About
Why St. Kitts and Nevis.
St. Kitts and Nevis is a Caribbean two-island federation that pioneered the world's first citizenship-by-investment program in 1984. Four decades of regulatory continuity, combined with one of the strongest Caribbean passports (rank #19, 157 visa-free destinations), make it the established benchmark for the industry.
The donation fund, formerly the Sustainable Growth Fund, is now the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). Proceeds go toward climate resilience and education, plus island infrastructure. The minimum was raised from $150,000 to $250,000 in 2023 as part of a Caribbean-wide pricing agreement.
St. Kitts and Nevis imposes no physical-presence requirement at any stage; applicants need never set foot on the islands. The passport offers visa-free access to most of the Schengen Area, Singapore, and most of the Caribbean. UK entry uses the standard eTA.
For clients with time-critical needs, St. Kitts is unique in offering a 60-day accelerated track (versus the standard 14 weeks) for an additional premium. That matters when you're synchronising with a US E-2 application or a tax-residence cut-off.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
3 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Donation
Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
From
$250,000
Non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution fund. It finances climate resilience and economic diversification. Single applicant rate.
- RecoverableNo, non-refundable
Benefits
What this citizenship gives you.
Oldest CBI program (since 1984)
St. Kitts launched the world's first citizenship-by-investment program in 1984. That's four decades of regulatory continuity.
157 visa-free destinations
Includes Schengen, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and most of the Caribbean. Among the strongest Caribbean passports.
No residency requirement
No physical presence required before, during, or after citizenship is granted.
Tax-neutral
No personal income tax, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes.
Accelerated processing
Standard 14-week processing; an accelerated 60-day track is available for clients who can pay a premium.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✗Not born in: IR, KP, RU, BY
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
- ✓Parents
- ✓Grandparents
- ✓Siblings
Process
How it works, step by step.
Total: ~3-4 months for clean files; accelerated track in 60 days available at premium.
- 1
Pre-engagement
1-2 weeksKYC pre-check and source-of-funds review.
- 2
Document collection
4-6 weeksApostilled documents from all countries of residence.
- 3
Application submission
1 weekFiles lodged with the Citizenship by Investment Unit by an Authorised Agent.
- 4
Due diligence
6-10 weeksMulti-source background checks by an international due-diligence firm.
- 5
Approval and contribution
1 weekApproval-in-principle issued; contribution paid into government escrow.
- 6
Oath and passport
1-2 weeksOath of allegiance (remote permitted); passport issued.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
10 documents required. All must be apostilled and (where applicable) translated.
- 1Notarized passport copy
- 2Police clearance (10 years of residences)
- 3Bank reference letter (under 6 months)
- 4Professional reference letter
- 5Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled)
- 6Medical certificate
- 7Photographs
- 8Source-of-funds documentation
- 9Investment confirmation
- 10Application forms
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is St. Kitts really the oldest CBI program?
What is SISC?
What is the accelerated track?
Has the donation amount changed?
Can I add my family later?
Legal basis
Citizenship Act, Cap. 1.40, Section 3(5) and Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2011
