After spending over £360,000 to obtain a St Kitts ‘golden passport,’ I haven’t looked back. As a freelance management consultant working remotely, the COVID-19 pandemic made me reconsider where I wanted to live long-term. A brief trip to St Kitts when I was 16 left a lasting impression — the island’s natural beauty, volcanic hills, mountains, and stunning beaches stood out.
When I began exploring options, I realized I wanted to build a life here. Opening a business and potentially raising children who could attend school locally made citizenship an obvious choice. I chose St Kitts’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which requires a minimum $325,000 investment in approved property. My application was approved in November 2023, and I moved to the island in January 2024, having returned to the UK only once since.
During my property search, I brought my parents along so they could spend winters here too. We visited less affluent areas where the government reinvests CBI funds to improve local communities. Knowing my investment supports the island’s development was reassuring.
I sold my house in Bath and bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo overlooking the beach for $480,000 (£361,000), paying an additional $50,000 (£37,000) in legal and government fees. Thanks to my citizenship, I avoided a 10% Alien Landholder Licence tax by committing to a seven-year property ownership.
Coming from a family with a construction background, I used the proceeds from my previous home sale to fund the purchase. My council tax in the UK had been nearly £4,000 a year, whereas here it’s just about $200 (£150). While property insurance is necessary—covering hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes—services like reliable electricity and high-speed internet are excellent. Water supply occasionally shuts off during peak tourist seasons when demand doubles, but the government manages this carefully.
Initially, grocery shopping seemed costly due to import tariffs on UK goods like tea and canned soup. However, buying local fruit, vegetables, and fresh fish has become affordable, with monthly food expenses around $150-$200. I cook most meals but enjoy dining at local eateries that use locally sourced ingredients.
What I love most about St Kitts is its tight-knit community of around 40,000 people. Once welcomed, you frequently run into familiar faces. Casual chats at the supermarket or coffee shops are common, creating the close community feel I sought.
The CBI program appealed to me over mere residency because citizenship signals commitment. When people hear I have citizenship, they understand I’m here to integrate and contribute, not just visit occasionally or treat the island as a tax haven.
I actively participate in local events like fetes and carnival, though I haven’t yet dared to wear a full carnival costume. The island’s carnival is a grand celebration rooted in history, mocking colonial masquerade balls, a tradition I deeply respect.
The island radiates positivity. Local media regularly highlights new hospitals, tourism initiatives, and agricultural support. It’s inspiring to witness St Kitts’ growth and development.
While I haven’t traveled much since relocating, having a Caribbean passport makes hopping between neighboring islands easy—I’ve visited Antigua and St Lucia and plan to explore St Martin soon.
Upcoming EU travel restrictions on CBI passport holders don’t worry me, as I retain my UK passport. Moreover, St Kitts’ extensive background checks—covering police records, health screenings, and financial audits—ensure the program’s integrity. These safeguards also protect the island’s residents from any negative repercussions of passport sales.
Some criticize CBI holders who use passports only for travel, but the program provides vital investment and steady government revenue for St Kitts. It’s unfair to restrict citizens born and raised here because of it.
People warned me I’d get bored on a small island, but I haven’t. The laid-back “island time” lifestyle helps me unwind. Whether snorkeling alone on quiet beaches or enjoying slow dinners, I have no regrets about making St Kitts my home.
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