Over thirty years ago, the Caribbean pioneered the concept of Citizenship by Investment (CBI). It enables wealthy individuals and their families to attain second citizenship upon making an economic contribution to the nation of choice. First introduced on the dual-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis in 1984, the concept has travelled across the globe inspiring dozens of nations to implement their own variations of an investor immigration programme, including the UK, US and Canada.
Decades later, the spotlight remains on St Kitts and Nevis, generally known as the ‘Platinum Standard’ of CBI. The twin islands have continuously found innovative ways to keep their CBI Programme at the forefront of the industry. Inspiring new programmes each year, St Kitts and Nevis is a prime example of longevity, efficiency and stability.
The Most Straightforward Route to Second Citizenship
As the country offering the oldest CBI programme, St Kitts and Nevis has had ample time to tweak it to keep up with the needs of globally minded investors. It remains one of the most efficient CBI programmes in existence and is the only country that offers the Accelerated Application Process (AAP) feature. The AAP offers successful applicants who have passed all the necessary background checks a processing time of under 60 days, which includes the issuance of passports.
The most popular route to St Kitts and Nevis citizenship is the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), designed to raise capital in order to finance important development projects on the island. To obtain citizenship, a single applicant is required to make a contribution worth US$150,000 to the SGF, while families of four must invest US$195,000. This makes it one of the most family-friendly CBI programmes in the world.
In exchange, successful applicants receive a valuable citizenship that, besides security and safety in a modern democracy, also grants more global mobility, with access to nearly 160 destinations, including key business hubs in Asia and Europe. St Kitts and Nevis also facilitates a healthy business environment and the option to pass down the citizenship to future generations.
The Caribbean may have become synonymous with relaxation, beaches and never-ending rum punches, but St Kitts and Nevis equally offers a thriving business environment. The islands are amongst the world’s top 30 when it comes to the rule of law and their passport strength surpasses those of larger nations, being ranked 27th worldwide. With stunning vistas and a growing economy, investors can rest assured that they are gaining a home where they can both work and play.
With experience in both communications and PR, Aisha also works as a digital artist in her free time. Her work has been featured in the likes of CNN Africa, Buzzfeed, VH1 and more.
As a magazine focused on sustainability and the environment, Aisha is committed to writing about environmental challenges across the globe, especially in countries that may not have had extensive exposure. She is also dedicated to highlighting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the long process to achieving them.
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