In 2024, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme
(CBI) underwent a bold transformation, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the
national economy, said PM Dr. Drew delivering his 2025 Budget Speech. Some of the milestones achieved by the SKN Government are as follows
Restructuring of CIU
The restructuring of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) into a statutory body with a robust Board of Governors, an experienced C-Suite, and the establishment of the Office of the Chairman has created a well-aligned framework between the Unit and the Government.
Streamlined Applications
The streamlined processing mechanisms, increased applications, and record-breaking revenue since the restructuring on 1 October. These achievements showcases governments vision and commitment to maintaining the integrity, efficiency, and global competitiveness of the Programme.
24 hour Response Time
The restructured CIU has achieved remarkable milestones, including setting a ten-week target for application decisions, implementing a 24-hour response time for applicants, creating a Communication Division to ensure accurate and timely information, and establishing a Task Force to eliminate backlogged files. Additionally, cutting-edge technology now tracks and monitors application processing, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Budget Speech 2025
The Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced in his Budget speech 2025, that reforming our Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme was not only necessary but the right and timely decision. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the CBI Programme secures opportunities for citizens and propels us toward our Sustainable Island State vision.
Non-Tax Revenue exceeded the budget by 18.7 percent mainly on account of the proceeds from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.
– PM Terrance Drew
The diversified investment options under the Programme continue to bring tangible benefits to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) directly supports economic and social development, funding initiatives that uplift everyday citizens while driving economic diversification. The Public Benefit Option (PBO), which has delivered impactful projects such as the Prime Creative Arts Centre, aligns investor interests with the Federation’s infrastructural, cultural, and educational needs. Moreover, regulatory amendments reducing minimum investment thresholds in real estate have made this option more attractive than ever, driving a surge in interest.
“The Government took decisive action to reform our CBI Programme, ensuring its compliance with international standards, safeguarding St. Kitts and Nevis’ reputation, and protecting the precious benefits of visa free travel for our people. “
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to diversify our economy, which had become overly reliant on a single industry-the CBI Industry
CBI Dividends
The CBI revenues helped unprecedented payment of two CBI Dividends to our people—the first time in the history of the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme; an 8% salary increase for Civil Servants and Pensioners; multiple workers’ bonuses; and the historic implementation of pensions for Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) for the very first time. Additionally, delivered a 39% increase in the national minimum wage, a 37% increase in pension payments, and a 16% increase in the minimum age pension.
