If you’re considering obtaining a second passport for yourself and your family, you can’t go wrong with St. Kitts and Nevis. Best of all, a St. Kitts passport provides you and your family with the benefits of lifetime citizenship that can be passed on to future generations.
The Dual Island Nation
Also referred to as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, it is a dual-island nation in the West Indies. The larger of the two islands, St. Kitts, boasts bustling urban energy. Nevis exudes a subtle nature-oriented charm, with plenty of stimulating activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Apart from the exotic charm of this naturally pristine area of the world and many other benefits, citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis grants you and your family access to visa-free travel in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Benefits Of St. Kitts And Nevis Citizenship
Established in 1984, the economic citizenship program offers many benefits to individuals and families worldwide.
Affordable
Saint Kitts & Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment program offers an affordable option for second citizenship in the Schengen Zone.
Flexible
St. Kitts and Nevis don’t require physical residency from new citizens. This allows you to hold dual citizenship. There is no need to renounce your current citizenship.
Secure
Citizenship grants you the security of knowing you have access to a peaceful and politically stable country.
Tax Advantages
St. Kitts and Nevis passport holders can take advantage of the country’s unique tax code, including no income tax on worldwide income.
Visa-Free Travel
St. Kitts and Nevis passports grant access to visa-free travel to 100 countries, including Hong Kong and the Schengen countries.
Convenient
Gateway to educational opportunities for children. Additionally, there are no academic or management experience requirements.
Why Choose St. Kitts & Nevis For Your Citizenship?
This lovely two-island country is well-connected by direct flights to and from Europe and the United States. It provides residents and individuals with attractive benefits such as dual citizenship and tax-free worldwide income.
As one of the most successful programs, the investment program provides applicants with several advantages:
- Quick processing within a total of four months
- Addition of dependent children under 30 and dependent parents or grandparents over 55
- Addition of financially dependent siblings of the applicant who have no children and are under 30.
- The applicant is not required to be present physically in the country to acquire citizenship
- The applicant does not need to travel to St Kitt’s and Nevis during the application process.
- Lifetime citizenship
- Dual citizenship benefits
- Tax-free regime – no income, inheritance, or wealth taxes exist.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has a long history of offering a citizenship-by-investment program that attracts foreigners who contribute significantly to the country’s growth. Investors and any family members can automatically apply for citizenship by investment, either through a donation or through the purchase of a real estate property.
The passport is undeniably strong, providing excellent global mobility and ranking 26th in the Passport Index. Passport holders can travel visa-free to over 154 countries, including much of Europe, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
It is valid for ten years and can be renewed at any consulate where the passport holder resides.
To be eligible for St Kitts and Nevis citizenship, applicants must meet the following investment criteria:
- The applicant must be above the age of 18 to apply
- A background check of the applicant
- Bank accounts and employer references should demonstrate the applicant’s character.
- The applicant must make a qualifying contribution of at least USD 200,000 in government-approved real estate or a charitable donation of at least USD 150,000 to St. Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Growth Foundation (SGF).
Investment Options
The Government has raised the new investment amount as of January 2012, and there have been no announcements or changes.
There are two direct paths to obtaining St Kitts citizenship under the citizenship-by-investment program:
1- Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF)
St. Kitts and Nevis established a new Sustainable Growth Fund following the Hurricane Relief Fund. The Sustainable Growth Fund would entail a donation of USD 150,000, inclusive of government fees, for a single applicant. The contribution for a family of up to four is estimated to be USD 150,000.
The SGF contribution conditions are as follows:
- USD 150,000 one-time non-refundable donation from the main applicant
- USD 150,000 for a family of four (spouse, main applicant, two children)
- USD 10,000 for additional family dependents
2- Real Estate
- Five-year hold period
Applicants can purchase government-approved property, priced at a minimum of USD 400,000, or they may purchase shares in a real estate development valued at the same minimum price. The investment must be held for at least five years.
- Seven-year holds period.
Applicants can make a USD 200,000 investment in a government-approved luxury resort.
Investors are expected to pay additional applicable taxes and fees in all cases.
Document Checklist
Applicants must provide the original or copy set of documents for KYC, such as:
- Passport Copy
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Police Certificates
- Bank References
- Health Checkup
Second Passport And Golden Visa
The program is suitable for investors who need a second passport for travel and easy entry to various countries such as the EU and UK.
Benefits of a second passport:
- Visa-free travel
- Perform business globally
- Dual citizenship
- Financial safeguard future generations
- Avail tax benefits
Additionally, individuals can further apply to European Golden Visa programs that are more tailor-made for those who want to travel frequently, live in Europe, and potentially gain EU citizenship.
Golden Visas are Residence-by-Investment (“RBI”) programs that provide real estate investors with immediate residency. These programs also include a potential road to naturalization for citizenship after a certain number of years if all conditions are met. To obtain a residence, only the most basic needs must be met.
A Golden Visa for an EU country is particularly attractive because it enables holders (and their family members) to travel freely in the Schengen Zone. If the Golden Visa eventually leads to gaining EU citizenship, the resulting passport would allow visa-free travel to more than a hundred countries worldwide, depending on the issuing State.
The amount of money required to be qualified for a Golden Visa varies by region. Some countries, such as Spain, Portugal, or Greece, provide residence by investing in real estate, businesses, government bonds, or specific industries. In these cases, the amount of money required for investments is typically less than EUR 500,000.
On the other hand, certain EU countries, such as Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, need a much more active investment strategy, such as creating jobs. The investment requirements are higher in these countries.
Bottom Line
St. Kitts provides an ideal opportunity for those individuals looking to invest who aren’t afraid of new possibilities. This stunning nation offers more than an initial investment for residency and citizenship. They understand that your investment will help to secure not only your future but also the future of their nation. Investment beyond CBI is key to the local economy. As such, St. Kitts wants to provide clear and sound investment opportunities to attract individuals to their nation.
