Sign Up For Saint Kitts And Nevis Citizenship By Investment
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program was the first of its kind, launching in 1984. Saint Kitts and Nevis has been dubbed the home of second citizenship as it is the oldest, and most successful citizenship program in the world.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an island country in the West Indies and is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere.
The country enjoys a pleasant tropical climate combined with beaches, warm sea water, and beautiful coral reefs. It is also a Commonwealth realm, with King Charles III as the Head of State.
About Saint Kitts And Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island Caribbean paradise, is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and lush tropical landscapes.
This charming destination combines the tranquil serenity of island living with an intriguing blend of African, British, Carib, and French influences. Its wondrous beauty and exceptional advantages make it the perfect place to own a second home, where you can experience the enchanting variety at your fingertips.
At the same time, the islands provide convenient air links to Europe and North America.
CAPITAL
Basseterre
POPULATION
53,205
TOTAL AREA
269.4 km2
CURRENCY
East Caribbean Dollar
Geographical Location and Climate
Nestled in the Leeward Islands group of the Lesser Antilles, Saint Kitts, and Nevis lie approximately 113 kilometers south of Anguilla and 300 kilometers southeast of Puerto Rico. These enchanting volcanic islands are tucked away amid a slender strait, merely 3.2 kilometers across. With a combined land area of 269 square kilometers, the nation is comparable in size to San Antonio, Texas. Both islands boast hilly or mountainous terrains shaped by subterranean seismographic activity, occasionally leading to earthquakes.
The dreamy climate of Saint Kitts and Nevis is tempered by northeast trade winds, promising subtle daily or seasonal variations. With temperatures swaying between 18°C and 32°C, and a delightful average of 26°C, this Eden-like haven offers a gorgeous climate year-round. In place of a distinct rainy season, annual precipitation ranges from 100 to 300 centimeters. From July to September, the archipelago endures its hurricane season, during which wind speeds may surpass 19 kilometers per hour.
Language and Culture
Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly flaunt its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in African, British, Carib, and French influences. These diverse backgrounds have woven a vibrant tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines found throughout the islands. Primarily, English is spoken, but the local dialect often integrates elements from the islands’ multifaceted origins. This intertwining of cultures creates an incredibly captivating and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.
Economic Overview
The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is primarily driven by tourism, which has experienced substantial growth in recent years. With beautiful beaches and lush tropical landscapes luring travelers from around the world, this upscale tourism market contributes significantly to the nation’s economic stability.
Additionally, the Citizenship by Investment Program, established in 1984, generates a significant economic contribution to the nation. By granting full citizenship in exchange for economic investment, the program continues to bolster development and improve the quality of life for both current and future citizens. Agriculture also plays a vital role in the country’s economic health. The fertile soil found on Saint Kitts supports a variety of crops, including sugarcane, which was historically the primary agricultural product on the island.
Why Choose Saint Kitts And Nevis Citizenship By Investment?
FAST ACCESS TO A STRONG PASSPORT
Obtain your Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship in as little as 3-4 months. There is no residence requirement to maintain your citizenship with Saint Kitts and Nevis.
VISA-FREE GLOBAL TRAVEL
As a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis, you’ll gain easy, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 165 countries worldwide, including the entire Schengen Area, the UK, and major nations in the Americas and Asia such as Hong Kong, and Singapore.
TAX BENEFITS
As a Saint Kitts and Nevis citizen you will be exempt from all income, capital gains, inheritance and gift taxes. You will also benefit from tax-free trade with Canada and duty-free trading throughout the Caribbean.
SECURE YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE
Your spouse, parents and dependent children are welcome to apply for lifelong Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship along with you. Each passport will be valid for 10 years, which can be renewed at a Saint Kitts and Nevis consulate.
How to Qualify for the Saint Kitts And Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
To qualify for the Grenada Citizenship By Investment program, applicants must:
- Be in good health (and provide proof with a medical certificate).
- Be 18 years or older.
- Provide a ‘Certificate of No Criminal Record’ or a ‘Police Clearance Certificate’ from the country where the applicant lives or any country where the applicant has lived for more than 1 year in the past 10 years. An FBI record is required from the USA. Children under 16 years old are exempt.
- Provide negative HIV test results (must be no more than 3 months old when applying). Children under 12 years old are exempt.
- Provide an original reference from a professional (an attorney, chartered accountant, etc.).
- Provide employment letters from any previous jobs that state your salary and position.
- Provide evidence of legally acquired funds for the investment.
- Applicants who are nationals of Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Russia, Cuba, and North Korea are not eligible to apply.
- The main applicant’s spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Children between the ages of 18 and 25 who are enrolled full-time in a recognized secondary or tertiary institution and fully reliant on the main applicant for support
- Children aged 18 and above with physical or mental disabilities
- Parents of the main applicant or the applicant’s spouse who are aged 55 or older, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Options
1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The first investment option offers investors the opportunity to contribute to the economic and social prosperity of the twin-island nation. This revenue will help upgrade local food production, expand social protection for the vulnerable, and diversify the economy.
The contribution for a single applicant, up to a family of up to four is USD 250,000.
Beyond this, an additional dependent under 18 years old will require an extra USD 25,000 contribution, and each additional dependent over the age of 18 will be an extra USD 50,000.
Additional Fees (SISC Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 16 years of age | Children over 16 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Fee | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 |
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 10,000 | USD 7,500 | Nil | USD 7,500 |
| Additional Fees | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
2. Public Good Benefit Option (PBIO)
This option allows investors to contribute funds to approved public benefactor projects that provide benefits to the nation such as industry development the construction of a real estate development project on state land or the construction of a development project to be transferred to the state. The minimum investment is USD 250,000. Investors in the PGIO are responsible for all financial risks linked to the projects. Should the investment lead to the development of real estate on State-owned land, investors are obliged to transfer the property to the State upon significant completion.
Additional Fees (Public Benefit Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 18 years of age | Children over 18 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Fee | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 |
| Application Fee | Nil | USD 15,000 | USD 10,000 | USD 15,000 |
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 10,000 | USD 7,500 | Nil | USD 7,500 |
| Additional Fees | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
3. Real Estate Investment
This option requires investors to acquire designated properties and hold them for a minimum of 7 years before re-sale. There are two real estate investment pathways:
Private Home
This option is for investors seeking citizenship through purchasing an Approved Private Home residence. The minimum investment is USD 325,000 for a condominium unit designated as an Approved Private Home. Alternatively, for a single-family private dwelling designated as an Approved Private Home, the minimum investment is USD 600,000. If you wish to apply for Citizenship by Investment with another applicant, you can contribute USD 325,000 each towards an approved private home worth at least USD 600,000.
Resale Restrictions:
– Properties purchased under this option cannot be resold for at least 7 years.
– The purchased home does not qualify for a future CBI application unless substantial renovations or additions have been made by the owner.
Approved Development
This requires a minimum investment of USD 325,000 for shares in an approved hotel or resort development. The investment can only be sold after 7 years.
The rental returns for the Royal St. Kitts Hotel are 7.5% in high season and 3.5% in low season. Investors also have the right to use the villa for 24 days of the year.
Additional Fees (Real Estate Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 16 years of age | Children over 16 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Fee | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 | USD 350 |
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 10,000 | USD 7,500 | Nil | USD 7,500 |
| Government Fee | USD 25,000 | USD 15,000 | USD 10,000 (0-17 years old) | USD 15,000 (18 years old and above) |
| Additional Fees | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
Saint Kitts And Nevis CBI Application Process
Register with NGE
Contact Next Generation Equity so we can help with your application process. We are a trusted, government-approved facilitator of Citizenship by Investment programs.
Gather Documents
Work with Next Generation Equity to gather all of the essential documents. You will be required to submit a police clearance certificate (from any country where you have lived at for one year over the past 10 years), copies of each person’s passport and birth certificate, along with your resumes. Additionally, you will need to get a medical check-up to prove you are in good health and negative for HIV. We will ensure that everything is properly arranged.
Submission
Once your documents are ready, we will forward your application to the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). You will be required to pay the due diligence fees at this point. We will manage all further communications regarding your application.
*If you are an investor of the PGIO, you must submit your application to the board of governors to be recognized as a Public Good Investor.
Interview Process
Each applicant (16 years or above) must attend an interview virtually, in person at St Kitts and Nevis, or at another location approved by the Board of Governors of the CIU.
Review
The CIU will review your application and perform due diligence checks on all applicants aged 16 and over. If deemed acceptable, the CIU will send a letter of approval within 90 days of receiving the application.
Complete Your Investment
If approved, you will receive instructions to make the required contribution or to finalize your property purchase within 60 days. Once the payment is confirmed, you can collect your registration certificate either in person at St Kitts and Nevis or at a CIU-approved consulate or embassy. You will receive your St Kitts and Nevis passport about 2 weeks after you receive your certificate.
Saint Kitts And Nevis CBI Processing Times
The general processing time to receive your St Kitts and Nevis passport will be around 3 months, however, the processing time will vary with each application. Typically, the CIU will send a letter of approval within 90 days of receiving your application.
Following this, you have 60 days to make your investment and pay the associated fees. However, the quicker you do this, the faster the whole process will be. Successful applicants will usually receive their passports within 2 weeks.
Taxes in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Investors participating in the Citizenship by Investment program commonly benefit from low to zero taxation in Saint Kitts & Nevis. However, understanding when taxes may apply is essential for potential investors.
Individual Taxation:
– Saint Kitts & Nevis does not levy personal income tax on either tax residents or non-residents.
– Social Security contributions are required from individuals employed within the country, capped at earnings of XCD 6,500.
Business Taxation:
– Resident companies holding registration or management within Saint Kitts and Nevis have a corporate tax rate of 33%, potentially reducible to 1% with certain qualifications.
– Non-resident companies pay a 15% withholding tax only on locally sourced profits.
– Dividends, interest, and royalties paid to non-residents are subject to a 15% withholding tax.
Property Taxes:
– Sellers pay stamp duty (6%-10% of the sale price).
– Buyers participating in the citizenship program are exempt from owning land license fees which are usually 10% of the property value.
– Property owners must pay land and building taxes, with rates varying based on the property:
Residential Property: The tax rate is 0.002 of the property value above EC$80,000.
Commercial Property: Taxed at a rate of 0.003 of the property value.
Agricultural Property: Generally exempt, unless otherwise specified, with minimal rates applied to certain types of land.
Accommodation (such as hotels): These are taxed at a rate of 0.003 of the property value.
– Capital gains tax of 20% applies to assets sold within one year of acquisition.
– Rental income is subject to a house tax of 5%, which is levied on the annual gross rental value of properties.
Benefits of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program boasts a myriad of benefits for investors and their families, making it one of the most attractive options for obtaining a second passport. The advantages of becoming a citizen of this dual-island Caribbean nation encompass travel convenience, lucrative financial prospects, and an exceptional quality of life.
Extensive Travel Rights:
A Saint Kitts and Nevis passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 165 global destinations, including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area in Europe. This benefit of unrestricted mobility allows investors and their families to enjoy hassle-free international travel for both business and leisure purposes.
Favorable Tax Environment:
As a Saint Kitts and Nevis citizen, you can take advantage of the country’s low to zero taxation policies on income, inheritance, wealth, and gifts. With proper tax planning, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce or even eliminate their tax burdens, leading to increased financial stability and growth opportunities.
Lifelong Citizenship:
The citizenship granted through the investment program is not only valid for life but can also be passed down to future generations by descent. This ensures a legacy of security and prosperity for your family in the years to come.
Inclusion of Family Members:
The program is designed to accommodate the main applicant and their spouse or parent, and up to 2 dependent children. However, additional applicants can be added at an additional cost. This inclusivity enables entire families to reap the benefits of Saint Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship benefits.
No Minimum Residency Requirements:
Unlike other Citizenship by Investment programs, Saint Kitts and Nevis does not mandate any minimum stay requirement. As a result, investors can enjoy the flexibility of retaining their current residences while still taking full advantage of their new citizenship status.
Dual Citizenship:
Saint Kitts and Nevis permit dual citizenship, enabling investors to retain their original nationality without any legal issues or potential conflicts with their home country.
Enhanced Investment Opportunities:
As a member of the Commonwealth, Saint Kitts, and Nevis citizens are entitled to certain investment privileges in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations, opening doors to global economic prospects.
Desirable Lifestyle:
With its pristine beaches, tropical landscapes, and diverse cultural influences, Saint Kitts and Nevis is an idyllic location for owning a second home. Residents can enjoy a high standard of living, good healthcare facilities, and quality education options in a safe and stable environment.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment FAQs
Can I Include Dependents After I Have Received Citizenship?
Yes, you can include family members including spouse, children, and parents after obtaining your Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship. It will cost an additional USD 7,500, plus due diligence fees.
Is Saint Kitts Passport Worth it?
Yes, a Saint Kitts passport is worth it as it allows visa-free travel to 165 countries, including the UK, European Schengen Area, Hong Kong, and Singapore. You will benefit from rental returns on real estate investments, along with the ability to work in the country and enjoy the zero taxation benefits.
Can I Live in Europe with a Saint Kitts Passport?
No, a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport only allows you visa-free entry to the European Schengen Area for short stays, usually up to 90 days within 180 days. However, if you wish to reside in Europe permanently or work there, you will need to apply for the appropriate residency and work permits from the country you wish to live in.
How Long is Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Valid For?
How Much Do You Need to Invest in St Kitts to Get Citizenship by Investment?
The minimum required amount to acquire citizenship by investment in Saint Kitts is to contribute USD 250,000 to the economic and social prosperity of the island.
Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in St Kitts?
Yes, foreigners can buy real estate in Saint Kitts and Nevis. If you want to achieve Citizenship by Investment, you must buy government-pre-approved resort hotel shares or a private condominium worth at least USD 325,000. To qualify for citizenship by Investment by buying a private property, you would need to spend at least USD 600,000.
What is the Rental Income Tax in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
In St. Kitts and Nevis, rental income is subject to a house tax, which is charged at a rate of 5% of the annual gross rental value of the property. However, if the property is solely occupied by the owner as a residence, a 25% rebate on this tax applies.
Can I Apply for the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program if I Have Had a Visa Denied in the Past?
If you have had a visa rejected by any country with which St. Kitts and Nevis have visa-free travel arrangements, you are ineligible to apply for citizenship by investment. You must first obtain a visa from the country that previously denied your application before you can apply for this citizenship program.
Is it Cheap to Live in St Kitts and Nevis?
It is very affordable to live in Saint Kitts and Nevis. A single individual’s estimated monthly expenses amount to approximately USD 1150, while a family of four would be expected to have monthly expenses of roughly USD 2800, excluding rent.
