Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis · citizenship by investment · Leads to settlement
St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people who would rather own an asset than make a donation: you buy into a government-approved property development in St Kitts and Nevis and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official CIU page; accelerated processing has historically been available for a higher fee.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a qualifying property purchase plus government and due-diligence fees apply. The shared CARICOM US$200,000 floor applies. Confirm current minimum values and fees on the official CIU page.
- Typical duration
- Full citizenship for life; the qualifying property must be held for a minimum period (historically several years) before it can be resold under the programme.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The real-estate option of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme lets you qualify for citizenship by investing in property in a government-approved development, such as a resort, villa or hotel project. Both shared (fractional) and full-ownership routes have been offered, each with its own minimum value and a mandatory holding period before resale. Government and due-diligence fees apply on top of the property price. Because it is an asset rather than a donation, the property can potentially be resold after the holding period, though resale is not guaranteed. Minimums, holding periods and approved projects are set by the government and change - confirm the current details on the official CIU page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You invest at or above the minimum value in a government-approved real-estate development.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ✓You commit to holding the property for the minimum period set by the programme before any resale.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ✓You pass the programme's due-diligence and background checks.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ✓You can evidence the lawful source of the investment funds.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
Common blockers
- !Investing in a project that is not on the government-approved list.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- !Planning to resell before the mandatory holding period ends.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- !An adverse due-diligence finding or unverifiable source of funds.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Purchase or sale-and-purchase agreement for the approved property.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ·Valid passports and birth certificates for all applicants.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ·Police clearance certificates for the main applicant and adult dependants.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
- ·Proof of the lawful source of the investment funds.St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
On the official CIU page, confirm the real-estate option and the current minimum value, then choose a government-approved project.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble the property agreement, passports, police clearances and proof of lawful funds for the whole family.
Submit through the official channel
File the application through an authorised agent with the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
After approval
Complete the property purchase as instructed, then collect your certificate of registration and apply for your passport.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit · verified
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Related routes
St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Sustainable Island State Contribution
For people who want to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis by making a one-time, non-refundable contribution to the government, rather than buying property. This is the country's main donation route.
St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Public Benefit Option
For people who want citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis by backing an approved national project - such as infrastructure or development works - through a unit in a public-benefit scheme.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell the property later and keep my citizenship?+
Citizenship is granted for life, so a later, compliant resale does not remove it. But the property must be held for the programme's minimum period first, and resale terms are set by the government. Good to know: the resale market depends on demand and is not guaranteed - confirm the holding period and conditions on the official CIU page.
Is buying property cheaper than the contribution route?+
It depends on the project, family size and fees, and the figures change frequently. We do not state current amounts here. Compare the contribution and real-estate options side by side using the current numbers on the official CIU page before deciding.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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