SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is committed to delivering value and opportunities to investors and citizens alike in a responsible way, contributing to the social and economic success of the Federation. Applicants may apply to become a citizen by making a one-off contribution to our Sustainable Growth Fund or by investing in pre-approved real estate projects.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FUND (SGF)
The Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) is the newest investment channel under St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI Programme, introduced in March 2018. SGF is considered as the most secure and straightforward route to economic citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.
Via SGF, the contribution is made directly to a government-held fund. The fund is used for the ongoing advancement of St Kitts and Nevis.
| Single Applicant | USD 150,000 |
| Main applicant with up to three dependents | USD 195,000 |
| Additional dependents, regardless of age | USD 10,000 |
| Due diligence fees for main applicant | USD 7,500 |
| Due diligence fees for dependents over 16 years old | USD 4,000 |
Unmarried dependent children who are older than 18 but younger than 30 can also be included in the application. Similarly, dependent parents aged 55 or above may also be included.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
There are two routes available for applicants seeking to qualify for citizenship by investing in real estate: (1) by investing in a pre-approved real estate development or, (2) for a limited time only, through the purchase of qualifying private residential property.
Real Estate Developments
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through an investment in a pre-approved real estate project, which may include hotel shares, villas, and condominium units. The minimum real estate investment required by law is US$200,000 (resalable after 7 years) or US$400,000 (resalable after 5 years) for each main applicant.
Upon submission of an application, non-refundable due diligence and processing fees must also be paid. And on approval in principle of an application made through a real estate investment, Government fee will also be paid.
| Single / Main Applicant | USD 35,000 |
| Spouse of main applicant | USD 20,000 |
| Each dependents, regardless of age | USD 10,000 |
| Due diligence fees for main applicant | USD 7,500 |
| Due diligence fees for dependents over 16 years old | USD 4,000 |
In addition to these fees, real estate buyers should be aware of purchase costs (mainly compulsory insurance fund contributions and conveyance fees).
Private Home Sales
The sale of private homes under the Citizenship by Investment Programme will be allowed for a period of two years, starting November 1st 2020 to November 1st 2022.
Qualifying property:
- All homes having an appraised value of more than USD 400,000.00.
- The property shall be owned by certificate of title, by the vendor.
- The value of the land shall not be included in determining the value of the home.
- A single family home shall be sold as one unit and shall not be converted to apartments or condominiums or otherwise divided for sale under the
Citizenship by Investment Programme.
- An apartment building or more than one apartment buildings on the same piece of land shall be sold as one unit and shall not be divided.
- The use of shares is prohibited.
Resale:
- A property purchased under the Private Home plan shall not be resold for a period of at least 5 years.
- The sold property does not qualify for use in a subsequent Citizenship by Investment application.
Government Fees:
- Real Estate government fees apply to all sales of private property.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT OPTION (AIO)
The Alternative Investment Option (AIO) is a third form of investment under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
The AIO will provide the Government with the means of achieving its capital investments goals without having to endure the drawbacks associated with the use of its existing limited resources or from taking additional debt.
Potential projects should be identified and listed by the Government or can be brought forward by private individuals with access to financing who approach the Government with potential projects not on the Government’s infrastructure list. However, the asset when completed and operated for a reasonable period of time (that allows for a reasonable return on investment) must be turned over to the Government in a maintained condition consistent with prudent ownership.
For those projects on the Government’s infrastructure list, they can be advertised seeking expressions of interest for initial review by the Government and the creation of individual project “short lists”. The Government will endeavor to ensure that to the extent practicable, shortlisted companies will not only maximize local employment but also embark upon programs including transfer of technology and capacity building.
CATEGORIES OF AIO:
(1) A Public Good Project Developer (PGPD), where the State owns the asset at the end of an agreement. These projects are fully funded by the PGPD and locked in “up front”. The minimum Unit of Investment will be USD 175,000.00. All other fees will apply as per the real estate option.
(2) A Private Enterprise Developer (PED), where the built or funded asset is privately owned. In this option, the minimum Unit of Investment will be
USD 200,000.00 and standard real estate government fees will apply.