St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Program: Major Updates on Adding Dependants in 2025
- Ahmed hamdy Ahmed hamdy
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The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program continues to lead the Caribbean in credibility, structure, and long-term benefits. On May 28, 2025, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and the Ministry of National Security issued a memo detailing important updates on the procedures for adding spouses and children to approved citizenship files.
This blog covers everything you need to know about these changes and how they affect current and future citizens by investment.
Why This Update Matters
These new rules impact individuals who are already citizens through the CBI program and wish to extend their citizenship benefits to their spouse or children. Whether the dependent was married or born before or after the main applicant obtained citizenship, there are now specific steps, fees, and timelines to follow.
Adding a Spouse
Whether you got married before or after receiving your St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, the process for adding a spouse to your citizenship file now follows updated pathways with defined fees, documentation, and eligibility requirements. Below is a breakdown of the available options based on the timing of your marriage.
If married before receiving citizenship:
- The application is submitted to the CIU.
- Both the citizen and spouse must undergo due diligence (USD 7,500 each).
- Application fee: USD 250 each.
- Government fee: USD 30,000.
- Processing time: approximately 3 months.
If married after receiving citizenship:
- Option A – Through the Ministry of National Security:
- Allowed only if 3 years have passed since the Certificate of Registration.
- Fee: XCD 1,000.
- Processing time: up to 2 years.
- Not eligible if either spouse was born in Iraq, Iran, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, or Afghanistan.
- Option B – Through the CIU:
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- Same due diligence and application fees as above.
- Government fee: USD 30,000.
- Processing time: approximately 3 months.
- Same nationality restrictions apply.
Adding a Child
The process for adding a child to your St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship file depends on when the child was born in relation to your application or citizenship approval. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and the Ministry of National Security offer different pathways with specific timelines, fees, and due diligence requirements based on the child’s age and circumstances. Below is a detailed breakdown of each scenario.
Child born before the parent became a citizen:
- Processed by CIU.
- If the child is 15.5 years or older, both the parent and child must undergo due diligence (USD 7,500 each).
- If under 15.5 years, only the parent is subject to due diligence.
- Application fee: USD 250.
- Government fee: USD 30,000.
- Processing time: approximately 3 months.
Child born after submitting the CBI application but before receiving the citizenship certificate:
- The application is accepted by the CIU.
- Application fee: USD 250.
- Government fee: USD 10,000.
- No due diligence is required unless the original application has been pending for over one year, in which case, due diligence applies to the parent (USD 7,500).
Child born after receiving citizenship and under 3 years of age:
- Processed by CIU.
- Due diligence for parent only: USD 7,500.
- Application fee: USD 250.
- Government fee: USD 7,500.
- Processing time: approximately 3 months.
Child born after receiving citizenship and over 3 years of age:
- Option A – Through the Ministry of National Security:
- Fee: XCD 1,000.
- Processing time: up to 18 months.
- Option B – Through the CIU:
- If the child is 15.5 years or older, both the parent and the child undergo due diligence (USD 7,500 each).
- If under 15.5 years, only the parent undergoes due diligence.
- Application fee: USD 250.
- Government fee: USD 7,500.
- Processing time: approximately 3 months.
Required Documents
Both the Ministry of National Security and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) require a detailed set of documents to process applications for adding dependents. These documents help verify the identity, relationship, and eligibility of the spouse or child being added to the citizenship file. Below is a list of the core documentation required for each authority:
For the Ministry of National Security:
- Minor registration form
- Medical report
- Two photos (one certified)
- Parent’s citizenship certificate and passport
- Child’s passport and birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship for at least 3 years
For the CIU:
- Official request to add the dependent
- Affidavit of financial support (if dependent is over 18)
- 6 passport photos (one certified)
- Forms C1, C2, C3
- HIV test results (for applicants 12+)
- Police certificate
- Certified birth certificate
- Valid national ID and passport copies
- Proof of address (dated within 6 months)
- Due diligence: USD 7,500
- Application fee: USD 250
Conclusion
These updates bring more clarity, structure, and security to the process of expanding your St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment to family members. While the process now involves detailed requirements and specific eligibility rules, it ensures the continued integrity and prestige of the country’s CBI program.
If you’re planning to add your spouse or children to your file, be sure to consult a licensed agent and follow the updated protocols to avoid any delays.
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