St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship: How to Get Second Passport from Home
If you decide to invest in a second passport, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship from a small Caribbean state can be your best option. This is the oldest citizenship by investment program that since the mid-1980s has been attracting foreign investors, business people and entrepreneurs from around the world and offering them passports in return for their investment.
The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make either a non-refundable contribution starting at $250,000, or an investment in real estate starting at $400,000.
Why Is St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Attractive for Investors?
Imperial & Legal has come up with six benefits of investing in a St Kitts and Nevis passport.
- No residence requirements
To become a St Kitts and Nevis citizen, you don’t need to live or visit the islands. However, it is worth coming to this tropical paradise to enjoy its warm climate, fantastic beaches, and ocean. - Full confidentiality
This small island state is very strict with not disseminating any information about their nationals and their assets to third parties. Your participation in the St Kitts and Nevis investment program will also remain a secret. - Passport for the whole family
You can apply for citizenship for the whole family including adult children and parents. - Visa-free travel
You would not need a visa to 147 countries, including Schengen states, the UK, and Singapore. Holders of St Kitts and Nevis passports can get long-term visas to the USA and Canada. - Tax benefits
One of the most favourable taxation systems in the world. There are no income tax, inheritance or gift taxes, no dividend or capital gains tax. Property taxes are very low too. - Business opportunities
The tourism sector in this country creates limitless opportunities for international companies registered here. The islands of St Kitts and Nevis become more and more popular with tourists. The government is very wise in how it uses foreign money by investing in local infrastructure. This has turned St Kitts and Nevis into a modern place to live and a safe haven for you and your family if things in your country are not looking good.
What Are the Requirements for Foreign Investors?
Though the government is very keen on attracting foreign investments in the economy, they are careful as to who is investing. There are certain criteria that you must meet:
- Be older than 18 years old.
- Have a clean criminal and immigration record.
- Pass due diligence. It must be paid for and passed by the main applicant and every family member over 16 years of age.
- Be of good health.
- Successfully go through an interview.
St Kitts and Nevis government is extra cautious towards investors who want to invest money of unclear origin as well as those who are under international sanctions. Moreover, the Citizenship by Investment Unit will not accept citizenship applications from nationals of Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iraq, Russia, and Belarus.
How to Invest in St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
You have several options for getting a passport through investment: a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund, investment in real estate that is refundable in 5–7 years, and investment in public benefit projects.
Non-refundable Contribution to Sustainable Growth Fund
Sustainable Growth Fund of St Kitts and Nevis distributes the money between the tourism sector, agriculture, transport infrastructure, social projects, healthcare, and cultural restoration works.
This option suits foreign investors who seek a fast and simple solution and treat a non-refundable contribution as a “purchase” of a Caribbean passport at a relatively low price.
The minimum non-refundable contribution is $250,000. Additional costs include a due diligence fee of $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for each dependant over 16 years old.
A $250,000 Sustainable Island State Contribution allow you to get St Kitts and Nevis passport for yourself and your 3 dependents. For example, it can be your spouse and two minor kids. If the application exceeds 4 people, the minimum contribution will increase proportionally with each added family member:
- +$25,000 – for a child younger than 18;
- +$50,000 – for an additional adult dependant.
Investment in Real Estate
If you are ready to make a bigger but refundable investment in the St Kitts and Nevis economy to get a second passport, you should consider the second option – the purchase of real estate. It has several benefits:
- In a few years, you can sell your property and get your money back;
- Risks are minimum since according to the Caribbean law you can invest only in the property, under construction or completed, that is approved by the government;
- You can purchase a detached house, an apartment, or a share in a holiday resort under construction. With the help of a property management company, you will be able to rent your property out and get a regular rental income. If you purchase a share in a hotel, its administration can grant you and your family up to two weeks per year of free-of-charge stay on their premises;
- Unlike a non-refundable contribution, a real estate investment amount does not depend on the size of the family that is applying together with the main applicant;
- Resort property prices in St Kitts and Nevis are constantly growing so you will be able not only to return your investment but also to partially cover additional costs.
There are, however, several disadvantages of investing in St Kitts and Nevis real estate:
- The amount decides when you can get your money back. Say, you invest the minimum of $400,000 – you can resell your real estate in seven years. If you double your investment to $800,000, you can get your money back in five years;
- You need a reliable property management company if the services are not provided by the developer. Contact Imperial & Legal for support;
- Apart from a due diligence fee, you will have to pay a government processing fee.
| Applicant | Government fee ($) |
Main applicant | 25,000 |
Investor’s spouse | 15,000 |
Dependants over 18 years | 15,000 |
Dependants under 18 years | 10,000 |
Investment in Approved Public Benefit Project
It is possible to make a direct investment in an organisation that implements public benefit projects approved by the St Kitts and Nevis government.
Minimum investment is $250,000. You also pay a due diligence fee and a government fee that amounts to:
- $25,000 for the main applicant;
- $15,000 for a souse;
- $15,000 for dependants over 18 years of age;
- $10,000 for dependants under the age of 18.
This option is new. If you are interested in this kind of investment, contact Imperial & Legal for details.
How Can Investors Choose the Most Suitable Citizenship by Investment Option?
Imperial & Legal’s experts have prepared two tables for the two most common investment types to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport for one investor, a married couple, or a family with two minor children.
Non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund
Cost | One investor ($) | Married couple ($) | Family with two minor children ($) |
Non-refundable contribution | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 |
Due diligence fee | 10,000 | 17,500 | 17,500 |
Total | 260,000 | 267,500 | 267,500 |
Investment in real estate
Cost | One investor ($) | Married couple ($) | Family with two minor children ($) |
Real estate purchase | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 |
Due diligence fee | 10,000 | 17,500 | 17,500 |
Government fee | 25,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 |
Property tax | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
Total | 455,000 | 477,500 | 497,500 |
The tables demonstrate that you will not be able to recover all the money you invest in the St Kitt and Nevis economy whether we take the investment itself or due diligence or government fees.
If you have at least $400,000 to invest and are ready to wait for seven years till you can get your money back, it is recommended to buy a share in a hotel or holiday resort. This will help you minimise the amount of non-refundable expenses.
A non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund is ideal for foreign investors who cannot invest a large sum of money and wait several years to get it back, but are happy to make a one-off payment to get a St Kitts and Nevis passport and worry no more about it.
Additional Costs to Get St Kitts and Nevis Passport
The above tables do not include the relatively small additional payments that you will have to make for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship:
- Application fee – $250;
- Passport fee – $350;
- Certificate of naturalisation – $50.
Note that if you add dependants to your application, additional costs will be multiplied by the number of applicants.
An investor should not forget about the fees of an immigration advisor and an authorised agent of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program as well as the costs of courier delivery of passports to your home or office. To calculate the exact investment amount and additional costs, contact Imperial & Legal’s team.
What Documents Are Required to Obtain St Kitts and Nevis Passport?
Official forms
For $250, an applicant gets the following set of forms:
- Form С1 – application for citizenship by investment;
- Form С2 – certificate with a certified photograph and applicant’s signature;
- Form С3 – medical certificate, including actual HIV test results (not older than three months). An HIV test is required for each applicant over 12 years old;
- Form С4 – documents that confirm your investment in Sustainable Growth Fund (investment confirmation/ escrow agreement) or in real estate (purchase agreement for approved real estate).
Filled-in forms are submitted through an authorised agent of the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program. St Kitts and Nevis immigration authorities accept only official forms.
Main Package of Documents
The main package of documents includes:
- Filled-in C1, C2, and C3 forms;
- Certified or original copy of the birth certificate;
- Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable);
- Certified copy of current national ID (for children over 16 years old);
- Certified copy of current passport;
- HIV test results (for children over 12 years old);
- Criminal record certificate (from each country where you have spent more than one year over the past ten years);
- Six photographs approximately 35х45 mm in size taken within the past six months prior to the application (one of the photographs must be certified and attached to the C2 form).
Supporting Documents for Main Applicant
An applicant must submit the following supporting documents to their agent:
- At least one reference letter (from a notary, an accountant, or any other specialist from a similar professional field);
- Bank statements for the last 12 months;
- At least one reference letter issued by an international bank;
- Copy of military records or exemption from military service (if applicable);
- Proof of residential address;
- Employment letter with the information about your position and pay;
- Copy of business licence or incorporation documents (if applicable);
- Copy of a marriage certificate or excerpt of a marriage record if a married couple applies together;
- Evidence that funds to be invested are legally sourced;
- Affidavit of financial support for applicants between 18–30 years old;
- Copy of university degree (if applicable);
- Limited Power of Attorney.
All copies must be certified and accompanied by certified English translations.
Taxation in St Kitts and Nevis
As a Caribbean tax resident, you can benefit from a favourable taxation regime. For example, in St Kitts and Nevis, there are no:
- Income tax;
- Property tax;
- Inheritance tax;
- Gift tax;
- Capital gains tax.
Main Taxes in St Kitts and Nevis
All companies registered in St Kitts and Nevis must pay a corporation tax of 33%. Some corporate structures, however, can be granted a tax holiday for 15 years. Besides, companies and funds do not pay corporation tax if all their income originates abroad.
Non-tax residents must pay a 15% income tax on money earned in St Kitts and Nevis.
The current VAT tax rate in the country is 17%.
Who Can Help with Applying for St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by Investment Unit of St Kitts and Nevis will not accept a citizenship application directly from you. You need to choose a reputable and respectable representative. Imperial & Legal’s immigration advisors will assess all the risks and help you prepare and obtain all the necessary documents.
Once you and your family members over 16 pass due diligence checks, your application will be sent for approval.
Interview for Main Applicant
An interview with the main applicant is usually held remotely via a video call. However, it can be organised in St Kitts and Nevis or in the country of residence. Family members over 16 can be also invited for the interview if required.
Only two people take part in an interview: an applicant and an authorised representative of Citizenship by Investment Unit of St Kitts and Nevis. You won’t be able to get support either from your immigration advisor or relatives. If the applicant does not speak English, they will be offered an interpreter.
After an application is approved, due diligence checks are passed, all the fees are paid, and an investment is made, the applicant will get a certificate of registration. It must be collected by the main applicant in person either in the Citizenship by Investment Unit of St Kitts and Nevis, or in a St Kitts and Nevis embassy or consulate.
Do Applicants Need to Go to St Kitts and Nevis for Their Passports?
After you get approval in principal, you will need to make a relevant investment. Once your passport application is approved, your passports will be sent to us and we will forward them to you. It means you and your family do not need to travel to the Caribbean to collect your documents. An adult passport is valid for 10 years, and a child one for 5. Passports can be renewed without visiting St Kitts and Nevis.
Our experts have been helping clients to get St Kitts and Nevis passports for many years. We will provide support at all stages of the process – from initial consultation, risk assessment, choosing an investment option and preparation of documents to representing your interests before the St Kitts and Nevis authorities, as well as collecting and sending you the passports. In case you choose a real estate option, our specialists will help you find a property that would suit your requirements.
