St Kitts and Nevis introduces new rules for citizenship by investment
St Kitts and Nevis is updating its citizenship by investment program. Investors will be able to include children up to 30 in their applications and benefit from new services. At the same time, residency requirements and stricter checks will be introduced.
Lawyers at Immigrant Invest have analysed the new rules and explained what they mean for investors.
St Kitts and Nevis introduces new rules for citizenship by investment
5 changes to the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
St Kitts and Nevis has announced a series of updates that will significantly affect the terms of obtaining citizenship by investment. The new rules will make the program more flexible for families, while also introducing additional obligations for investors and stricter checks on applicants.
1. Residency requirements
Investors will be required to spend 5—7 days in St Kitts and Nevis within the first 2 years and a total of 30 days within 5 years. For existing citizens, these requirements will apply when renewing their passport.
Previously, investors were only required to visit St Kitts and Nevis to collect their passport once it had been issued.
2. New rules for including children in an application
Children up to the age of 30 will be eligible to be included in an application for second citizenship. They will no longer need to be students.
Currently, only children up to 25 can be included, and only if they are enrolled in secondary or higher education.
3. Limited-time citizenship offer with no government fees
Until December 31st, 2025, families of up to four will be exempt from government fees under the Public Benefit Option. Citizenship can be obtained in just 4 months instead of 6 through other routes.
St Kitts and Nevis also intends to expand the opportunities available under this option.
Lyle Julien,
Investment programs expert
The minimum investment under the Public Benefit Option is $250,000 for a family of four. For each additional family member starting from the fifth, the amount increases by $25,000 for a child and by $50,000 for a dependent over 18.
Investor funds are directed into infrastructure and development projects in St Kitts and Nevis, such as the construction of the Prime Creative Arts Centre and supporting the National Housing Corporation.
4. New services for investors
St Kitts and Nevis will introduce a 24/7 Priority One service, providing:
wealth management;
banking support;
cryptocurrency payment options;
assistance with national ID cards and driving licences.
The country will also establish a Customer Excellence Team and an interactive chat portal for faster communication.
5. Enhanced Due Diligence
Before submitting an application, investors will need to undergo pre-qualification and an interview. In addition, St Kitts and Nevis will introduce phased biometric obligations.
Penalties will be imposed for breaches. Oversight will be carried out by a new Regional Regulatory Commission.
What is next for investors?
Most of the changes have not yet come into effect. The residency requirement will begin to apply within the next 2 months, with a grace period of 3—9 months for new applications.
Updated rules for including children are expected to be implemented within 6 weeks.
St Kitts and Nevis also plans to review the criteria for parents’ financial dependence and may allow siblings to be added to an application.
Launch of an electronic application portal is scheduled for the end of October 2025. The Saturn Application Portal is designed to speed up application processing.
How to obtain St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment
Non-refundable contribution — $250,000+. The funds are directed to the Federal Consolidated Fund. This contribution is non-refundable and yields no income.
Real estate purchase — $325,000+. Investors may purchase a share or condos. Property owners earn an annual rental yield of 2—5%. After 7 years, the property can be sold to return the investment.
Public Benefit Option — $250,000+. This is currently the fastest option. It enables applicants to secure citizenship in 4 months instead of 6, with no government fees.
Benefits of St Kitts and Nevis citizenship
A St Kitts and Nevis passport provides broad visa-free travel worldwide, access to a 10-year US B‑1/B‑2 tourist visa, and opportunities for tax optimisation. The country levies no taxes on income, inheritance, or capital gains.
Minor children of the investor have the right to acquire citizenship by descent.
St Kitts and Nevis has temporarily exempted investors contributing to social projects from paying government processing fees. The offer remains available until December 31st, 2025. Lawyers at Immigrant Invest have reviewed the terms and explained who stands to benefit most from this offer.
St Kitts and Nevis has launched a temporary offer for investors. The reduced fees apply to children under 3 who were not initially included in the citizenship application. Immigrant Invest’s legal team has clarified who qualifies for the discounted rate and how long it remains valid.
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