Saint Kitts and NevisCitizenship by investment

Investment in an approved project in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The programme involves buying residential property in development projects approved by the government on the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Investors acquire title to shares in premium properties, including luxury residences, villas and condominiums. Once the mandatory holding period has passed, the property may be resold. The programme is open to the main applicant, their spouse, children, parents and other dependants, with no limit on their number. Citizens need not live in the country in order to obtain or keep citizenship.

Processing time

From 3 to 6 months, including the due diligence check.

Residence

There is no requirement to live in the Federation in order to obtain or keep citizenship.

Source: Citizenship by Investment Unit of St Kitts and Nevis — CBI Options

Levels of investment

The programme offers two real estate investment options with different ownership terms and amounts.

For investors with a smaller budget

A share of the title in an approved project
A lower initial investment
The option to resell after the set period

For investors with more capital

Full title to the property
A larger investment
Greater flexibility in managing the property

When the programme will not suit you

Dependants over 30 with no special circumstances

The main programme covers children up to 30; older children must apply independently

Investors who want to resell the property quickly

There is a mandatory holding period of at least seven years before sale

People whose funds are of unclear origin

Every applicant must pass a strict due diligence check

Independent investors with no experience of the local market

Applications can only be filed through an authorised agent

What it costs

Investment in a share of an approved projectThe minimum amount for the main applicant to acquire a share of the title in an approved project	325 000 USD
Investment in full ownership of a propertyThe alternative, for full title to the property	600 000 USD
Due diligence fee for the main applicantThe mandatory fee for verifying the origin of the main applicant's funds	10 000 USD
Due diligence fee for a dependant aged 16 and overFor each dependant aged 16 and over	+7 500 USD
Approval in principle fee for the main applicantPayable once the application is approved in principle	+25 000 USD
Approval in principle fee for the spousePayable once the application is approved in principle, for the spouse	+15 000 USD
Approval in principle fee for a dependant under 18Payable once the application is approved in principle, for each child under 18	+10 000 USD
Approval in principle fee for a dependant aged 18 and overPayable once the application is approved in principle, for each adult dependant	+15 000 USD
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Due diligence fee for a dependant aged 16 and over” adds 7 500 USD; “Approval in principle fee for the main applicant” adds 25 000 USD; “Approval in principle fee for the spouse” adds 15 000 USD; “Approval in principle fee for a dependant under 18” adds 10 000 USD; “Approval in principle fee for a dependant aged 18 and over” adds 15 000 USD; the “Investment in full ownership of a property” branch replaces the “Investment in a share of an approved project” line — 610 000 USD. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	335,000–407 500 USD

Paid separately

Legal and agency services — Part of the buyer's costs, outside the government fees
Insurance premiums and transfer fees — Further costs on the purchase of the property
Taxes and charges at regional level — May be levied depending on the particular property and district

Documents to gather

Applicants must supply a complete set of documents evidencing their identity and the source of their funds.

A valid passport
Birth certificate
A police certificate from the country of residence
A medical certificate
Proof of the investment (the contract with the developer, the property documents)
Bank statements and financial documents
Documents on the source of funds
Details of the place of work and employment

How the process runs

Obtaining citizenship through a real estate investment runs through several stages, covering consultations with an agent, filing the documents, the checks and approval.

1
Choosing an authorised agent and taking advice
1-2 weeks
The investor chooses one of the authorised agents and takes advice on the programme, on choosing a property and on the documents required.
2
Filing the documents and paying the initial fees
1-2 weeks
The agent gathers every necessary document from the applicant and the dependants. The due diligence fees and the initial administrative fees are paid.
3
Due diligence and consideration of the application
2-3 months
The Citizenship Unit carries out a thorough check on the origin of the funds and on the identity of the applicant and every dependant. The complete application and documentation are considered.
4
Approval in principle and payment of the remaining fees
1-2 weeks
Once the checks are passed, approval in principle is issued. The remaining government fees are paid and the real estate investment is completed.
5
Completing the property purchase and the issue of the certificate of citizenship
2-4 weeks
The property transaction is completed. Once all the paperwork is done, the certificate of citizenship is issued.

Who you can bring with you

The programme allows the main applicant's family members to be included, with no limit on their number.

Spouse

May be included with no age limit. Must pass due diligence and pay the relevant fees.

The main applicant's children

Dependent children under 30 may be included. Children aged 18 and over may be included depending on their dependency or education status.

Parents and grandparents

Parents and grandparents aged 55 and over who are wholly dependent on the main applicant may be included.

Other dependants

Other family members who are wholly supported may be included where they meet the requirements and pass due diligence.

Renewal and the grace period

Citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis obtained through the investment programme is permanent. Once it is granted, the citizen need not live in the country and may keep the citizenship indefinitely. Documents (the passport) are renewed under the country's general passport rules.

Frequently asked questions about Investment in an approved project

What is the minimum investment for citizenship under the Developer's Real Estate Investment programme?

The minimum is USD 325,000 for the main applicant to acquire a share in an approved development project. Alternatively, the investor may choose full ownership of a property from USD 600,000.

Can the property be sold immediately after citizenship is granted?

No, the law requires the title to be retained for at least seven years. Once that period has passed, the investor is free to sell the property.

What fees are payable besides the price of the property?

Besides the real estate investment, due diligence fees are payable (USD 10,000 for the main applicant and USD 7,500 for each dependant aged 16 and over), along with the approval in principle fees (from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 depending on the category of family member). Legal services and title transfer fees are charged in addition.

How long does obtaining citizenship take?

The process usually takes three to six months, depending on how quickly due diligence is completed, how quickly the Citizenship Unit approves the application, and how quickly the property transaction closes.

Must I live permanently in Saint Kitts and Nevis after citizenship is granted?

No, the country does not require residence in order to obtain or keep citizenship. Citizens may live anywhere in the world and retain the full rights of citizenship.

Can I file the application myself, or is an agent's help required?

The law requires every application to be filed through an authorised agent. Filing directly with the Citizenship Unit is not permitted.

Other ways to move to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.