August 13, 2020
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Offers Visa-free Access to 156 Countries
Think St. Kitts and Nevis and one immediately conjures up visions of white sand, turquoise waters and breath-taking views. The luxurious international destination is the playground of the rich and famous who flock there to soak up sun and sea. But more than being a dream exclusive destination for holidaymakers, it also offers the opportunity to gain a second passport that opens doors to-visa free access to 156 countries through the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI).
According to St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit Chief Executive Les Khan, “in today’s uncertain world, people want the ability to travel the globe on their own terms with confidence and flexibility. St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) has been offering this peace of mind for longer than any other citizenship programme in the world and, with visa-free access to 156 countries, it is recognised as a market leader in independent, global rankings.” In fact, SKN offers the most powerful passport of any CBI programme in the Caribbean, according to Henley & Partners’ Passport Index 2020 (27th strongest in the world). The benefits of mobility are also coupled with financial opportunities, as obtaining SKN citizenship does not impose any income or wealth tax on the islands and does not require residency.
The route to citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis can be achieved both through investment in approved real estate or through a donation to the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund and takes between two to four months. Citizenship may be acquired through an investment in a pre-approved luxurious real estate project, which may include hotel shares, villas, and condominium units. The minimum real estate investment is USD $200,000 (resalable after seven years) or USD $400,000 (resalable after five years).
Alternatively, applicants can invest in the twin-island Federation’s Sustainable Growth Fund. The time has never been more compelling to invest in SKN citizenship, as for a limited time only, until 31 December 2020, families of up to four people will be able to secure this platinum standard of citizenship at the substantially discounted rate of USD $150,000 (down from USD $195,000). The CBI programme combines a robust due diligence system with an efficient application process, allowing applicants to obtain citizenship from the comfort of their own home.
Why St. Kitts & Nevis?
On top of the benefits of SKN citizenship in terms of international mobility and financial opportunity, an investment in the Eastern Caribbean nation is a luxury of its own, with its pristine white sandy beaches, lush island forests and a warm climate that has attracted affluent international tourists to its shores for years. The island boasts an impressive history, as recognised by UNESCO, which named the Brimstone Hill Fortress a World Heritage Site.
Increasing interest in the islands has led to a boom in the number of luxury resorts, easily accessible to foreign visitors thanks to SKN’s international airport, which connects the Federation with North America, Europe and other parts of the Caribbean. SKN is also a popular destination for luxury cruise ships with one million cruise passengers disembarking last year. With the opening of the port’s second pier, Port Zante can now simultaneously host up to three of the world’s largest cruise ships, enabling St. Kitts to welcome an increasing number of visitors, benefiting both local people and investors.
St. Kitts and Nevis is also the only country in the Eastern Caribbean with five branded hotels. Luxury hospitality includes the Marriott Hotel and Residences, the Park Hyatt, Koi, Ramada Hotel and Resorts, and the Four Seasons. TLOFT’s Pirates Bay by the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts can also be added to the list of world-class resorts tucked away in this Caribbean paradise.
Win-Win Partnership
Investment from the Citizenship by Investment programme is poured back into the islands and directly contributes to the economic and social development of the nation and its people. Indeed, the programme has made a significant contribution to the local economy, with St. Kitts and Nevis achieving the fourth-highest GDP per capita in the Caribbean (source: International Monetary Fund). According to the United Nations Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis had the strongest projected growth rate in the Eastern Caribbean of 3.5% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the country’s Sustainable Growth Fund has channelled direct investment into the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. This targets resources into priority areas such as education, health, climate change resilience, infrastructure, and tourism.
SKN’s citizenship programme truly represents a new frontier in luxury lifestyle, offering the best return on investment and an open door to 156 countries.
W: Citizen Investment Unit
T: (1-869) 467-1474
E: Information
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