St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Marriage: Process & Eligibility 2025

Why Choose St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Through Marriage?

Being a member of the Commonwealth and the CARICOM community, St. Kitts and Nevis offers several reasons why you should apply for citizenship through marriage. Here are some of the key reasons:

• Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access to 148 Countries: The country has a strong passport, which means that as a citizen, you could benefit from travelling to 157 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival.
• Tax-Friendly Environment: There are no personal income taxes, wealth taxes, inheritance taxes, or capital gains taxes, making the country an attractive option for global entrepreneurs and investors.
• Access to Commonwealth Benefits: Holding a passport, you could benefit from advantages like education opportunities, business networks, and consular assistance in Commonwealth countries.
• Dual Citizenship Allowed: St. Kitts and Nevis permits dual or multiple citizenship. This means that you won’t have to renounce your existing nationality.

While many people choose the citizenship by investment program, it’s worth mentioning that citizenship through marriage is a more cost-effective option for those who have a genuine relationship with a national of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Is Citizenship Through Marriage Legal in St. Kitts and Nevis?

Yes. Under the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Act and the country’s Constitution, foreign nationals who are legally married to a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis are eligible to apply for citizenship if they meet certain requirements. This option does not require investment in real estate or the Sustainable Growth Fund, making it an attractive option for those with personal ties to the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Citizenship Through Marriage

As an applicant, before filling in the application form, you need to understand the eligibility criteria. Here are some important points that you need to meet:

Not Being a National of Restricted Countries

Nationals or residents of certain countries, such as Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea, may be deemed ineligible.

Legal Marriage

As an applicant, you need to be legally married to a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis. The marriage must be recognized under the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis and the jurisdiction where it was performed. Please note that same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in St. Kitts and Nevis. As a result, same-sex couples cannot obtain citizenship through marriage in this country, even if their marriage was legally performed elsewhere.

Duration of Marriage

You and your partner need to be married for at least 3 years before you can apply for citizenship. If you already have children, it may make the process even faster.

Residency Requirements

St. Kitts and Nevis does not require you to stay in their country to get citizenship through marriage. However, as an applicant, you may need to demonstrate ties to the country or a willingness to reside there in the future.

Please remember that the St. Kitts and Nevis spouse must have held citizenship for at least 1 year before the foreign spouse can apply.

Good Character and Clean Record

You must have no criminal record and be of good character. A police certificate from your country of residence and any previous countries lived in is mandatory.

Genuine Relationship

Many people attempt to fake marriages solely to obtain citizenship without a genuine relationship. To prevent such cases, authorities now require strong, comprehensive evidence of a bona fide relationship. This includes documents like joint bank accounts, long-term joint property ownership, shared children, and a detailed history of communication. Moreover, authorities conduct more thorough verification processes, which may involve random home visits and interviews to confirm the authenticity of the relationship.

Required Documents for St. Kitts and Nevis Spousal Citizenship

Here are the most important documents required for citizenship by marriage:

• Valid Passport (for both spouses)
• Marriage Certificate (must be originals or apostilled certified copies.)
• Birth Certificates (for both spouses, must be originals or apostilled certified copies)
• Proof of Citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis Spouse (Passport or National ID)
• Police Clearance Certificate (must be from every country lived in over the past three years)
• Character and professional references, along with a medical examination, are typically required as part of the citizenship application process.
• Medical Certificate (including an HIV test and general health check)
• Proof of Address (utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements)
• Evidence of Genuine Marriage( such as photos together, joint financial accounts, or property ownership
• Completed application forms
• Passport-Sized Photos
• Government Fees
• Additional fees may be required for including a spouse or children as dependents in the application.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Citizenship Through Marriage

Here is a step-by-step guide for acquiring citizenship through marriage in St. Kitts and Nevis:

Consult With Experts

The whole process of getting citizenship may be unclear, especially considering the fact that there are always some ongoing changes in the requirements. To prevent missing out on something, it’s advised to contact a specialized agent, who’ll bring all the updates and make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Verify Eligibility

We have already mentioned the main points that need to be met. Before applying, that you meet the marriage duration and documentation requirements.

Gather All the Required Documents

In our guide, we have also covered what important documents you need to have for the application process. Collect all required documents, ensuring they are up-to-date, notarized, and translated (if needed).

Submit Application to the Ministry of National Security

Applications for citizenship are processed by the Ministry of National Security through the Citizenship by Marriage Unit. Submit the complete package, including forms, supporting documents, and payment receipts.

Wait For the Background Check

After submitting all the necessary documents, authorities conduct a due diligence check, reviewing:

• Criminal history
• Financial background
• Authenticity of marriage

This step plays a crucial role in preventing fraud.

Interview (If Required)

While not all the application processes involve the interview, it may be needed to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.

Decision & Oath of Allegiance

If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship. You will then take an Oath of Allegiance to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Apply for a Passport

After having the Certificate of Citizenship, you can apply for a St. Kitts and Nevis passport.

After all these steps, you’ll have all the rights that other citizens have, including the right to vote, own land, and access public services.

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time generally takes 4–6 months (120–180 days), depending on the complexity of the case and the speed of document verification.

Government Fees:

• Application Fees: The government application fee is typically EC$1,000 (about $370 USD) for marriages after 1983.
• Due Diligence and Background Check: Varies, but generally less than CBI routes
• Passport Fee: Around $150

Legal Considerations and Common Challenges

Here are the main challenges that you may meet while applying for the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship through marriage:

Proof of Genuine Marriage

As we have already mentioned before, there are many fake marriages, which aren’t based on love, but on the willingness to get a citizenship. Applications with insufficient evidence of a legitimate relationship may face rejection.

Previous Marriages

If either spouse has been married before, you need to provide divorce decrees or death certificates for previous partners.

Dual Citizenship Policies

While St. Kitts and Nevis allows dual citizenship, check whether your local home country has any restrictions or requires renunciation.

Change in Marital Status

If the marriage ends before the application is finalized, the process may be terminated unless special circumstances apply.