Dependents and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality Program

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality by Investment Unit has expanded the definition of dependents added to this program under new official regulations, including updated age requirements and study regulations for this category.

More specifically, the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizen by investment Unit announced that it now allows all dependents up to the age of 30 to be included in the application, provided they are added before their 30th birthday.

The Unit also announced that any dependent applying for the program is not required to be a full-time student, including all dependents up to the age of 30. However, the dependent must be single and receive substantial financial support from the main applicant.

To prove support for dependents under Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality, the Authority requires documents such as bank statements, financial support records, or official and notarized bank statements.

Previously, each dependent applying for Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality was required to prove they were between the ages of 18 and 25 and to prove they were enrolled in a higher educational institution.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality Authority commented on these amendments, stating that they enhance the program’s attractiveness, align with the global investment immigration program’s standards, and provide convenience for families while maintaining the program’s integrity and transparency.

Other Members Rules in the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality

There are no changes to other dependent regulations, including the unconditional eligibility for children under 18 and the unconditional eligibility for children with physical or mental disabilities.

In addition, the parents and grandparents of the main applicant, aged 55 and over, remain eligible for Caribbean citizenship by investment from St. Kitts and Nevis.

Reduced fees and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality 

1. Dependents Before Getting Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality

In addition to changes to the legal age and educational requirements for dependents, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality Authority reduced the fees for adding dependents last year. The fees are calculated based on the investment method:

·  Contribution to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality

✓ The minimum conditional contribution cost under the Contribution Option was $350,000 for a family of four. However, with the reduction in the minimum, it is now $250,000, plus the following dependent fees:

✓ $25,000 for each additional dependent under the age of 18, which previously was $50,000.

✓ $50,000 for each additional dependent between the ages of 18 and 30 (as of the latest age extension), which previously was $75,000.

·  Public Benefit Investment

After investing $250,000 as a Public Benefit Fund contribution, each additional dependent under the age of 18 is required to contribute $10,000, and each dependent over the age of 18 is required to contribute $15,000.

· Real Estate Investment for Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality

Applicants are required to purchase a property valued at least $400,000 USD. Each additional dependent under the age of 18 is required to pay $10,000 USD, and each dependent over the age of 18 is required to pay $15,000 USD.

2. Dependents and Obtaining Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality

On other hand, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality Unit has updated the fees for adding dependents after the main applicant has obtained Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship via Investment. The fee is $15,000 USD for each additional dependent.

This fee applies before or after obtaining Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality for all nationalities except citizens of Iraq, Iran, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Afghanistan, who will be required to pay additional due diligence fees due to increased investigations.

Changes Impact on Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality Holders

Following recent updates regarding dependents, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investors seeking to obtain a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport by investment.

This move contradicts reports that St. Kitts is seeking to modernize its program by making it more challenging and complex, with a message welcoming families and large groups.

These updates come ahead of potential major changes to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality by Investment Program, including the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship via Investment Authority (ECCIRA).

For more information on the benefits and regulations for adding family members, or to learn about upcoming changes to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Nationality by Investment Program, contact one of Global Citizen Consultants expert.