Saint Kitts and NevisCitizenship by investment

Private property purchase in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The programme grants citizenship to investors who buy private real estate in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Applicants may choose a condominium or a private house, which opens the way to citizenship for life with the right to live, work and study in the country. The process includes background checks, after which approved investors receive a certificate of citizenship. The programme requires no residence in the country, either to obtain citizenship or to keep it.

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

Who the programme suits

The private real estate sale route is ideal for well-off investors seeking economic citizenship with a guaranteed lifelong status.

Principal candidates

High-net-worth investors with evidenced sources of funds
Entrepreneurs seeking a second citizenship for business mobility
Family people planning to include a spouse and children in the application

Other applicants

Investors seeking asset protection through a foreign citizenship
People looking to secure the future of their children and parents
Well-off citizens with no breaches of the law and no criminal past

Not recommended

People with a criminal past or under investigation in their own country
Citizens of countries under sanctions or barred from the programme
Investors unable to evidence a legal source of funds

When the programme will not suit you

There are not enough funds for the investment

Consider the Sustainable Island State Contribution (a contribution from USD 250,000) or Developer's Real Estate (from USD 325,000)

A conviction or a criminal past

Take advice from an official agent on whether the obstacle can be removed or another country chosen

Citizenship of a barred country (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and others)

Check the current list of barred countries on the programme's official website

What it costs

Investment in a condominium or a share of a propertyThe minimum amount to buy a condominium or a share in a building	325 000 USD
Investment in a private single-family houseThe minimum amount to buy a detached private house	600 000 USD
Due diligence for the main applicantA one-off fee charged when the application is filed	+10 000 USD
Due diligence for a dependant aged 16 and overCharged for each dependant aged 16 and over	+7 500 USD
Post-approval fee for the main applicantCharged after the letter of approval is received and before the investment is completed	+25 000 USD
Post-approval fee for the spouseCharged where a spouse is included in the application	+15 000 USD
Post-approval fee for a dependant under 18Charged for each dependant under 18	+10 000 USD
Post-approval fee for a dependant aged 18 and overCharged for each dependant aged 18 and over	+15 000 USD
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Due diligence for the main applicant” adds 10 000 USD; “Due diligence for a dependant aged 16 and over” adds 7 500 USD; “Post-approval fee for the main applicant” adds 25 000 USD; “Post-approval fee for the spouse” adds 15 000 USD; “Post-approval fee for a dependant under 18” adds 10 000 USD; “Post-approval fee for a dependant aged 18 and over” adds 15 000 USD.	925,000–1 007 500 USD

Documents to gather

The documents must be filed by an authorised agent. The main list is:

A valid passport and identity document
Birth certificate
A police clearance certificate
Proof of address
A medical certificate
Proof of the source of the investment funds
Financial statements and documents
Further documents at the request of the CIU

How the process runs

The process runs through five main stages, each with its own timing and outcome.

1
Choosing an authorised agent and an approved property
1-2 weeks
The applicant chooses an authorised agent from the official list on the CIU website and, with the agent, selects a suitable property (a condominium or a private house) that meets the minimum investment requirements.
2
Preparing and filing the documents through the agent
1-3 weeks
The authorised agent helps the applicant to gather every necessary document and files the complete package with the Citizenship Unit, together with payment of the due diligence fees.
3
Background checks and processing of the application
3-6 months
The Citizenship Unit carries out thorough checks on every applicant and dependant, including analysis of the sources of funds and a criminal record check. The process usually takes three to six months. The main applicant may be invited to an interview, which may be held virtually, in person in the country, or elsewhere as approved by the programme.
4
Receiving the letter of approval and completing the investment
2-4 weeks
Once approved, the applicant receives an approval-in-principle letter, then pays the remaining amounts (the post-approval fees) and completes the property purchase through a legal transaction, signing every necessary document.
5
Receiving the certificate of citizenship
1-2 weeks
Once completion of the investment is confirmed, the Citizenship Unit issues the certificate of citizenship to the applicant and every dependant included, allowing them to enjoy all the rights and benefits of citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Who you can bring with you

Family members meeting certain criteria of age and financial dependency may be included in the application.

The main applicant's spouse

Included with no age limit; must meet the due diligence requirements

The main applicant's children

Children under 18 are included as dependants; children aged 18 to 30 may be included if they are in full-time education at a recognised institution and wholly supported by the main applicant

Children with disabilities

Adult children aged 18 and over with a physical or mental disability may be included as dependants provided they are wholly supported financially

Parents and grandparents

Parents of the main applicant or of their spouse aged 55 and over may be included if they live with the main applicant and are wholly supported by them

Renewal and the grace period

Citizenship obtained through the investment programme is for life and needs no renewal. The property must, however, be held for at least seven years from the date of purchase. Where the property is sold before the seven years are up, a sale is possible only on condition of substantial further investment in improving it. After a five-year holding period the property may be resold without restriction.

Frequently asked questions about Private property purchase

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

No, residence is not required. Citizenship obtained through the investment programme carries no obligation to live in the country. Citizens may live anywhere and enjoy the full rights of citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis, including the right to return to the country at any time.

How long does the application take to process?

Standard processing takes about four to six months from the filing of the documents to the approval-in-principle letter. The exact time depends on how complete the documentation is, how complex the due diligence proves and how much material has to be analysed.

What is the minimum investment for private real estate?

The minimum depends on the type of property: a condominium or a share in a building requires at least USD 325,000, while a detached private house requires an investment of at least USD 600,000.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes, a spouse, minor children, adult children in full-time education (up to 30), children with disabilities and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over may be included where they are wholly supported by the main applicant. Every dependant must pass due diligence and pay the relevant fees.

For how long must I hold the property?

Property bought under the private sale route may not be resold for at least seven years from the date of purchase. If you plan to sell sooner, that is possible only on condition of substantial further investment in improving the property.

Do I have to attend an interview before approval?

Yes, every main applicant must attend an interview conducted by an independent professional organisation or by Citizenship Unit officials. The interview may be held virtually, in person in Saint Kitts and Nevis, or elsewhere as approved by the programme. Dependants aged 16 and over may also be invited to an interview where necessary.

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.