St. Kitts is transforming from an agricultural-based economy to one focused on business development and tourism with an emphasis on historic preservation and sustainable development.

St. Kitts and neighboring island Nevis form one country – the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.  With more than a quarter of the country set aside as National Park, a lush rainforest that is actually expanding, UNESCO-protected colonial forts, and colorful beachside villages, it’s little wonder the island was coveted by the British and French who separately inhabited its 70 square miles over several centuries.

The island is located in the Eastern Caribbean and enjoys direct air access from Miami, New York, London, Toronto, Atlanta and Charlotte, and other regional destinations. From the new private jet terminal to be completed in 2013, private air charters to surrounding islands make shopping in St. Barths, diving in Saba and lunch in Anguilla convenient excursions.

The rolling landscapes are spectacular shades of green, the surrounding waters are a tranquil turquoise and life on St. Kitts is described as sweet and simple. With its outdoor lifestyle and multitude of activities, year-round temperate climate, and the lowest unemployment rate in the Caribbean.

Integral to the nation’s dynamic aspirations is the development currently underway on the island, which includes two new world-class championship golf courses, a 300-berth mega yacht marina, private beach clubs, exclusive hotels and resort communities, new international restaurants and other amenities, all guided by expert hands. St. Kitts is emerging on the world stage.

The oldest in the world, St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program was introduced in 1984. Today the program offers two opportunities to qualify for citizenship in the Federation: by making a non-refundable donation to the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund (from US$ 250,000) or though purchasing a real estate in a government approved project (from US$ 400,000). The program’s aim is to support the countries economy, create short-term and long-term jobs, build an infrastructure which will help to develop the tourism and become the foundation St. Kitts & Nevis prosperity.

The documentary requirements of the St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment program are reasonable and the procedures are quite straightforward.

Many of the documents you will be required to submit will require certification by a notary, a lawyer, or other recognized legal entity. The prescribed forms for application are as follows:

• Form C1
• Form C2
• Form C3
• Passport Application Form

Accompanying and specific documentation is also required such as professional reference letters, bank reference letters, original signed recent medical certificate by approved medical practitioner, police certificate, passport, photos, HIV tests, proof of marriages, divorces, name changes, residences etc. Citizens International provides comprehensive guidance as well as example letters to make the process as easy as possible.

The application form must be completed in English and the prescribed forms are to be submitted together with original or certified supporting documentation as specified by the government.

The CIU examines the application thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, may request the applicant to attend an interview. The CIU undertakes strict due diligence checks and will decline an application if the applicant makes a false statement or omits any relevant information in the application.

The applicant must apply on the prescribed government forms which can only be submitted through an Agent who is the holder of a Citizenship-by-Investment program licence granted under the Regulations.

The Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation was created in 2006 to assist the government of S.t Kitts & Nevis in transitioning from sugar as the main industry to a more diversified economy by researching and funding the development of alternative industries. The fund provides the support to Government in its efforts to diversify the national economy and maintain economic stability, and to support, finance or undertake the development of new and existing industries, projects or enterprises.

To qualify for St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship, the donation to SIDF is required:

US $250,000 – for a single applicant

US $300,000 – for a family of four or less

US $25,000 – for additional individual in the application, after fourth

Donation to the fund is a simple and straightforward way to obtain second citizenship and a new passport of St. Kitts & Nevis, however this type of investment will not create a real connection to the country and the return on investment is not possible.