In just 30 days, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), now operating as a statutory body, has taken a proactive and transformative approach to deliver significant achievements.
The Unit has laid a robust foundation for a world-class Citizenship by Investment experience, effectively accomplishing 30 major initiatives—one for each day since its inception.
Chairman Calvin St. Juste said there has been intense activity in the first 30 days with rewarding achievements.
“Our first 30 days as a statutory body have been a period of intense activity and rewarding achievements. Each initiative we’ve accomplished aims to create a seamless, efficient process for applicants and deliver exceptional service to stakeholders. We are committed to leading this Unit with innovation, responsiveness, and purpose to reflect the excellence St. Kitts and Nevis stands for.”
The Chairman also added that the CIU will continue to build on its achievements, striving to enhance its standards to deliver value to its citizens, investors, and the global community.
He further highlighted the following milestones that reflect the Unit’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement in serving stakeholders and fostering economic resilience for St. Kitts and Nevis:
1. Leadership and Strategic Appointments
- Board of Governors Elected: An accomplished Board of Governors has been appointed to provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability.
- Complete Staffing: Over 1,000 applicants were considered, with highly qualified individuals filling each role, establishing a skilled, full-staff contingent from day one.
- Formation of C-Suite: Key leadership roles were appointed to facilitate streamlined, strategic operations.
2. Enhanced Communications and Outreach
- New Communications Division: This dedicated team was established to provide accurate, timely updates to stakeholders.
- Office of the Chairman Established: A separate entity to manage the CIU’s governance functions and enhance executive decision-making.
- “Meet and Greet” Sessions with Agents: First in-person and virtual meetings with Authorised Agents, International Marketing Agents, and Promoters were held to improve transparency and alignment.
3. Global Engagement and Partnerships
- Middle East and Asia Agent Engagement: Hosted multiple in-person meetings with agents in the Middle East and Asia to expand collaboration.
- International Events and Summits: Private gatherings and presentations were held in major cities, including Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Miami connecting the CIU to global stakeholders.
- Investment Gateway Summit Announcement: The highly anticipated 2025 Investment Gateway Summit dates were revealed, cementing St. Kitts and Nevis’ position in the global citizenship investment sector.
4. Operational Enhancements and Technological Upgrades
- 24-Hour Response Time: A 24-hour response benchmark was introduced to increase service reliability and responsiveness.
- Backlog Task Force: A specialised team was assigned to address and resolve the backlog of applications, expediting processes for all stakeholders.
- Technology Upgrades: Advanced technology is being implemented to track processing times and manage applications with improved accuracy.
5. Streamlined Application Processing and Policy Updates
- 10-Week Decision Turnaround: Processing enhancements now allow decisions on applications to be completed in 10 weeks.
- Updated Regulations and Forms: New application forms were issued, and regulatory updates were made to streamline processes and reflect new investment thresholds.
- Minimum Investment Adjustments: Approved Development, Private Real Estate, and single-family home minimum investments were redefined to ensure alignment with the latest market conditions.
6. Financial and Recognition Milestones
- Increased Revenue and Applications: Application submissions rose, driving an increase in revenue and highlighting growing interest.
- CBI Index Ranking: St. Kitts and Nevis was honoured with the top spot in the CBI Index, reflecting global recognition of the Programme’s standards and value.
7. Expanded Benefits for Investors and Families
- Reduced Age of Eligibility for Dependants: Main Applicants can now sponsor dependent parents from age 55, lowering the previous threshold.
- Post-Citizenship Additions: Newborns can now be added at a reduced fee of US$7,500, making it easier for families to grow within the citizenship Programme.
As the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit embarks on this new chapter, the first 30 days represent only the beginning of a long-term commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovation. With a clear vision and strategic milestones in place, the CIU is poised to drive meaningful economic growth and continue providing unparalleled service to investors and citizens alike. These achievements mark a significant step in aligning the CIU’s mission with the broader goals of national prosperity and resilience.
Moving forward, the Unit will build on this momentum, reinforcing its dedication to uphold the global reputation of St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier Citizenship by Investment Programme.
