The world's oldest citizenship by investment programme (1984), St. Kitts & Nevis offers one of the most respected Caribbean passports with strong Schengen and UK access.
<p>The Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis launched the <strong>world's first citizenship by investment programme in 1984</strong>. With over 40 years of operational history, it remains one of the most reputable and sought-after programmes globally. The St. Kitts & Nevis passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately <strong>157 countries</strong>, including the EU Schengen zone, UK, and Singapore.</p> <div style="background: #fef2f2; border-left: 4px solid #ef4444; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; border-radius: 0.5rem; margin: 1rem 0;"> <strong>🚫 US Visa-Free: Not Included</strong> — St. Kitts & Nevis passport holders require a standard B-1/B-2 visa to enter the United States. The programme does not confer US visa-free access. </div> <h3>Investment Options (2025)</h3> <h4>Option A: Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)</h4> <ul> <li>Single applicant or family of up to 4: <strong>$250,000</strong> (non-refundable)</li> <li>Additional dependent under 18 (from 5th member): +$25,000</li> <li>Additional dependent 18+ (from 5th member): +$50,000</li> <li>Funds government initiatives in healthcare, renewable energy, education, and tourism</li> </ul> <h4>Option B: Public Benefit Option (PBO)</h4> <ul> <li>Minimum: <strong>$250,000+</strong> into approved social or infrastructure projects</li> <li>Ownership of investment transfers to the government</li> </ul> <h4>Option C: Real Estate</h4> <ul> <li>Condo or share in approved tourism project: <strong>$325,000</strong> (7-year hold; potential rental income)</li> <li>Private single-family home: <strong>$600,000</strong> (7-year hold)</li> <li>Properties cannot be reused for a new CBI application without upgrades</li> </ul> <h3>Additional Fees (SISC Path)</h3> <p>Due Diligence: $10,000 (main applicant), $7,500 per dependent 16+. Processing/application: ~$250/person. Passport: ~$361/person. Licensed agent fees apply.</p> <h3>Processing Timeline</h3> <p>Applications via licensed agents typically take <strong>3–9 months</strong>. No visit to St. Kitts & Nevis is required.</p> <h3>Who Is This For?</h3> <p>Best suited for individuals seeking a <strong>reputable, long-established Caribbean passport</strong> with strong Schengen and UK access, and who value programme stability and track record. Also attractive for those who want tax-free worldwide income and a lifetime passport for their family. Note: choose Grenada instead if E-2 US access is a priority.</p>
CRP World Data
Source: CRP World Research. Rankings and visa-free counts change periodically.
| Investment Type | Min. Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) | $250,000 | Non-refundable donation. Single applicant or family of up to 4. Most popular option. |
| Public Benefit Option (PBO) | $250,000+ | Investment in approved social/infrastructure projects. Ownership transfers to government. |
| Real Estate (Condo/Share) | $325,000 | Approved tourism project share. 7-year hold. Potential rental yield. |
| Real Estate (Private Home) | $600,000 | Single-family private home in approved project. 7-year hold. |
Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.
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