Citizenship by Investment
HERBERT GUISHARD LAW is one of the leading law firms in the Federation of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis. Our managing attorney, Robin C. Guishard, is a local citizenship by investment authorized agent, well versed in immigration law within the Federation. She has been providing citizenship by investment services since 2003 and has successfully guided numerous applicants to become citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is the citizenship by investment's industry gold standard of excellence. The program (also known as the economic citizenship program) was established in 1984 and is the oldest and one of the most respected citizenship by investment programs worldwide. The citizenship program is governed by the Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis; and various pieces of legislation including, the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, Cap. 1.05; and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, SR & O Nos. 20 and 43 of 2024, respectively.
The first step in your exciting journey to citizenship by investment in St. Kitts and Nevis starts by contacting us for a consultation. We will be delighted to have you entrust us to partner with you on this rewarding journey. We will be pleased to provide assistance with selecting the right investment option for you (and your family). We will furnish you with all required application forms and guidance on the required documentation/supporting documents. We stay with you until your application has been fully processed. We look forward to welcoming you as fellow citizens of our beautiful twin island federation. Consult us today.
Please kindly find below important information detailing various pathways to your citizenship by investment in St. Kitts and Nevis; government processing fees; processing time; and benefits of the program.
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT OPTIONS
1. SUSTAINABLE ISLAND STATE CONTRIBUTION (SISC)
The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is geared towards supporting the economic and social development of the Federation of St. Kitts And Nevis. All contributions are payable to the Federal Consolidated Fund. Your contribution will be utilized in the areas of increasing local food production, transitioning to Green Energy, diversifying the economy, attracting and supporting sustainable industries, evolving the Creative Economy, recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; and expanding social protections and safety nets to protect the most vulnerable.
The Minimum SISC requirement on receipt of citizenship by investment approval are:
· Main Applicant -US$250,000.00
· Family (Up to four persons)- US$250,000.00
a) A Main Applicant with a spouse and up to two dependents; or
b) A Main Applicant with up to three dependents
· Each Additional Dependent Under 18 - US$25,000.00
· Each Additional Dependent Aged 18 or over - US$50,000.00
2. DEVELOPER'S REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
An investor may apply for second citizenship through the purchase of a designated real estate unit in an approved development. Should you be interested in this investment option we will be pleased to provide you with the list of approved developments.
The minimum real estate investment in an approved development is US$325,000.00 (resaleable after seven years) to be paid to the developer for each main applicant.
Upon approval-in-principle of an application made through a real estate option, the following post-approval application fees apply:
· Main Applicant: US$25,000.00
· Spouse of the Main Applicant: US$15,000.00
· Any qualified dependent under 18: US$10,000.00
· Any qualified dependent aged 18 or over: US$15,000.00
*In addition to these fees, real estate buyers must also factor in compulsory insurance, fund contributions and conveyance/legal fees
3. PRIVATE REAL ESTATE SALE
Applicants may qualify for citizenship through an investment in Approved Private Real Estate.
The minimum investment in a condominium unit or share in a real estate development designated as Approved Private Real Estate is US$325,000.00
The minimum investment in a single-family private dwelling home designated as Approved Private Real Estate is US$600,000.00
Resale:
A property purchased under the Private Real Estate Sale Investment Option cannot be resold for a period of at least seven (7) years.
The Approved Private Real Estate does not qualify for purchase in a subsequent CBI application, unless the Federal Cabinet is satisfied that substantial further investment was injected into the real estate unit by way of further construction, renovation or otherwise.
Upon Approval-in-Principle of an application made through a real estate investment, the following post-approval application fees apply:
· Main Applicant: US$25,000.00
· Spouse of the Main Applicant: US$15,000.00
· Any qualified dependent under 18: US$10,000.00
· Any qualified dependent aged 18 or over: US$15,000.00
4. PUBLIC BENEFIT OPTION
Under the Public Benefit option, each main applicant is required to make a minimum contribution of US$250,000.00 in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project, to be paid to the CIU. Should you be interested in this investment option we can provide you with the list of Approved Public Benefactors.
Upon Approval-in-Principle of an application made through the Public Benefit Option, the following post-approval application fees apply:
· Spouse of the main applicant: US$15,000.00
· Each qualified dependent under 18: US$10,000.00
· Each qualified dependent aged 18 or over: US$15,000.00
DUE DILIGENCE AND APPLICATION PROCESSING FEES (required at time of lodging the application)
Non-refundable due diligences and application processing fees apply to all CBI applications irrespective of the investment option chosen. These fees are payable upon the submission of an application, unlike the contribution amount which is ONLY made upon receipt of your Approval-In-Principle letter.
Due Diligence
· Main applicant: US$10,000.00
· Each dependent aged 16 or over: US$7,500.00
Application Processing Fees
US$250.00 per applicant/dependent
PROCESSING TIME
Applications are processed within 120-180 days of acknowledgment from the CIU of submission of your CBI application.
BENEFITS OF CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT (ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP).
- Citizenship for life, for applicant and all eligible family members.
- Dual Citizenship is permitted, without the requirement for the applicant to reside in St. Kitts/Nevis.
- Full Residency Status and the right to work in St. Kitts/Nevis.
- Tax Free Status on foreign income, capital gains, gift, wealth and inheritance tax.
- Passports will be issued to the applicant and all eligible family members, and are easily renewed.
- Visa-Free Travel to over 155 countries, including:- Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and most British commonwealth countries http://foreign.gov.kn/travel/