<p>Boasting one of the worlds lowest inflation rates, at -2.3 for 2015, and a 5% growth rate in 2015, the Caribbean paradise of St Kitts and Nevis is an attractive destination for investors looking for a business-friendly jurisdiction with exceptional potential.</p>
<p>Boasting one of the worlds lowest inflation rates, at -2.3 for 2015, and a 5% growth rate in 2015, the Caribbean paradise of St Kitts and<br /> Nevis is an attractive destination for investors looking for a<br /> business-friendly jurisdiction with exceptional potential. Indeed, not only<br /> does this island-nation provide a vibrant environment in which to start a<br /> venture, but it compounds its investment offerings with one of todays most<br /> sophisticated citizenship by investment programmes.</p> <p>The Platinum Standard for Citizenship by Investment</p> <p>St Kitts and Nevis devised the worlds first-ever citizenship<br /> by investment programme in 1984, immediately making its mark as a leader and<br /> innovator in the realm of economic citizenship. The countrys commitment to its<br /> Programme has thus lasted over 30 years, making it one of the most stable and<br /> secure options for those looking for a second citizenship.</p> <p>The secret to the success of the St Kitts and Nevis<br /> Citizenship by Investment Programme has been to continue to strive for<br /> excellence, and to recalibrate when necessary. In September 2016, for example,<br /> the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Les Khan as the new Chief<br /> Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, the Government body<br /> responsible for processing citizenship applications. Mr Khan has a long history<br /> of working in regulatory compliance, and for 18 months prior to his assignment<br /> worked to restructure the Unit, heighten its security measures, and train staff<br /> in anti-money laundering. His appointment denotes St Kitts and Nevis<br /> dedication to due diligence and integrity.</p> <p>Prime Minister Timothy Harris and the Head of CIU Les Khan<br /> Prime Minister Timothy Harris and the Head of CIU Les Khan</p> <p>At the same time, the twin islands have been improving their<br /> internal procedures to lower processing times, and to ensure that applications<br /> are assessed efficiently. Currently, St Kitts and Nevis will return an approval<br /> in principle on a successful application in as little as 45 working days one<br /> of the fastest turnaround periods across the citizenship by investment arena.<br /> Furthermore, the St Kitts and Nevis Unit is the first to implement a 24/7 Case<br /> Management System, to enable online tracking of applications and easy access to<br /> information held electronically.</p> <p>The goal is to provide a service that is the platinum<br /> standard of citizenship by investment, that is, the highest level of<br /> competency, transparency, and effectiveness, to continue to inspire trust in<br /> the Programme and citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis.</p> <p>Outlining the Programme</p> <p>There are two options for citizenship by investment in St<br /> Kitts and Nevis. The first is to contribute to the Sugar Industry<br /> Diversification Foundation (SIDF), a Government-run charitable organisation,<br /> while the second is to invest in pre-approved real estate on the islands.</p> <p>The SIDF solution is the quickest and most straightforward<br /> path to gaining citizenship, requiring a one-time contribution. Funds derived<br /> from the SIDF are used to empower Kittitians and Nevisians through social and<br /> economic reform.</p> <p>Real estate under the Programme encompasses hotel<br /> developments or residential properties such as luxury villas or condominiums.<br /> Property purchasers may avail themselves of a holiday home in a tropical haven,<br /> real estate to rent to the islands growing number of tourists, or merely of a<br /> lucrative investment to add to an existing global portfolio. The property can<br /> be resold after a short five-year wait.</p> <p>One of the most trusted names in the domain of citizenship by<br /> investment, St Kitts and Nevis provides an alluring alternative for second<br /> citizenship. Not only does it uphold a platinum standard for citizenship<br /> applications, but it also compels applicants, particularly those with an eye<br /> for profit and entrepreneurship, to invest in the nations prosperous economy.</p>