you are not residing within their borders.

Increased Travel Freedom

This citizenship gives you access to a large number of countries. In fact, this country has visa-waiver and visa-on-arrival agreements with over 150 countries. Moreover, the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis have no visa requirements to travel to the Schengen region and the Caribbean Community. With this increased travel freedom, you and your family will be able to travel for leisure, business, and safety.

Post-Application Family Inclusion

When you have this citizenship, your future children will have access to this citizenship as well. Moreover, you can add other family members – even post-application approval. To access this citizenship, you will need to pay the following fees per additional family member:

Applicants Government Fee
Spouse $35,000
Child $10,000
Sibling $20,000

High Quality of Life

A major benefit you could gain from this citizenship is access to the country's high quality of life. When you live in St. Kitts and Nevis, you will be able to sail along its coast and enjoy a number of other activities. Moreover, your children will have access to private schools and universities. Reports demonstrate the country has lower crime statistics than some Western countries in terms of vandalism, violent crimes, or even corruption. Besides, these islands are vibrant with art, music, and food due to their mix of African, British, Caribbean, and French cultures.

Simple Application Process

Lastly, the application process is simple and fairly quick compared to other countries, where it may take years to receive citizenship. What makes this application process so simple is that it lacks the multiple steps that other countries require.

In particular, this process does not include the following requirements:

  • No Language Test: You will not need to speak the local language. Plus, locals largely speak English.
  • No Oath: You will not need to make an oath in this country.
  • No Minimum Stay: You can complete this application and retain your new citizenship without ever entering the country.

Furthermore, you require an agent to apply for this program. Therefore, you will only need to gather your documents and make your investment. After that, you need to wait for the government and an authorised agent to finalize the due diligence and application process.

The Citizenship by Investment Requirements

This citizenship has the following requirements:

  • Adult Age: To apply for this citizenship, you must be at least 18 years old.
  • Background Check: You will have to submit a police clearance certificate.
  • Medical Examination: In your application, you will need to present a medical report.
  • Identification Documents: You will include your passport, birth certificate, and any other validating documents in your application.
  • No Visa Denial: If you have a visa rejection from a country with a visa-free waiver agreement with St. Kitts and Nevis, the government may deny your application.
  • References: You will need references that attest to your character, including your curriculum vitae.
  • Monetary Source: To ensure your investment is legal, you will need to prove its legitimate source.
  • Authorised Agent: Since only agents can access the citizenship application form, you will need to hire one to complete this procedure.

Note: You will not have access to this citizenship if you are a citizen of Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, or North Korea.

How to Apply for St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Citizenship

Here is how you can apply for this citizenship:

  1. Gather Your Documents: To begin applying for this citizenship, you should collect your documents and application forms. You will receive the forms through an authorised agent or at a citizenship office.
  2. Submit Your Application: Now that you have collected your documents, you should give your filled forms to your agent for them to submit to the government.
  3. Pay the Application Fees: After you have handed over your forms, you will need to pay the due diligence, lawyer/agency, and government fees.
  4. Wait for Due Diligence: Now that you have paid the application fees, you will need to wait for the government to verify whether you qualify for this citizenship. During this time, the government may request you and your adult dependents to do an interview.
  5. Make Your Investment: After the government has completed their due diligence, they will approve your application. Then, you will process your investment.
  6. Receive Your Citizenship: Finally, you will receive your passport after the investment has been made. You can collect it either from your agent, an embassy, or a consulate.

Vancis Capital Can Guide You through the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Program

Vancis Capital offer personalised investment solutions to help you acquire St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. With a global presence and over 25 years of combined experience, we have successfully assisted hundreds of families in achieving greater freedom and opportunities through second citizenship.

Furthermore, our global network and long-term client relationships offer ongoing support even after you obtain your citizenship. Our offices across three continents and a network of global partners provide you with the resources and connections necessary for a smooth and successful application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis?

The cost of becoming a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis varies depending on the type of citizenship you select. If you choose to become a citizen through investment, you will have to invest at least $250,000 with additional fees. Meanwhile, if you become a citizen by descent, you will have to pay at least $330 (£255). Citizenship by marriage would then require at least $230 (£175).

Can a St. Kitts and Nevis citizen travel to the USA without a visa?

A citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis cannot travel to the USA without a visa. However, if you have dual citizenship and your other nationality has a visa waiver with the USA, such as Australia, you will be able to travel freely. Otherwise, you can access the 10-year B-1/B-2 visa as a citizen of this country.

Can I enter the UK with a St. Kitts passport?

You can enter the UK with a St. Kitts passport. St. Kitts and Nevis has a visa-waiver arrangement with the UK. Then, you will be able to remain in the UK for 180 days a year.

Citizenship by Investment

Conclusion

Now you know that the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program has a particularly advantageous investment route. Through their Citizenship by Investment, you will gain access to an investment and business-friendly tax regime, increased travel freedom, and a high quality of life. In addition, you can include family members even post-application.

Once you decide that these islands offer the return on investment you desire, consider seeking expert advisors, such as Vancis Capital, to navigate the process. Specialists in this field will ensure you meet all requirements and guide you toward the best investment options, whether in real estate or funds.

Take charge of your future with our expert advisors

Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.