What is Citizenship By Investment?
Citizenship by Investment, also known as Economic Citizenship, is the process of acquiring citizenship by making an economic contribution to a country.
Why Consider Citizenship By Investment?
Citizenship by Investment to acquire a second citizenship (or a new primary citizenship) is becoming increasingly popular for 3 principle reasons:
- Increased freedom of movement
- Alternate taxation
- Long-term security for families and benefits for children
What are the Benefits?
- Right of abode
- Taxation
- Visa-free travel
- Dual citizenship
- Benefits for your children
- Irrevocable
- Economically, socially and politically stable environment
How do I obtain Citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis under the Citizenship By Investment program?
To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis under the Citizenship by Investment Program, the Government requires a purchase in an approved real estate project (minimum investment of $200,000 US plus fees with real estate resalable in 7 years or $400,000 US with real estate resalable in 5 years) with the option to pay in Bitcoin Cash or a non-refundable contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) starting at $250,000 US and rising depending on the number of dependents to be paid in US Dollars. In addition, each applicant must fulfill the formal and character requirements of the Government through its due diligence process.
How long has the Citizenship By Investment program existed and how many have been granted?
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program began in 1984 and the numbers of new citizenships granted each year since then is estimated at less than a thousand, however, the Government does not release any information on numbers of citizens of the country.
How Do I apply?
First, complete our pre-screening questionnaire to verify that you qualify for the citizenship program. Our professionals can then assist you with the overall application process
Will the Government report my citizenship application to my present country / residency?
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis does not publish any information on persons who acquire citizenship nor does the Government report your citizenship acquisition to your present country of citizenship or residency
Is this investment refundable?
The contribution to the SIDF is non-refundable, however, your purchase in an approved real estate development can be resold after a 5-year period (original investment of $400,000 US) or 7-year period (original investment of $200,000 US) and will qualify the subsequent buyer to apply for economic citizenship.
How long does the process take?
The application process may take as little as 60 days but may be delayed for cause. Applicants will be kept apprised of the status of their applications through their authorized person.
Do I have to travel to Saint Kitts during the application process?
No, experienced professionals will be appointed to your individual case to facilitate the application process.
How do I obtain a VISA to visit Saint Kitts prior to acquiring a Citizenship By Investment?
Depending on your current passport, you may not require a visa; however, if you do need one, you can apply for a visa here.
Do I have to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis during the application process?
Depending on your current passport, you may not require a visa; however, if you do need one, you can apply for a visa here.
What are the processing and legal fees?
Fees will defer based on individual cases. Upon request we would be happy to provide you with a quotation. Note all processing and diligence fees are payable in US Dollars.
If a single applicant gets married after receiving citizenship can his/her spouse be apply?
Yes, the spouse will become a citizen via citizenship by marriage
Can parents over 65 years of age also receive citizenship?
Yes, parents over 65 who are dependent on their children can acquire citizenship as a dependent
Could a child born after parents acquire citizenship receive citizenship?
Yes, each child will become a citizen via citizenship by descent.
Can a citizen of Saint Kitts hold dual citizenship?
Yes, citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis can hold dual passports
Do I have to live in Saint Kitts for any period of time once I receive citizenship?
No, the program does not require residency.
Does the program recognize same-sex marriage?
The laws of St. Kitts and Nevis define “spouse” as a partner of the opposite sex by marriage.
Are there any restrictions on applicant’s nationality?
Since November 2011, the program has not been available to nationals of Iran living in Iran.
What is the maximum amount of dependents allowed by the main applicant?
There is no numerical limit on the number of permitted dependents
Who is responsible for processing and submitting the application to the government?
The application must be submitted by one of the processing agents authorized by the Government
Are there limitations on who can apply?
Any individual can apply either independently or with their dependents insofar as the dependents fall into one of the following categories:
- Child dependents under 18
- Child dependents 18 to 25, unmarried and still in full-time higher education
- Child dependents with physical or mental disability
- Adult parents or grandparents of the Main Applicant or Spouse over the age of 65 and dependent on the applicant and living with them.
What are the application costs?
Any individual can apply either independently or with their dependents insofar as the dependents fall into one of the following categories:
At present, all diligence and processing fees are due and payable in US Dollars and are as follows:
Due Diligence Fees
| Due Diligence Fee (Main Applicant) | US$7,500.00 |
|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee (Dependent Over 16 years) | US$4,000 (per dependent over 16 years) |
| Application Form | US$250.00 (per applicant & dependent) |
| Passport + certificates | US$400.00 (per applicant & dependent) |
| Courier Fees/miscellaneous fees/world check background check/wire transfer fees when sending the contribution amount | US$500.00 |
Legal fees: (legal fees can be paid in crypto)
We confirm all the fees in our official engagement letter. Legal fees are more expensive under the accelerated program.
OR
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT – now almost any property above US$400,000 qualifies for citizenship. Real estate investment may be paid in Bitcoin Cash.
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through an investment in a pre-approved real estate project, which may include hotel shares, villas, and condominium units. The minimum real estate investment required by law is US$200,000 (resalable after 7 years) or US$400,000 (resalable after 5 years) for each main applicant.
Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must also be paid. These fees amount to US$7,500 for the main applicant, and US$4,000 for each dependent of the main applicant who is over the age of 16 years.
On approval in principle of an application made through a real estate investment, a Government fee applies, as follows:
- Main applicant: US$35,050
- Spouse of the main applicant: US$20,050
- Any other qualified dependent of the main applicant regardless of age: US$10,050
In addition to these fees, real estate buyers should be aware of other purchase costs. Additional legal fees are applicable.
Note:
There is a different fee structure if you are adding a future spouse, or dependents after you have received citizenship. All payable in US Dollars.
- Main Applicant: 50,000
- Spouse of Main Applicant: 25,000
- Child Dependent below 18: 25,000 each
- Child Dependent 18 – 25: 50,000 each
- Parent over 65: 50,000 each
Government Due Diligence Fees. All payable in US Dollars.
- Main Applicant: 7,500 each
- Each Dependent over 16: 4,000 each
In addition, the processing agent may charge its own administration and legal fees.
How long is the passport valid?
The passport will be valid for 10 years and may be renewed thereafter.
If rejected will government fees be refunded?
If your application is rejected, Government due diligence fees are non-refundable. Government application fees are only due once approval-in-principle is granted.
If I decide to not proceed, after approval-in-principle is granted will my fees be refunded?
Government due diligence fees are non-refundable, however Government application fees are not payable, or will be refunded, if you decide not to proceed with citizenship once approval-in-principle is granted.