Dual Citizenship Programs in Saint Kitts and Nevis for Foreign InvestorsImmediate access to Caribbeanparadise and global mobility

Residence and Citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis has become a premier destination for individuals seeking a residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis due to its unique combination of political stability, tropical lifestyle, and investor-friendly policies. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, this dual-island federation offers year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and a robust English common-law legal framework. Its Citizenship by Investment Program—often dubbed the Saint Kitts and Nevis golden visa—allows qualified applicants to bypass lengthy residency requirements and obtain full citizenship within as little as two to three months. With no personal income, inheritance, or wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income, the islands provide an optimal environment for asset protection and tax planning. For families, retirees, and entrepreneurs researching how to get Saint Kitts and Nevis visa, the pathway to permanent residence Saint Kitts and Nevis is transparent and efficient. Meanwhile, global professionals appreciate the strategic location: Port Zante’s modern marina connects directly to major cruise and cargo lines, while Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport links the islands to North America and Europe, facilitating both leisure travel and business mobility.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis administers several distinct routes to legal status and citizenship, each reflecting varied investment levels and lifestyle goals. The flagship option is the Citizenship by Investment Program, offering:

• Donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF): A non-refundable contribution of USD 150,000 for a single applicant or USD 195,000 for a family of up to four. Provisional citizenship is granted within approximately 30 days, with passports issued in two to three months.
• Real Estate Investment: Purchase of government-approved real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000, held for at least seven years, or USD 400,000 with a five-year holding period. Investors qualify for the program within 60 days of closing the transaction.
• Enterprise Project Investment: Investment of at least USD 400,000 into approved local businesses or large-scale projects, generating jobs and economic growth. Citizenship is conferred in three to four months.

Outside the CBI scheme, standard work and residence permits are available under the Islands’ Immigration & Citizenship Act, including:

• Work Permit: Sponsorship by local employers in tourism, financial services, or renewable energy sectors, leading to multi-year residency renewals and eventual eligibility for permanent residence.
• Permanent Residence Card: After five years of continuous lawful residence—even under a work permit—applicants may apply for indefinite stay, followed by naturalization and a second passport in Saint Kitts and Nevis after one additional year.
• Retirement Scheme: Residency for individuals over 55 meeting net-worth criteria and health insurance requirements, offering long-stay visas and access to healthcare and community programs.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis or citizenship involves a clear, six-step procedure managed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). First, applicants engage a licensed local agent to coordinate documentation—valid passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances from all countries of residence for the past ten years, and medical examination reports from CIU-approved practitioners. Second, due diligence fees are paid to trigger background checks by international security firms and the Financial Intelligence Unit, in compliance with global AML/KYC standards. Third, applicants select their preferred investment route—SGF donation, real estate, or enterprise project—and transfer the required funds into escrow or designated government accounts upon provisional approval. Fourth, the CIU issues a Certificate of Registration, enabling applicants to schedule an Oath of Allegiance ceremony in Basseterre or via video link. Fifth, after taking the oath and completing administrative formalities, applicants receive a national ID card. Finally, passports are dispatched within eight to twelve weeks, granting legal status and full citizenship benefits. Those researching how to get Saint Kitts and Nevis visa through CBI appreciate this rapid timeline compared to other jurisdictions.

Legal framework and government policies

Saint Kitts and Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment Program operates under the Citizenship Act 2015 and subsequent regulations, ensuring rigorous governance and alignment with international norms. Key legal instruments include:

• Citizenship Act 2015: Establishes the legal basis for granting citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments or donations, defines eligibility, and outlines rights and obligations of new citizens.
• CBI Regulations 2016 & 2019 Amendments: Specify investment thresholds, due diligence protocols, application fees, and compliance monitoring—guaranteeing transparency and program integrity.
• Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing Act: Enforced by the FIU and CIU, mandating KYC checks, source-of-funds verification, and ongoing reporting requirements for high-value transactions.
• Real Estate Monitoring Guidelines: Govern approved property projects, requiring environmental assessments and investor-protection measures to foster sustainable development.
• Periodic Policy Reviews: Cabinet-led evaluations adjust contribution levels, eligible sectors, and processing times to maintain Saint Kitts and Nevis’s competitive edge as a global CBI leader.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Achieving citizenship through investment or extended residence unlocks comprehensive advantages for individuals and families. Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore—underscoring the value of a second passport in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The absence of personal income, inheritance, and capital gains taxes on global income positions the islands as a tax-neutral jurisdiction ideal for wealth management and retirement planning. Residents benefit from free public education and subsidized healthcare through the National Health Scheme, while private international schools and medical facilities offer premium services. Port Zante’s world-class marina supports yachting and cruise tourism, creating local jobs in hospitality and service industries. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy eco-parks, volcanic peaks, and vibrant festivals such as Carnival and Sugar Mas. Over time, those holding work permits or permanent residency may apply for naturalization after six years—three under residency status and three as permanent residents—culminating in a full-status passport that cements global mobility and economic stability.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International delivers end-to-end, bespoke services for clients targeting citizenship by investment in Saint Kitts and Nevis and residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Strategic Program Advisory: We evaluate your financial profile, family needs, and mobility goals to recommend the optimal route—SGF donation, real estate acquisition, enterprise investment, or retirement scheme—balancing cost, timeline, and benefits.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Our team coordinates with licensed agents and international vetting firms to compile, translate, and authenticate all required paperwork—passports, civil certificates, police clearances, medical reports, and proof-of-funds—ensuring full compliance with CIU and AML regulations.
• Investment Management: We liaise with escrow agents, real estate developers, and government bodies to facilitate secure fund transfers or property transactions, monitor project milestones, and confirm investment releases for timely citizenship approval.
• Application Coordination: From Form CIU-1 submission through provisional approval, Oath of Allegiance ceremonies, and passport issuance, we manage every phase—providing transparent status updates and proactive resolution of queries.
• Post-Citizenship Integration: Upon receipt of passports and IDs, we assist with relocation logistics—securing housing in Port Vila, school enrollments, healthcare registration, and local bank account setups—ensuring a seamless transition to island living and immediate enjoyment of your Saint Kitts and Nevis golden visa benefits.