Sustainable Island State Contribution
US$250,000
Non-refundable contribution covering a family of up to four.
Overview
Established in 1984, St Kitts and Nevis has the world's oldest citizenship-by-investment programme and one of the Caribbean's strongest passports. Applicants can make a contribution (the Sustainable Island State Contribution or the Public Benefit Option) or invest in approved real estate.
Investment options
Choose your route
Public Benefit Option
US$250,000
Contribution to an approved public-benefit project, for a family of up to four.
Approved development
US$325,000
Share of an approved real-estate development, held for 7 years.
Private home
US$600,000
Purchase of an approved single-family private home, held for 7 years. Approved private condominiums start at US$325,000.
Costs
What to budget for
Also budget for
- Government and application feesSet by the government; they rise with each family member included.
- Due diligenceBackground checks, charged for each adult applicant.
- Professional and legal feesFor preparing and filing your application.
- Ongoing costsSuch as health insurance, property upkeep or renewals.
Costs depend on who is included. We give you the exact figure for your family in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits
What you gain
Citizenship for life, which can normally be passed to your children
Dual citizenship allowed
Favourable tax environment
No language test
Travel reach
Where this takes you
About 150–165 destinations without a visa in advance
Currently visa-free, but at risk (see Things to know)
Family
Who can come with you
Main applicantEligible
Spouse or partnerEligible
ChildrenEligible
ParentsEligible
GrandparentsNot included
SiblingsNot included
Spouse, children under 18, dependent children aged 18 to 30 in full-time education, and dependent parents aged 55 or over
Process
How the application works
Week 1
Free consultation
We check eligibility and discuss the risks.
Weeks 2–6
Due diligence and application
Your application is prepared and filed, and background checks are carried out.
About 3–8 months
Approval in principle
Then the contribution or investment is completed.
After approval
Certificate and passport
Citizenship certificate and passports issued.
Requirements
What you need to apply
Clean criminal record and strict due diligence
Proof of lawful source of funds
Medical certificate
Things to know before you apply
- —St Kitts and Nevis nationals have needed a visa for Ireland since 15 June 2026.
- —Since April 2026 everyone who becomes a citizen through this programme, including children, must enrol their biometrics in person at an approved centre to receive a biometric passport. Existing citizens have until 31 July 2027.
- —All five Caribbean programmes interview applicants, usually by video. A rule of 30 days spent in the country during the first five years of citizenship has been agreed across the region, but its legal status differs by country and it was not fully in force in any of the five when this page was reviewed.
- —Processing has slowed as checks have tightened; the timeline shown reflects recent applications rather than official targets.
- —In a letter dated 25 June 2026, the European Commission asked Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia to phase out their citizenship programmes by 1 June 2028, or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The five governments have not agreed to this and talks continue. The Commission's next report is expected in December 2026. This passport should not be chosen for travel to Europe.
- —A new regional regulator, ECCIRA, has been created by treaty to oversee the Caribbean programmes, bringing stricter audits and due diligence. Its start date had not been confirmed when this page was reviewed.
- —Citizenship already granted is normally unaffected if a programme later closes, but future travel rights can change.
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FAQs
Questions, answered
Speak to an adviser about St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
A free 30-minute call to confirm the route, costs and timeline for your family.
Book a consultationLast reviewed 5 Oct 2026. Figures are indicative and exclude fees unless stated. Programme rules change; we confirm current terms in writing before you commit.