The following are the frequently asked questions about the Citizenship by investment Program of St.Kitts and Nevis. The official answers are provided by the CIU Unit of Government of St.Kitts and Nevis to international investors. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority responsible for promoting and managing applications for economic citizenship in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, in accordance with Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act, 1984 (Act No. 1 of 1984).
Can my family be included with my application?
Yes, all permitted dependents can be included in an application for economic citizenship.
Is the application form available online?
No, the application form for citizenship by investment can only be obtained through and submitted to the Citizen by Investment Unit by an authorised person.
How long does the application process take?
The application process may take as little as 90 days, but may be delayed for cause. Alternatively, if the applicant decides, they may pursue the Accelerated Application Process (AAP), which processes applications within 60 days. Applicants will be kept informed of their application status through their Authorised Person.
Is residing in St. Kitts and Nevis required in order to apply for citizenship?
No, residing in St. Kitts and Nevis is not required when applying for economic citizenship through the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Do I have to travel to St Kitts and Nevis to obtain economic citizenship?
Travel to St Kitts and Nevis is not generally required. However, as part of the processing of the applications, individual applicants may be requested to attend an interview.
If I am no longer interested in becoming a citizen will my monies be refunded?
All monies will be refunded with the exception of due diligence fees and processing fees.
What is the maximum number of dependents allowed by a main applicant?
There is no numerical limit on the number of permitted dependents.
Who are classified as permitted dependents?
Permitted dependents refer to:
- A spouse of the main applicant;
- A child under the age of 18 of the main applicant or his or her spouse;
- The child of the main applicant or his or her spouse between 18 and 30 years who is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higher learning after his/her 18th birthday and/or fully supported by the main applicant;
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or his/her spouse above the age of 55 years living with and fully supported by the main applicant or;
- A child of the main applicant or spouse of the main applicant who is above the age of 18 years and physically or mentally challenged.
Is there a minimum age requirement for an applicant?
The minimum age requirement for the main applicant is 18 years of age. Permitted dependents may be of any age.
Does the Program recognise same sex marriage?
The laws of St Kitts and Nevis define “spouse” as the partner of the opposite sex by marriage.
Who do I contact to become an economic citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis?
When applying to be a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis by way of investment, the main applicant must first contact an authorised person.
Who is an authorised person?
An authorised person is an individual or entity approved by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FRSC) of St Kitts and Nevis licensed to conduct corporate or trust services in the Federation. The only persons authorised by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of St. Kitts and Nevis can be found here.
Does the Citizenship by Investment Unit recommend any authorised persons?
No, the Unit does not endorse any Authorised Persons.
Can I contact the Citizenship by Investment Unit directly?
No, the Unit engages only with authorised persons. Applicants may contact an authorised person with regards to questions pertaining to their application.
Can I submit my application in a language other than English?
No, applications that are not in English are not prescribed or accepted by the Citizenship by investment Unit.
What is a police certificate?
A police certificate refers to a statement from a national law enforcement authority on the status of a person’s criminal record. It is also referred to as “Certificate of No Criminal Record” or “Police Clearance Record”
Can two or more applicants apply for the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program together?
Yes, two or more applicants may apply for citizenship together by purchasing one piece of real estate, provided each main applicant contributes the minimum investment of US$400,000.
What are the fees involved?
All applicants and permitted dependents are required to pay due diligence and processing fees.
Can an applicant remit fees directly to the Unit?
All applicants are required to pay processing, due diligence and government fees through their chosen authorised person. Wire transfers to the Unit are only applicable for approved applicants for the remittance of Sustainable Growth Fund contributions.
What is the minimum investment required if the real estate option is pursued?
The minimum real estate investment required is US$400,000 for each main applicant.
Who is required to produce a police certificate?
Each main applicant and all permitted dependents 16 years and older are required to produce a police certificate.
Source: ciu.gov.kn
