CBI Index 2021: St Kitts and Nevis crowned as world's number 1 and fastest CBI Programme

Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis has been crowned as the "World's Number 1" CBI by Financial Times' PWM Magazines CBI Index 2021.

2025-08-01 17:35:58

St Kitts and Nevis crowned as world's number 1

Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis has been crowned as the "World's Number 1" CBI by Financial Times' PWM Magazines CBI Index 2021. The achievement of St Kitts and Nevis has created a new history in the CBI Index since its launch in 2017. In the CBI Index 2021, both St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica maintained the top position, leaving behind 12 other countries. Every year, PWM Magazine, a publication of Financial Times, releases a CBI Index that scrutinises all Citizenship by Investment Programmes across the world and gives them scoring on the basis of nine different pillars. The nine pillars that constitute this year's CBI Index are 1. Freedom of Movement 2. Standard of Living 3. Minimum Investment Outlay 4. Mandatory Travel or Residence 5. Citizenship Timeline 6. Ease of Processing 7. Due Diligence 8. Family 9. Certainty of Product. Click here to view CBI-Index-2021 [caption id="attachment_36985" align="aligncenter" width="100%"]

CBI Index 2021[/caption] The CBI Index 2021 report stated that the Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis gives greater global mobility to its recipients. It has been given ten scores in the global mobility pilar. St Kitts and Nevis have a more than 35-year history of leading the field of economic citizenship; it was the first country in the world to introduce the Citizenship by Investment Programme in the 80s. St Kitts and Nevis; CBI Programme has earned multiple awards and a reputation as the 'platinum standard' of CBI. Click here to view CBI-Index-2021 CBI Index report 2021 crowned St Kitts and Nevis as the only fastest Citizenship by Investment Programme in the world, all thanks to its Accelerated Application Processing (AAP), which processes all applications within 60 days, and in some cases, it takes just 45 days. The AAP comes at a cost; however, those who do not wish to pay the premium can take benefit from the standard processing of 90 days. Sustainable Growth Fund The report noted that Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF, or Fund Option) continue to remain the favourite option for investors and people who wish to get citizenship for the entire family. The SGF is also renowned for being the fastest. Minimum Investment Outlay Under the SGF, a single applicant must make a minimum donation of US$150,000. This option is also attractive for families, and, under a limited-time offer set to expire on 31 December 2021, families of up to four persons (excluding siblings) can obtain citizenship under the SGF for the same cost as a single applicant. Due Diligence St Kitts and Nevis have been leading in due diligence ever since; all applicants or sub applicants over the age of 16 are subjected to background checks to ensure that no illicit individual receives citizenship. The due diligence process guarantees the safety of existing and upcoming citizens of the country. The report stated that the Due diligence procedures of St Kitts and Nevis remain among the industry's most robust and are expected to be further strengthened by upcoming processes focusing on fingerprinting and biometrics. The CBI Unit, which processes all CBI applications, normally issues approvals or denials within three months. The Accelerated Application Process, available at a premium fee, allows successful applicants to receive citizenship within 60 days of applying. Currently, St Kitts and Nevis is the only CBI nation to offer a secure, guaranteed fast-track route. Application Requirements There is no interview, language, education or business requirement applicable to any of the options chosen. Travel to the twin islands is not obligatory, and no minimum residence stays apply either prior to or after citizenship is obtained. Advantages The major benefits of citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis include visa-free travel to a growing number of worldwide destinations — the highest of any CBI country in the Caribbean. Citizens are also allowed to hold multiple nationalities. Click here to view CBI-Index-2021

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is a senior journalist specializing in regional and international politics, offering in-depth analysis on governance, diplomacy, and key global developments. With a degree in International Journalism, she is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through factual reporting. She also covers world news across every genre, providing readers with balanced and timely insights that connect the Caribbean to global conversations.