The Basics
Since 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis has offered the world’s oldest Citizenship by Investment Program—a fast, reliable way to grab a second passport and citizenship by making an economic contribution. Whether you’re dreaming of tax freedom, global travel, or a Caribbean Plan B, this program delivers. In 2024, they tweaked the minimums—raising the contribution amount but slashing real estate costs—keeping it competitive and appealing. You’ve got two main paths: a donation to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) or a real estate investment. Here’s how they stack up under the new rules.
Investment Amounts & Costs1. Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) Option
- Cost:
- $250,000 for a single applicant (up from $150,000 pre-2024).
- $300,000 for a family of up to 4 (up from $175,000-$195,000).
- Add-ons: $25,000 legal and processing fees
- What It Is: A one-time, non-refundable donation to the government’s SISC fund, fueling healthcare, education, green energy, and tourism projects.
- Extras:
- Due diligence: $7,500 main applicant, $4,000 per dependent 16+.
- Interview fee: $1,000 per person 16+ (mandatory since 2023).
- ProcessingL $25,000 + depending on family size.
- Total for Solo: ~$260k-$265k. Family of 4: ~$310k-$315k.
Real Estate Investment Option
- Cost:
- $325,000 minimum for a condo unit or resort share (down from $400,000, November 2024 update).
- $600,000 minimum for a single-family private home (down from $800,000).
- What It Is: Buy into government-approved real estate—think luxury condos, resort shares, or private homes. Hold for 7 years, then sell (with potential rental income, ~4%-7% yield).
- Extras:
- Processing fee: $20,000 for up to 4, $5,000 per extra dependent.
- Due diligence: $7,500 main applicant, $4,000 per dependent 16+.
- Interview fee: $1,000 per person 16+.
- Legal/property fees: $5k-$10k (registration, taxes).
- Total for Solo (Condo): ~$355k-$360k. Family of 4 (Condo): ~$365k-$370k.
Why It’s Worth It
- Fastest Passport Around: 3-6 months processing—#1 speed in the Caribbean (CBI Index 2024). Passport ranks #25 globally (150+ visa-free countries—UK, Schengen, Canada with eTA).
- Tax Haven Heaven: No income, capital gains, or inheritance tax—tax rebels save huge (e.g., $185k on $500k vs. U.S.). Retirees keep pensions intact.
- Zero Residency: No need to live there—ever. Just visit once to collect your passport (or use a consulate). Nomads and discontents stay free-range.
- Family Perks: Covers spouse, kids under 25, parents over 55—$300k for 4 beats Antigua’s family deal ($230k).
- Lifestyle Bonus: $1,500-$2,000/month living, 4-hour flight from Miami—retirees and nomads get paradise on a budget.
Who It's For
- Digital Nomads: $325k condo + Schengen access—work from Europe, no residency ties.
- Tax Rebels: $250k SISC, 0% tax on foreign income—slash U.S. bills without moving.
- Retirees: $300k for 4, low costs—stretch $50k pensions further than Florida.
- Political Discontents: 3-month citizenship, Commonwealth stability—your quick exit.
- Small Business Owners: $325k real estate with ROI—grow wealth, dodge taxes.
The Catch
- Price Hike (SISC): $250k solo (up $100k) stings singles—Antigua’s $230k edges it for families.
- Real Estate Drop: $325k (down $75k) sweetens the deal, but 7-year hold locks cash—plan ahead.
- Fees Add Up: $10k-$20k extra (due diligence, interview)—budget beyond the minimum.
- No Instant EU: Citizenship’s Caribbean, not EU—Portugal D2 ($11k) wins for Schengen residency.
How It Works
- Choose Your Path: SISC donation ($250k-$300k) or real estate ($325k-$600k).
- Team Up: Work with us—your agent—to file docs (passport, background check, funds proof).
- Pass the Test: Due diligence (6-12 weeks), virtual/in-person interview (16+).
- Pay Up: After approval, send the funds—90 days to finalize.
- Get Your Passport: Collect in St. Kitts or a consulate—done in 3-6 months.
Why St. Kitts Over Others?
- Vs. Antigua: Faster (3-6 vs. 6-12 months), no visit rule ($230k Antigua needs 5 days/5 years)—solo prefers St. Kitts, families weigh costs.
- Vs. Portugal D2: $11k entry’s cheaper, but St. Kitts’ passport beats 5-year wait—tax rebels pick this.
- Vs. Costa Rica: $150k residency’s lower, but no tax perks or quick citizenship—nomads go St. Kitts.
St. Kitts’ CBI is your VIP pass—$250k donation for speed, $325k real estate for returns. Ready to unlock your world? Take our 60-second quiz or hit us up!
Disclaimer: We’re not financial advisers—consult one. Costs/rules can shift; check St. Kitts’ CIU.details