A thriving economy, stable political environment, and a well regulated financial sector make St. Kitts & Nevis a sought after and viable option for possible investors. The twin-island nation remains the most specialised state for citizenship by investment programming in the world. Long-serving, innovative and people-first, its CIP is tailored to global citizens seeking safety, security and promise.
A wide window of opportunity exists for investors and entrepreneurs, as the country is one of the most stable in the Caribbean in terms of growth and investment. Building on a much-envied legacy, its shores have become a favourite for business leaders and other high net income individuals navigating the world of second citizenship. St. Kitts and Nevis has been ranked among the world’s top countries for human development for the seventh straight year, making it an ideal place to live and work for nomads.
The Platinum Standard
The twin islands’ Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) is the Platinum Standard for the industry and is sustained by a desire to meet the needs and match the priorities of global citizens yearning for more. Since 1984, SKN offers citizenship to individuals of good character who make a substantial investment in the state.
Throughout the evolution of CBI, St. Kitts and Nevis has remained a trusted leader – constant assessment, adaptability, and more than 30 years in continuous operation, continue to strengthen its already robust programme, which consistently ranks in the world’s top five in terms of benefits and safety.
Citizenship 2.0 – A Game Changer
A game changer, St. Kitts and Nevis relaunched its CIP under the banner of ‘Citizenship 2.0’. The move reflects a higher level of tailoring to the real world needs of prospective citizens. A series of strategic and service-orientated upgrades have been made that further cement St. Kitts and Nevis as the leader in citizenship by investment in the region. The SKN Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) in the world has evolved to ensure an efficient and streamlined path to attain the world’s platinum standard passport.
New investors, many for the first time, are able to expedite business meetings, network globally, and seize opportunities they might otherwise not have been able to access. For casual travellers and a growing group of global nomads who embrace a culture of wanderlust, getaways are vastly easier to plan and typically just a ticket away.
A Platinum Standard Passport
A Platinum Standard Passport grants holders second citizenship, increased mobility and importantly, returns much of the spontaneity and spirit of adventure to travel. St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) citizens can, at a moment’s notice, take part in the advantage of international opportunities without the burden of long visa review periods – or the fear of delay and rejection.
New SKN citizens gain visa-free access or visa upon arrival to over 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, the 26 European countries of the Schengen Area – comprised of France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Switzerland, among others. Australia, New Zealand and much of Asia and the Pacific are also open to citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis for short and medium term travel.
Prospective citizens can begin their applications while abroad, with a trip to the capital scheduled closer to the end of the review process. Provisions are made for both individual and family applications.
The SKN online application management system, the first citizen investment programme workflow ever created, enables our global service providers to track and manage citizenship applications anywhere in the world. Without cutting corners or compromising on the rigidity of its checks and balances, SKN’s specialised processing unit can now finalise most applications within a 60-day period. Aspiring citizens from most countries are able to apply for this special fast-track feature.
Due Diligence
Reaffirming its role as the Platinum Standard, St. Kitts and Nevis voluntarily enhanced its already rigid due diligence processes. SKN’s anti-terrorism and money laundering teams are without a doubt, the strongest in the Caribbean. The move reflects and embodies SKN’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the programme and the future value for new citizens and their families. It is this long term and outward looking commitment to the health and viability of its Citizenship by Investment Programme that undergirds St. Kitts and Nevis’ decision to limit the number of passports issued.
Unsatisfied with resting solely on its reputation, the country voluntarily enhanced its due diligence processes to better reflect its deep sense of global responsibility. Wider scoped checks and balances against financial fraud and terrorism have been instituted and are the toughest in the Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis has been broadly recognised and awarded for its responsible approach to citizenship by investment, and new citizens benefit from this global goodwill
Since the inception of the programme in 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis’ goal has never been simply squared on ‘supplying passports’ but rather on welcoming talented investors and other aspiring citizens to its shores. This unrelenting focus on integrity goes far beyond numbers or the bottom line, and adds a Teflon layer of security unequaled in the Caribbean.
Investment opportunities
The CBI options for investment include investing in tourism related projects, both in St. Kitts and in Nevis. There is a number of high quality projects which are available, and which provide luxury living and investment opportunities for a discerning and discriminating high net worth clientele.
St. Kitts and Nevis has over recent times, shown rapid and steady growth in various sectors of the economy that directly affect the cost of living, quality of life, and ease of doing business in the Federation. The twin island nation has made strides in policy development to further open up trade in the areas of travel and tourism, construction, education, ICT, and renewable energy, among others. SKN has burgeoning and booming real estate and tourism sectors underpinned by a supportive business and tax environment.
A thriving economy, stable political environment, and a well-regulated financial sector are a few of the factors that combine to make St. Kitts and Nevis a sought after and viable option for possible investors. The country’s top-notch Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) is internationally praised, but it’s only one reason to explore St. Kitts and Nevis’ investment potential. Local and foreign enterprises without a citizenship end goal can capitalise on generous investment packages, with benefits like income tax rebates, export allowances, import exemptions, and repatriation of profits.
Two CBI Routes
If, however, you are seeking the advantages of holding a passport from St. Kitts and Nevis, there are two distinct CBI routes you can take towards achieving your goals.
- Sustainable Growth Fund Contribution ($150,000)
- Real estate ($200,000 to $400,000 in private villas or hotels)
Obtaining a Second Citizenship or passport can involve a complex and lengthy process but St. Kitts & Nevis is seeking to attract investors who are capable of making a substantial contribution to the economy of the country and who are able to support themselves financially
Applications
Applications for citizenship by investment unit must only be submitted through licensed agents where decisions for approval granted in 60-90 days after proper background checks.
All Applicants should have: a police clearance certificate (less than 6 months old at the time of application); original birth certificates; medical certificate with HIV clearance (not older than 3 months); a reference letter from a banker, lawyer or chartered accountant (not older than 6 months); certified copies of marriage certificates (where applicable); and English translations of official documents (where applicable). All documents must be certified and authenticated by Apostille.
Standout Benefits
Here are a few of the standout benefits that make St. Kitts and Nevis a global leader in CBI, and a great place to call home.
- TRIED, TESTED, TOP-NOTCH
Established in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the world’s oldest and longest running CIP. Characterised by a pioneering spirit, longevity and adaptability, it is recognised globally as the Platinum Standard in CBI. Due to continued leadership in the field, the St. Kitts and Nevis CIP remains a strongly favoured and trusted choice for individuals seeking economic citizenship.
2. SIMPLE CHOICES
The St. Kitts and Nevis CIP offers two paths towards citizenship: applicants can invest in an approved real estate project, or make a donation to the country’s development fund. Regardless of the selected path, the application process is hassle-free and efficient, with an outcome confirmed in just 60 days. There are no requirements for previous investor or business experience, an interview, or English language proficiency
3. SMALL INVESTMENT, BIG RETURNS
The cost of investment in St. Kitts and Nevis’ CIP is relatively low, compared to other regional and global programmes. Approved real estate starts at US$400,000; applicants looking at acquiring Caribbean property, either in search of a lifestyle change or return on investment, can buy into a premier market with a ready inventory of condominiums, apartments, hotels, villas, and luxury homes. Properties purchased under the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme can be sold after just five years of ownership, and will qualify the next buyer for citizenship.
4. FAMILY FRIENDLY CITIZENSHIP FOR LIFE
Investment in the St. Kitts and Nevis CIP means that you, your spouse, and your dependents will enjoy full citizenship for life, with benefits passed on throughout the generations. Recently, the programme changed to extend the dependency range for children and parents, making it an inclusive and ideal option for large families.
5. ROOM FOR GROWTH
St. Kitts and Nevis boasts a strong, growing economy with a low tax regime that includes no personal income tax, exemptions on worldwide income, inheritance, and capital gains. With one of the highest growth rates in the Eastern Caribbean – and one of the highest in the world over the last five years – St. Kitts and Nevis is ideal for conducting international business, starting a business, managing wealth, and your nurturing investments.
6. LIVE WHERE YOU’D LIKE
St. Kitts and Nevis is widely considered one of the gems of the Caribbean – a beautiful, laid-back haven that is popular with tourists and free from any civil wars or geopolitical threats. Although applicants can enjoy a peaceful, high quality life here, under the CIP there is no residency requirement – citizens are able to reside or visit St. Kitts and Nevis as they please, and there is no mandatory surrender or denouncement of other citizenships or passports.
A Global Leader
Thus, St. Kitts and Nevis cements itself as the leader in citizenship by investment in the region. In subsequent years, other countries followed St. Kitts and Nevis’ leadership; today, more countries offer CBI programmes, with the industry valued at approximately US$2 billion a year. There are no celebrity endorsements or gimmicks to attract people to the country; the programme remains monumental in its offerings while falling short on any type of pretentiousness. This bolsters its appeal, particularly with global citizens – those who readily identify themselves as part of a larger, emerging world community where they have the potential, through their actions, to help build communities, while creating better standards of living for themselves as well.
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