Why applying for a citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual island nation in the Caribbean and is known for its beautiful mountains and beaches.  Its low crime rate, excellent healthcare system and solid national infrastructure has made it one of the Caribbean’s fastest growing economies and an ideal second home, so many international investors are applying for citizenship in St. Kitts & Nevis.

St. Kitts and Nevis also has the world’s longest and best – managed Citizenship by Investment program.  Established in 1984, this program requires a minimum US$150,000 contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) or a minimum US$400,000 real estate investment.

What are the benefits of the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program?

Their program is known as the “platinum standard brand,” with investors being guided through an expedited application procedure that allows full citizenship to be granted in as little as 60 days in most circumstances.

An individual application includes family members – spouse, dependent children up to a maximum age of 30, dependent parents with a minimum age of 55 and unmarried and dependent siblings up to the age of 30.

The benefits that this program offers investors are excellent offshore banking facilities, a wide range of insurance services and tax incentives that include no tax on overseas income or capital that may compliment the applicants existing tax planning and wealth protection strategies.  In addition, there is no personal income tax, no gift tax, no death duties, no estate tax, no inheritance tax.

This program does not require a residency or a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis by the applicant. Dependents under the age of 30 and parents and grandparents above the age of 55 and who are dependent on the holder can be included in the application.

The holder of a passport from St. Kitts and Nevis can travel visa-free to over 165 countries including the EU Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Switzerland and can live and work in other Caribbean Community countries if they wish to do so.

What are the St. Kitts and Nevis investment options?

The Citizenship-by-Investment program of St. Kitts and Nevis has three investment options:

  1. A minimum contribution of US$150,000 to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)

The addition of a sibling under the SGF is US$20,000.  Additional dependents are US$10,000 per dependent.

  1. Real Estate Investment
    • A minimum investment of US$400,000 in a pre-approved real estate development that must be held for a minimum of 5 years after the citizenship has been granted
    • Purchase of a qualified private residential property or luxury real estate for a minimum investment of US$200,000. The property must be held for a minimum of 7 years after the citizenship has been granted.
  2. Alternative Investment Option

Applicants have the option to invest in an alternative project that has been approved by the St. Kitts and Nevis government.  Alternative investment projects can be government owned or privately owned.

    • An investment of US$175,000 for up to a family of four, in a Public Good Project Developer (PGPD) project that is fully funded by the PGPD.
    • An investment of US$200,000 for up to a family of four in a Private Enterprise Developer (PED) where the built asset is privately owned.
    • Potential projects can be identified by the government or suggested by private individuals with access to financing that are not in the government’s infrastructure list on the condition that after an agreed number of years, the project must be turned over to the government in good condition.

Steps to follow to apply in the citizenship-by-residence program of St. Kitts and Nevis

Speak to an Orience immigration adviser who will evaluate your personal situation and assist you in selecting the best investment options most suitable to you.

  1. Orience will help you prepare the documentation and the citizenship application.
  2. Orience will apply due diligence and care to your application and submit the documents to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
  3. Orience will follow-up and make sure your application has been approved.
  4. Orience will receive your pre-approval on your behalf.
  5. Orience will help you process and complete your investment funds.
  6. Orience will acquire the St. Kitts and Nevis passport on your behalf and send to your preferred address.