Citizenship for the whole family
A single application can include a spouse, children, and parents aged 55 or over who meet the qualifying criteria.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment
Clear legal counsel for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis
Mirka Law Firm guides families and investors through every stage of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment programme — eligibility, investment structuring, due diligence preparation and compliance — based on the Government’s published rules.
The programme
A citizenship programme built on law, not promises
St Kitts and Nevis established its Citizenship by Investment programme in 1984. Today it is governed by the Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024, and administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit — a statutory body created under the Citizenship by Investment Unit Act, 2024.
Applicants who pass enhanced due diligence and make a qualifying investment may be registered as citizens together with their eligible family members. Every minimum investment and government fee is set in law and published by the CIU, and applications can only be lodged through a CIU Authorised Agent.
St Kitts and Nevis at a glance
A twin-island federation in the Eastern Caribbean and an independent member of the Commonwealth.
- Capital
- Basseterre
- Population
- 51,320 (2022 census)
- Land area
- 261 km²
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar, pegged at EC$2.70 to US$1
- Language
- English
- Independence
- 19 September 1983
- Memberships
- Commonwealth, CARICOM and OECS
Sources: Country and Location (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · St Kitts and Nevis — Member Country Profile (The Commonwealth, opens in a new tab) · St Kitts and Nevis 2021–2022 Population and Housing Census Report (CARICOM Statistics, opens in a new tab) · History of the EC Currency (Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, opens in a new tab)
Benefits
What citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis offers
The advantages below are drawn from the Government’s own published information. How they apply to you depends on your personal, family and tax circumstances.
Lifelong and passed to future generations
Citizenship is held for life and can be passed to descendants in accordance with the laws of the Federation.
Dual citizenship permitted
St Kitts and Nevis does not require you to renounce your existing nationality.
No personal income, wealth or inheritance tax
St Kitts and Nevis does not levy personal income tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax. Your own tax position depends on where you are resident.
No residence requirement at present
The CIU currently states there is no mandatory travel or residence requirement. The Government has announced reforms that may change this.
A long-established, regulated programme
Established in 1984, the programme is governed by gazetted regulations and administered by a statutory Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Sources: Dual Citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · Sustainable Island State Contribution (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · About Us (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab)
Investment options
Four government-approved routes to citizenship
Each route carries its own minimum investment, fees and ongoing obligations. The amounts below are the legal minimums published by the CIU; they cannot be discounted.
- SISC
Sustainable Island State Contribution
A non-refundable contribution to the Federal Consolidated Fund, supporting national sustainability initiatives.
Minimum amount
US$250,000
Main applicant or a family of up to four
- US$25,000 for each additional dependant under 18
- US$50,000 for each additional dependant aged 18 or over
- Contribution payable within 90 days of approval in principle
- PBO
Public Benefit Option
An investment in a Cabinet-approved public benefit project, such as housing, education or hospitality developments.
Minimum amount
US$250,000
Main applicant or a family of up to four
- US$25,000 for each additional dependant under 18
- US$50,000 for each additional dependant aged 18 or over
- Only projects on the CIU approved list qualify
- Real estate
Approved Real Estate Development
The purchase of a unit in a real estate development approved by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis.
Minimum amount
US$325,000
Per main applicant
- Held for at least 7 years before resale under the programme
- Government fees apply per family member after approval
- Stamp duty and conveyancing costs apply
- Private property
Approved Private Real Estate
The purchase of an approved private condominium or single-family home in St Kitts and Nevis.
Minimum amount
US$325,000
Condominium unit or share · US$600,000 for a single-family home
- Held for at least 7 years from the later of title or Certificate of Registration
- Government fees apply per family member after approval
- A single-family home may not be subdivided
Due diligence, processing and biometric fees apply in addition to every option. Under the Regulations, agent commissions and due diligence or processing fees do not count towards the minimum investment.
Government fees
Transparent, published government fees
In addition to the investment itself, the Government charges the fees below. All amounts are in US dollars, set by the Government and subject to change — we confirm the current figures before you commit.
Due diligence and processing
All investment options
Fee Amount Due diligence — main applicant US$10,000 Due diligence — each dependant aged 16 or over US$7,500 Application processing — per applicant US$250 Sources: Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 20 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab) · Application Process (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab)
Government fees after approval
Real estate options and the Public Benefit Option, as published by the CIU
Fee Amount Main applicant US$25,000 Spouse US$15,000 Each dependant under 18 US$10,000 Each dependant aged 18 or over US$15,000 Under the 2024 Regulations, the main applicant fee for the Public Benefit Option is deducted from the investment, so the CIU lists only the spouse and dependant fees for that option.
Sources: Real Estate Investment (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · Public Benefit Option (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 20 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab)
Biometric enrolment and document production
Mandatory for applications submitted from 14 April 2026
Fee Amount Main adult applicant (16 or over) US$2,500 Second adult US$2,000 Each child under 16 US$1,300 Source: Biometrics (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab)
Adding family members later
All investment options
Fee Amount Spouse or qualified dependant added after approval in principle US$30,000 Child under 3 born after the Certificate of Registration US$7,500 Sources: Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 20 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab) · Citizenship by Substantial Investment (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 43 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab)
Eligibility
Who can apply, and who can be included
The main applicant and every family member aged 16 or over must pass enhanced due diligence. Here is what the law and the CIU require.
The main applicant must
- Be at least 18 years old
- Make, or agree to make, an investment under one of the approved options
- Provide evidence of the lawful source of the funds used
- Pass enhanced due diligence and attend a mandatory interview
Family members who may be included
- Spouse
- The spouse of the main applicant.
- Children under 18
- Biological or legally adopted children of the main applicant or spouse.
- Children in full-time education
- Children aged 18 to 30 attending a recognised secondary or tertiary institution and fully supported by the main applicant, as published by the CIU. The 2024 Regulations state 18 to 25 — we confirm the applicable limit for your file.
- Adult children with disabilities
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally challenged.
- Parents aged 55 or over
- Parents of the main applicant or spouse who live with, and are fully supported by, the main applicant.
An applicant is not eligible if they
- Has been denied citizenship of any country
- Was refused a visa by a country that St Kitts and Nevis citizens may visit without one, and has not since obtained a visa to that country
- Has a criminal record or is under criminal investigation
- Has been declared bankrupt within the last ten years
- Is involved in activity likely to bring St Kitts and Nevis into disrepute
An application may also be refused for insufficient proof of the source of funds, for providing false or misleading information, or on national security grounds.
Nationalities not accepted
The CIU does not currently accept applications from citizens of:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Iran
- Iraq
- North Korea
- Russia
Sources: Eligibility Criteria (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 20 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab) · Citizenship by Substantial Investment (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 43 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab)
Application process
Five stages from first review to registration
The process is set out in the Regulations and on the CIU’s website. Careful preparation at the start is the most reliable way to avoid delays and requests for further information.
Step 1: Appoint a CIU Authorised Agent
Applications cannot be lodged directly with the Citizenship by Investment Unit. They must be submitted through an Authorised Agent approved by the CIU and listed on its official register.
Step 2: Prepare and submit the application
Forms, civil documents, police certificates, medical certificates and source-of-funds evidence are compiled in English or with authenticated translations, and lodged with the CIU.
Step 3: Due diligence and interview
Every applicant aged 16 or over is screened by local, regional and international due diligence bodies. Each main applicant attends a mandatory interview, which may be held virtually.
Step 4: Approval in principle and investment
The CIU is required to respond within 120–180 days of acknowledging an application. After approval in principle, the investment and remaining government fees are due within 90 days.
Step 5: Biometric enrolment and registration
Biometric enrolment is completed through the official government platform, and the Certificate of Registration as a citizen is issued.
Sources: Application Process (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab) · Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations, 2024 (S.R.O. No. 20 of 2024) (Government of St Kitts and Nevis, opens in a new tab) · Biometrics (Citizenship by Investment Unit, opens in a new tab)
What’s changing
Recent developments you should know about
The programme is evolving. We track official announcements so that your application reflects the rules in force when it is submitted.
Biometric enrolment is now mandatory
All new applications submitted from 14 April 2026 require biometric enrolment. Citizens registered before then must enrol by 31 July 2027.
Residence and “genuine link” reforms announced
The Government has announced a residence component and a redesign of the programme. The detailed rules and start date have not yet been published — we will advise as soon as they are gazetted.
International scrutiny of Caribbean programmes
A December 2025 European Commission report raised concerns about citizenship by investment programmes in the Eastern Caribbean, including St Kitts and Nevis. Developments may affect the programme in future.
Regional regulator legislated
St Kitts and Nevis passed legislation establishing the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) to oversee standards across the region.
Our services
How Mirka Law Firm supports your application
Citizenship by investment is a legal process with lasting obligations. We focus on getting the details right — for you, your family and your investment.
Eligibility assessment
A confidential review of your background, family members and any issues that could affect due diligence, before you commit to an investment.
Investment option advice
A clear comparison of the contribution, public benefit and real estate routes against your family size, budget and long-term plans.
Real estate legal due diligence
Review of approved-project status, title, purchase agreements, escrow arrangements and the seven-year holding obligations.
Source of funds and documentation
Structuring source-of-funds evidence and preparing certified, apostilled and translated documents to the CIU’s standards.
Interview preparation
Practical preparation for the mandatory main applicant interview, so you understand what to expect and how to present your file accurately.
Agent verification and coordination
Confirmation that your Authorised Agent appears on the CIU’s official register, and coordination of your file through to registration.
Our commitments to every client
- We never promise approval or a faster decision. Every application is decided by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis after due diligence.
- We quote only the minimum investments and government fees published by the CIU. No discounts or “special offers” exist.
- Applications are lodged only through Authorised Agents on the CIU’s official register.
- We tell you plainly if a concern in your background is likely to lead to refusal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers based on the Regulations and the CIU’s published guidance. For advice on your own circumstances, book a consultation.
Can I apply directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit?
No. The CIU accepts applications only through Authorised Agents that it has approved and listed on its official register. You can check any agent against the CIU’s published Authorised Agents list and its list of blacklisted and suspended agents.
How long does the process take?
The Regulations require the CIU to tell you whether your application is approved in principle, denied or delayed for cause within 120 to 180 days of acknowledging it. Document preparation beforehand, and payment and biometric enrolment afterwards, add to the overall timeline. No one can lawfully promise a faster decision.
What is the minimum investment for a family?
Under the Sustainable Island State Contribution and the Public Benefit Option, US$250,000 covers the main applicant or a family of up to four, with US$25,000 for each additional dependant under 18 and US$50,000 for each additional dependant aged 18 or over. The real estate options start at US$325,000 per main applicant, plus government fees for each family member. Due diligence and processing fees apply to every option.
Do I have to live in or visit St Kitts and Nevis?
The CIU currently states that there is no mandatory travel or residence requirement, and the main applicant interview may be held virtually. However, the Government announced in January 2026 that a residence component will be introduced. The detailed rules have not yet been published.
Are the investment and fees refundable?
The Sustainable Island State Contribution is non-refundable, as are the due diligence and application processing fees. Real estate investments are property purchases, but they must be held for at least seven years before resale under the programme.
What happens if I sell the property within seven years?
Selling qualifying real estate before the end of the seven-year holding period breaches the conditions of the programme and can lead to the revocation of citizenship.
Which nationalities are not accepted?
The CIU states that citizens of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and Russia are not accepted.
Can I add a family member after my application is approved?
Yes. Adding a spouse or other qualified dependant after approval in principle carries a government fee of US$30,000. A child under three born after the Certificate of Registration can be added for US$7,500. Each addition is subject to due diligence.
Will I need to give up my current citizenship?
St Kitts and Nevis permits dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your existing nationality under its law. Some countries restrict dual nationality for their own citizens, so you should also check the rules of your current country.
Is approval guaranteed if I use a lawyer or agent?
No. Approval is at the discretion of the Government of St Kitts and Nevis after due diligence, and the Regulations prohibit anyone from suggesting they can influence the decision or its timing. Our role is to make sure your application is accurate, complete and properly prepared.
Consultation
Discuss your application with our team
Tell us a little about your situation and we will arrange a confidential consultation.
What your consultation covers
- A confidential review of your goals, family and timeline
- An initial view on eligibility and the most suitable investment route
- A clear explanation of the government fees and steps involved