Nationality of Saint Kitts and Nevis: all obtaining pathways
Saint Kitts and Nevis, the pioneer of citizenship by investment since 1984, offers a contribution to the state — from 250,000 USD — a public benefit option and real estate, all under the common Caribbean floor in force since 2024. Ordinary naturalization requires up to fourteen years, and descent requires no residence.
1Citizenship by Investment - Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
Citizenship by Investment - Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)
Requirements
- Non-refundable contribution of USD 250,000 to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (single applicant or family of up to 4 members)
- USD 25,000 per additional dependent under 18
- USD 50,000 per additional dependent over 18
- Due diligence: USD 10,000 main applicant, USD 7,500 per dependent over 16
- Mandatory interview for the main applicant (virtual or in person)
- Dependents over 16 may be required to attend an interview
- No criminal record
- Show a source of lawful funds
- Processing period: 120-180 days from acknowledgment of receipt
- Citizenship Unit Act 2024
Documentation
- Complete and notarized application form
- Certified copies of passports
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable
- Criminal record certificates from country of birth, citizenship and residence
- Medical certificate including an HIV test
- Passport-size photos
- Professional reference
- Employment letter or financial statements
- 12-month bank statements
- Bank reference letter
- Sworn affidavit of source of funds
- Proof of payment of fees
2Citizenship by Investment - Public Benefit Option (PBO)
Citizenship by Investment - Public Benefit Option (PBO)
Requirements
- Minimum contribution of USD 250,000 to approved public benefit projects
- Approved projects: Basseterre High School, National Housing Corporation, Prime Creative Arts Centre, Royal St. Kitts Beach Resort, Robert L. Bradshaw Airport Expansion
- Due diligence: USD 10,000 main applicant, USD 7,500 per dependent over 16
- Mandatory interview for the main applicant
- No criminal record
- Show a source of lawful funds
Documentation
- Complete and notarized application form
- Certified copies of passports
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate including an HIV test
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of payment of fees
3Citizenship by Investment - Developer Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment - Developer Real Estate
Requirements
- Minimum investment of USD 325,000 in an approved development
- Hold the property for a minimum of 7 years
- Due diligence: USD 10,000 main applicant, USD 7,500 per dependent over 16
- Mandatory interview for the main applicant
- No criminal record
- Show a source of lawful funds
Documentation
- Complete and notarized application form
- Certified copies of passports
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate including an HIV test
- Passport-size photos
- Purchase and sale agreement of the approved property
- 12-month bank statements
- Bank reference letter
- Sworn affidavit of source of funds
- Proof of payment of fees
4Citizenship by Investment - Private Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment - Private Real Estate
Requirements
- Minimum investment of USD 600,000 in private property
- Due diligence: USD 10,000 main applicant, USD 7,500 per dependent over 16
- Mandatory interview for the main applicant
- No criminal record
- Show a source of lawful funds
Documentation
- Complete and notarized application form
- Certified copies of passports
- Birth certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate including an HIV test
- Passport-size photos
- Purchase and sale agreement of the private property
- 12-month bank statements
- Bank reference letter
- Sworn affidavit of source of funds
- Proof of payment of fees
5Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Good character
- Intention to continue residing in Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Sufficient knowledge of English
- No serious criminal record
- Commonwealth citizen registration: 14 years ordinary residence (Constitution s. 92(1)(b)). Marriage to a citizen: registration with no residence period (Constitution s. 92(1)(a)).
Documentation
- Naturalization form
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate if applicable
- Proof of continuous residence (14 years minimum)
- Criminal record certificate
- Character references
- Passport-size photos
6Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by Descent
Requirements
- Born abroad to a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Registration before age 18
- Father/mother must be a citizen by birth or naturalization
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Birth certificate of the citizen father/mother
- Passport of the citizen father/mother
- Consular registration form
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Saint Kitts and Nevis
How many years of residence does Saint Kitts and Nevis require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Saint Kitts and Nevis (Naturalization by residence), the term is 12 continuous months + residence throughout the previous 14 years (Second Schedule, Citizenship Act CAP 1.05). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Saint Kitts and Nevis require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Naturalization form; Birth certificate; Marriage certificate if applicable; Proof of continuous residence (14 years minimum); Criminal record certificate; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis provides 6 pathways: Citizenship by Investment - Sustainable Island State Contribution, Citizenship by Investment - Public Benefit Option, Citizenship by Investment - Developer Real Estate, Citizenship by Investment - Private Real Estate, Naturalization by residence, Citizenship by Descent.
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