We inform our clients St.Kitts government is making significant changes to citizenship by investment program in 2026 to meet with the international standards in compliance with US, EU and UK visa restrictions. This includes strict new rules on applications.
1. Genuine Link
The Governement is rolling out the 30 day residency for applicants in a seamless and meaningful way, with strict enforcement of authentic residency requirements. Citizenship is to be granted shall be required to commit to establishing
a genuine and effective link to the Participating State through the fulfilment of residency and integration obligations
Citizenship is now granted based on a demonstrable, substantive, and ongoing ties to the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis to renew the passport. This includes:
- Structured physical presence and residency
- Meaningful economic activity such as business establishment and job creation
- Productive investment aligned with national priorities
- Long-term social, cultural, philanthropic, or national development engagement
2. Passport Collection
All St. Kitts and Nevis passports are issued exclusively by the Government and delivered only through official embassies and consulates. No intermediaries or third parties are involved, ensuring maximum security, traceability, and integrity.
3. Biometrics Enrollment
The biometric collection process will be mandatory for all new applicants entering the programme. Existing St. Kitts and Nevis citizens who obtained their citizenship through the programme will also be required to comply with the new requirements. Biometrics will be collected at the time of the interview, which is part of the application process.
4. Blocking Name Change
With the new measures, name changes in the passport will not be allowed for new citizenships issued.
5. Illegal discounting
The New rules makes agents offering limited time offers or illegal discounting of the agreed minimum price as unlawful. Market stakeholders, Marketing Agents, Local Agents and or Developers who have evidence of any attempt at, or instances of discounting should report same promptly to the CBI Unit, Investment Migration Agency or Financial Intelligence Units of the participating countries.
6. High Rejection Rates
Applicants from Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Iran, DPRK Korea, Iraq will be disqualfied from applying for SKN citizenship due to international sanctions. These applications from high risk countries will have high rejection rates.
7. Age Limit Raised for Interviews
The New law requires interview shall apply to a dependant who —
(a) is eighteen years of age or older at the time of the application; or
(b) is twelve years of age or older and is the subject of any material concern raised
during the due diligence process
8. Maximum Quota
The Authorities will set a quota on maximum number of approved applications per year
9. Refusals
The Authorities shall not accept, process, or approve any application for citizenship by investment from an individual whose application has been denied by another country or Participating State
10. Revoke Citizenship
New rules also pave the way to revoke or cancel citizenship for fraud. Denaturalization can occur based on
- fraud or misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact during the application process;
- criminal conviction or security threat of the passport holder;
- failure to meet continuing obligations; or
- any other ground prescribed by the Regulations, Regulatory Law or other law
We urge our clients to apply for St.Kitts program before new rules are implemented before runs out.