Wondering what’s happening the the Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI? At Next Generation Equity, we’ve seen firsthand how Saint Kitts and Nevis has evolved its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program to stay competitive yet maintain its long-standing reputation.
In 2025, the government has managed to balance heightened security measures with a faster and more inclusive path to second citizenship.
We walk you through the essentials you should know before taking the next step.
Quick Look At Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI Updates in 2025.
- New Minimum Contributions: Introduction of the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) at a revised minimum of $250,000 for most applicants and families.
- Expanded Property Investment Options: Lowered real estate thresholds, now starting at $325,000 for approved projects, with a separate $600,000 tier for single-family homes.
- Mandatory Interviews and Ongoing Vetting: Applicant interviews are now required, and a new Continuous International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit monitors all economic citizens post-approval.
- Faster Approvals: Standard application processing will take approximately 10 weeks, thanks to efficiency drives in the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
- Family-Friendly Measures: Reduced eligible age for parents (now 55), lowered fees for newborn dependents, and a clear fee schedule for larger families.
- In-Person Certificate Collection: New citizens must collect their Certificate of Registration personally, improving identity verification.
- Public Benefit Option: An alternative $250,000 contribution route that supports government-approved community projects.
- Restrictions on Certain Nationalities: Applications from Russia and Belarus are currently suspended in line with international sanctions.
- Bankruptcy Disclosure: Applicants must not have been discharged from bankruptcy within the past 10 years.
The Evolving SISC Route
One of the biggest changes is the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), replacing the older Sustainable Growth Fund.
You’ll now see:
- A $250,000 contribution for single applicants and most families.
- There are additional costs for larger families, including a set fee for each additional adult or child beyond a family of four.
- The new Public Benefit Option at the same $250,000 level allows you to contribute directly to charitable or public projects that support the country’s development.
Our clients are enjoying this update as the SISC offers a straightforward route: there’s no property purchase to manage, and the government has streamlined application procedures so you’re not tied up in red tape.
Real Estate Possibilities
If you’re interested in property, Saint Kitts and Nevis lowered the minimum purchase price to $325,000 for approved real estate developments. There’s also a $600,000 threshold for single-family private homes. Keep in mind:
- You’ll generally need to hold the property for 7 years before you can resell it to another CBI applicant.
- Some high-end luxury projects might appeal to those who want both an investment return and the lifestyle benefits of a Caribbean getaway.
While we have found that most people still opt for the cash contribution, the property can be a great option if you’re eyeing rental income or plan to spend part of the year on the islands.
Tighter Vetting and Security
Saint Kitts and Nevis has taken program integrity to another level.
Here’s what you should expect:
- Mandatory interviews: All main applicants must complete an interview—online or in person.
- Post-citizenship monitoring: The new Continuous International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit actively supervises economic citizens to ensure they maintain a clean record.
- Banned applicants: Citizens of certain countries, particularly Russia and Belarus, are currently barred from applying.
These enhancements protect the long-term value of the passport. It’s reassuring to know that the government is filtering out high-risk applicants and taking global security seriously.
Speedier Application Turnaround
One major shift is the 10-week standard application processing time. That’s a game-changer for many of my clients who urgently need a second passport.
The CIU has:
- Appointed specialized teams to clear backlogs.
- Implemented advanced case-management software and a 24-hour response policy for inquiries.
- Unified the once “accelerated” processing concept into a norm rather than a paid add-on.
If you’re looking for a quick solution to global mobility issues, this refined timeline makes Saint Kitts and Nevis one of the fastest reputable options on the market.
More Family-Inclusive
We’ve seen how important family considerations are to our clients making the decision to apply for second citizenship, so these updates are significant:
- Lower Dependent Age: Parents can now be included from age 55 (down from 65).
- Newborn Children: Adding a baby after you become a citizen comes with reduced fees, making it much more affordable.
- Clear Fee Structure: Larger families pay additional fees per extra member, but the fees are all laid out in a transparent, easy-to-calculate system.
Certificate Collection in Person
An important new rule requires successful applicants to pick up their Certificate of Registration personally, either in Saint Kitts and Nevis or at a designated embassy/consulate.
While this adds a small logistical step, it significantly enhances the government’s identity verification measures—something that, again, enhances the overall credibility of your new citizenship.
Six CBI Principles and Regional Cooperation
Saint Kitts and Nevis has joined other Caribbean CBI nations to adopt “Six CBI Principles” aimed at:
- Consistent background checks and mandatory interviews.
- Mutual sharing of denied applicants’ data among Caribbean programs.
- Uniform minimum investment standards.
- Respecting sanctions lists to comply with international obligations.
This collaboration means you can rest assured the program aligns with the highest regional benchmarks, reducing the likelihood of passport sanctions or unwanted scrutiny.
Why Work with Next Generation Equity
At Next Generation Equity, we’re a government-approved facilitator of CBI and residency-by-investment applications.
Our job is to help you navigate:
- The updated investment thresholds and donation routes.
- The new interview processes.
- The added security and documentation requirements.
When you work with me or any of my colleagues, you’ll have the guidance of a seasoned team that’s dedicated to making your application journey as smooth as possible. We ensure no detail is overlooked, from helping you compile paperwork to arranging interviews and planning for any family additions.
Interested in securing your Saint Kitts and Nevis passport? Let’s walk through your goals and map out the optimal route for you. Whether you choose the SISC or a real estate project, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed every step of the way—so you can enjoy peace of mind and all the advantages of a reputable second citizenship in 2025 and beyond.
