St. Kitts and Nevis can boast of its Citizenship by Investment Programme as it has one of the oldest and most respected programmes of its kind.

Background and Legal Considerations

The Programme was established in 1984 and it enables applicants to make an economic contribution to the country and to be given full citizenship.

There are two ways in which an applicant can qualify:

1. A minimum non-refundable contribution of US$250,000.00 into the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation
2. A minimum investment of US$400,000,00 in one of the approved real-estate developments in addition to paying government fees, other fees and taxes. The regulations regarding citizenship-by-investment in St. Kitts and Nevis are contained in Part II, Section 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984. These provisions allow the government to operate a program under which citizenship is granted to persons who qualify under criteria set by cabinet decision.

General Requirements & Procedure

The following conditions must be fulfilled by applicants:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good character
• Have no criminal record
• Undergo a due diligence process
• Demonstrate proof of investment funds, wealth and source of funds/investment

The application procedure under the real estate option may be lengthen as it relates to the processing time of purchasing the chosen property. The real estate cannot be re-sold until 5 years after the purchase. Applicants can find a list of approved real estate developments on the Government’s website.

The SIDF option requires a one-time payment and there are a number of categories:

1. Single applicants, who have to make a USD 250,000 non-refundable contribution, due diligence fee of USD 7,500
2. Applicants with up to three dependants (i.e. one spouse and two children below the age of 18): USD 300,000 contribution, plus due diligence fees
3. Applicant with up to five dependants (i.e. one spouse and four children): USD 350,000, plus due diligence fees
4. Applicant with up to seven dependants: USD 450,000, plus due diligence fees
5. Additional contribution for each dependant above seven: USD 50,000, due diligence fees of USD 4,000 per dependant aged 16 or older.

List of Required Documents

For an application under the Citizenship-by-Investment program, a number of documents are required, and several forms need to be completed.

Grey’s Legal Chambers is willing and prepared to assist you in proceeding with your application. We would need to prepare the application documents and all necessary forms for you.

The following forms and documents are required from each applicant, including children:

• Photograph and Signature Certificate (Form C2).
• Medical Certificate (Form C3) including original results of an HIV test (an HIV test is required for all persons applying for citizenship, including children). The HIV test results must be not older than 3 months.
• Certified copy of your current passport(s) showing name, photo, citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number and issuing country.
• Certified copy of your current national identity card(s).
• Six original passport-size photos of yourself taken within the past 6 months.
• Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of full birth certificate (i.e. a birth document that also includes your parent's details, or a household register, family book etc.).
• Original police certificate(s) from country of citizenship (unless you can provide satisfactory evidence that you have never lived there) and from any country where you have lived more than 1 year over the past 10 years. Police certificates must be less than six months old at the time you lodge your application.

The following forms and documents are required only once from the main applicant:

• Investment Confirmation / Escrow Agreement (Form C4-S or C4-R) and confirmation of funds having been wired to an escrow account. Also, in the case of Form C4-R, a copy of the executed real-estate contract.
• One original bank reference letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than 6 months.
• One original professional reference (e.g. from an attorney, notary public, chartered accountant or other professional of similar standing), not older than 6 months.

The following documents are required only if applicable, i.e. if married persons apply together:

• Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificate(s) (if applicable).
• Certified copy of divorce document(s) (if applicable).

How to proceed

Upon request and payment of a retainer fee (for applicants who are not already clients of the firm), a complete set of the required forms as well as an application guide with detailed explanations regarding all forms and documents will be prepared and sent to you by courier. Your documents are always delivered by courier, and all courier charges are included in our fees.

Further Information

If you require further information on the programme and how to apply please contact our Chambers today.

Fees and Costs

Please enquire for further information on what fees would apply in your case.

Dual citizenship

Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis are allowed to hold dual citizenship, and the acquisition of citizenship is not reported to other countries.

Benefits

• Full citizenship status
• No residency requirement
• No interview requirement
• No English language requirement
• Online application process
• Approval within 45-60 days
• Dual citizenship
• Visa free travel to over 130 countries (including the UK, the EU and Brazil)
• No personal income tax