Application Process Roadmap

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Successfully obtaining St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship through investment requires a well-orchestrated legal and financial process. Each phase must comply with the statutory requirements of the Citizenship Act, the 2023 Regulations, and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)’s evolving administrative procedures. Below is a step-by-step overview from initial strategy to final passport issuance.

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Step 1: Initial Consultation & Program Strategy

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Applicants begin with a pre-screening consultation with a CIU-licensed agent or legal advisor. This includes:

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• Determining the appropriate investment route (SISC, real estate, PBO, or private home).
  
• Mapping out family inclusion plans and structuring for tax or succession purposes.
  
• Assessing eligibility risks: geopolitical ties, dual citizenship conflicts, or past visa refusals.
  
• Identifying and preparing documentation needed for due diligence and financial validation.
  
  

It is advisable to retain both immigration counsel and private client legal or tax advisors at this stage, especially for high-value or complex profiles.

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Step 2: Document Preparation & Pre-Vetting

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This phase includes the compilation of:

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• Identity documents: passports, birth and marriage certificates
  
• Financial documents: bank statements, income verification, SOW/SOF affidavit
  
• Police clearances: from all jurisdictions where the applicant resided over the past 10 years
  
• Medical certificates and immunization records
  
• Translations and apostilles for non-English documentation
  
  

Applicants must also complete CIU-standard forms and undergo biometric enrollment (if required).

Prior to submission, a licensed agent will conduct an internal pre-clearance audit to ensure compliance with updated CIU and FATF requirements.

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Step 3: Formal Submission & CIU Review

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Once documentation is complete:

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• The licensed agent submits the full file via the CIU’s secure online portal.
  
• Acknowledgment of receipt is typically issued within 5 business days.
  
• The CIU commissions third-party due diligence (S-RM, Exiger, etc.), international watchlist checks, and—for high-risk profiles—inter-agency inquiries.
  
• Applicants may be requested to join a video interview, particularly if flagged by automated compliance systems.
  
  

Standard review times range from 45–90 days, though this may be extended for complex files.

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Step 4: Approval in Principle & Investment Execution

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If due diligence is cleared:

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• The CIU issues an Approval in Principle letter.
  
• The applicant must complete the investment (donation, real estate closing, or public benefit contribution).
  
• Escrow confirmations and legal ownership documents are submitted to the CIU.
  
  

In most cases, the applicant has 90 days from issuance of AIP to fulfill the financial obligations.

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Step 5: Certificate of Naturalization & Passport Issuance

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Upon validation of the investment:

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• The Certificate of Registration (Naturalization) is issued for each approved applicant.
  
• Passports are printed and delivered via the CIU or a local St. Kitts consulate.
  
• The file is closed unless dependents are added later or a renewal is triggered.
  
  

Applicants should keep personal records updated with the CIU and seek legal assistance for renewals, replacements, or name changes.

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