St. Kitts & Nevis Lowers Family CBI Pricing: A Regulatory Silver Lining

You might not trust the government, but sometimes, certain regulations inadvertently do investors a favour. If you follow my content and read my newsletter, chances are you know the importance of acting before it’s too late to get a second passport. Saint Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean country offering its own citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program, raised prices drastically last year but has now lowered the price of citizenships for a family of four to $250,000 USD -  the same price as for one individual via the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). 

As requested by the U.S. Treasury and the European Union, Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment (CBI) programs were pressured to raise prices and impose stricter due diligence. Moreover, these countries signed a Memorandum of Agreement, agreeing that the investment minimum for a single applicant is $200,000 USD. Although the agreement stipulated the minimum investment, each Caribbean country still determined its own minimum investments, with St. Kitts keeping theirs above this price, at $250,000 for a single applicant.

But there has been an unexpected silver lining to this agreement: St Kitts and Nevis have now lowered the price of citizenships for a family of four to the same as for one individual in the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).

In today’s article, we’ll lay out the full picture of the changes to St. Kitts and Nevis' citizenship-by-investment and even help you determine whether this program could be right for you and your family. 

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Saint Kitts and Nevis lowered its citizenship-by-investment prices, aligning with international standards. This article examines the impact on investors

A BACKDROP OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS’ CBI PROGRAM

St. Kitts and Nevis’ CBI program has been around since 1984, making it the oldest of its kind and a pillar of its economic strategy. This program was intended to attract foreign investment by offering expedited access to citizenship. 

HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE ST. KITTS & NEVIS CBI PROGRAM

Since its inception, the CBI program has faced several changes to stay competitive for global investors. At first, the program required investment in government-approved real estate projects or contributions to the current Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC). Throughout time, the program has built a strong reputation, primarily due to its efficiency and benefits, such as visa-free travel to multiple countries like Hong Kong, the EU and even Russia. 

OVERVIEW OF PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS AND INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Previously, the minimum threshold for the SISC was set at $250,000 USD for a single person and $350,000 USD for a family of four, while real estate projects required a minimum investment of $400,000 USD for a single person. The changes you will see below show that the program is evolving to be more family-friendly by simplifying the pricing structure, encouraging you to apply for this CBI with your entire family and offering significant benefits to all applicants.

KEY CHANGES IN THE PROGRAM

You may now be wondering, “What has changed in the program, and how much do I need to invest?” Read on to find out:

SUSTAINABLE ISLAND STATE CONTRIBUTION (SISC)

The minimum contribution for a family of four has gone from $350,000 USD to $250,000 USD, while note that the contribution a single applicant has to make remains at $250,000 USD. This reduction makes the program more attractive not only to investors but also to families. By “family of up to four,” the new regulation refers to:

• The applicant, along with their spouse and two children, or

• The applicant, along with up to three dependents.

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR DEPENDENTS

For families with more than four members, these are the additional fees payable per additional dependents: 

• $25,000 USD if under 18, or

• $50,000 USD if over 18 or over.

DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF NEW FEES AND INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Besides the SISC, the program also includes other investment options: 

REAL ESTATE AND PUBLIC BENEFIT PROJECTS

• Developer’s Real Estate: $400,000 USD, resalable after 7 years;

• Private Real Estate: $400,000 USD (condominium) or $800,000 USD (single-family home), resalable after 7 years;

• Public Benefit Option: $250,000 USD in a unit of an Approved Public Benefactor.

POST-APPROVAL FEES

• Main Applicant: A $25,000 USD fee applies, but it is waived for those opting for the public benefit investment;

• Dependents: $15,000 USD for the spouse of the applicant, $10,000 USD for dependents under 18, and $15,000 USD for dependents 18 and over.

The minimum contribution for St. Kitts and Nevis' CBI program has been reduced to $250,000 USD for a family of up to four, with additional fees for extra dependents, making it more attractive to investors and families

IMPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS

The renewed CBI Program is set to positively impact St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy, attracting more foreign investment, boosting real estate development and funding public benefit projects. Investors can enjoy:

• Reduced investment Threshold: The SISC option, in particular, makes the program more family-friendly by simplifying and reducing the amount for four people;

• Expanded Investment Choices: Investors can choose from a wide range of options depending on their financial and strategic goals;

• Expedited Passport Issuance: Rather than residing in the country for multiple years, investing in St. Kitts and Nevis allows you to get a new, solid second passport in under six months.  

Aside from the immediate benefits this revamped program comes with, we cannot neglect what the St. Kitts and Nevis passport offers:

• Top-Notch Mobility: As a lawful citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, you can access multiple countries, such as the EU and Schengen, Switzerland and Hong Kong. 

• Low Taxes: St. Kitts and Nevis offers an attractive tax regime with no income, inheritance or wealth tax. 

• Dual Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis will not require you to renounce other citizenship you may have so you can increase your passport portfolio.

Related content: Rising Costs: Five Caribbean Citizenship Programs Align Investment Minimums

The price drop in St. Kitts and Nevis' CBI program makes it more attractive. It offers lower investment thresholds, diverse options, and fast passport issuance for enhanced global mobility and dual citizenship benefits

CONCLUSION

The recent price drop for the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is a golden opportunity in a market where many investment programs are either hiking prices or phasing out. The new pricing for the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) makes the program especially appealing and accessible for families. Investors can take advantage of lower investment thresholds, a range of investment options, and fast-track passport issuance—securing a second passport in less than six months without needing long-term residency. This passport offers excellent global mobility, a favourable tax environment, and the perk of dual citizenship.

This updated CBI program is set to boost the St. Kitts and Nevis economy by attracting more foreign investment, spurring real estate growth, and funding public projects. However, acting quickly is important, as opportunities in the CBI market can shift rapidly. The recent changes, influenced by pressures from the U.S. Treasury and the European Union, highlight the importance of seizing this unique chance before further adjustments occur. By doing so, investors can secure a valuable second passport and all the benefits that come with it.