St Kitts Citizenship Total Cost for a Family of 4 in 2026
St Kitts and Nevis runs the world's oldest citizenship by investment program, operating since 1984, and it remains the benchmark many families measure other programs against. It is also more family-friendly on price than most people expect, especially after the fee changes that took effect on 1 August 2026. Here is exactly what a family of four pays.
A couple with two children under 16 pays about $271,000 in government costs on the SISC donation route: the $250,000 contribution plus roughly $21,000 in due diligence and other fees. Professional fees are extra.
Your three investment options
St Kitts offers three routes. The Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) is a $250,000 non-refundable contribution to the government. The Public Benefit Option (PBO) is also $250,000, but you choose an approved public project to fund. The real estate route starts at $325,000 for approved developer property or condominiums, and the property can be resold after seven years.
The August 2026 pricing change
Under the SISC, the $250,000 contribution covers up to four people with no extra charge for family members. Only the fifth applicant onwards adds to the contribution: $25,000 for each person under 18 and $50,000 for each person 18 or older.
Until August, the PBO worked differently and charged a fee for every family member. From 1 August 2026, the PBO follows the same rules as the SISC. In practice, a couple with two children under 18 who would have paid $285,000 under the old PBO rules now pays $250,000. The real estate route did not change and still charges fees for the investor and every family member.
Full breakdown for a family of four (SISC route)
Example family: main applicant, spouse and two children under 16.
| Cost item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| SISC contribution | $250,000 |
| Due diligence, main applicant | $10,000 |
| Due diligence, spouse | $7,500 |
| Application, bank, certificate and passport fees | ~$3,600 |
| Estimated government total | ~$271,100 |
| Agent, legal and translation fees | Varies by firm |
This matches cost guides built on the CIU's own calculator, which put this family at about $271,260. Some advisors quote $340,000 or more once their own services are included, which is why you should always ask for an itemised quote.
How your children's ages change the bill
Due diligence is charged at $10,000 for the main applicant and $7,500 for every dependant aged 16 or over. Children under 16 are exempt, so the same family of four can pay different amounts depending on birthdays.
| Family of four | Estimated government total |
|---|---|
| Both children under 16 | ~$271,100 |
| One child aged 16 or 17 | ~$278,600 |
| Both children aged 16 or 17 | ~$286,100 |
If a child is about to turn 16, submitting sooner can save $7,500. If you are adding a fifth family member, expect roughly $297,000 for a couple with three children under 18.
Family of four on the real estate route
Real estate costs more for families because government fees apply to everyone: $25,000 for the main investor, $15,000 for a spouse and $10,000 for each child under 18. With a $325,000 property, the same family of four pays about $385,000 in investment and government fees before due diligence, or roughly $406,000 all-in. You do, however, own an asset you can sell after seven years.
How long does it take?
The CIU typically processes applications in four to six months once a complete file is submitted. Including document preparation and passport issuance, most families should plan for six to nine months from start to passport. The interview can usually be done remotely.
St Kitts vs Grenada for a family of four
Both programs now price a family of four under one flat contribution, and the totals are close: about $271,000 for St Kitts and about $263,500 for Grenada on the donation routes. St Kitts has no residency requirement at all, while Grenada now requires 30 days in the country during the first five years but offers E-2 visa eligibility after three years of domicile.
What will citizenship cost your family?
Compare the 2026 cost of Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis citizenship on the donation routes, including due diligence and government fees.
Your family
The main applicant is always included.
Grenada
National Transformation Fund donation
$0
St Kitts and Nevis
Sustainable Island State Contribution
$0
Indicative estimates in USD based on published 2026 program terms, including the St Kitts pricing effective 1 August 2026. Excludes agent, legal, translation and courier fees. Fees can change without notice.
Get an exact, itemised quote for your family.
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Request a free quoteFrequently asked questions
How much does St Kitts citizenship cost for a family of 4?
About $271,000 in government costs on the SISC route if both children are under 16, rising to about $286,000 if both are 16 or 17. Professional fees are extra.
Does St Kitts charge extra for a spouse and children?
Not on the SISC or, since 1 August 2026, the Public Benefit Option. The $250,000 covers up to four people. Due diligence fees still apply to each person aged 16 or over.
What does a fifth family member cost?
$25,000 extra for a dependant under 18 or $50,000 for a dependant aged 18 or over, plus due diligence and processing fees.
Is the SISC contribution refundable?
No. The SISC and PBO are non-refundable contributions. Only the real estate route lets you recover capital by selling after seven years.
Do we need to live in St Kitts?
No. There is no residency requirement before or after citizenship, although biometrics and an interview are part of the process.
About Imperial Citizenship
Imperial Citizenship helps investors and families obtain second citizenship through government-approved citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean and beyond. Led by CEO Zaid Al Hindi, the team works closely with program units, attends official CIU and IMA events, and has hosted industry events in Dubai and Lagos in partnership with Grenada's IMA and the Consulate of Grenada in Dubai.
Disclaimer: Figures are indicative as of September 2026 and can change without notice. Government fees are estimates based on published 2026 program terms and licensed-agent quotes, and exclude agent, legal, translation and courier costs. Confirm current fees with the official government unit or with Imperial Citizenship before applying. This article is not legal or financial advice.