«A residency clause will be part of the new (CBI) law. Let me say that clearly, residency clause and biometrics», Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis said in his interview for a local radio station, ZIZ Radio.So, a major player in the region’s immigration services market will introduce mandatory residency for those applying for St. Kitts citizenship. According to the Prime Minister, changes to the law will be made in the coming weeks. It is expected that other countries in the region will follow St. Kitts in introducing similar measures.
How will this decision affect applicants?
It is already possible to assume that all future applicants for Caribbean citizenship will be required to reside in the country that issued the passport for a certain amount of time. Another measure to strengthen Caribbean passports will be the introduction of comprehensive biometric data collection systems.
The Prime Minister of St Kitts described the reforms as necessary for the credibility of the program, noting that “it is about protecting national interests, preserving the strength of the passport and maintaining responsibility as a reliable member of the international community.”
Where do these reforms come from?
First, the US is imposing a “ban” on entry for citizens from certain countries, and according to the Washington Post, the new lists include St. Kitts and other countries in the region. Caribbean diplomats contacted the US Embassy in Barbados, but were told that they had not yet received an official document from Washington that any restrictions would apply to Caribbean countries.
For now, the “ban” remains only potential. But it is important to understand that the Trump administration is quite capable of implementing such a decision.
Secondly, the European Union has once again threatened to “turn off” the visa-free regime for those countries that have citizenship programs where the program conditions do not imply a “strong connection with the country.” In this case, the document is already official, so Caribbean countries need to act proactively.
So, let’s imagine that St. Kitts could introduce, say, a mandatory stay of 7 days per year for new candidates for investment citizenship. We think that this is a good reason to plan a Caribbean vacation.
Where to stay in St. Kitts?
Park Hyatt St Kitts, 5*
Situated on Banana Beach in Christophe Harbour, the hotel features 124 spacious guest rooms (77 rooms and 47 suites), each with a private balcony or terrace. The family-friendly resort offers a variety of activities and wellness programs, a full-service spa and some of the best restaurants in St. Kitts. The resort was built with the support of the St. Kitts Citizenship by Investment program and has been welcoming guests since November 2017.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, 5*
Situated directly on the beach in Charleston, Nevis, this resort features 3 infinity pools, a spa and an on-site golf course. The hotel has 4 restaurants, serving everything from buffet breakfasts to Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. The resort has been awarded the AA Travel Guide’s Five Diamond Award.
Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort – Kittitian Hill, 5*
Nestled at one thousand feet, overlooking the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Featuring an outdoor pool and a fitness center, this estate-style property is located in Ortons, St Kitts. It offers private villas with air conditioning and a hot tub.
Caribbean Citizenship – How Much Do You Need to Invest?
Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship
The St. Kitts program has seen several cabinet changes over the last couple of years. The current head of the CBI unit wants to make the program the most significant and sought-after in the market again, and is implementing new mechanisms to automate processing so that applications are processed in record time. Any file is expected to be processed within 10 weeks with no additional fees.
Government fund contribution option – $250,000 (USD) per applicant or family of 4. Real estate investment – from $325,000. More details >>
In 2024, the Caribbean raised the cost of participation in citizenship programs, and in 2025 new restrictions will need to be introduced to maintain their positions. We continue to monitor all important changes – APEX constantly communicates with program representatives on the ground, in their Caribbean offices.
St Kitts joins in changing traveler registration standards
The amendment to the original Act, No.32 of 2024, strengthens the legal and operational framework necessary for the eTA rollout, allowing for real-time, multi-layered screening of travellers. Travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to apply online in advance of travel, undergo biometric and AI-powered risk assessments, and receive a Digital Travel Credential (DTC). Upon arrival, they will be processed through biometric corridors, eliminating the need for manual forms and reducing wait times.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised the strategic benefits: “This does not put any extra burden on our people. I want to say that this is not a guess in bringing this system. In Seychelles, where the same technology is deployed, drug mule interceptions surged, forged identity detections increased, and GDP growth was fuelled by post-COVID tourism recovery. St. Kitts and Nevis stands to gain, as well.”
