The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St.
Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis was established in 1984, making it the
longest establishment program of this kind in the world.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis utilizes this
program to attract investors of good character to make a substantial
contribution to the development of the Federation. These investors are then
given the opportunity to apply for citizenship and passport within the strict
guidelines of the law and the relevant regulations.
To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis
under its Citizenship-by-Investment Program, the Government requires either an
investment in designated Real Estate with a value of at least US$350,000 plus
payment of various registration and other fees, or a contribution to the Sugar
Industry Diversification Foundation (a public charity) to the amount of between
US$200,000 and US$400,000, depending on the number of dependants included in
the application.
Real Estate Option
With the Real-Estate option the following processing
and due diligence fees are payable to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis:
US$35,000 for the main applicant
US$15,000 for the spouse
US$15,000 for any dependent children below the age
of 18
US$35,000 for any dependent and unmarried children
older than 18 but younger than 25.
Children over 18 years but below 25 must be in a full
time learning institution and fully supported by parents.
US$3,500 Non-refundable due diligence fee per person
older than 16 included in the application
US$47.00 Certificate of Citizenship
fee.
*The real estate cannot be re-sold within 5 years
after purchase and it will not qualify the next buyer for citizenship.
SIDF Option
With Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF)
option there are four different categories:
A) Single applicant: a
non-refundable contribution of US$200,000 is required
B) Applicant with up to three
dependants (i.e. one spouse and two children below the age of 18): a
non-refundable contribution of US$250,000 is required
C) Applicant with up to five
dependants (i.e. one spouse and four children): a non-refundable contribution
of US$300,000 is required
D) Applicant with six and more
dependants: a non-refundable contribution of US$400,000 is required.
In each of these categories, the above amounts
include the Government and due diligence fees.
The Legal Basis
The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Kitts
and Nevis was established in 1984 and operates on the following constitutional,
legislative and regulatory foundations:
1) Citizenship of Saint
Christopher and Nevis is governed by Chapter VIII (Sections 90-95) of the
Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
2) In 1984, pursuant to
Section 92 (1) (h) of the Constitution, Parliament prescribed that such other
persons who would be entitled, upon making application, to be registered as
citizens. Accordingly, Section 3 (5) of the Saint Christopher and Nevis
Citizenship Act, 1984 (No. 1 of 1984) makes the following provisions:
"Subject to subsections
(8) and (9) of this section, a person is entitled, upon making application
under this subsection to the Minister in the prescribed manner and upon payment
of any fee that may be prescribed, to be registered as a citizen of St.
Christopher and Nevis, and if the
Cabinet is satisfied that such person has invested substantially in St.
Christopher and Nevis."
3) The Government determines,
by Cabinet Decisions, which projects and which amounts of investment shall
qualify as a "substantial investment" and thus lead to eligibility
under the Citizenship-by-Investment Program.
Please
note there are government prescribed application forms that need to be submitted along with
supporting documentation with regards to the applicant’s identity, health,
birth place, criminal record and source of funds. Corporate
Solutions Ltd as a government authorized agent will facilitate this process for you
and assist you in the completion of these forms. Once your forms have been
completed and all supporting documentation is submitted the turnaround time for
approval in principal of your Citizenship-by-Investment application is typically less than 90
days.
*the Government may change the minimum investment amount or the applicable fees
at any time.