The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) oversees the world’s longest-standing and most respected Citizenship by Investment Programme. The Unit is Committed to integrity, efficiency, and transparency, the CIU ensures a seamless process for investors while safeguarding the nation’s reputation. The CIU also oversees the administration and processing of applications of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Establishment
The SKN CBI program and its managing citizenship investment unit (CIU) were first established in 1984. In 2024, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) was transformed into the statutory corporation responsible for promoting and managing applications for economic citizenship in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, in accordance with the Citizenship By Investment Unit Act 2024.
A trusted institution behind the world’s first CBI Programme
Tasks
The St. Kitts and Nevis CIU is tasked with:
- Processing applications: Conducting thorough reviews and due diligence on all applicants
- Maintaining standards: Adhering to national laws and international best practices
- Collaborating with stakeholders: Working closely with government departments, including the Ministry of National Security and the Financial Services Regulatory Commission
- Ensuring transparency: Publishing annual audits and reports to demonstrate accountability
The Board
The Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction and governance of the CIU. The Board’s primary responsibilities include providing strategic direction, reviewing and approving key decisions, and ensuring that the CBI Programme operates in compliance with both local and international standards.
Responsibilities of the Board:
- Strategic Leadership: Offering direction for the continued development and success of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
- Oversight & Governance: Ensuring that the Programme adheres to regulatory frameworks and international best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering collaboration and communication with key partners, both locally and globally.
- Ethical Integrity: Promoting transparency, security, and accountability within the Programme’s operations.
Principles
The CIU has six principles for effective governance and leadership:
- Transparency: Decision-making processes and actions are clear and open, fostering trust among our citizens and stakeholders.
- Communication: Clear and consistent communication is critical to promote understanding and engagement, allowing for informed participation in governance.
- Good Governance: The CIU upholds accountability and fairness, ensuring that the public interest continues to be served effectively and justly.
- Transformation: The CIU embraces change and innovation to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in the market and across the globe.
- Global Leadership: The CIU leads by example in addressing global issues, while reaffirming its well-earned reputation for industry excellence.
- Sustainability: Economic growth is balanced with social responsibility, ensuring that investment initiatives benefit both investors and the local community. Sustainable growth will foster long-term prosperity.
