Is St Kitts And Nevis Citizenship By Investment Program The Best?
Frigate Bay Beach in St Kitts.
INTRODUCTION
The Eastern Caribbean islands of the Federation of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, also known as the Federation, are a secluded, yet easily accessible pair of tropical destinations that have become one of the region's best-kept travel secrets and for good reason.
Situated in the Leeward Islands, 200 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, just west of Antigua and south of St. Maarten, the island's signature grayish-black sand beaches, sophisticated ambience, and moderate year-round climate provide a stunning backdrop for Caribbean living at its best.
Located a mere two miles (3 km) apart at their closest point, each island has its own distinctive personality and appeal.
Abuzz with activity, St. Kitts boasts a large array of bars, restaurants, hotels and activities, such as lively annual music festivals and world-class golf. Sister island Nevis, which is just a short ferry ride away, awes visitors with its hideaway vibe and unspoiled tropical setting.
GETTING TO ST KITTS AND NEVIS
The islands are easily accessible from the United States, Canada and Great Britain. St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International airport (SKB) accommodates non-stop commercial flights from Toronto, Miami, New York City, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Juan and London-Gatwick, as well as regional commuter flights from within the Caribbean area.
The Vance W. Amory airport (NEV) on Nevis receives non-stop flights from San Juan, the islands of St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Travel between St. Kitts and Nevis is provided by several ferry companies. Boats leave from Basseterre, on St. Kitts and from Charlestown, on Nevis. Fares and schedules vary by company, with a typical one-way passenger ticket costing US$ 8.00 on average.
Also available is the Sea Bridge car ferry, which transports vehicles as well as passengers between the sister islands. A fare for car and driver costs about US$ 28 one-way.
WEATHER
Average high temperature 85f/30c.
Average low temperature 78f/25c.
August is the warmest month, averaging 88f/31c for a high.
March has the coolest temperatures at an average of 75f/24c.
Hot and tropical climate, tempered by trade winds throughout most of the year, make St. Kitts and Nevis the perfect place to vacation.
The driest period is from January to April, and there is increased rainfall in summer and towards the end of the year. The volume of rain varies according to altitude; rain showers can occur throughout the year.
ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP
When political instability in your own country can:
• make obtaining travel visas difficult,
• affect your freedom to work,
• affect your ability to purchase real estate,
• limit investments opportunities,
• subject you to punitive tax burdens or currency controls, or
• your current passport makes you a target for hostile groups when traveling abroad, a second passport can provide peace of mind in a sea of insecurity.
Through a program of Citizenship by Investment, it is possible to legally purchase a second passport, provided you can meet certain qualifications and pass a background check.
The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, which are sovereign nations in the Eastern Caribbean, offer an economic citizenship program, which is considered the oldest, most respected Citizenship by Investment program in the world.
Gaining citizenship through investing in a country's financial future is a viable, legitimate way in which to address these challenges, and provide professionals, investors, global entrepreneurs and their families new-found freedom and security.
Presently, there are two programs available to qualify for Citizenship by Investment: either through a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund (S. I. D. F.) or by acquiring government-approved real estate. Both programs offer lifetime citizenship, which can also be passed on to descendants, as well as access to extensive visa-free travel.
Basseterre the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
VISA-FREE TRAVEL
A St. Kitts & Nevis passport allows *visa-free travel to more than 150 countries, including all European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Caribbean and Commonwealth Nations.
Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Comoros Islands, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Georgia, Germany.
Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR China), Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao (SAR China)Macedonia (FYROM), Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta.
Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Niue, Norway, Palau Islands, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovak, Republic.
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
*The countries on the list above is for general information only, and may change at any time. Be sure to check with the embassy before making any travel plans.
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ADVANTAGES OF ST. KITTS & NEVIS CITIZENSHIP
Quick processing: the citizenship is granted in 4-6 months.
Good visa-free travel: With a St. Kitts & Nevis passport you can travel visa free and worry free to more than 150 countries around the world, including Europe- an Union countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Caribbean and Commonwealth nations.
Citizens can often acquire long-term travel visas to the United States of America.
Zero tax: St. Kitts & Nevis imposes no income, wealth or inheritance taxes.
Dual citizenship recognized: St. Kitts & Nevis recognizes dual citizenship, so you can still benefit from your current citizenship.
Visit not required: An applicant does not need to visit St. Kitts & Nevis in order to qualify for citizenship, although all applicants are subjected to a strict due diligence check.
Please contact us for more information and for assistance with your St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment Program application.
TWO OPTIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP
1. THE SUGAR INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION FOUNDATION
SIDF is a public charity created to support the federation's displaced sugar workers. The fund researches and finances the development of industries to replace the sugar industry.
In order to qualify for this program, the investor makes a designated non-refundable, per-person SIDF charitable donation. However, before transferring the funds, applications are submitted with due diligence fees for the applicant and all dependents over the age of sixteen (fees are included in the contribution).
Following the completion of a due diligence process, instructions will be given for transfer of funds into escrow, and citizenship is granted. The entire process takes approximately three to six months to complete.
A benefit of donating to SIDF is the lack of hassles associated with owning vacation real estate. However, the SIDF program is a non-refundable contribution; the option to purchase real estate via the Citizenship by Investment program may offer a partial return on investment, or perhaps a healthy ROI, with few limitations.
Process of obtaining citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis though investment in the SIDF
1. The investor signs the NTL agreement, fills in all application forms and pays government due diligence fees in full.
2. The application is submitted to the CIU with proof of funds transferred.
3. The due diligence process starts and usually takes 90 days.
4. Once due diligence checks are completed; approval from the CIU is received.
5. Within 90 days of approval the investor pays the full contribution by crediting the government-designated Escrow Account.
6. The office of Prime Minister issues the Certificate of Naturalization. A local agent submits it together with the passport application to Passport Office.
7. The documents are issued and sent to the investor via a reputable courier service.
SIDF DONATION AMOUNTS
US$50,000 for additional contribution for each dependent above seven dependents
INVESTMENT AMOUNT
Family of 4 with 2 children under 16
*Professional fees for citizenship processing are required for all applications and will vary depending on the number of dependents and application complexity.
SINGLE PERSON |
US$ 250,000 |
FAMILY OF 4 |
US$ 300,000 |
FAMILY OF 5 |
US$ 350,000 |
FAMILY OF 7 |
US$ 450,000 |
INVESTMENT AMOUNT
Family of 4 with 2 children under 16
CONTRIBUTION |
US$ 300,000 |
DUE DILIGENCE |
US$ 7,500 |
DUE DILIGENCE |
US$ 4,000 |
Total Investment |
US$311,500* |
*Professional fees for citizenship processing are required for all applications and will vary depending on the number of dependents and application complexity.
2. REAL ESTATE OPTION
Tourism is the main fuel for the federation's economy. In a move to increase tourism-related development, the Citizenship by Investment program allows for real estate purchase in approved developments.
To qualify, the investor (or investors) must purchase real estate worth US$ 400,000 or more on either St. Kitts or Nevis. Once the purchase contract has been signed and the developer has received his initial deposit (typically 10-20 percent), the investor may apply for citizenship.
It is important to note that the real estate contract can be made contingent upon the citizenship acceptance.
Eligible real estate investments must be purchased with the intent to build condos, homes, hotels, etc.
Land-only purchases do not qualify. One exception is the super-development of Christophe Harbour on the south peninsula of St. Kitts, where qualifying lots may be purchased at a minimum of US$ 700,000.
There are several marinas under construction and marina slips also qualify, as long as they meet the minimum investment of US$ 400,000.
Once citizenship has been accepted, the real estate purchase will be completed. The property may not be sold within five years or citizenship can be revoked.
Real estate developments in the Federation cater to those utilizing the Citizenship by Investment program and make every effort to ensure ownership is a hassle-free experience.
Christophe Harbour
Process of obtaining citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis through real estate investment
1. The investor enters into Real Estate Purchase/Sale Agreement with the approved real estate development and the NTL agreement.
2. The investor transfers the deposit into developer's account to reserve the property and pays in full all government due diligence fee.
3. The application and required documents are submitted to the CIU.
4. The due diligence process starts and usually takes 90 days.
5. Once due diligence checks are complete; approval from the CIU is received.
6. The investor pays the remainder of real estate purchase price directly to developer. The developer notifies the CIU that payment is complete. The investor pays the remaining government fees to our partners.
7. The office of Prime Minister issues the Certificate of Naturalization. Our partner submits it together with the passport application to Passport Office.
8. The documents are issued and sent to the investor via a reputable courier service.
INVESTMENT AMOUNT
Family of 4 with 2 children under 16
*Professional fees for citizenship processing are required for all applications and will vary depending on the number of dependents and application complexity.
1. The investor enters into Real Estate Purchase/Sale Agreement with the approved real estate development and the NTL agreement.
2. The investor transfers the deposit into developer's account to reserve the property and pays in full all government due diligence fee.
3. The application and required documents are submitted to the CIU.
4. The due diligence process starts and usually takes 90 days.
5. Once due diligence checks are complete; approval from the CIU is received.
6. The investor pays the remainder of real estate purchase price directly to developer. The developer notifies the CIU that payment is complete. The investor pays the remaining government fees to our partners.
7. The office of Prime Minister issues the Certificate of Naturalization. Our partner submits it together with the passport application to Passport Office.
8. The documents are issued and sent to the investor via a reputable courier service.
INVESTMENT AMOUNT
Family of 4 with 2 children under 16
REAL ESTATE |
US$ 400,000 |
DUE DILIGENCE |
US$ 7,500 |
DUE DILIGENCE |
US$ 4,000 |
APPLICANT PROCESS |
US$ 50,000 |
APPLICATION PROCESS |
US$ 25,000 |
APPLICANT PROCESS |
US$ 50,000 |
Total Investment |
US$536,500* |
*Professional fees for citizenship processing are required for all applications and will vary depending on the number of dependents and application complexity.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION UNDER THE ST. KITTS AND NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
A. APPLICATION PACKAGE FORMS
1. Application Form of the Applicant (Form C1): To be completed by all applicants. For children under 16 years of age both parents must sign. If only one parent has legal custody of the child the appropriate documentation must be provided (generally an Affidavit of consent from the non-custodial parent or legal guardian of the child agreeing to the application).
2. Signature Certificate Form of the Applicant (Form C2): To be completed by all applicants. Same principle as C1 applies to children under 16 years of age.
3. Photographs (6) taken within last 6 months.
4. Medical Certificate (Form C3) with results of HIV test of the Applicant.
5. Passport Forms
A.1 SIDF OPTION (Sugar Industry Diversification Fund)
• Investment Confirmation (C4 form)
• Confirmation of deposit of all funds to escrow accountA.
2 REAL ESTATE OPTION:
• Copy of Duly Executed Real Estate Contract/Purchase and Sales Agreement
• Copy of Duly Executed Escrow Agreement•Deed of Conveyance/Certificate of Title (if closing completed) • Confirmation of deposit of all funds to escrow account
B. APPLICANT (S) DOCUMENTS:
1. Certified copies of the passports of all the applicants showing the name, citizenship/nationality, date of birth, date and place of expiry photo, the copies. If individual has more than 1 passport, include certified copy showing the same information;
2. Certified copy of current National ID Card (s)
3. 6 Original passport-size photos of the applicant (s) taken within the past six months.
The photos must be:
a) A full front close up of the head and shoulders with the head covering 70- to 80% of the photograph
b) Without sunglasses. Tinted prescription glasses may be worn as long as they are still visible
c) Show the applicant looking straight at the camera, eyes open without any head covering
d) Be taken with a neutral expression with the mouth closed
e) A true image, not altered in any way, with plain, light coloured background, clear, sharp in focus
f) Approximately 35x45 mm in size of good quality paper
g) The photos must be the same in all aspects, and one of the photos must be certified and attached to form C2
4. Certified copy of Birth Certificate of the Applicant/Original excerpt of Full Birth Record
5. Original Police Certificate from Country of Citizenship and from any country where the applicant has lived for more than a year during the past 10 years. Must be less than 6 month old at the time of submission
6. Certified copy of Military Record (if applicable)
7. Certified copy of Proof of Name Change (if applicable)
8. One Original Bank Reference Letter issued by an internationally recognized bank, not older than 6 months
9. One Original Professional Reference from an attorney, notary public, chartered accountant or other professional of similar standing. Not older than 6 months
10. Original evidence of Residential Address (e.g. certified copy of a recent utility bill, or bank statement showing full name and address or written confirmation from a bank, attorney, chartered accountant or notary public)
11. Certified copy or original excerpt of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
12. Certified copy or original excerpt of Certificate of Divorce (if applicable)
13. Bank Statements of the past 12 months
14. Any additional documents required in support of answers given or statements made in Application
15. Source of funds: If applicant has accumulated wealth from employment or business:
a) If employee: Letter of employment or notarized copy of employment contract; include employment date, title, and salary/bonus;
b) If business owner: Proof of business and ownership (if business owner):
i. Current business registration (or equivalent);
ii. Shareholder’s register (or equivalent to show ownership);
If applicant has accumulated wealth through specific transactions such as sale of a property, inheritance, gifts, etc. include supporting documents.
NOTE: The list is not exhaustive and other documents may have to be provided by the applicants, depending on their particular situation.
These documents may include company incorporation and good standing documents, ownership or title documents in support of SOF explanations, or any other type of document in support of the applicant’s statements made on the application forms.
ST. KITTS & NEVIS REAL ESTATE
In order to qualify for the Citizenship by Investment real estate option, one must enter into a contract to purchase real estate in an authorized development.
Although there are over 25 authorized projects on St. Kitts & Nevis, our partners currently recommends only a few developments highlighted here. In order for them to confidently recommend a development, they took into consideration the following items:
• Quality of product: construction, amenities and services provided;
• Re-Sale potential and ROI: most clients plan on selling after 5 years;
• Developer history: financial backing and development progress;
• Operations: management company, quality and experience.
KITTITIAN HILL
Kittitian Hill is a sustainable, mixed-use master planned community with spectacular views of other islands across the Caribbean Sea.
Situated high atop the lush north side of the island, the 400 acre resort will include multiple hotels, a destination spa and an Ian Woosnam-designed 18-hole championship golf course.
The project will also have a lively community village featuring bars, restaurants, duty-free shops, a cinema, library and amphitheatre.
Full ownership real estate options range from stand alone cottages to luxury villas, nestled amid tropical fruit and vegetable fields. Fractional ownership is available in luxury villas.
CHRISTOPHE HARBOUR
The mega-development of Christophe Harbour promises an island life enhanced by exclusive amenities and real estate opportunities. This 2,500-acre project is designed to incorporate a future 300-acre super yacht marina and an 18-hole, Tom Fazio designed golf course.
Located on the south peninsula of St. Kitts, the development is progressing quickly, with some areas already available to visitors.
The beach club and restaurant at Sandy Bank Bay is open to members, and the Turtle Beach Bungalows and restaurant are open to the public.
Most of the real estate for sale is open beachfront, hillside or harbour-front lots. Turnkey homes are available for full and fractional ownership.
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON - PELICAN BAY
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Kitts is an exclusive private paradise, nestled on seven acres of gently sloping land that cascades down to the deep blue Caribbean sea.
It is a luxurious oasis of condominiums with amenities designed to indulge every facet of your senses.
With panoramic ocean views and lush landscapes, the property is among the very limited supply of beachfront land available for sale in St. Kitts. To qualify for the program, the resort offers full ownership of hotel units.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT ESTATES
A showcase for the majestic splendour of the island, Nevis Four Seasons Resort Estates pairs distinctive island touches, such as gingerbread accents and louvered shutters.
This of course is refined with the exemplary attention to detail synonymous with the Four Seasons name.
Designed to complement the natural landscape, each of the established neighbourhoods is distinctive and unique. A new fractional product is now being developed, and is being offered with full resort services, located only steps away from the beach.
CADES BEACH RESORT
Cades Beach Resort is a new development offering full hotel unit ownership, which qualifies for the Citizenship by Investment program of St. Kitts & Nevis. The resort is currently in the early stages of development on the eastern Caribbean island of Nevis.
Located on 5.2 acres with over 650 ft of beachfront property, Cades Beach will feature 100 luxury-standard and master suites offered for individual sale, and 10 beach cottages, which will be retained by the resort group.
Each hotel suite will feature views of the Caribbean Sea, offering spectacular vistas across the 2-mile Narrows to the Island of St. Kitts.
Please contact us for more information and for assistance with your St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship By Investment Program application.