The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is responsible for processing all applications. The CIU examines the application thoroughly and a mandatory interview is required for all investors applying for citizenship by investment, either virtually (default) or in person at a location specified by the CIU and approved by the Board of Governors. Dependents of a main applicant aged 16 years or over may also be required to attend an interview if deemed necessary. Interviews are conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU, which also performs background due diligence checks on the CIU itself. All background due diligence checks are commissioned by the CIU and conducted by independent professional firms in Europe, the UK, and the USA in accordance with the requirements set by the Board of Governors. The CIU will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information. The applicant must personally complete the prescribed government forms, which are only available from an authorized service provider. The documentary requirements of the program are reasonable and the procedures straightforward.

Most applicants will usually visit the islands before deciding on the purchase of real estate, but it is not a prerequisite for the application process. Under the real estate option, the time frame may vary depending on the development, so it is important to choose a real estate project that complements the citizenship application efficiently.

Once the application has been approved, all processes and due diligence checks have been finalized and the investment has been made, a Certificate of Registration will be issued to the main applicant, which must be collected in person in St. Kitts and Nevis or at an embassy or consulate specified by the CIU as approved by the Board of Governors. The Certificate of Registration confers citizenship status and once it has been issued, the applicant is entitled to apply for a passport

FEES AND COSTS

Global Invest charges different fees depending on the case and the number of persons included in an application and depending on whether the SISC, Approved Public Benefit Project, or real estate option is chosen. The full agreed fee (less any retainer paid initially) is paid into an escrow account in advance and is released when the application is submitted to the government.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis.