the Caribbean islands
SECURE A SECOND CITIZENSHIP WITH GLOBAL ADVANTAGE

St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment

Established in 1984, the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the world’s longest-standing economic citizenship programme. Renowned for its credibility, fast-track processing, and global access, this programme enables high-net-worth individuals and families to secure a second citizenship through government-approved investment.

With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 destinations—including the United Kingdom, Schengen Area, Singapore, and Hong Kong—St. Kitts & Nevis provides exceptional global mobility and a strategic advantage for international investors seeking security and opportunity.

Citizenship can be obtained entirely remotely, with no residency or physical presence requirement. Combined with a favourable tax environment and political stability, St. Kitts & Nevis remains a highly desirable solution for those prioritising asset protection, family legacy, and borderless living.

Canon on the ruins of Brimstone Fortress in St Kitts

The St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme continues to set the global benchmark for efficiency and integrity in second citizenship acquisition.
Investors may choose between a non-refundable government contribution or a real estate investment in an approved project. Both routes offer straightforward processing, with citizenship typically granted in four to six months.

The programme allows family inclusion, covering the spouse, dependent children under 30, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, siblings. All applicants aged 16 and over are required to undergo due diligence, including a mandatory interview.

With lifelong citizenship and the right to pass it down to future generations, the programme offers more than a passport—it provides long-term peace of mind and global freedom for successful applicants.

Key Features of the Programme

— Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries worldwide
— Citizenship granted within 4–6 months, with optional fast-track processing
— No residency or physical presence required
— Favourable tax regime: no income tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax
— Generational citizenship – passed on to future family members
— No language, education, or business experience requirements
— Dual citizenship permitted
— Stable and secure Caribbean jurisdiction with a robust legal framework
— Inclusive family eligibility

Visa-free travel does not guarantee the right to enter, reside, or work in a country. Border authorities may restrict entry or limit duration of stay at their discretion. Caribbean citizenship grants exceptional travel access, but it does not automatically confer residency rights in destination countries.

Investment Options & Costs

To obtain citizenship in St. Kitts & Nevis, applicants must be over 18 years of age, possess a clean criminal record, and demonstrate that their funds originate from lawful sources. All applicants aged 16 and above must also undergo a virtual interview and pass the mandatory due diligence process.

OPTION 1: Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

A one-time, non-refundable contribution that directly supports national development in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives.

  • USD 250,000 – For a single applicant or family of up to four

  • USD 25,000 – For each additional dependant

OPTION 2: Approved Real Estate Investment

All real estate must be held for a minimum of seven years. Private property options are not eligible for resale to future citizenship applicants unless further capital improvements are made.

  • USD 325,000 – Government-approved real estate investment (resalable after 7 years)

  • USD 325,000 – Private real estate investment in a condominium or development

  • USD 600,000 – Private real estate investment in a single-family home (also resalable after 7 years)

  • Additional government fees of USD 25,000 for the main applicant, USD 15,000 for the spouse and dependants aged 18 and over, and USD 10,000 for dependants under 18.

Government & Other Fees

Other fees vary depending on the chosen investment route and number of family members included in the application. Coates Global provides a full, personalised cost breakdown during your consultation.

Due Diligence Fees:

  • USD 10,000 – Main applicant

  • USD 7,500 – Per dependant aged 16 or older

Other Fees:

  • Application Processing Fee: USD 1,000 per application

  • Passport Issuance Fee: USD 500 per person

  • Certificate of Registration Fee: USD 250 per person

  • Legal & Administration Fees: USD 10,000 + USD 1,500 per dependant

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Step-by-Step Application Process

The St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is structured to ensure clarity, confidentiality, and rapid processing. Below is a streamlined overview of each phase:

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Pre-Assessment
Your profile and eligibility are assessed, and investment preferences are reviewed. Our consultants provide full details of required documentation, estimated processing times, and projected costs.

Step 2: Documentation & Application Preparation
Legal representatives collect and prepare all required documents, including proof of identity, source of funds, and background information. This stage includes pre-submission compliance checks.

Step 3: Virtual Interview & Due Diligence
All applicants aged 16 and above must complete a mandatory virtual interview and undergo due diligence conducted by international third-party agencies.

Step 4: Investment & Fee Payment
Once you receive approval-in-principle, your selected investment must be completed and all associated fees paid.

Step 5: Citizenship Approval & Passport Delivery
Following successful processing, the government issues your Certificate of Registration and passport, delivered to your preferred address.

St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizenship by Investment does not require language skills, prior education, or management experience. It is suitable for global professionals, entrepreneurs, and families alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the oldest and one of the most reputable economic citizenship programs in the world, established in 1984. It allows eligible investors and their families to obtain citizenship and a second passport in exchange for an approved investment in the country.

The programme is highly regarded for its efficiency, strong due diligence process, and long-term benefits. Investors can choose from various investment routes, such as a government fund donation, real estate investment, or contributions to approved development projects. Successful applicants receive a St. Kitts and Nevis passport, granting them global mobility, tax benefits, and a secure future for their families.

No, St. Kitts and Nevis has no residency or physical presence requirement before, during, or after obtaining citizenship. Investors do not need to visit the country at any stage of the application process. However, new citizens are always welcome to visit, live, or do business in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The standard application process takes approximately 3 to 6 months from submission to approval. However, investors can opt for the Accelerated Application Process (AAP), which can fast-track approval to as little as 60 days for an additional fee.

The process includes document submission, government due diligence checks, approval in principle, investment completion, and passport issuance.

Yes, investors can include eligible family members in their application. Dependents include:

  • Spouse.
  • Children under 18.
  • Children aged 18-30, if financially dependent on the main applicant.
  • Parents over 55, if financially dependent on the main applicant.

Each additional dependent requires additional fees.

Yes, St. Kitts and Nevis permits dual citizenship, allowing you to keep your original nationality (depending on your home country’s rules).

No, St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship does not provide the right to live, work, or study in the EU or USA. However, it does offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK, for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

While visa-free travel is granted, entry is not guaranteed. Immigration authorities at the destination country have the right to deny entry if they find any reason to do so, such as lack of proof of sufficient funds, return tickets, or any security concerns. Travelers must still comply with border control checks and entry requirements upon arrival.

If investors are seeking EU residency with a pathway to full citizenship, they may consider Portugal, Malta, or Greece Golden Visa programmes, which provide eligibility for an EU passport after five years. Unlike Caribbean citizenship, EU citizenship grants full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

Yes, citizenship obtained through the Citizenship by Investment Programme can be revoked under specific circumstances. The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has the right to revoke citizenship if:

  • The applicant provided false or misleading information during the application process.
  • The individual is convicted of a serious criminal offense after receiving citizenship.
  • The individual engages in activities that could harm the reputation or interests of St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • The applicant fails to comply with the terms of the investment, such as selling real estate before the required holding period expires.

Citizenship is a lifetime benefit if all rules and obligations are met, but investors must ensure they comply with the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis.

No, St. Kitts and Nevis does not tax worldwide income. The country offers a favorable tax system with:

✔ No personal income tax.
✔ No wealth tax.
✔ No inheritance or estate tax.
✔ No capital gains tax.

However, if you are a tax resident of another country, you may still be subject to taxation there. It is recommended to seek professional tax advice regarding your personal situation.

Yes, after obtaining citizenship, you can add additional family members (such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents) through a process known as post-naturalization family reunification. Each additional family member must meet the eligibility requirements and pay the required government fees.

As a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, you have the right to live and work in St. Kitts and Nevis only. However, St. Kitts is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which may allow easier mobility within certain Caribbean nations, although this is not automatic. You will still need to comply with local visa and work permit regulations in other CARICOM member states.

St. Kitts and Nevis has one of the strongest passports in the Caribbean, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including the UK, Schengen Zone, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It is a well-respected and long-established programme with a strong reputation for strict due diligence and compliance.

Yes, the St. Kitts and Nevis passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. After this period, you must renew it, which can be done at a St. Kitts and Nevis embassy or consulate, or through an authorized agent. Citizenship itself is lifetime and does not require renewal.

Contact Us today, and our experts will provide you with personalized guidance and full support throughout your St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship application.

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Every time a client receives their residency or citizenship approval, we’re reminded why this work matters. It's not just paperwork — it’s about transforming lives and creating new legacies.

Tamer Ulay CEO

We don’t push clients towards just any programme — we listen, we assess, and we recommend only what we’d choose ourselves. That’s what makes Coates Global different.

Celemet Yener Senior Advisor

I’ve seen families reunited, children enrolling in world-class schools, and entrepreneurs unlocking international markets. That’s the power of what we do.

Christine Philips Senior Advisor

Even in the most complex of cases, there’s always a path forward — it just takes clarity, strategy, and the right team. That’s what we bring to every client.

Garth Coates Senior Advisor

Helping high-net-worth clients gain citizenship is more than a transaction. It’s about long-term security, mobility, and legacy planning — and we ensure it's done with precision.

Dr. Frederick Ellul Regional Director

Being part of this team means being part of something bigger — we open borders, but more importantly, we open futures.

Nataliya Konyk Senior Lawyer

When a client tells me, ‘You’ve changed my family’s life,’ I know our commitment goes far beyond legal expertise — it’s about people.

Sue Ulay Senior Consultant

With every investor we support, we’re contributing to a stronger, more interconnected world. It’s an honour to play that role.

Christos Leonida Regional Director

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Iyiola Ojo Regional Director

As an American lawyer working globally, I’ve seen how Coates Global turns complex ambitions into concrete achievements.

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