Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and increased international scrutiny of investor immigration programmes—particularly those operating in the Caribbean—the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Kitts and Nevis confirms it is carefully evaluating the potential introduction of a physical presence requirement as part of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
This measured exploration forms part of the CIU’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the Programme evolves in line with heightened global compliance standards, while also protecting its competitive value proposition.
The CIU emphasizes that any potential changes to the Programme will be introduced through a methodical, consultative process. There will be no sudden shifts. When the inclusion of a residency requirement is pursued, adequate lead time and clear guidance will be provided to all stakeholders to allow for operational adjustments. Transparency, predictability, and stability will guide every step of the policy development process.
The CIU remains acutely aware of market sensitivities and the importance of predictability to both international agents and prospective applicants.
“As the world’s oldest Citizenship by Investment Programme, we carry a legacy of trust and credibility that we intend to protect and strengthen. We understand the importance of stability and predictability for all our stakeholders. Any changes introduced to the Citizenship by Investment Programme will be guided by a thoughtful, inclusive process, anchored in clear communication, sufficient lead time, and minimal disruption. Our goal is to ensure that the Programme continues to set global benchmarks while remaining responsive to international expectations,” – CIU Executive Chairman H.E Calvin St. Juste.
As a statutory body with operational autonomy, the CIU continues to oversee the Programme’s day-to-day administration with renewed capacity and institutional independence. Its core mandate remains unchanged: to preserve the Programme’s integrity, ensure its long-term sustainability, and align its structure with the expectations of the global regulatory environment.
Since its establishment in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme has consistently set benchmarks for governance, credibility, and investor confidence. It remains the world’s longest-standing CBI initiative, and a standard-bearer in an increasingly competitive and compliance-driven sector.
Recent high-level engagements, including at the St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Gateway Summit, have reaffirmed the Programme’s enduring relevance and its appeal to a discerning international audience. The CIU is committed to ensuring that this legacy is not only preserved, but also strategically positioned for future resilience.
The Unit expresses its appreciation to its partners and stakeholders for their continued confidence and support, and reiterates its pledge to maintain open channels of communication as the Programme continues to evolve.