Citizenship By Investment
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment
The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis was established up in 1984, making it the longest established program of this kind in the world. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis utilizes this program to attract investors of good character to make a substantial contribution to the development of the Federation. These investors are then given the opportunity to apply for citizenship and passport within the strict guidelines of the law and the relevant regulations. To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis under its Citizenship-by-Investment Program, the Government requires either an investment in designated real estate with a value of at least US$ 350,000 plus payment of various registration and other fees, or a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (a public charity) to the amount of between US$ 200,000 and US$ 400,000, depending on the number of dependants included in the application.
The Real Estate Option
To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis under the real-estate option of its Citizenship-by-Investment Program, the Government requires an investment in designated real estate with a value of at least US$ 400,000 for each main applicant. Two or more applicants may apply for citizenship by investment together by purchasing one piece of real estate provided that each main applicant contributes the minimum investment of US$ 400,000.00 towards the investment.
Besides this investment requirement, the following processing and due diligence fees are payable to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis:
- US$ 7,500 due diligence and processing fees for the main applicant
- US$ 4,000 due diligence and processing fees for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of eighteen years
- On approval in principle of the application through a real estate investment
- US$ 50,000 for the main applicant
- US$ 25,000 for the spouse of the main applicant
- US$ 25,000 for each child of the main applicant under eighteen years of age
- US$ 50,000 for each qualified dependent of the main applicant above the age of eighteen years, other than his or her spouse
Additionally to these fees, real-estate buyers should be aware that there are also purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contribution and conveyance fees) of approximately 2 - 4% of the purchase price.
Only villas and condominium units from an approved developer will qualify for citizenship.
Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) option
To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis under the SIDF Option, the Government requires a contribution to the St. Kitts and Nevis Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation, a public charity audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Under this option, there are four different categories:
- Single applicant: a non-refundable contribution of US$ 250,000 is required
- Applicant with up to three dependents (i.e. one spouse and two children below the age of 18): a non-refundable contribution of US$ 300,000 is required
- Applicant with up to five dependents (i.e. one spouse and four children): a nonrefundable contribution of US$ 350,000 is required
- Applicant with up to seven dependents: a non-refundable contribution of US$ 450,000 is required
- Additional contribution for each dependent above seven dependents: : a non-refundable contribution of US$ 50,000 is required
The above amounts are inclusive of all Government fees payable for the main applicant and his or her dependents except the due diligence fees which are payable as follows:-
- US$ 7,500 due diligence and processing fees for the main applicant
- US$ 4,000 due diligence and processing fees for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of eighteen years
With the exception of the spouse of the main applicant, where dependents over eighteen years form part of the Application, the Minimum Investment shall be an additional fee of US$ 50,000 per dependent which shall be paid to the Government.
