Obtaining a second passport is a good idea. It gives you a plan B if you ever want to leave your place of birth. An alternate passport may also give you visa-free travel to different countries. The usual way to obtain a second passport is to become a resident, then a citizen over time via naturalization. However, there are a few nations that offer passports immediately — if you qualify for their citizenship-by-investment programs. One such program can be found in the Caribbean, in the dual-island nation of St. Kitts And Nevis.
The two tiny islands are located in the West Indies, specifically in the Lesser Antilles. With a mere 50,000 inhabitants, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest sovereign nation in the Western Hemisphere. Originally colonized by the British, the independent state remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations that has King Charles III as its head of state.
Its capital city, Basseterre, is a popular cruise and cargo port. Its nearby international airport, Robert L. Bradshaw Airport, has flights to Europe, North America, and other parts of the Caribbean.
Investors seeking a country with a tropical climate and English as the official language, will find Saint Kitts and Nevis very attractive. As far as passports go, it is a good option because passport holders get visa-free travel to over 150 countries around the world. A St. Kitts and Nevis passport is valid for 10 years, before it needs to be renewed.
Citizenship-by-Investment Program:
St. Kitts and Nevis has one of the oldest economic citizenship programs in the world. It allows foreigners to become citizens by making an economic contribution to develop the country. By making a significant investment in a government sponsored scheme, you can obtain citizenship for life (and can pass it down to your descendants).
There is no minimum stay requirement. In fact, a personal visit to St Kitts is not even required due to the country’s digital application process. Dual citizenship is permitted. To apply, you must be over 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and attend a virtual interview. Required documents may include:
- Completed application forms
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Certified copy of current passport
- HIV test results
- Police clearance certificate from your home country and any country you have lived for more than one year over the past 10 years
- Health insurance policy
- Six 35 x 45mm photos, taken within the past six (6) months
- Professional reference letter
- Bank statements for a 12-month period
- Bank reference letter
- Proof of residential address i.e. utility bill
Once you submit your application, you should receive an acknowledgment from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Within 120 days of said acknowledgment you should hear whether your application has been approved-in-principle, denied, or delayed for cause/still being processed. If approved, you will need to complete your financial investment within 60 days. Once the investment amount is paid, you will receive your Citizenship Certificate/Certificate of Registration (and then you can apply for a passport).
Please note, the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship-by-investment program is not available to nationals of Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and Cuba.
Citizenship by investment is possible via three different routes:
- Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
The first route involves making a non-refundable contribution of $250,000 USD to the state. That amount covers you, the applicant, and up to three qualifying dependants. If you have a large family, you will need to shell out $50,000 for each additional qualifying dependant over 18 and $25,000 for each additional qualifying dependant under 18.
In addition, you should expect to pay approximately $10,000 in due diligence fees for your application (and $7,500 for each dependant aged 16 or over). Should you elect to work with a local attorney, you will need to pay their legal fees as well.
- Approved Public Benefit Project
The second way to obtain citizenship is to contribute $250,000 (non-refundable) to a public benefit unit in a government-approved project. This route is sometimes referred to as the Public Good Investment Option (PGIO).
Again, you should expect to pay approximately $10,000 in due diligence fees (and $7,500 for each dependant aged 16 or over) as well as legal fees if you use an attorney.
- Real Estate Acquisition
Finally, you may purchase real estate to obtain citizenship.
Option one is to invest a minimum of $325,000 in an approved real estate development. Typically, this means buying units or shares in approved resorts/hotels. You should receive decent rental returns, and may be able to use your unit personally for a certain number of days per year.
Option two is to purchase an approved private home. You will need to spend at least $325,000 on a condo or $600,000 on a single-family house.
In addition to the minimum purchase amounts, you should expect to pay at least $25,000 in government fees, and $10,000 in due diligence fees.
Under either real estate option, you must hold the property for at least 7 years before you can resell it. Also note, you cannot sell your property to another CBI applicant. Additionally, you cannot convert a single family dwelling into apartments or condominiums.
The foregoing is just a brief overview of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship-by-investment program. For up-to-date requirements, please visit the official CBI website and The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis homepage. We also recommend contacting a local immigration attorney.
If you are interested in other residency and citizenship opportunities, check out our articles Dominican’s Fast-Track Permanent Residency and Montenegro: Our New European Residency.