St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment for Americans
The world's oldest citizenship-by-investment program — a fast second passport with no residency requirement, from $250,000.
St Kitts & Nevis runs the world's oldest citizenship-by-investment program (established 1984), and it's still one of the fastest — roughly 4–6 months, with no residency requirement, no interview, and no need to visit. From $250,000 (a Sustainable Island State Contribution donation covering a family of four), you receive a second passport with visa-free access to ~154 destinations, including the UK and the Schengen area.
For an American, the value is mobility and a genuine 'Plan B' travel document — and dual citizenship is permitted, so you keep your US passport.
Investment routes
| Route | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SISC donation | $250,000 | Non-refundable; covers a single applicant or family of up to 4 |
| Real estate — approved development | $325,000 | 7-year hold before resale |
| Real estate — private residence | $600,000 | 7-year hold |
| Public benefit option | $250,000 | Investment into an approved public-benefit project |
- Among the fastest CBIs (~4–6 months; a ~60-day fast track has been offered periodically)
- No residency, interview, or visit requirement
- Dual citizenship permitted — keep your US passport
- The oldest, most established Caribbean program — a flagship reputation
- Strong mobility (UK + Schengen visa-free) as a backup travel document and Plan B
- Cost — a six-figure commitment (~$250k+) rising after the 2024 reforms, non-refundable for the donation route
- No US tax benefit — the 'no income tax' draw is meaningless for US citizens absent renunciation
- US/EU scrutiny of Caribbean CBI — Schengen visa-free access is not guaranteed permanently
- Program terms (minimums, fees, fast-track) have changed repeatedly
A St Kitts passport does not reduce US taxes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of any other passport, and FATCA/FBAR reporting continues. The 'no income tax' benefit is meaningless for a US citizen unless they formally renounce US citizenship — a separate step (requiring you to already hold another citizenship, which this provides) that can trigger the §877A exit tax. Not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked
How fast is St Kitts citizenship by investment?
Standard processing is roughly 4–6 months, and St Kitts has periodically offered a ~60-day accelerated route (availability fluctuates). There's no residency, interview, or visit requirement.
Does St Kitts citizenship reduce my US taxes?
No. St Kitts has no income tax, but US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of other passports. Only renouncing US citizenship ends that — a separate step, which a second passport merely makes possible.
- St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit
- Henley & Partners — St Kitts & Nevis CBI
- IRS — Expatriation Tax
Figures are estimates from the cited sources as of the dates shown and change frequently — confirm current terms with a licensed specialist. General information for US citizens, not legal or tax advice.
Considering St Kitts & Nevis?
We'll assess whether it fits your goals and tax position, and coordinate the licensed specialists to execute it — discreetly.
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