Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment: The Gold Standard For Caribbean CBI Programs
Looking to get Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment in 2025? Discover the reasons to choose the gold standard of Caribbean CBI Programs, and also discover a compelling alternative option below…
Saint Kitts and Nevis is an independent island country situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Offering stunning tropical vistas, year-round sunshine, and some of the world’s best beaches, the twin island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis can rightfully be described as a tropical island paradise. And as Plan B destinations go, to date, the island nation has been a no-brainer option for CBI applicants the world over.
The country was first to market with its Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Program in 1984. And even today, nearly four decades later, Saint Kitts and Nevis remains a leader in the Citizenship By Investment field.
The Saint Kitts CBI is known for its stringent due diligence, and has won the title of Best Citizenship By Investment Program as determined by the CBI Index for the fourth year running in 2024. And contributions under the country’s CBI program has account for over 50% of the federal government’s revenue for the past 5 years.
As things stand going into 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis is also the only Caribbean nation to offer a fast-track processing option (albeit for an additional fee).
The program helps to fund local community-focused projects (predominantly via the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) route. It also enables CBI applicants to diversify their international real estate holdings (via the program’s property option, priced from either $400,000+ or $800,000, respectively).
Saint Kitts and Nevis has played a leading role on regulatory matters, and was the first Caribbean CBI country to implement an MoA directive aimed at ensuring that the regions Citizenship By Investment Programs maintain impeccable due diligence screening standards.
The country’s CBI program enjoys a sterling reputation, a fact attested to by the fact that it has issued over 20,000 CBI passports to date, despite the fact that its contributions have generally been the highest in the Caribbean. That, however, is not to suggest that the program hasn’t been subject to some controversy.
The recent Caribbean-wide price increase saw Saint Kitts raise its minimum donation requirement (on the SISC option) to $250,000. Going into 2025, the Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI offers applicants 4 qualifying investment options to choose from, with the minimum capital requirements as follows:
- $250,000: The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) route.
- $250,000: The Public Benefit Contribution Option
- $400,000: The Developer’s Real Estate Option
- $800,000: The Private Real Estate Option.
Let’s get into the program details below…
KEY COUNTRY FACTS & STATS
Official CBI Program Website: Click Here
Legal Basis: Part II, § 3 (5) of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Act of 1984, and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations of 2011.
St Kitts And Nevis Passport Power: Visa-free travel access to 153* destinations, including the EU, UK and Russia (*Including eTA and visa-on-arrival countries)
CARICOM Member Country: Yes
Population: 47,657 (2022)
Capital: Basseterre
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $20,262 (2022)
Local Time: Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)
Dual Citizenship Recognized: Yes
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
International Airport: Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
Tax Benefits: No capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or personal income tax
US E-2 Treaty Signatory Country: No
This page frequently gets found for Google searches like St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment, St Kitts CBI, St Kitts Passport By Investment, etc.
WANT A STRONGER PASSPORT THAN THAT OF SAINT KITTS AN NEVIS?
Be sure to check out the Serbian Citizenship By Exception Program as well.
BENEFITS OF GETTING SAINT KITTS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
Why choose Saint Kitts and Nevis as part of your Plan B passport portfolio?
The Flagship CaribbeanCBI Program
Boasting a 40 year track record, industry-leading due diligence, and a sterling international reputation, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ CBI is widely considered to be the industry flagship.
Exceptionally Fast Application Process
The Saint Kitts and Nevis CBI offers a streamlined, process: Citizenship applications are currently being approved in as little as 10-12 weeks, rather than the typical 4-6 months.
Enjoy Visa-Free Access To 157 Countries Worldwide
The Saint Kitts and Nevis passport offers visa-free access to 157 countries, including popular travel destinations like the United Kingdom, the EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.
Highly Advantageous Tax Regime
Saint Kitts and Nevis has no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth, making it an attractive destination for international tax optimization.
Buy An Open Market Property If You So Choose
Under the Private Real Estate Option, you can buy any residential property worth $800,000+ for private use, rather than having to buy a government approved property.
Excellent Plan B Option For North Americans
If the USA’s domestic conflicts and foreign policy direction is making you feel nervous, then Saint Kitts and Nevis can be an excellent bolt-hole destination in a paradise location.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
CBI Investment Options (2025)
Saint Kitts’ Citizenship by Investment Program offers a dynamic range of investment opportunities, including:
- Sustainable Island State (SISC) Contributions: Priced from $250,000+
- Public Benefit Contributions: Priced from $250,000+
- Developer’s Real Estate Projects: Priced from $400,000+
- Private Real Estate Acquisitions: Priced from $800,000+
Below we unpack each of these program options in more detail…
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC):
$250,000+
| Overview | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
|
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) provides CBI applicants with a fast, seamless path to Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment while making an impactful contribution to their new nation. The SISC Fund replaces the popular Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) as the new main donation-based option for acquiring Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship. All SISC donations are payable to the Federal Consolidated Fund, and are used to fund social and economic developments across the following 7 strategic priority areas:
|
PROS: Lowest capital outlay. A streamlined application process that ensures fast outcomes with minimal friction, delays, or hassles. The opportunity to make an impactful contribution to the development and prosperity of your new second home country. Citizenship is granted for life, and can be passed on to future generations. The average processing time for SISC applications isa 120-180 days. However, numerous licensed agents are seeing applications processed in as little as 10 weeks (in October 2024). CONS: This option is a non-refundable donation, rather than an investment. MINIMUM LEGALLY MANDATED DONATION: $250,000
Due Diligence Fees:
Good To Know: Each primary applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent firm commissioned by the CBI Unit either virtually, in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or in person at another location (e.g. at an embassy). Dependents aged 16 years or older may also be required to attend an interview. Find out more about the SISC CBI application process below… |
Public Benefit Contribution:
$250,000+
| Overview | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
|
The Public Benefit Option (PBO) is another CBI mechanism that provides the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis with the means to achieve its capital investment goals. Instead of making a direct donation, like with the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) option, CBI applicants under the PBO contribute to government approved projects that have long-term public benefits. Typically approved PBO opportunities include projects focused on:
The list of approved PBO projects is regularly updated by the Saint Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) and focuses on projects in areas such as renewable energy, education, tourism infrastructure, etc. They can then apply for their projects to be designated as Approved Public Benefit Projects qualified for sale under this CBI Option. Approved Public Benefit Projects designated by the CIU can not only maximise local employment, but also make it possible to embark upon projects including transfer of technology and capacity building. |
PROS: The ideal program option for applicants wishing to make a tangible socio-economic impact that leaves a lasting legacy. Similar to the SISC option, the typical processing timeline tends to be around 4-6 months, but faster approvals are not uncommon. CONS: This option is a non-refundable donation, rather than an investment. It is also not given that a project which you make a donation towards will be successful (i.e. have the intended impact). The government may choose to redirect funds towards other projects than the one you chose to contribute to, if the country’s strategic priorities were to shift. MINIMUM LEGALLY MANDATED CONTRIBUTIONS:
Due Diligence Fees:
Good To Know: Each primary applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent firm commissioned by the CBI Unit either virtually, in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or in person at another location (e.g. at an embassy). Dependents aged 16 years or older may also be required to attend an interview. Find out more about the PBO CBI application process below…
|
Developer’s Real Estate:
$400,000+
| Overview | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
|
The $400,000 Developer’s Real Estate option offers CBI applicants a convenient way to strategically diversify their international property holdings. You can apply for Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment on basis of purchasing a designated real estate unit in an Approved Development. The minimum property value must be $400,000 or more, and the minimum hold period for CBI properties is 7 years. Investors can typically purchase properties such as luxury villas, condominiums, hotel shares, or resort residences that are part of government-approved developments. Many of the projects approved under this option are located in prime areas, including popular tourist destinations, which can offer meaningful rental income potential for investors. Good To Know: Each primary applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent firm commissioned by the CBI Unit either virtually, in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or in person at another location (e.g. at an embassy). Dependents aged 16 years or older may also be required to attend an interview. Find out more about the Developer’s Real Estate application process below…
|
PROS: Unlike donation options like the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or the Public Benefit Option (PBO), the real estate option offers a tangible asset that can appreciate over time. If the property is part of a resort or tourist development, you may be able to generate rental income during the holding period, especially if the property is located in a high-demand area. After the required holding period of 7 years, the property can be sold, potentially generating a return on investment. CONS: The real estate must be held for at least 7 years, which is a longer timeframe than those of some of the other CBI programs in the Caribbean. With the Developer’s Real Estate option, the minimum investment is significantly higher than the donation-based options like the SISC or PBO. In addition, it also carries associated costs like legal fees, property taxes, and potential maintenance costs that need to be factored in. Furthermore, while there is potential for capital appreciation, real estate values can fluctuate, and there’s no guarantee that property values will increase over the 7-year period. This adds an element of market risk that doesn’t exist with the donation options. MINIMUM PROPERTY PRICE: $400,000+ APPLICANT PROCESSING FEES:
Due Diligence Fees:
|
List of Government Approved $400,000 Real Estate Development Projects (2025)
To view the latest list of approved projects on the official program website, click here.
Private Real Estate Acquisition:
$800,000+
| Overview | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
|
The Saint Kitts and Nevis property market has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven largely by its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program and the island nation’s appeal as a tourism and lifestyle destination. Going int0 2025, the country’s property market remains attractive, particularly for foreign investors looking for both citizenship and a tangible investment in one of the Caribbean’s more stable economies. For individuals seeking to obtain alternative Citizenship By Investment in one of the Caribbean’s most stable economies, while also obtaining a quality second home for private use in a paradise location, the Private Real Estate Option can make a lot of sense in 2025. While the minimum investment in a condominium unit or share in a Government Approved Real Estate Project is US$400,000, the Private Real Estate route requires an investment of $800,000. The minimum hold period for this option is also 7 years. Worth noting: You won’t be able to resell your property to a subsequent CBI applicant, unless the Federal Cabinet is satisfied that substantial further investment was injected into the property by way of further construction, renovation, or other enhancement. |
PROS: This option typically gives you full control as to how, when, and for how long you use the property privately. CONS: Private property ownership comes with additional costs and maintenance requirements. St. Kitts and Nevis is situated on the southern edge of the Atlantic hurricane belt, where tropical cyclones occur from August to October. Unless significant value has been added to your private property, you will not be able to resell it to another CBI investor after 7 years. MINIMUM PROPERTY PRICE: $800,000+ PROCESSING FEES:
Good To Know: Each primary applicant is required to attend an interview conducted by an independent firm commissioned by the CBI Unit either virtually, in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or in person at another location (e.g. at an embassy). Dependents aged 16 years or older may also be required to attend an interview. |
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment
vs
Serbian Citizenship By Exception
| Key Program Aspects | Antigua Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Program | Serbian Discretionary Citizenship By Investment Program |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital Requirement | From $250,000+ | From €250,000+ |
| Application Approving Entity | Saint Kitts and Nevis CBIU | Serbian Government, President, or Prime Minister |
| Current Application Process Duration | 4-6 months | 3-4 months |
| Local Language Proficiency Requirement | No | No |
| Minimum In-Country Presence Requirements | None | None |
| Non-Refundable Citizenship By Donation Option Available | Yes | Yes (if approved) |
| Full Citizenship Conferred | Yes | Yes |
| Names of new CBI citizens publicly published by host government | No | No |
| Dual Citizenship Status Recognized By Host Country? | Yes | Yes (for Citizenship By Exception applicants). |
Why Choose To Work With Us?
THE SAINT KITTS & NEVIS CBI EXPERTS
Let our seasoned legal team in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, guide you through every step of the CBI process.
HIGHLY RESPECTED FIRM
If you’re looking for an Saint Kitts immigration law firm with impeccable credentials, then look no further.
WE GO THE EXTRA MILE
Our team on the ground takes great pride in making clients’ application journey as fast and seamless as possible.
Secure your Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment in just 4-6 months with confidence and ease. Donations priced from $250,000. Properties priced from $400,000. Contact us now to get started today.
Simply complete the below form and one of our program experts will contact you with more information.