─── ST. LUCIA ───
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
I ST. LUCIA CITIZENSHIP LAW
St. Lucia citizenship law is regulated by the Saint Lucia Constitution Order of 1978, as amended; the Citizenship of St. Lucia Act of 1979, and its revisions; and various British Nationality laws. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of St. Lucia. St. Lucian nationality is typically obtained either on the principle of jus soli, i.e. by birth in St.
Lucia; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Saint Lucian nationality. It can be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalization. There is also, currently a program in St. Lucia for persons to acquire nationality through investment in the country.
ST. LUCIA VISA FREE
COUNTRIES
Saint Lucia offers visa-free access to 146 countries, including Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
146
╸VIEW LIST
AMERICAS
- Argentina
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia *
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Suriname
Venezuela
.
EUROPE
- Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vatican City
.
ASIA
- Bangladesh
Cambodia *
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Indonesia
Laos *
Macao (SAR China)
Malaysia
Maldives *
Nepal *
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka **
Timor-Leste *
Uzbekistan
.
AFRICA
- Botswana
Cape Verde Islands *
Comores Islands *
Egypt *
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Gambia
Guinea-Bissau *
Kenya
Lesotho
Madagascar *
Malawi
Mauritania *
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mozambique *
Rwanda *
Senegal
Seychelles *
Sierra Leone *
Somalia *
St. Helena *
Tanzania
Togo *
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
.
OCEANIA
- Cook Islands
Fiji
French Polynesia
Kiribati
Micronesia
New Caledonia
Niue
Palau Islands *
Samoa *
Solomon Islands *
Tuvalu *
Vanuatu
.
MIDDLE EAST
- Armenia *
Iran *
Israel
Jordan *
Palestinian Territory
.
CARIBBEAN
- Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
French West Indies
Haiti
Jamaica
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
.
E-VISA
- Australia (e600 visa)
Bahrain
Gabon
Georgia
India
Turkey
I OTHER COSTS
In addition to the mandatory investment, there are additional expenses associated with the St. Lucian citizenship program, such as professional fees, document certifications, couriercharges, and other minor disbursements. For a comprehensive breakdown of all costs tailored to your specific situation, please contact us, and we will provide you with a detailed quotation.
I INVESTMENT SECURITY:
The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program has attracted attention from affluent investors globally. The security of investment funds is guaranteed, with payment being due only upon the government’s approval of the citizenship application. Our firm has a trach record of successfully guiding numerous families through the application process, granting them access to this highly sought-after citizenship.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Initial Consultation and Documentation Gathering
- Applicant contacts I VISA SERVICES for initial consultation.
- I VISA SERVICES assesses eligibility, provides detailed information about the process, and outlines required documentation.
- Applicant gathers necessary documents such as birth certificates, passports, financial records, and police clearance certificates.
Pre-Submission Preparation
- I VISA SERVICES reviews documents for completeness and accuracy, advises on any missing items, and assists in obtaining apostilles or legalizations where necessary.
Application Submission
- I VISA SERVICES submits the application to the St. Lucian Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) on behalf of the applicant.
Application Processing
- CIU reviews the application, conducts due diligence checks, and requests additional information if needed.
Approval and Citizenship
- If the application is approved, I VISA SERVICES assists the applicant in fulfilling any outstanding requirements such as investment payments or interviews.
- Upon completion of all requirements, the applicant receives their St. Lucian citizenship and passport.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIRMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
╸ PHOTO AND SIGNATURE DOCUMENTS
- Photograph and Signature Certificate SL6.
╸ ADDITIONAL FORMS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ONLY FROM THE MAIN APPLICANT
Financial and Professional References:
- Provide a bank reference letter from a globally recognised bank that is not more than six months old.
- You need to submit a recent reference letter from a qualified professional, like an attorney, notary public, or chartered accountant, which should not be older than six months.
- Provide one original employment letter.
Marriage and Divorce Documents:
╸ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
- Eight (8) Original passport-size photos.
- Proof of residential address (i.e., original utility bill/copy of bank statement).
- Certified copy of university/college diplomas.
- Original Medical Certification Form SL8.
- Certified copy of the Medical Examiner’s Professional Certificate or License.
- Oath of Allegiance Form.
╸ MILITARY, POLICE, AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS
- Each male applicant who is 18 years old or older should provide certified copies of all military service and discharge documents, if applicable.
- Each applicant who is 16 years old or older should provide an original police record from their country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country where they have lived for at least one year in the past ten years.
╸ DENTITY AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
- Certified copy of the full birth certificate with MOFA attestation, including parents’ details (i.e., a household register, family book, or similar document).
- Certified copy of National ID.
- Certified copy of all passports you have held, including full pages.
FAQ
╸ Is St Lucia citizenship worth it?
Investing in the Citizenship by Investment Program of Saint Lucia can provide benefits such as increased mobility, security, and financial gains. Among the options are real estate, government bonds, and business enterprises, and citizenship allows for visa-free travel to nearly 146 countries. However, whether St. Lucia citizenship is worthwhile depends on individual circumstances and tastes. Therefore, it is best to get professional counsel before making a decision.
╸ What are the tax implications of obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship through investment?
Obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship through investment has several tax implications. There are no capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, or wealth taxes on international income or assets for residents and citizens of Saint Lucia. However, there is a stamp tax on the transfer of assets, ranging from 2% to 10%, depending on the asset type and the seller’s residency status. It is also important to note that some local considerations may apply. Additionally, Saint Lucia practices residence-based taxation, which means that if you live full-time on the island, you may be taxed on your worldwide income.
╸ How long does it take to get citizenship in St Lucia?
In St. Lucia, approval for citizenship by investment typically takes 60 to 90 days. It shouldn’t take more than four months to complete the process from application to citizenship. Applications for citizenship in St. Lucia typically take 3–4 months to process.
╸ Can the investment be made through a loan, or does it have to be a cash investment to obtain citizenship in Saint Lucia?
Saint Lucia offers citizenship by investment through four options: donating $100,000 to the government National Economic Fund, purchasing real estate from $200,000, buying at least $300,000 in government bonds, or investing at least $1 million in local enterprise. Therefore, obtaining citizenship through a loan or investment in bonds, in addition to cash investment, is possible. Investors can return the money in 5 years by redeeming bonds or selling real estate.
╸ Are there any language or education requirements for obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment?
There are no language or education requirements for obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. The main applicant must be 18 years or older and prove that they have enough funds to make the required investment, as well as demonstrate the legal source of the funds.
╸ What are the restrictions on dual citizenship for Saint Lucia citizens by investment?
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship for obtaining citizenship by investment in Saint Lucia. Applicants don’t need to renounce their nationality, as dual citizenship is recognised in Saint Lucia, which can help business expansion and tax reduction.
╸ Can spouses and children also obtain citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment?
Yes, a spouse and children can obtain citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. The citizenship by investment program in Saint Lucia allows applicants to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, parents aged 55 and over, and to add dependents after being granted citizenship. The program offers various investment options, including real estate investment, donation, and government bond investment.
╸ Are there any risks associated with obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment?
There are some risks associated with obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. One option is to invest $300,000 in 5-year Saint Lucia government bonds to obtain citizenship, but there is a risk that the bonds may not perform well.
╸ How can I become a citizen of St Lucia?
Applicants seeking Saint Lucia citizenship by investment must make a significant economic contribution to the country. Citizenship can be obtained by making a minimum $100,000 payment to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund, investing at least $200,000 in real estate for 5 years, or investing in a government bond. Financing for real estate investing can be acquired. Obtaining citizenship entails applying, going through due diligence checks, and receiving approval from the government. The specific requirements and fees may differ depending on the investment choice chosen and the applicant’s particular circumstances.
╸ Can the investment made for obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia be withdrawn anytime?
No, the investment made to get citizenship in Saint Lucia cannot be revoked at any time. The investment must be kept for a set period as defined by the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Board. However, investors can benefit from potential returns on their investment, and the Citizenship by Investment Program offers a variety of investment options to meet individual preferences and financial goals.
╸ What is the success rate of obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment?
If candidates meet the qualifying conditions and submit the appropriate papers correctly, the success rate of getting citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment is normally high. The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is well-regulated and transparent, which increases the success rate for gaining citizenship by investment. Individual situations may differ; thus, getting expert counsel and guidance before applying for citizenship through investment in Saint Lucia is best.
╸ How long is a Saint Lucia passport valid?
The Saint Lucia International Travel Information page specifies that a Saint Lucia passport has a validity period of 5 years. While citizens must renew their passports every 5-10 years, adding to the variance in passport expiration timelines. It’s important to note that for travel, passport validity must extend at least six months beyond the duration of the trip.