St. Kitts Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program: A Comprehensive Q&A
**Q1. What is the St. Kitts Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program?**
*A1.* Launched in 1984, the St. Kitts CBI program offers qualified individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain the citizenship and passport of St. Kitts and Nevis in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the nation.
**Q2. Why should someone consider the St. Kitts CBI program?**
*A2.* Benefits include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, tax benefits, a stable political climate, and no residency requirement. The program also boasts swift processing times and confidentiality.
**Q3. What are the investment options for the CBI program?**
*A3.* there are two main pathways:
1.The Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) option is immediately replaced by the Sustainable Island State
Contribution (SISC) option.
The Limited Time Offer for the SGF option originally extended to 3 l January 2024 is closed.
Any applicants wishing to obtain CBI via donation will need to make the following prescribed minimum
contributions pursuant to Reg 30(2) into the Federal Consolidated Fund:
Main applicant only: US$250,000
Main applicant and a spouse: US$300,000
Main applicant and one dependant: US$300,000
Main applicant, a spouse and one or two dependants; US$350,000
Main applicant and two or three dependants: US$350,000
Each additional dependant under 18: US$50,000
Each additional dependant aged 18 or over: US$75,000
2. Real Estate Investment Option - Reg 29
Pursuant to Reg 29(12), the minimum investment in a real estate unit in an Approved Development is
us$400,000.
The minimum holding period of 7 years remains unchanged. The real estate unit can be re-sold once
by the original purchaser.
3. Private Home Sale Investment Option - Reg 3l
Pursuant to Regulation 3l(8) the minimum investments for an Approved Private Home are:
(a) US$400,000 for a condominium unit; or
(b) US$800,000 for a single-family private dwelling
A CBI applicant cannot make a joint investment with another CBI applicant for the purchase of a
single Approved Private Home.
The minimum holding period is 7 years (reg 3l (16)(a)).
The Approved Private Home cannot be sold to another purchaser who wishes to acquire CBI unless the
Federal Cabinet is satisfied that substantial further investment was injected into the real estate unit by
way of further construction, renovation or otherwise (reg 3 I ( 1 6)(b)).
4. Public Benefit Option - Reg 32
Pursuant to Regulation 32(9) the minimum conhibution to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public
Benefit Project is US$250,000.
**Q4. Who can apply for the CBI program?**
*A4.* The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old. Dependants, including spouse, children under 25 (under certain conditions), and parents over 65, can also be included.
- No siblings are allowed
-No grandparents are allowed
**Q5. Are there any specific requirements for applicants?**
*A5.* Yes, applicants need to:
- Provide a clean criminal record.
- Undergo a detailed background check.
- Provide proof of the source of funds.
- Make the required investment after approval.
- Pay all necessary fees.
**Q6. How long does the application process usually take?**
*A6.* It typically takes about 6 months from the submission of the application to the issuance of the passport, provided there are no complications.
**Q7. Do I need to live in St. Kitts after obtaining citizenship?**
*A7.* No. There is no residency requirement for applicants of the CBI program.
**Q8. Is dual citizenship allowed?**
*A8.* Yes, St. Kitts and Nevis recognizes and permits dual citizenship.
**Q9. What are the tax benefits of obtaining St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship?**
*A9.* St. Kitts and Nevis does not levy personal income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax. It also offers potential benefits for tax planning.
**Q10. Can the citizenship be revoked?**
*A10.* Yes, citizenship can be revoked if it is found that false information was provided during the application or if the citizen acts in a manner that can bring disrepute to St. Kitts and Nevis.
**Q11. What are the travel benefits of holding a St. Kitts and Nevis passport?**
*A11.* Holders of a St. Kitts and Nevis passport can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including many in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, among others.
**Q12. Is the application process confidential?**
*A12.* Absolutely. St. Kitts and Nevis maintains confidentiality throughout the CBI process. The country does not notify your home country about your new citizenship or passport.
**Q14. Is there an interview process?**
*A14.* Mandatory Interviews
In accordance with the 6 Principles Agreement made between the 5 Caribbean CBI Countries and the US on 25 February 2023,the CIU is implementing mandatory interviews.
Pursuant to Reg 25 the interview requirements are as follows:
(a) every main applicant in process shall attend an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the Unit to perform background due diligence checks or by officials of the Unit, either:
(i) virtually;
(ii) in person in St Kitts and Nevis; or
(iiD in person at such other location approved by the Board ofGovernors;
(b) every main appticant who has not yet received his or her Certificate of Registration and has not yet been interviewed pursuant to sub-regulation (a), shall attend an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the Unit to perform background due diligence checks or by officials of the Unit, either:
(i) virtually;
(ii) in person in St Kitts and Nevis; or
(iii) in person at such other location approved by the Board ofGovernors;
(c) a dependant of a main applicant in process aged l6 years or over may, if deemed necessary, attend an interview conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the Unit to perfonn background due diligence checks or by officials ofthe Unit, either:
(i) virtually;
(iD in person in St Kitts and Nevis; or
(iiD in person at such other location approved by the Board ofGovernors.
Key requirements:
. The default is that interrriews will be conducted virtually
. The interviewee must attend the interview alone and answer questions directly, they cannot have a legal representative or other support person present or answer on their behalf
. The CIU will provide a certified translator to attend the interview in situations where the interviewee does not speak English/English is not their first language
**Q15. Are there any restrictions on citizenship applications based on nationality?**
*A15.* Generally, the program is open to applicants of all nationalities. However, citizens from certain countries may face additional scrutiny or requirements due to international agreements or concerns over potential fraud.
**Q16. How robust is the due diligence process?**
*A16.* St. Kitts and Nevis has a thorough and rigorous due diligence process. It utilizes international intelligence agencies and third-party agencies to ensure the credibility and good standing of each applicant.
**Q17. What is the validity of the St. Kitts and Nevis passport?**
*A17.* A St. Kitts and Nevis passport is valid for ten years for adults and five years for children under 16. It can be renewed upon expiration.
**Q18. Is there a language requirement for the program?**
*A18.* No, there is no language test or requirement for the St. Kitts CBI program.
**Q19. Do I need to renounce my original citizenship to acquire St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship?**
*A19.* No. St. Kitts and Nevis allows dual or multiple citizenships. You are not required to renounce your original citizenship unless your home country demands it.
**Q20. How can I ensure a successful application?**
*A20.* It's highly recommended to work with a reputable and experienced CBI consultant or attorney who specializes in St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship applications. They can guide you through the process, ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
**Q. What are the new prices of due diligence?
The following due diligence fees apply to all CBI applications:
Main applicant: US$10,000
Each dependant aged 16 or over: US$7,500
**Q. What are the banned nationalities?
Banned Nationalities
In the interest of national security, defence and public safety of St Kitts and Nevis, every citizen of, and persons ordinarily resident in, the following countries shall be excluded from any application for CBI:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Iran
Iraq
North Korea
Russia
Q. What are the process steps?
A. Request Processing Steps:
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