In September 2025, Saint Kitts & Nevis made a bold and forward-looking update to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The government has extended eligibility for dependent children up to age 30 and removed the requirement for full-time education, allowing any financially dependent child under 30 to be included in the family application.
What Changed—and Why It Matters
Broader Family Coverage
Previously, dependent children aged 18 to 25 could only be included if they were in full-time education. Now, investors can include adult children up to age 30, regardless of student status, as long as financial dependency is demonstrated.
Why it’s a game-changer
- Enables children in their late 20s—whether starting a career, transitioning, or completing education—to be included in the application.
- Reflects modern family dynamics and recognizes the financial support systems of global families..
Saint Kitts now ranks as one of the most family-friendly Caribbean CBI options, rivaling programs in Antigua or Grenada.
Strategic Program Strengthening
At its core, this reform makes CBI more relevant for multigenerational planning—helping families secure dual citizenship in a flexible way that respects changing age and dependency norms.
What Remains Attractive About the Program
Saint Kitts & Nevis continues to offer one of the most established and stable Caribbean CBI programs since its inception in 1984. Key aspects remain unchanged—and impactful:
- Rapid and efficient processing—citizenship granted within approximately 60 days.
- No mandatory residency or interviews required (though due diligence remains highest in the region).
- Investment options include the Sustainable Island State Contribution (US$250,000+), government-approved real estate, or Public Benefit Projects.
- The passport provides visa-free access to over 160 countries, offers strong tax advantages, and recognizes dual citizenship..
How This Empowers Investors
For affluent families, this means:
- More inclusive family coverage—no need to exclude late-20s dependents.
- Greater investment value—every dependent contributes to securing family mobility.
- Streamlined application process—fits complex global family timelines and career transitions..
How John Hu Migration Consulting Supports You
These reforms create new planning opportunities—but navigating them requires expertise. That’s where our team steps in:
- Dependency Planning
We assist in evaluating which dependents—regardless of their education status—can be included and how to document their financial support smoothly. - Program Optimization
By aligning your family structure with available investment options (donation, real estate, PBO), we assist in creating a compliant and cost-effective application. - Application Management
From due diligence to documentation to submission, we streamline every step, ensuring your application reflects these new inclusive criteria. - Long-Term Mobility Strategy
We assist with not only citizenship acquisition but also ongoing compliance, travel arrangements, and future estate or mobility planning.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Move for Modern Families
Saint Kitts & Nevis’s decision to extend dependent eligibility to age 30, without education requirements, marks a significant shift toward modern, inclusive citizenship planning.
This update maintains the program’s key benefits—speed, flexibility, and global mobility—while acknowledging changing family structures and financial realities.
If you’re working on your family’s international future—and seek strategic, family-focused guidance—John Hu Migration Consulting is ready to assist you in making the most of this opportunity.
Contact us today to learn how this reform can improve your family’s pathway to second citizenship.
FAQ
What is the most significant change to the Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI program in 2025?
The most significant change is the expansion of dependent eligibility. The program now allows investors to include dependent children up to age 30, regardless of their full-time education status. This update makes the program one of the most family-friendly in the Caribbean.
What is the purpose of this change to dependent eligibility?
This reform is designed to make the CBI program more relevant for multigenerational planning. It acknowledges modern family dynamics where adult children in their late 20s may still be financially dependent, whether they are starting careers, transitioning, or completing their education.
What are the main investment options for the Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI program?
The program offers several investment options, including a contribution to the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) starting at US$250,000, as well as investments in government-approved real estate projects or Public Benefit Projects (PBOs).
What are the key benefits of a Saint Kitts & Nevis passport?
The passport provides visa-free access to over 160 countries. It also offers strong tax advantages and recognizes dual citizenship, providing investors with a powerful tool for global mobility and financial flexibility.
Is a mandatory interview or residency required for the Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI program?
The program does not require mandatory residency or in-person interviews. However, it maintains the highest level of due diligence in the region, ensuring that all applicants are thoroughly vetted.
How does this reform benefit a family with a child in their late 20s?
This update is a game-changer for such families. Previously, a dependent child over 18 would need to be a full-time student to be included. Now, a financially dependent child up to age 30 can be part of the same family application, streamlining the process and providing greater value for the investment.
How can a professional consultant assist with the Saint Kitts & Nevis CBI application?
A professional consultant can help by assisting with dependency planning, optimizing the application based on your family structure, and managing all aspects of the application process from due diligence to submission. This ensures the application is compliant and cost-effective, reflecting the new inclusive criteria.
