Saint Kitts Removes Education Requirement and Extends Dependent Age to 30

Saint Kitts & Nevis has announced amendments to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, expanding eligibility for dependent children and removing the mandatory education requirement for adult dependents.

Key Changes

• Age limit extended: Dependent children will now be eligible up to age 30 (previously 25), provided the application is submitted before the dependent’s 30th birthday.

• Education requirement removed: Adult dependents aged 18–30 will no longer need to be enrolled in full-time education. Instead, they must demonstrate substantial financial dependence on the main applicant through supporting documents such as bank statements, proof of financial support, or sworn affidavits.

Alignment and Competitiveness

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) described the reforms as necessary to enhance competitiveness and align with regional standards.

The updated regulation will define eligible dependents as “a child aged 18–30 who is unmarried and substantially supported by the main applicant.”

Other dependent provisions remain unchanged, including eligibility for:

• Children under 18
• Physically or mentally challenged adult children
• Parents aged 55 or older

Timing and Implementation

The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) in September 2025.

The CIU is currently processing the regulatory amendment and has advised agents to prepare client files. The changes are expected to take effect within weeks.