As the world's earliest citizenship by investment program (launched in 1984), the St. Kitts passport has been popular for over 40 years.
Donating starting from $250000, obtaining a passport in about 3 months, and visa free/visa on arrival in 157 countries, why can it become the "second choice" for high net worth individuals?
01
5 core advantages of St. Kitts passport!
1. Global travel freedom, business/travel "leave as you please"
Holding a passport allows visa free/visa on arrival access to 157 countries and regions including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc. International business people can leave at will.
2. Low cost+short approval cycle
Donating at least $250000 is required to apply (donations are non refundable), which is more cost-effective compared to the $800000 investment threshold of EB-5 in the United States. Approval can be obtained in about 3 months without waiting for a deadline.
3. Tax 'worry free', planning asset allocation with peace of mind
No global taxation, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, only local income taxation, suitable for global asset allocation.
4. One person applies, and three generations of the whole family obtain the identity
Spouse, both parents (aged 55 and above), underage children, or children aged 18 to 25 who are economically dependent on their parents.
5. No immigration supervision
There is currently no residency requirement, and remote processing is available. However, the current announcement from the St. Kitts Immigration Office has hinted at the possibility of introducing residency requirements, and now the application can also lock in the existing policy dividends in advance.
02
What are the advantages of St. Kitts compared to other immigration programs?
Comparison with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in the United States
As an investment/donation citizenship program, St. Kitts has the advantages of "fast" and "provincial":
① Approval can be obtained in about 3 months, and the application threshold is only for donating no less than $250000 or investing at least $325000 in a real estate project (approved by the government), which is much lower than the $800000 threshold for EB-5 investment immigration in the United States;
② St. Kitts has visa free/visa on arrival access to 157 countries and no mandatory residency requirements, while the core value of the US EB-5 investment immigration program is to bind residency rights in the United States and require long-term residency.
In addition to the high threshold, Chinese applicants may face several years of waiting time and a more complex approval process for the US EB-5 program. St. Kitts focuses on fast and flexible processing, while EB-5 refers to settling in the United States, not a substitute relationship, but rather a choice based on different goals.
Comparison with Portugal's Golden Visa Program
The core difference between the Portuguese Golden Visa and the Saint Kitts passport lies in the different positioning of "EU residency" and "functional passport":
① The Portuguese Golden Visa, as an investment residency pathway to the European Union, requires a minimum investment of 500000 euros. Although the threshold is higher than that of Saint Kitts, it can also enjoy benefits such as education, healthcare, and cross-border work in EU member states;
② Saint Kitts, on the other hand, focuses on functionality. Although it cannot provide EU residency related benefits, its advantage lies in lower investment costs and the convenience of global travel (such as visa free access to multiple countries).
The essence of the choice between the two is the demand choice between whether to bind EU residency and welfare and whether to prioritize cost and travel functions.
03
Is now the best time to apply for a St. Kitts passport?
The latest announcement from the St. Kitts Immigration Office suggests that residency requirements may be introduced, but preparation time will be reserved, which means that applying now can lock in a "no immigration supervision" bonus period.
The core competitiveness of the St. Kitts passport lies in "balancing cost-effectiveness and functionality": $250000 for a visa free/visa on arrival passport for 157 countries+tax advantages+three generations of family identity, suitable for those who want to "lightweight planning". It's safer to apply now before the residency requirements are implemented.
There are two types of application methods:
① Real estate investment citizenship program:
The main applicant is at least 18 years old, has no criminal record, has invested at least $325000 in a government approved real estate project locally, or has invested at least $600000 in a government approved single family residential property locally, and has held the property for 7 years;
② Sustainable Island Countries Donation Project (SISC):
The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and donate at least $250000 (up to a maximum of 4 family members).
The application conditions for the St. Kitts immigration program are relaxed, the process is simple, and there is no need for the applicant to personally log in throughout the process. Usually, it takes about 3 months to obtain a passport.
Therefore, if you are looking for an ideal retirement destination or want to optimize asset allocation, St. Kitts Nevis is undoubtedly the ideal choice.
For more details, please feel free to contact Xingyunhai International. We will provide you with customized exclusive services.
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