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St. Kitts and Nevis

Is a dual-island Caribbean destination offering pristine beaches and tropical landscapes. Its culture is diverse, with African, British, Carib, and French influences. It is an attractive location for owning a second home in the Caribbean, enjoying good air links to Europe and North America.



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Country Information

St. Kitts and Nevis is an exclusive Caribbean destination with impressive natural beauty and has a rich history with varied influences from different cultures. The twin islands offer almost year-round sunshine and a diverse range of landscapes. Today, the main economic drivers are tourism, real estate, and financial services.

Population:

55,000

Languages:

English

Economy:

Driven by tourism, real estate, and financial market sectors

Currency:

Eastern Caribbean dollar





Living in St. Kitts and Nevis — An Overview

St. Kitts and Nevis, also known in the country's constitution as Saint Christopher and Nevis, has been independent since 1983 and forms part of the group of islands known as the Lesser Antilles located some 2,000 km to the southeast of Miami. The federation comprises two islands: Nevis (with an area of some 93.2 km2) and St. Kitts (with 168.4 km2). The official and business language is English. The federation is a member of the British Commonwealth, CARICOM, the Organization of American States, and many other international organizations. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has its headquarters on St. Kitts and maintains the stability of the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), the national currency of most Eastern Caribbean countries, which is tied to the USA dollar. St. Kitts and Nevis is a well-functioning democracy based on the British parliamentary system, and its head of state is the King of England.

The country has a pleasant climate, particularly during the cooler months from December to March. Humidity is relatively low, and constant northeast trade winds keep the islands cool..


St. Kitts and Nevis offers good opportunities for investors. The workforce is well-educated, English-speaking, and friendly.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has introduced extensive legislation to attract financial services business to the island. A citizenship by investment program has also been in operation since 1984, allowing foreign investors to acquire citizenship under certain conditions. This makes it the oldest existing citizenship by investment program and the most reputable in existence. The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is an attractive option for persons looking to acquire alternative citizenship through investment and enhance their global mobility without prior residence requirements..


Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

  • Citizenship by descent is available to future generations.
  • Ability to include a spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55 and over, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.
  • St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles its citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
  • The dual-island nation is an attractive location for owning a second home, with good air links to Europe and North America.
  • Dual citizenship is allowed by the nation.
  • There is no minimum stay required.


St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a significant economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a stringent application procedure including thorough background checks, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship.


To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

A non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to SISC for an applicant and up to three qualifying dependents

USD 50,000 for each additional qualifying dependent over 18
USD 25,000 for each additional qualifying dependent under 18
Approved Public Benefit Project

A minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project.
Real estate acquisition

The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 325,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of USD 325,000 for a condominium unit or USD 600,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions. 

Procedures for St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by Investment

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for processing all applications. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and a mandatory interview is required for all investors applying for citizenship by investment, either virtually (default) or in person at a location specified by the CIU and approved by the Board of Governors. Dependents of a main applicant aged 16 years or over may also be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary. Interviews are conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU, which also performs background due diligence checks on the CIU itself. All background due diligence checks are commissioned by the CIU and conducted by independent professional firms in Europe, the UK, and the USA in accordance with the requirements set by the Board of Governors. The CIU will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. The applicant must personally complete the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements of the program are reasonable and the procedures straightforward.
Most applicants will usually visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently.
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Successful applicants

Once the application has been approved, all processes and due diligence checks have been finalized and the investment has been made, a Certificate of Registration will be issued to the main applicant, which must be collected in person in St. Kitts and Nevis or at an embassy or consulate specified by the CIU as approved by the Board of Governors. The Certificate of Registration confers citizenship status and once it has been issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport


Fees and costs

Avion Citizenchip charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application and depending on whether the SISC, Approved Public Benefit Project, or real estate option is chosen. The full agreed fee (less any retainer paid initially) is paid into an escrow account in advance and is released when the application is submitted to the government.


Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.


St. Kitts and Nevis Real Estate

Everything you need to know about acquiring premium real estate in St. Kitts and Nevis and linked to the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program.

Minimum real estate investment

USD 325,000

Type of​ ownership

Sole owners

Rental income opportunity

2–5% on residential property

Holding period of real estate

Minimum Seven year

​St. Kitts and Nevis real estate​

Over the recent years, the real estate market trend in St. Kitts and Nevis has been driven by development projects and real estate sales linked to the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program. The CBI program has upgraded its real estate offerings and now offers high-quality luxury homes, beachfront apartments, and hotel suites to investors. Some other factors that could be attributed to the flourishing real estate sector include the relative ease of ownership of property in the nation, the generally great value for the price of property as opposed to other countries in the region, and the highly attractive tax incentives. In particular, freedom from income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and gift tax have positively impacted the real estate sector. In addition, the growing tourism sector provides income-generating potential for property owners who chose to offer their homes up for rental.


Moreover, there are direct international flights to St. Kitts from the USA and the UK, and flights to Nevis via San Juan (Puerto Rico) or St. Maarten, allowing international investors to enjoy world class resorts, golf courses, restaurants, and spas all-year round.


Acquisition of property in St. Kitts and Nevis


Clients who are keen to proceed with the citizenship path should ensure that the selected property is a government-approved CBI project. If not, they should acquire an alien landholding license before purchasing the desired property. It is always advisable to obtain legal real estate representation, and it is strongly recommended that the clients visit the island where possible.





Are there any restrictions on the acquisition of real estate in St. Kitts and Nevis by foreign buyers?

There are no restrictions provided that the foreign buyers acquire pre-approved property or apply for an alien landholding license before buying property. Additionally, there no restrictions for property located in Frigate Bay. However, an alien landholding license is required for property located in other areas. ​

How can immovable property in St. Kitts and Nevis be acquired?


Immovable property in the country can be acquired through citizenship by investment or through private sales.

Does the applicant need to open a bank account in order to purchase property, and if so, what is the procedure?

No, the applicant does not have to open an account to purchase property.

What additional expenses will the real estate transaction incur?

Legal fees are around 1–2% of the purchase price, while property taxes are 0.002% per year. Also, escrow agent fees apply, which are generally charged at 1% of the purchase price.

What kind of returns can be expected from property investment in St. Kitts and Nevis ?

Rental returns may vary. Some examples are given below:


If clients choose to invest in a hotel, the expected return can be 2–4% per year, dependent on the location.

If clients choose to invest in the local property, the best location would be near the college or the tourist area. Then the expected return can be over 4% per year.


What other immovable property-related taxes and charges are imposed in St. Kitts and Nevis  ?

Property taxes are charged per annum by the government. The residential property is charged at 0.2% of its value, and commercial property is 0.3% per year.


St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program frequently asked questions

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program grants citizenship to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions.

Investment options include a non-refundable contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or an approved public benefit project or purchase real estate from an approved development.

Benefits include visa-free travel to over 150 countries, the right to live, work, and study in St. Kitts and Nevis, and access to a tropical climate and beautiful beaches.

The minimum investment starts at USD 250,000 for a Sustainable Island State Contribution.

Processing times for citizenship by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.

There are no mandatory residence requirements, but applicants are encouraged to visit St. Kitts and Nevis.

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.

Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.