Saint Lucia's Citizenship by Investment Program was established in December 2015, following the enactment of Act No. 14 of 2015, known as the Citizenship by Investment Act, which was passed on August 24, 2015. This program allows foreign nationals who make significant economic contributions to the nation to obtain Saint Lucian citizenship. These contributions can take the form of a donation to the National Development Fund, an investment in approved real estate, government bonds, or a qualified business venture.
The minimum investment required is $240,000. Applicants have five options: contributing to a state fund, purchasing government bonds, investing in real estate, or engaging in business investments, including infrastructure initiatives.
Under this investment program, the investor's spouse, children, parents, and siblings can also acquire citizenship.
Benefits of St. Lucia Investment Visa
The following are the advantages of St. Lucia Investment Visa:-
- Establishing a secure haven in St. Lucia :- You and your family members have the opportunity to relocate to St. Lucia at any time, which proves advantageous in the event of perilous situations arising in their home country.
- Enhanced global travel opportunities :- Citizens of St. Lucia enjoy the privilege of traveling worldwide with reduced visa requirements, facilitating the exploration of new destinations.
- Long visitor visas to the United States :- St. Lucia citizens are eligible for a 10-year B-1/B-2 visitor visa for the United States, permitting stays of up to six months annually.
- Establishment of an international business entity :- You can establish a company in St. Lucia, simplifying the process of opening bank accounts for international business and easing transactions with global partners in various currencies.
- Tax advantages :- Saint Lucia does not impose taxes on global income, dividends, inheritance, capital gains, or salaries. Employee social security contributions are set at 5% of their earnings.
- Streamlined and secure application process :- Acquiring St. Lucia citizenship through investment can be completed in a matter of months. You are not required to visit the country or undergo interviews or examinations. The investment is made after the approval of the application.
- Affordable investment threshold :- The minimum investment required to participate in the St. Lucia citizenship-by-investment program is $240,000, which is comparatively lower than the amounts required by most other countries offering similar initiatives.
- Family-inclusive citizenship :- The spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18 of investors are also eligible to apply for citizenship.
- No residency obligations :- Investors and your family members are not mandated to reside in St. Lucia to maintain their citizenship status.
Investment Options
Contribution to the National Economic
Fund
- Individuals with significant financial
resources have the opportunity to contribute to the National Economic Fund
(NEF) through designated contribution tiers.
- US$240,000: For a single applicant.
- US$240,000: For the main applicant applying
with up to three qualifying dependents.
US$10,000: For each additional qualifying dependent under the age of
18.
- US$20,000: For each additional qualifying dependent aged 18 or older.
Real Estate Investment
You have the option to acquire property with a minimum value of US$300,000 in a designated real estate development area that has received prior approval.
Investment in National Action Bonds
Upon receiving approval, you and your family members may choose to invest US$300,000 in Saint Lucia National Action Bonds.
Requirements for St. Lucia Investment Visa
The requirements for St. Lucia Investment Visa are as follows:-
- Your age must be at least 18 years of
age.
- You are required to demonstrate sufficient
financial resources to fulfill the necessary investment and to provide evidence
of the legal origin of these funds.
- You and any dependents must not have any
contagious diseases or significant health issues.
- Make sure to have a clean criminal record.
- You must not be under any criminal
investigation.
- You must not be deemed a potential threat to
national security.
- Make sure you are not engaged in any
activities that could bring disrepute to Saint Lucia.
- You must not have previously been denied a visa to any country that allows visa-free entry to Saint Lucia.
Documents for St. Lucia Investment Visa
Documents Required for the St. Lucia Investment Visa include;
- Proof of payment for nonrefundable processing
and due diligence fees
- Passport copy
- Six passport-sized photographs
- Photograph and signature certificate
- Proof of residential address
- Certified copy of identification card
- Original police clearance certificate
- Medical certificate
- Real estate sales and purchase agreement.
How to obtain the St. Lucia Investment Visa
Acquiring a St. Lucia Investment Visa involves a systematic yet uncomplicated procedure.
To begin, you must be a minimum of 18 years old and possess the capacity to make a substantial investment in the country. You will need to select your preferred investment option, which may include real estate, a business initiative, or a one-time contribution to the National Economic Fund. Subsequently, compile all necessary documentation, including identification, proof of financial resources, and a clean criminal record. These documents should be submitted alongside your application, which will then undergo a vetting process.
Upon receiving approval, you can proceed with your investment, allowing you and your family to proudly obtain a Saint Lucia passport.
Conclusion
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals seeking to expand their overseas presence while simultaneously making a significant contribution to this Caribbean treasure.
The process involves financial investment and
necessary documentation and is generally uncomplicated but requires meticulous
attention to detail. Whatever your interest is, you can connect with the
Go-Global Immigration Services and start the application process of St. Lucia
Investment Visa.