The Citizenship-by-Investment Program of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis was established in 1984, making it the longest established program of this kind in the world.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis issue a CARICOM passport. Citizens of the Federation, including those eligible for Economic Citizenship, carry the same passport as the following countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago. Travellers may move freely among these countries.

To qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis under its Citizenship-by-Investment Program, the Government requires that the applicant make a “substantial investment” in the Federation. Two options are provided: Either an investment in designated real estate with a value of at least $400,000 plus payment of various fees, or a contribution to the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (a public charity) to the amount of between $250,000 and $450,000 plus payment of fees, depending on the number of dependants included in the application.

The Government determines, by Cabinet decisions, which projects and which amounts of investment shall qualify as a substantial investment and thus lead to eligibility under the Citizenship-by-Investment Program. In addition, the Cabinet approves the list of “Approved Projects.” In the real estate purchase option, only villas and condominium units from an Approved Project will qualify for citizenship.

Due diligence is required on all applicants and dependents over 16 years old.

A successful applicant receives a Certificate of Citizenship. They are then eligible to apply for a CARICOM passport.

A series of Short-Stay Visa Waiver Agreements are in place between St. Kitts and Nevis and the European Community. The agreements create a reciprocal arrangement between the participating states which allows for visa free travel for a period of stay not exceeding three months in a six month period.

This applies to all persons holding CARICOM passports issued by St. Kitts and Nevis, including those awarded through the Citizen by Investment programme.

The applicable states of the European Community are Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria.

The Associated Schengen States of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are also covered by reciprocal Visa Waiver Agreements. In addition, Visa Waiver Agreements are in place with the French departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guyana, St. Barts and St. Martin.