St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment: Your Gateway To Caribbean Residency

St. Lucia is a beautiful Caribbean island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean.

With lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and a vibrant culture, St. Lucia has become a popular tourist destination and second home location for many. It’s no surprise that many overseas investors want to obtain a St. Lucia passport through the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI).

In the following article, we will discuss the key benefits, investment options, and process for obtaining citizenship through the St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program.

Whether you want to obtain St. Lucia citizenship for personal or business reasons, this guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed investment decision.

Benefits Of St Lucia Citizenship By Investment

1. Visa-Free Travel

First of all, St. Lucia citizenship grants visa-free access to over 146 countries, including sought-after destinations like Hong Kong, the Schengen Area, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Thus, obtaining a second passport through the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program will allow you to travel to many countries with ease and without extra costs.

Additionally, St. Lucia does not impose any limitations on the dual nationality of its citizens. This means that you are allowed to maintain your present citizenship so long as the country of origin of your passport permits it.

St. Lucia also has no residency requirements to maintain citizenship. As a result, entrepreneurs can obtain citizenship and enjoy all of the benefits of the passport without having to relocate to St. Lucia.

Additionally, St. Lucia’s close relationship with the U.S. provides citizens with a 10-year visa option, allowing them to spend up to 6 months per year in the United States.

2. Tax Incentives

Citizens of St. Lucia are eligible for a variety of tax incentives.

For example, citizens are only taxed on their pay if it is earned in the country or transferred to St. Lucia. In other words, there is no tax on income obtained outside. Furthermore, St. Lucia does not levy inheritance or capital gains taxes.

Investment Options

When you are considering joining the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program, selecting the right investment option is critical. The program provides a variety of options, each geared to assist you smoothly in your citizenship application process.

To apply for the program, you must satisfy the minimum investments in one of the following investment options:

The National Economic Fund (NEF)

The NEF option will require you to contribute $100,000. This increases to $140,000 if you apply with a spouse. And if you include two more dependents, you will have to pay $150,000.

Furthermore, each additional dependent in a household of four costs $15,000. In addition to these charges, you will be charged a $2,000 processing fee and $1,000 for each dependent.

Government Bonds

Government bond investment is another choice. To qualify, you must allocate a minimum of  $300,000 in these non-interest-bearing bonds. In addition, you have to hold the bonds for at least five years.

Notably, this option bears additional fees such as administrative charges, due diligence fees, and other associated costs.  You will be required to pay a $50,000 administrative fee, a $2,000 processing cost, and $1,000 for each dependent.

Real Estate Project.

The requirement for this option is a minimum investment of $200,000 in upscale properties. Moreover, you are required to maintain your investment for a minimum of five years.

As a lone applicant, you will also be required to pay an administrative cost of $30,000. This amount rises to $45,000 if you apply with a spouse. In addition, you will be charged a $5,000 administrative fee for each dependent under the age of 18 and a $10,000 fee for those above 18.

Application Process

1. Preparing The Application

When you start the process of obtaining St Lucia citizenship by investment, you must be meticulous in preparing your application.

You need to gather all the required documentation such as financial records, proof of identity, and a thorough background check.

St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program demands that you consult with approved agents, as they are the only ones who can submit your application. These expert agents will assist you with the paperwork, ensuring that every box is checked, and they will undertake preliminary due diligence, laying the groundwork for a smooth procedure ahead.

2. Submitting The Application

Before submitting your paperwork, your agent will carefully check your application to verify it meets the Citizenship by Investment Unit’s standards.

If your application is correct, your agent will then submit it to CIU.

3. Approval Of Citizenship

Your application will be evaluated by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

If you are approved, you will be required to make all required payments and remit any relevant government fees.

After this procedure, you shall be required to affix your signature to the oath of allegiance in the presence of a Notary Royal or a Notary Public, an attorney-at-law, a Consular Officer of St Lucia, or an Honorary Consul of St Lucia.

You will ultimately be able to obtain a Certificate of Registration as the final step. You may do so at the Castries headquarters or the embassy of Saint Lucia closest to you.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a new passport that allows you to travel to 146 countries without a visa, consider a St. Lucia passport.

The application process is short and straightforward, and it is well worth it for regular travelers.

Imagine the convenience of not needing to apply for visas or pay additional costs for each nation you visit. A St. Lucia passport allows you to travel without a visa to nations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Apply for your Saint Lucia passport today and enjoy your next overseas journey without worry.