A Nigerian family—a father, mother, and two children (a teenager and a younger child)—stands together in a sleek, modern setting. The father holds a St. Kitts and Nevis passport. The family's confident and serene expressions convey a sense of security and global mobility.

Guide to St. Kitts and Nevis Sustainable Island State Contribution

Securing a second citizenship has become a strategic move for high-net-worth individuals and families in Nigeria.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) scheme, the oldest and one of the most respected in the world, offers an upscale pathway to a second passport. Many Nigerians see this as a practical tool that offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, business flexibility, and a hedge against future uncertainties

At the heart of this programme is the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC), a popular and efficient investment option. Here’s a closer look at what the programme offers, how it works, and why it may be the right fit for you.

What exactly is the Sustainable Island State Contribution?

The SISC is a non-refundable financial contribution made directly to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. The funds are channelled into the nation’s Consolidated Fund and are used to support key national development initiatives, such as:

Food Security: Increasing local food production to reduce reliance on imports.
Green Energy: Funding the transition to renewable energy sources like geothermal and solar power.
Economic Diversification: Attracting sustainable industries and fostering a creative economy.
Infrastructure: Investing in modernizing roads, drainage, and public buildings.
Social Protection: Expanding social safety nets for vulnerable citizens.

Unlike the old Sustainable Growth Fund, which was a more general-purpose pool, the SISC is targeted at projects that support the country’s ambition to become a sustainable island state.

Why choose the SISC over other options?

St Kitts & Nevis offers two main CBI paths: the SISC and real estate. While the property route involves buying government-approved real estate and holding it for several years, the SISC is a single contribution with no ownership or resale obligations.

It’s also cheaper overall, even with professional fees, and doesn’t tie you to a specific asset. It’s perfect for people who want a hands-off process.

Eligibility, due diligence, and cost

The St. Kitts and Nevis CBI programme is open to Nigerians. And through our vetted network of CBI agents, we are able to assist Nigerians with the Sustainable Island State Contribution process.

All applicants must be:

At least 18 years old
Able to demonstrate a clean criminal record and legitimate source of funds
Willing to undergo due diligence checks

Spouses, children, and sometimes dependent parents or grandparents can be included in the same application. All applicants undergo a thorough background check conducted by independent, international firms. This process verifies your identity, professional history, and the legality of your source of funds. It also includes a mandatory interview with officials from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

What does it cost?

The total cost of the SISC includes the non-refundable contribution, due diligence fees, and other government charges.

Single Applicant: Our accredited CBI partners advise a package of $312,805.

Couple: The package for a main applicant and spouse is $321,511.

Additional dependents: An additional fee of $10,000 – $25,000 per child under 25 may apply.

Even with these fees, the SISC remains a more affordable and straightforward option compared to the real estate route.

Sustainable Island State Contribution FAQs

How long does it take?

The standard processing time for St. Kitts and Nevis CBI is 10 – 15 months

Will I need to live in St. Kitts & Nevis or pay taxes there?

No. There are no residency requirements for St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship. You do not have to live or even visit the country to obtain or maintain your citizenship. The nation also has a highly favourable tax regime, with no personal income tax, inheritance tax, or worldwide income tax.

Are there authorized agents in Nigeria, or must I work with an international CBI firm?

To apply for citizenship, you must work with an authorized agent who is officially licensed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit.

At Leryhago, we work exclusively with accredited CBI partners who are licensed by the St. Kitts and Nevis government. Our partners have a proven track record of successfully guiding Nigerian clients through the entire process, ensuring a seamless and efficient application journey.

What is the tax impact if I keep businesses or income in Nigeria?

Nigerian tax laws on business and personal income remain separate from St. Kitts and Nevis. You will still be subject to all Nigerian tax obligations on any income earned or businesses operated within the country.

However, as a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, your worldwide income will not be subject to St. Kitts and Nevis taxes. This can be a significant advantage for managing and growing your international assets.

Will my children need to pay anything to maintain their status?

No. Once citizenship is granted, it is for life and can be passed down to future generations by descent. There are no additional fees required for your children to maintain their citizenship status. Passports are valid for 10 years and are renewable for a small fee.