Citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis - visa-free travel to 153 countries and the EC at a 25% discount

19th of April, 2021

As part of a time-limited promotion, the subsidised government fund contribution for a family of 4 is reduced from $195k to $150k (a saving of $45k). Offer valid until the end of 2021!

Citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis for investment is in high demand among wealthy people from Russia, India, South Africa, China, Nigeria and other countries. In 2014, Pavel Durov became a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis.

St. Kitts and Nevis investment citizenship programme is one of the most popular and reputable in the world. It has been in operation since 1984. The secret of its popularity is a fast procedure and democratic cost of the second citizenship. From its inception, St Kitts and Nevis began issuing full passports rather than residence permits.

The main benefits of obtaining citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis:

  • Visa-free travel to 153 countries, including all European Union countries, Russia, UK, Ireland, the Caribbean and most of the Commonwealth of Nations;
  • Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis can easily obtain long-term visas to the United States of America;
  • Citizenship can be applied for remotely and there are no residency requirements on the island;
  • Citizenship is transferable by inheritance;
  • No personal income tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax;
  • The application period is from 3 months. On average, it takes 5 - 6 months to obtain a passport;
  • Ability to open accounts with local banks;
  • Opportunity to register a company with zero tax rate for international business.

 

A tropical paradise and elite retreat for "citizens of the world"

St. Kitts and Nevis is a state in the eastern Caribbean Sea consisting of two islands belonging to the Lesser Antilles. The nature of the islands is a bounty-style tropical paradise, with pointed mountains, salt lakes, coconut plantations and sandy beaches surrounded by coral reefs. The islands are home to an extinct volcano with hot springs. The crater of the highest volcano, Liamiuga, has formed a lake. Tourists come to these islands for yachting, diving, snorkeling and underwater fishing.

The Caribbean Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a former British colony, is well known for its close ties to the United Kingdom and the EU. The country is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and its formal ruler is the British Queen.

 

Conditions for citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis

The main requirement for an applicant is a clean track record and investment. Investors must meet the following criteria:

  • No criminal record or felony convictions;
  • No restrictions on entry to the EU, US, UK or Canada;
  • The legal origin of funds and the ability to prove it;
  • Not being on any sanctions lists;
  • Impeccable personal and business reputation.

An investor may also be refused citizenship if he or she has provided some false information in the application and accompanying documents.

 

Investment options for obtaining citizenship

1. Donations to the state

  • Official body: Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF).
  • Investor only: $150,000.
  • Investor + spouse + 2 children: $195,000.
  • Each additional dependent: $10,000.

Невозвратные инвестиции в фонд больше подойдут тем инвесторам, кто готов один раз заплатить за своё второе гражданство и не желает в дальнейшем возвращаться к этому вопросу. Пожертвования вносятся на счет государственного фонда, который нацелен на решение задач здравоохранения, образования, проведение работ в области альтернативной и «зеленой» энергетики, а также на дальнейшее развитие туристической отрасли. Очевидно, что данная опция является более привлекательной, чем покупка несколько переоцененной недвижимости, а потому пользуется большим спросом: ее выбирают около 90% заявителей.

 

2. Real estate investment

  1. Minimum investment: $200,000.
  2. Required holding period: 5 - 7 years.
  3. Government fees:
  • investor: $35,000;
  • investor only: $150,000;
  • spouse: $20,000;
  • Dependents under 18: $10,000 each;
  • 18-30 years old and parents 55+: $10,000 each.

 

This option involves investing in tourism infrastructure (a cottage or hotel rooms), which can be sold after five years. If you have a partner who agrees to invest equally in the same property, the investment is halved, but in this case it can only be repaid after seven years.

Unlike growth fund subsidies, you can sell your purchase after a few years and get your money back. The tenure of your property directly depends on the size of your investment. If you invest $200,000, it is 7 years. After 5 years, those investors who have spent $400,000 or more can sell their properties.

You can buy not only the free-standing property, but also a block of shares in the developer or a share in a villa, townhouse or hotel. And immediately after purchase, you can start renting out the asset to tourists, turning it into an additional source of passive income.

 

St Kitts and Nevis' relaxed tax regime

Citizens pay no income, capital gains, gift or inheritance tax. The country also has extremely low property tax rates.

International companies registered in the country are subject to the same rules as those in internationally recognised tax havens. St Kitts and Nevis does not charge corporation tax on profits earned outside the country.

If you value your time and money, if you travel frequently, if you need a convenient location to conduct international business and optimise your taxes, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis will be the most reliable and convenient option. We can help you obtain a second passport as quickly as possible.

The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis will be the most reliable and convenient option. We will help you obtain a second passport as quickly as possible.

Stages in obtaining citizenship

The process consists of 5 steps.

Step 1: Choose the option to acquire citizenship (subsidy or real estate).

Regardless of the investment option chosen, the foreigner will not be able to apply directly to the local government. According to the requirements of the relevant legislation, the services of an accredited agent licensed to act as an intermediary for those wishing to obtain citizenship must be used.

Step 2: Prepare a citizenship application and submit it to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

A free pre-screening of the applicant and conclusion of the contract takes place at one of our offices. At this stage it is sufficient to provide copies of the passports of all family members who will be listed on the citizenship application form.

We then prepare the documents: obtain a certificate of no criminal record, complete the government questionnaires, notarize copies of documents, translate and apostille the entire package and send it to the citizenship agency in St. Kitts and Nevis.

You provide the original documents and sign the forms and other documents we will prepare ourselves. At the end of this stage you will receive a certificate of receipt of the documents from the government.

Step 3: Review of application, due diligence, pre-approval.

The citizenship agency takes 3 to 5 months to check. Sometimes there are delays of up to 12 months and additional documents may be requested. Once the case has been reviewed and approved, the applicant must pay for the investment within one month of approval.

Step 4: Payment of investment, final approval.

Step 5: Issuance of Certificate of Naturalisation and St Kitts and Nevis Passport

Step 6: Obtaining passports after payment of investment and fees. Our lawyer receives your certificate of citizenship and passport and delivers it to you in person at our office.

Remember that each case is individual and requires careful consideration of your situation (taking into account factors: country of residence, number of members, intended date of second citizenship, etc.) and a personalised approach. We look forward to providing you with the opportunity to experience the benefits of a second passport to St Kitts and Nevis. Feel like successful and free citizens of the world and experience all the benefits of a new standard of living!

Government special offer until 31 December 2021: The minimum contribution to the St Kitts and Nevis government fund is $150,000 for a family of up to four. The special offer reduces the cost of participation by 25%.

Ask our advisers how you can get a special offer.