Introduction to the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme

Established in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is recognised today as a premium and trusted investment solution. Almost 40 years later, the nation remains an industry frontrunner, against which every other CBI programme is benchmarked.  

A trusted and strategic diversification strategy for your portfolio, the St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme has garnered recognition for its transparency, efficiency, and strict adherence to due diligence practices. It has been a significant contributor towards the country’s economic growth and developments, attracting foreign direct investment and fostering business opportunities.  

The St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme offers intelligent investors and their families the opportunity to obtain citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the country’s economy. By participating in the Programme, successful applicants can become citizens of St Kitts and Nevis without the need for any prior residence.   

As a result, our sophisticated, and distinguished programme guarantees credible and sustainable investment opportunities as well as greater economic freedom for successful applicants.

The St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)

The Citizen by Investment Unit (CIU) of St Kitts and Nevis is a government agency responsible for managing the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.

The primary objective of the CIU is to process and oversee CBI applications, ensuring that the Programme operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country. The CIU thoroughly evaluates each application to ensure that applicants meet the necessary criteria and fulfil the required investment obligations.

The CIU falls under the direct supervision and authority of the Prime Minister and forms a part of his office. The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis is the Honourable Dr.Terrance Michael Drew. Prime Minister Dr. Drew currently serves as Minister of Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Human Resource Management and Social Security.

Mr Michael Martin is the head of the CIU. Mr. Michael Martin has served in top management positions in a number of companies, including the National Caribbean Insurance Company, National Bank Trust Company and Sagicor Life Inc. He is a past director of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean, Honorary Secretary of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society Council of Management and a director of First Federal Cooperative Credit Union.

The inclusion of the CIU within the Office of the Prime Minister underscores the significance and priority given to the CBI Programme in the country’s economic and development strategies. Placing the CIU under the Prime Minister’s office ensures efficient coordination and streamlined decision-making processes regarding the programme.

A CIU made up of efficient and focused experts ensures that the CBI Programme increases processing efficiency as well as accuracy. Simultaneously, strong due diligence processes will be maintained to ensure that only investors of the highest calibre are accepted.

The addition of a new Board of Governors solidifies a strong superintendence over the CIU and is run with the utmost transparency. This additional administration of the CBI Programme is underpinned by three fundamental principles, namely: sustainability, good governance and pragmatism.

As a government agency, the CIU is entrusted with the task of overseeing the entire CBI application process. This includes evaluating applications, conducting thorough due diligence checks on applicants and their family members, and ensuring that all investments made by applicants meet the required criteria and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Moreover, the CIU collaborates with various other government departments, such as the Ministry of National Security, Financial Services Regulatory Commission, and the Ministry of Finance, among others, to ensure the smooth implementation and proper enforcement of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

The CIU plays a critical role in upholding the integrity and reputation of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme. It ensures that all applicants undergo a rigorous vetting process to maintain the Programme’s credibility and security while attracting genuine and reputable investors to contribute to the nation’s progress.