The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) have strengthened laws, taking measures against abuse of CBI program, in order to preserve the international reputation of the Federation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. As a result of these measures, agents have been blacklisted and several citizenships canceled by the government, bringing much needed reform to the program.
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme directly contributed between 60-70 percent of our Federal revenue. The CBI program will play a key role in real, tangible, sustainable projects that will create permanent jobs and opportunities for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The CIU reported remarkable 169 percent increase in applications during the final quarter of 2024 and is continuing to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure and reputable second citizenship.
We remain steadfast in the vision to revolutionise the CBI industry.
-Prime Minister Dr. Drew
Revoked SKN Citizenships
A thorough investigation by the Ministry of National Security, Immigration, and Citizenship, the Government has issued the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025. This Order has resulted in the revocation of citizenship from 13 individuals and their dependents who were found to have failed to pay the statutory minimum investment required under the CBI Programme, despite having indicated otherwise in their applications.
The Ministry issued the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025 on the basis of false representation and willful concealment of material facts, and in the interest of the public good.
A CBI investigation stemmed from a review of 158 redacted applications and contracts with 2 International Marketing Agents linked to suspicious practices. The Ministry contacted 158 identified individuals. Of these:
- 32 individuals paid their outstanding investment balance,
- 13 admitted to non-payment of the required sums and took no corrective action,
- 1 individual requested a hearing before a Commission of Inquiry, and
- the remaining individuals are in dialogue with the Ministry to settle outstanding investment balances.
Blacklisting Agents
The CIU has permanently blacklisted 2 International Marketing Agents for their role in marketing the CBI Programme at investment amounts below the statutory minimum with special discounts and misleading clients, clear violations of the laws governing the programme.
The SKN Government has enforced its zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of the CBI Programme and remains resolute in enforcing its regulations to ensure that only credible, compliant investors benefit from citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Reforms
Our commitment to integrity and security would remain a top priority. CIU would continue to uphold rigorous vetting processes while increasing the overall efficiency of the system.
– Calvin St.Juste, CEO of SKN CIU
The SKN Government has enacted several reforms towards strengthening the CBI program. These reforms are designed to enhance due diligence, prevent misconduct, and align the Programme with international best practices.
- Established CBI Unit as a corporate body,
- Establishing the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit to conduct ongoing vetting of CBI citizens residing abroad, and
- Enacting legislation that makes it a criminal offence to undersell citizenship and unauthorized promotion and marketing.
- Ensuring that the CBI Programme maintains its standards – emphasising transparency, compliance, and the highest levels of due diligence.
- Zero tolerance policy – Companies found underselling, misrepresenting, or engaging in unauthorised marketing of the Programme will face immediate blacklisting and legal action under St. Kitts and Nevis law.
- Signed Memorandum of Agreement in March 2024 to establish a minimum investment threshold, setting stage towards transparency and good governance.
Despite the the popularity of other citizenship programmes, St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be original and top choice among international investors seeking second nationality.
