Basseterre Economic Citizenship & Second Passport ProgramsHistoric capital offers simplified routes and global freedom

Residence and Citizenship in Basseterre

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Basseterre

Basseterre, the historic capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has emerged as a premier destination for those pursuing a residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis and eventual citizenship by investment. Founded in 1627, Basseterre blends colonial architecture—georgian-style buildings, Independence Square, and the iconic Berkeley Memorial—with modern marinas, shopping promenades, and international schools. Its strategic position on the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands provides year-round tropical climate, protected harbor facilities at Port Zante, and convenient access to inter-island ferries. The government’s Citizenship by Investment Program—often called the Saint Kitts and Nevis golden visa—allows qualified applicants to obtain full citizenship within two to three months through a donation to the Sustainable Growth Fund, approved real estate purchase, or enterprise investment, bypassing traditional residency requirements. With no personal income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes on foreign-sourced income, Basseterre offers an optimal environment for asset protection, international business structuring, and retirement planning. Those researching how to get Saint Kitts and Nevis visa discover that the city’s efficient administrative processes and English-common-law legal framework support transparent, rapid approvals—making Basseterre a gateway to both Caribbean paradise and global mobility.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program provides multiple pathways to legal residency in Basseterre and full citizenship, each tailored to various investment levels and strategic goals:

• Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) Donation: A non-refundable contribution of USD 150,000 for a single applicant or USD 195,000 for a family of up to four directly to the SGF. This route grants provisional citizenship in approximately 30 days and full citizenship—including a second passport in Saint Kitts and Nevis—within two to three months, without any local residency requirement.
• Real Estate Investment: Purchase 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 hold. Investors qualify within 60 days of closing, securing permanent rights to live, work, and study in Basseterre.
• Enterprise Project Investment: Invest a minimum of USD 400,000 into approved national development projects or local businesses, creating at least three full-time jobs for nationals. This option issues citizenship in three to four months and supports Basseterre’s economic diversification.

Outside the CBI framework, Basseterre also issues standard work permits under the Immigration and Citizenship Act, enabling skilled professionals in tourism, finance, and renewable energy to obtain multi-year residency. After five years of continuous lawful residence—whether via work permit or family sponsorship—applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain, followed by naturalization and passport issuance after one additional year.

Requirements and application process

Securing a residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis or citizenship in Basseterre follows a streamlined, agent-facilitated procedure overseen by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU):

• Licensed Agent Engagement: Applicants must retain a government-authorized local agent to coordinate document preparation, due diligence checks, and submission of Form CIU-1 to the CIU.
• Document Compilation: Gather certified passports, birth/marriage certificates, police clearances from all countries of residence over the past ten years, medical examination reports from approved practitioners, and proof of funds or property agreements.
• Due Diligence & Provisional Approval: Pay due diligence fees to trigger international background checks. Upon satisfactory clearance—typically within two to four weeks—the CIU issues provisional approval.
• Investment Transfer & Certification: Transfer the required contribution or complete the real estate/enterprise investment. The CIU then issues a Certificate of Registration, authorizing the candidate to proceed with citizenship formalities.
• Oath of Allegiance & Passport Issuance: Attend an Oath ceremony in Basseterre or via video link. Full passports and national ID cards are delivered within eight to twelve weeks of final approval, granting full citizenship rights.

Legal framework and government policies

Basseterre’s residency and citizenship offerings operate under a robust legislative structure designed to ensure integrity, transparency, and sustainable development:

• Citizenship Act 2015: Establishes the legal basis for granting citizenship by investment, defining eligibility, investment thresholds, and rights of new citizens.
• Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2016 & 2019: Detail processing timelines, application fees, and due diligence protocols, aligning with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on AML and KYC.
• Immigration and Citizenship Act: Governs standard work and residence permits, family sponsorship, and naturalization requirements outside the CBI program.
• Tax Ordinance: Enforces the absence of personal income, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income, reinforcing Basseterre’s tax-neutral appeal.
• Periodic Program Reviews: Cabinet reviews adjust contribution amounts, real estate and enterprise investment minima, and processing durations to maintain competitiveness among Caribbean jurisdictions.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Achieving citizenship and residency in Basseterre unlocks extensive lifestyle, financial, and mobility advantages:

• Global Visa-Free Access: Citizens hold passports granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 150 countries, including Schengen Area states, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore—enhancing international business and leisure travel.
• Tax-Neutral Environment: No personal income, inheritance, capital gains, or wealth taxes on foreign-sourced income. This fiscal policy supports wealth management, retirement planning, and corporate structuring among high-net-worth individuals.
• Quality Healthcare & Education: Access to modern medical facilities in Basseterre—such as JNF General Hospital—and international schools offering American, British, and IB curricula ensures world-class services for families.
• Coastal Living & Recreation: Residents enjoy tropical beaches, yachting at Port Zante marina, and outdoor pursuits—snorkeling, hiking scenic trails, and attending vibrant cultural events such as the Saint Kitts Music Festival and Carnival Praad.
• Economic Participation: Citizens may freely own property, operate businesses, and engage in all economic sectors without additional work permits—facilitating entrepreneurship in tourism, hospitality, and renewable energy industries.
• Family Reunification & Dual Citizenship: Saint Kitts and Nevis permits dual citizenship. Citizens may sponsor spouses, children, and parents, strengthening family unity within Basseterre’s close-knit community.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International provides tailored, comprehensive services for clients targeting residence permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis and citizenship by investment in Basseterre. Our end-to-end support includes:

• Strategic Advisory: We assess your investment capacity, family requirements, and mobility goals to recommend the optimal CBI route—SGF donation, real estate acquisition, or enterprise project—ensuring alignment with Basseterre’s economic sectors.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Our experts coordinate with licensed agents and international vetting firms to compile, translate, and authenticate all necessary documents—ensuring compliance with CIU, AML, and KYC standards.
• Investment Facilitation: We liaise with escrow agents, developers, and government officials to manage fund transfers, property closings, or project investments—monitoring milestones for timely citizenship approval.
• Application Coordination: From Form CIU-1 submission through provisional approval, Oath ceremonies, and passport issuance, we oversee each phase—providing transparent status updates and resolving issues proactively.
• Post-Citizenship Integration: Once passports and IDs are issued, we assist with relocation logistics—securing housing near Port Zante, school enrollments, healthcare registration, and bank account setups—ensuring a seamless transition to island life.