Basseterre, Aug. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis tops this year's CBI Index rankings for offering one of the best citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the world.

St Kitts and Nevis was rated against 12 other countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index, published by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners, is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global CBI programmes across a diverse range of indicators and its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes in order to facilitate the decision–making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry

The primary methodological objective of the CBI Index is to isolate pillars that measure CBI programme features and jurisdictional desirability. The nine pillars that constitute this year's CBI Index include: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and, Certainty of Product.

The country received full marks "" 10 out of 10 in the Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product pillars.

The Mandatory Travel or Residence pillar examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.

St Kitts and Nevis, along with the rest of the Caribbean countries, does not have any travel or residency requirements for CBI applicants. This makes it easy for busy entrepreneurs to continue running their businesses and still be eligible to get their second citizenship while not having to fulfil any minimum stay requirements.

St Kitts and Nevis scored top marks for the Citizenship Timeline pillar "" which looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant "" due to the Accelerated Application Process where for an additional fee, an applicant can obtain their citizenship within a maximum of 60 days instead of the standard processing time of approximately three months.

Ease of Processing measures the end–to–end complexity of the CBI application process. St Kitts and Nevis makes the process of obtaining citizenship easy and straightforward, the country has an official government website and a dedicated CBI unit. It has also done away with burdensome application requirements such as interviews, language, culture or history tests, proof of minimum business experience and evidence of the purchase of tangible or intangible assets.

The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle–free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.

One of the areas where Caribbean nations really differentiate their programmes, is the area of due diligence. St Kitts and Nevis' due diligence process is multi–faceted and is undertaken by the country's CBI unit, law enforcement and external third–party due–diligence agencies from the UK and USA. This ensures that the process is stringent and comprehensive, applicants are required to provide either fingerprints or a biometric passport, police certificates from both an applicant's country of residence as well as their country of citizenship and comprehensive supporting information in respect of an applicant's source of funds.

The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application. St Kitts and Nevis retains a perfect score for their family friendliness as, in addition to a main applicant, they allow the applicant's spouse, children under 18 and over 18 in certain circumstances, siblings, parents and grandparents of both the main applicant or their spouse to be included in an application.

St Kitts and Nevis' CBI programme is one of the oldest in the industry, having been established in 1984, it assures investors of a certainty of product. The CBI Index measures certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation, and adaptability "" aspects which St Kitts and Nevis' programme can tick off confidently.

In the 2022 CBI Index, the Freedom of Movement pillar measures the relative strength of each country's citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country's passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations. St Kitts and Nevis scored a seven out of 10 in this area as it offers visa–free or visa–on–arrival access to 156 countries.

The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI: how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing.

St Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most affordable routes to alternative citizenship, and even though it ended its limited time offer of US$150,000 for a family of four at the end of December 2021, it did not impact its score, five out of 10, as the scores are based on minimum investments for a single applicant.

The St Kitts and Nevis CBI programme is a family–friendly route for those looking for a reputable and trusted programme that prioritises both applicants and its citizens "" the stringent due diligence process upon application ensures that only honest hard–working families are approved. The citizenship can also be passed down to future generations, giving investors who want to leave a legacy, peace of mind.

Download the full CBI Index here, to get further insights into the CBI industry and a full evaluation of the CBI programmes of the 12 other jurisdictions in the rankings.

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• St Kitts and Nevis Infographic

Basseterre, Aug. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis tops this year's CBI Index rankings for offering one of the best citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the world.

St Kitts and Nevis was rated against 12 other countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index, published by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners, is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global CBI programmes across a diverse range of indicators and its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes in order to facilitate the decision–making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry

The primary methodological objective of the CBI Index is to isolate pillars that measure CBI programme features and jurisdictional desirability. The nine pillars that constitute this year's CBI Index include: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and, Certainty of Product.

The country received full marks "" 10 out of 10 in the Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product pillars.

The Mandatory Travel or Residence pillar examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.

St Kitts and Nevis, along with the rest of the Caribbean countries, does not have any travel or residency requirements for CBI applicants. This makes it easy for busy entrepreneurs to continue running their businesses and still be eligible to get their second citizenship while not having to fulfil any minimum stay requirements.

St Kitts and Nevis scored top marks for the Citizenship Timeline pillar "" which looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant "" due to the Accelerated Application Process where for an additional fee, an applicant can obtain their citizenship within a maximum of 60 days instead of the standard processing time of approximately three months.

Ease of Processing measures the end–to–end complexity of the CBI application process. St Kitts and Nevis makes the process of obtaining citizenship easy and straightforward, the country has an official government website and a dedicated CBI unit. It has also done away with burdensome application requirements such as interviews, language, culture or history tests, proof of minimum business experience and evidence of the purchase of tangible or intangible assets.

The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle–free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.

One of the areas where Caribbean nations really differentiate their programmes, is the area of due diligence. St Kitts and Nevis' due diligence process is multi–faceted and is undertaken by the country's CBI unit, law enforcement and external third–party due–diligence agencies from the UK and USA. This ensures that the process is stringent and comprehensive, applicants are required to provide either fingerprints or a biometric passport, police certificates from both an applicant's country of residence as well as their country of citizenship and comprehensive supporting information in respect of an applicant's source of funds.

The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application. St Kitts and Nevis retains a perfect score for their family friendliness as, in addition to a main applicant, they allow the applicant's spouse, children under 18 and over 18 in certain circumstances, siblings, parents and grandparents of both the main applicant or their spouse to be included in an application.

St Kitts and Nevis' CBI programme is one of the oldest in the industry, having been established in 1984, it assures investors of a certainty of product. The CBI Index measures certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation, and adaptability "" aspects which St Kitts and Nevis' programme can tick off confidently.

In the 2022 CBI Index, the Freedom of Movement pillar measures the relative strength of each country's citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country's passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations. St Kitts and Nevis scored a seven out of 10 in this area as it offers visa–free or visa–on–arrival access to 156 countries.

The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI: how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing.

St Kitts and Nevis offers one of the most affordable routes to alternative citizenship, and even though it ended its limited time offer of US$150,000 for a family of four at the end of December 2021, it did not impact its score, five out of 10, as the scores are based on minimum investments for a single applicant.

The St Kitts and Nevis CBI programme is a family–friendly route for those looking for a reputable and trusted programme that prioritises both applicants and its citizens "" the stringent due diligence process upon application ensures that only honest hard–working families are approved. The citizenship can also be passed down to future generations, giving investors who want to leave a legacy, peace of mind.

Download the full CBI Index here, to get further insights into the CBI industry and a full evaluation of the CBI programmes of the 12 other jurisdictions in the rankings.

Attachment

• St Kitts and Nevis Infographic

Basseterre, June 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Despite being the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, the twin–island Federation of St Kitts and Nevis gave the world its first economic citizenship programme in 1984. It provides alternative citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the country's economy.

St Kitts and Nevis is well–known across the world for its pristine beaches and sheer blue waters; it is also among the most stable economies in the region, with tourism being the major source of income. The stability and tranquil environment of the country enable it as an ideal location for people seeking alternative citizenship. There is no denying that the CBI programme of the country offers a much–needed injection of foreign direct investment, often in a way that can make significant developmental differences.

The twin–island nation is indeed home to the world's longstanding economic citizenship programme and has been providing alternative citizenship for more than three decades. The Citizenship by Investment Programme of the country is the oldest programme across the globe. The CBI Programme guarantees platinum standards with increased mobility, sustainable investment opportunities and greater economic freedom for successful applicants.

For St Kitts and Nevis, the citizenship by investment programme has a vital role to play in its socio–economic development. The programme is crucial for funding many projects. As per the CBI experts, the alternative citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis country is the most powerful in the region and provides access to more than 75 percent of the world. Not only this, but the citizenship is granted for life to the applicants with the ability to add additional dependents.

The citizenship by investment programme has been lauded for its stringent, vigorous and robust due–diligence background checks. The multi–layered background checks are carried out internally by the citizenship by investment unit based on the original and certified supporting documents an agent submits with your application, as well as externally by the third–party firm. The government of St Kitts and Nevis has hired the world's top–tier independent third–party agencies to check the character, source of investment, and documents of applicants. The checks are not only limited to online information, but also does thorough on–ground examinations to ensure that a person of only the highest character is granted citizenship. The background checks help maintain the integrity of the programme and also ensure national and international security.

The CBI Programme has earned multiple awards and a reputation as the 'platinum standard' of CBI. The Financial Times' PWM magazine lauded Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis in the CBI Index. According to the nine pillars of the CBI Index of 2021, St Kitts and Nevis have been ranked first for “Citizenship Timeline”, “Due Diligence”, and “Family”.

Interested candidates may apply for alternative citizenship of the nation through the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), which is known as the Fund Option. It is considered the fastest investment option, launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris. Through SGF, an applicant may contribute to the growing economy of St Kitts and Nevis. St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme create opportunities for investors and the local community to drive economic growth and build a sustainable future.

The applicant has to follow basic steps to apply for the alternative citizenship of the twin–island Federation –

Step 1: Choose an alternative agent across the globe

Step 2: Complete the applications and documentation

Step 3: Due Diligence

Step 4: If your application is selected, proceed to payment

Step 5: Certification

Located in the Caribbean region, St Kitts and Nevis is easily accessible by cruise ships and planes. The nation is known as the region's best–kept secret. The stunning beauty, rich history and friendly locals make the country a perfect must–visit travel destination. The nation has been regarded "splendid" due to the seven factors "" volcanoes, mountains, coral reefs, protected areas, coastlines, rainforests, and glaciers.

St Kitts is known to be party–friendly and Nevis is all about peace and nature. The Caribbean country will attract the tourists with fascinating activities, including bobbing yachts, swaying palm trees, and jaw–dropping sunset sights. The tourists may also enjoy the warm local feel, island's rich history or kick back at one of the many incredible resorts.

St Kitts and Nevis, two islands have been separated by a two–mile channel, which is popularly called "Narrows". The tourists may easily travel between both the nations through excellent ferry services which accommodates both persons and cars. Both are regarded as quaint in nature with cobbled sidewalks and a wealth of history on display. These islands offer magnificent historical sites and landmarks to explore, including the Circus Monument, which adorns Fort Street, the main thoroughfare in Basseterre and the Museum of Nevis History in Charlestown. The Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park is acclaimed as the largest fortress in the Eastern Caribbean and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Basseterre, May 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis is recognized as the fastest, safest, and most secure globally. It is the only CBI Programme that allows applicants to opt–in for an Accelerated Application Processing (AAP).

Since 1984, St Kitts and Nevis – the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere allowed individuals and their families to legally obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution to the country's economy.

St Kitts and Nevis, the twin–island country in the eastern Caribbean region, is known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs as well as mesmerizing silver beaches. It has been nicknamed “Paradise of the Caribbean.”

The country is well–liked by tourists because of its stunning and beautiful sights. Tourists may be welcomed to its shores through cruise ships, and it has now established itself as one of the leading destinations for cruise ship passengers.

The exquisite twin–island Federation introduced the world's long–lasting, safe, and most secure citizenship by investment programme which ranked as the world's best by the CBI Index published by PWM Magazine of Financial Times.

Being one of the most efficient CBI Programmes, it is considered the “platinum standard” of CBI worldwide. It is now popular for helping the government of St Kitts and Nevis in running the social and economic activities in the country.

Key benefits of St Kitts and Nevis alternative citizenship:

• Global mobility
• Lifetime citizenship
• Citizenship legacy
• Alternative citizenship and citizenship for your family members
• Dual citizenship benefits
• Processing time is only three months
• Free movement in the CARICOM

The Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis has been lauded for offering a guaranteed fast–track route to alternative citizenship, known as the Accelerated Application Process (AAP).

The Accelerated Application Process (AAP) fast–tracks applications, and if the applicant passes the due diligence process, they can receive citizenship in as little as 60 days from the submission of an application. Any applicant can get AAP on their application by paying an additional amount of government fee, which is as follows:

• Main applicant– USD 25,000
• Any family member aged 16 or over USD 20,000

It must be noted that whether applying for the AAP option or going through the normal route, all applicants undergo the same level of rigorous due diligence processing.

St Kitts and Nevis uses a multi–layered due diligence system, combining internal government checks with research by specialist third–party due diligence firms, and assessments by regional and international bodies.

The rigour put around due diligence ensures that individuals of only the highest integrity are successful.

The applicants can apply for citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship through the widely used investment option, the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF), which is also known as Fund Option. The revenue from the SGF is used to run several socio–economic initiatives in the Federation. The government established the Fund Option in the year 2018.

The investments received under “Fund Option” have provided multiple benefits to the twin–island Federation; such as:

• Ensuring the health and well–being of a growing population
• Enhancing the quality of education
• Developing climate resilience, protecting the twin–island against the future effects of climate change
• Constructing solid and resilience infrastructure that will stand the test of time
• Promoting St Kitts and Nevis' thriving tourism industry
• Publicizing the different cultural savour of the people

The alternative citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis can be attained by the following eligibility criteria are qualified by the investor:

• The investor must not have involvement in any criminal record
• The character of the applicant must be outstanding.
• The high personal net worth of the applicant must be high.
• The applicant must not make investments through any foul means.
• The minimum age of the investor must be more than 18 years.

Individuals who are keen to apply for alternative citizenship may invest in the CBI Programme of St Kitts and Nevis as it has been ranked as the world's fastest, most secure in CBI Index, published by Financial Times' Professional Wealth Management magazine.

The CBI Programme of St Kitts and Nevis got a perfect score for the robust and stringent due–diligence background checks. The government makes sure that each and every application undergoes strict background checks so that only reputed as well as honest investor attains citizenship.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8542359)

Basseterre, May 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The smallest country in the western hemisphere, St Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of citizenship by investment programme. Established in 1984, it is now regarded as the “platinum standard” of CBI globally. The country's 53,192 population directly and indirectly benefits from the revenue that arrives from prestigious CBI Programme.

Dubbed as the “Paradise of the Caribbean”, St Kitts and Nevis has also established itself as the most desired location for cruise ship travellers. It is small enough to see in a day but big enough to explore for a lifetime. The mesmerizing white sand beaches and the sheer blue water makes it even more attractive.

Earlier in the 80s, St Kitts and Nevis derived major revenue from the “Sugar Industry”, but slowly and gradually, it closed in 2005. Following the closure, the country started to utilize the citizenship by investment programme to support the social–economic activities of the twin–island country.

In 2018, the government established Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) popularly known as Fund Option, which is now assisting the government in running social programmes, providing income support to people and more. The option allows the investors an option to make a contribution to the social prosperity as well as the economy of the twin–island Federation.

How Sustainable Growth Fund is assisting St Kitts and Nevis
" Enhancing the quality of education
" Ensure the health and well–being of a growing population
" Develop climate resilience, protecting the twin island against the future effects of climate change
" Construct solid and resilience infrastructure that will stand the test of time
" Promote St Kitts and Nevis' thriving tourism industry
" Publicize the different cultural savour of the people
" Asset the indigenous entrepreneurship

“As the first country to offer economic citizenship globally, St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is a feat of longevity and constant creation. It has moved the nation, and certainly people around the world, in a positive way. As the Programme joins a new era, the nation offers you a promising future and refined plan for continuous prosperity,” said the Prime Minister Timothy Harris during the launch of Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) in 2018.

The CBI Programme of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has been ranked as the world's, fastest, most secure in CBI Index, published by Financial Times' Professional Wealth Management magazine.

The country has topped the Citizenship Timeline pillar by virtue of the Accelerated Application Process. The country has bagged the perfect score in the Ease of Processing and Due Diligence pillars. Furthermore, the Sustainable Growth Fund gathered praise for the family pillar facility.

The CBI of St Kitts and Nevis has gained popularity because of the rigorous and stringent due diligence checks conducted to make sure that the alternative citizenship has been granted to the reputed and honest applicant.

The individuals who are keen to attain the alternative citizenship of the twin–island Federation may acquire one by financially donating to the “Sustainable Growth Fund” option. An investor can contribute a minimum USD 150,000 to be part of the citizenship by investment programme, under the Sustainable Growth Fund option.

Another major highlight of the Citizenship by Investment Programme is the Accelerated Application Process (AAP). It is a unique feature which in which after paying certain amount of fee, the applicant can accelerate the processing on his/her application. In some cases, AAP process applications in 60 days or less.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme offers the citizenship to the applicant's family members, including the dependent's spouse, children (under the age of 30) and parents as well as grandparents (over the age of 55).

One of the best features of the programme of the twin–island Federation is “Global Mobility”. Citizenship provides access to more than 156 countries across the globe.

Some other benefits of the CPI of St Kitts and Nevis can be listed as:
" St Kitts and Nevis's dual citizenship has been considered the most powerful in the Caribbean and 24 globally.
" The alternative citizenship helps in becoming a global citizen by providing visa–free access to over 150 countries.
" It offers stable and prosperous access to the Caribbean haven.

The second citizenship of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis can be attained if the investor qualifies some of the eligibility criteria, which are:

" The applicant must be of outstanding character.
" The investor must not have any criminal record.
" The investment must have excellent health.
" The applicant must have a high personal net worth.
" The minimum age of the investor must be more than 18 years.
" The individual must prove their outstanding character through bank statements and employer references.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8538010)