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.    

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.

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

How to Apply

THE ST KITTS AND NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT UNIT (CIU)

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St Kitts and Nevis is a statutory corporation 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 administration of the CBI Programme is underpinned by three fundamental principles, namely: sustainability, good governance and pragmatism.

The Board of Governors is tasked with overseeing the CIU’s operations, formulating procedures, and managing various functions of the Unit. Additionally, a Chairperson, appointed by the Minister responsible for Citizenship, provides leadership and strategic direction to the Board.

Mr Michael Martin is the Chief Executive Officer 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 CIU was corporatised through the enactment of the Citizenship by Investment Unit Act 2024 in June 2024. This corporatisation aligns the CIU with entities like the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), Tourism Authority, and Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC), placing it under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister and the National Assembly.

Championed by the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Citizenship and Immigration, corporatisation of the CIU signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing the professionalism, efficiency, and transparency of the forty-year-old Citizenship by Investment (CBI) 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 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 continues to collaborate with various other government departments, such as the Ministry of National Security, Financial Services Regulatory Commission, and the Ministry of Finance, as well as the newly established Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit, 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.

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