CitizenshipSt. Kitts & Nevis
The Caribbean's original passport programme, trusted for four decades and built for families who want options.
Saint Kitts and Nevis launched the world's very first citizenship-by-investment framework back in 1984, and that long track record still sets the standard for the industry. Families who complete the process gain a second nationality in a stable, English-speaking twin-island nation, with no obligation to ever relocate or spend time on the islands.
Applicants can choose between a one-time contribution to the Sustainable Island State fund or the purchase of pre-approved real estate, with both routes leading to the same full citizenship for life. The passport opens up broad visa-free travel and can be passed down to future generations.
At CBIProgram we guide each family through document preparation, due diligence and submission, keeping the file moving so the typical six-month timeline stays on track from the first consultation to passport in hand.
- Residence requirement: None
- Holding period: 7 years (real estate)
Program law
Citizenship is granted under the Citizenship Act of 1984, together with the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment Regulations of 2011, which set out the investment routes and vetting process.
Key benefits
Decades of Pedigree
This is the longest-running investor citizenship programme anywhere, giving your application the backing of a mature, well-understood legal framework.
No Residency Demands
There is no requirement to live, visit or physically land on the islands at any stage, before or after approval.
Wide Travel Reach
Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to roughly 155 destinations, including major business and leisure hubs.
A Legacy for Your Family
Citizenship extends to qualifying dependents and passes to children born afterwards, securing options across generations.
Visa-free destinations
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eVisa access. Contact us for the full, up-to-date destination list. Compare
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Island State Contribution (single applicant to family of four) — Non-refundable; add USD 25,000 per dependent under 18 and USD 50,000 per dependent 18 or older | USD 250,000 |
| Public Benefit Option (main applicant) — Non-refundable contribution | USD 250,000 |
| Approved Real Estate — Property must be retained for a minimum of seven years | USD 325,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Real estate option - main applicant | USD 25,000 |
| Spouse | USD 15,000 |
| Dependent under 18 | USD 10,000 |
| Dependent 18 or older | USD 15,000 |
Due diligence fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | USD 10,000 |
| Spouse | USD 7,500 |
| Dependent over 16 | USD 7,500 |
Process & timeline
We collect certified documents, complete the government forms and prepare a complete application package.
The authorities run background vetting and assess the application against programme requirements.
On a successful outcome the citizenship certificate is issued and the passport is produced.
Processing averages around six months from submission through to the delivered passport.
Eligibility
- Main applicant must be at least 18 years old
- A clean criminal record confirmed through background vetting
- Demonstrated financial standing via bank statements and references
- No requirement to reside in or visit the islands
- Qualifying spouse, children and eligible parents may be added to the same application
Required documents
All applicants
- Certified copy of current passport and national ID card
- Photograph and Signature Certificate (Form C2)
- Medical Certificate (Form C3)
- Six recent passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months
- Police clearance from the country of citizenship and any country of residence over the past decade
- Certified birth certificate or official birth record excerpt
Main applicant
- Investment Confirmation or Escrow Agreement (Form C4-S or C4-R)
- Original bank reference letter from an internationally recognised bank, dated within six months
- Professional reference from an attorney, notary or chartered accountant, dated within six months
- Marriage or divorce documents where relevant
Married couples
- Marriage certificate
- Spouse's certified passport and national ID
- Spouse's police clearance and medical certificate
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Saint Kitts and Nevis to qualify?
No. There is no residency or visit requirement at any point, so you can apply, be approved and hold the passport without ever setting foot on the islands.
How long does the whole process usually take?
Most families reach passport issuance in roughly six months from submission, moving through document collection, background checks and final approval.
Which family members can I include?
You can include your spouse, dependent children in full-time education and, in eligible cases, parents aged 55 or older, subject to the programme's current rules.
Is the contribution refundable?
The Sustainable Island State and Public Benefit contributions are non-refundable. The real estate route involves an asset you own and can resell after the required holding period.
Can my children inherit this citizenship?
Yes. Citizenship is for life and passes to children born after you naturalise, making it a lasting benefit for your family.
Does becoming a citizen affect my current nationality?
Saint Kitts and Nevis permits dual citizenship, so in most cases you keep your existing nationality alongside the new one.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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