The St.Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is fundamentally different the from those found in parts of Europe. The General limitations associated with SKN citizenship are
- CARICOM – Free movement in Caricom countries upto six months. No automatic residence, work or business services without permission.
- Visa Waivers – Visa free access to 150+ countries permitted ONLY for short stays (max 90 days in 180 day period) for tourism, business or visiting family members. No residence, work, long stays or recourse to public funds or healthcare permitted.
- Dual Nationality – Your St.Kitts citizenship may not be recognized by a country that prohibits dual citizenship and consular support may be limited.
- Voting Rights – Voting in St.Kitts elections, public service, politics or working for government not permitted under CBI legislation.
- Driving License – Remotely not possible to apply driver’s license without visiting the island and taking the required test in person (for CBI citizens).
The CIU unit explained the limitations of SKN citizenship in a recent press release.
No Residence or Work Rights in EU
St. Kitts and Nevis, or for similar programmes across the Caribbean does not confer-either explicitly or implicitly-any rights or privileges to reside, work, or establish permanent presence in the EU. Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may travel to the EU only for short stays, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, purely for visitation purposes. These arrangements are based on reciprocal visa waiver agreements and do not amount to freedom of movement, residence, or employment.
National vs SupraNational Citizenship
When the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme offers citizenship, it offers the privileges and responsibilities associated within our Federation-no more, no less.
The distinction between national and supranational citizenship (involving other countries) is properly understood and respected.
The CIU explains, distinction is not semantic-it is structural, legal, and intentional. It means that our programme does not create external obligations or ramifications for other states. The benefits that flow from citizenship-such as visa-free travel to certain jurisdictions-are granted by other nations as a sign of trust in our systems, our due diligence, and our rule of law.
Our programme is a tool of development-not a geopolitical shortcut. Our programme is not about selling passports.
-CIU St.Kitts and Nevis
Significant Reforms
The SKN Citizenship by Investment Programme, first established in 1984 continually evolved to meet the highest levels of international scrutiny. In 2023, we St. Kitts and Nevis did a comprehensive reform of the due diligence framework, enhanced international vetting, and created the Sustainable Island State Contribution-a forward-looking investment mechanism that supports national development while aligning with global standards. In recent years, St. Kitts and Nevis has made continuous efforts to set a benchmark in the wealth migration industry. The major changes include spearheading the signing of MOA in order to set a minimum investment threshold across all the Caribbean 5 that offfers CBI Programmes and also transforming the CIU into a body corporate.
Citizenship by investment is not a “monolith”.
The offering from St. Kitts and Nevis is not merely a passport-it is carefully governed pathway that has stood the test of time for over four decades.
