In a significant diplomatic development, Zimbabwe and St Kitts and Nevis have embarked on a transformative journey of cooperation.
This initiative between Zimbabwe and St Kitts and Nevis is driven by a groundbreaking mutual travel exemption agreement, formalized amidst the grandeur of New York during the United Nations General Debate.
This agreement not only represents a momentous milestone in their partnership but also reflects the dedicated collaboration of two eminent diplomats:
Dr. Denzil Douglas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for St Kitts and Nevis, and Frederick Shava, his Zimbabwean counterpart.
Together, they stand as champions of strengthening bilateral relations between their respective nations.
Promoting Connectivity and Understanding
This diplomatic initiative is set to create greater connectivity and streamline exchanges between the people of St Kitts and Nevis and Zimbabwe.
Beyond facilitating travel, this strategic move aims to foster deeper interactions and mutual understanding among the citizens of these two countries, enriching their cultural exchange and cooperation.
Why St. Kitts and Nevis’ CBI Programme for Zimbabwean Investors?
Economic Stability
Accordingly, St Kitts and Nevis offer Zimbabwean investors access to a stable and resilient economy.
Acquiring citizenship opens doors to a financially secure environment conducive to business expansion and investment diversification.
Tax Benefits
St Kitts and Nevis imposes no capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax and is
This makes it an enticing destination for individuals looking to safeguard and grow their wealth.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities
The CBI Programme provides an enticing avenue for real estate investment, granting Zimbabwean investors property ownership in the picturesque Caribbean. Concurrently, this investment can generate rental income and potential capital appreciation.
Family Inclusion
Investors can include their families – spouses, children, and even parents – in their application.
This ensures a brighter future for their loved ones, with access to quality education, healthcare, and a desirable lifestyle.
Education and Healthcare
St Kitts and Nevis boast high-quality education and healthcare services.
Zimbabwean families can benefit from top-notch schools, universities, and medical facilities on these islands.
Investment Prospects
Beyond the CBI Programme, St Kitts and Nevis present diverse investment prospects.
From real estate to tourism-related ventures, Zimbabwean investors can explore sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Political Stability
With a reputation for political stability and democratic governance, St Kitts and Nevis offers investors’ confidence in a secure environment for both business and personal well-being.
The Evolving CBI Programme in St Kitts and Nevis
The Sustainable Island State Contribution
St Kitts and Nevis has made significant changes to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, introducing the Sustainable Island State Contribution as a replacement for the Sustainable Growth Fund. These changes, effective as of 27 July 2023, have implications for potential Zimbabwean applicants seeking citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis.
Under the revised Programme, the donation option for single applicants is US$250,000. Couples face a contribution of US$300,000, while a family of four is required to make a contribution of US$350,000 for the Sustainable Island State Contribution.
Developer’s Real Estate Investment Requirement
Additionally, the real estate investment option has also seen an increase, with a minimum investment of US$400,000 now required, along with a seven-year holding period. Furthermore, the private single-family home option has been raised to USD$800,000.
Additional changes
The minimum age for parent applicants has been raised to 65.
Mandatory interviews are now a requirement. This includes applicants who are currently in the process but have not yet received their Certificate of Registration (COR).
Processing times have officially been extended to four months, which may affect the timeline for prospective Zimbabwean applicants.
A Certificate of Registration (COR) must now be collected either in St Kitts & Nevis or at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
The addition of dependents to applications that are already in process will no longer be allowed. Additions can only be made after a waiting period of 90 days has passed since the primary application was approved and the relevant COR(s) were issued.
The concept of “financial sponsorship” or a benefactor is no longer supported by the regulations, and such applications will not be accepted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Overall, these changes reflect a significant shift in the requirements and conditions of St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI Programme. The CBI Programme still offers the opportunity for Zimbabwean applicants and families to obtain citizenship in a Caribbean nation. It allows them the opportunity to gain access to an improved lifestyle and economic prospects.