St. Lucia Passport: A Guide to Citizenship by Investment

Are you exploring the idea of obtaining a St. Lucia passport? Key benefits such as visa-free access to over 140 countries, attractive fiscal incentives, and a smooth citizenship by investment process make it a sought-after commodity. This article guides you through the essential information about the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program — from eligibility requirements to investment options and application procedures — providing clear, actionable insights for you or your family’s journey to global citizenship.

Key Takeaways

• The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers a flexible and efficient path for obtaining legal second citizenship without residency requirements, with lower investment thresholds compared to similar programs in other countries.
• A St. Lucia passport grants visa-free access to 148 countries, significant tax exemptions on overseas income, and includes family members in the citizenship application, providing benefits for multiple generations with no restrictions on dual nationality.
• Investors can choose from four investment options for St. Lucia citizenship: a contribution to the National Economic Fund, government bonds, real estate, and business investment, each with specific requirements and benefits, all ensuring straightforward application and a processing time under six months.

Acquiring a St. Lucia Passport: The Citizenship by Investment Program

Since its inception, the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program has become a game-changer, serving as a golden passport to global mobility. Officially created under the Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015, the program is designed to attract foreign investors willing to make a substantial economic contribution to St. Lucia’s national development agenda.

What makes St. Lucia even more attractive is its lower minimum investment thresholds compared to other countries that offer similar citizenship by investment programs.

Program Overview

The program is a win-win proposition. As it draws foreign investors to boost St. Lucia’s economic growth, it offers individuals and families a streamlined path to obtaining legal second citizenship, including saint lucia citizenship. The cherry on top? No requirement to reside in St. Lucia to maintain your citizenship, a massive advantage for globe-trotters who love the thrill of unfettered travel. With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and cooperation with external stakeholders, the integrity of the application process is safeguarded.

In essence, the program acts as a beacon of hope, spearheading St. Lucia’s national development initiatives.

Launch and Progress

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, officially launched in December 2015, has made considerable progress. It came into being with a clear timeline, following the passage of the Citizenship by Investment Act on August 24, 2015. The program has been a shining model of transparency, with a commitment to providing annual audited reports since its inception.

The overarching aim is to back national development via the National Economic Fund.

Advantages of Obtaining a St. Lucia Passport

Picture possessing a passport granting visa-free access to 148 countries. That’s the power of a Saint Lucia passport, enhancing your global mobility like never before. What’s more, there are no residency requirements to maintain St. Lucia citizenship obtained through the investment program. This allow to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen in the country, including access to global passports.

But the benefits do not stop at travel. Moreover, a St. Lucia passport comes with tax exemptions that could potentially save you a substantial amount on overseas income. If you are planning to register a company, St. Lucia offers easier access to international banks, opportunities to engage in foreign currency deals, and potential tax reductions.

All of this while enjoying family inclusion in citizenship applications, and no restrictions on dual nationality or property ownership.

Visa-Free Travel Perks

Undeniably, visa applications can prove tedious. The good news? With a St. Lucia passport, you can wave goodbye to visa worries. Enjoy the freedom of visa-free travel to 148 visa free countries globally. This includes key destinations like the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and major Asian financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

And if you fancy a sojourn in the UK, you can stay for up to six months without requiring a visa, thanks to St. Lucia’s membership of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Business and Tax Incentives

Beyond being a mere travel document, a St. Lucia passport offers an array of fiscal benefits for saint lucian passport holders, including:

• No taxation on capital, wealth, and inheritance: Saint Lucian passport holders enjoy the advantage of not being subject to taxes on their capital gains, accumulated wealth, or inheritance. This favorable tax treatment creates a conducive environment for wealth accumulation and preservation.
• Potential exemption from personal income tax on foreign incomes, offering a significant advantage for global entrepreneurs: Global entrepreneurs with a St. Lucia passport may qualify for exemption from personal income tax on earnings generated from foreign sources. This exemption can significantly enhance their financial flexibility and competitiveness in the international business arena.
• Potential worldwide income and inheritance tax reliefs: Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program extends the benefits of potential relief from worldwide income and inheritance taxes to its passport holders. This program provides an avenue for individuals to optimize their tax planning strategies and mitigate tax liabilities on a global scale.

Moreover, legal entities in St. Lucia enjoy the following benefits:

• Tax-free status on capital gains or dividends
• 30% corporate tax rate
• No obligation to reside in St. Lucia, meaning you can maintain tax residency elsewhere.

Family Inclusion

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program goes beyond catering to individuals; it also focuses on families. The program allows for the inclusion of the main applicant’s:

• spouse
• parents
• grandparents
• dependent children
• siblings

To be included in the application, family members must have a clear criminal record, and dependent parents and grandparents above the age of 55, as well as dependent siblings, must be fully supported by the primary applicant. This secures protections and benefits for multiple generations within a family.

For the inclusion of dependent children, there is a non-refundable administration fee of $25,000 for those aged 0-18 and $35,000 for dependents over the age of 18.

Exploring St. Lucia as a Destination

Having highlighted the advantages of a St. Lucia passport, it’s worth pausing to admire the stunning beauty of the island itself. St. Lucia is renowned for its economic stability and the warmth of its people, making it an inviting environment for potential investors and residents alike.

This island nation boasts:

• Desirable weather: Bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun as St. Lucia enjoys a tropical climate year-round. With temperatures averaging between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), every day presents an opportunity to embrace the outdoors and indulge in the island’s natural beauty.
• Clean water and Immaculate beaches: Crystal-clear waters surround St. Lucia, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in aquatic adventures. Whether it’s swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the shore, the pristine waters of St. Lucia offer endless possibilities for enjoyment.
• Iconic Pitons: The towering Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as iconic symbols of St. Lucia’s majestic landscape. These twin peaks, rising dramatically from the sea, provide breathtaking vistas and opportunities for hiking and exploration.
• Lush rainforests: Explore the verdant rainforests of St. Lucia, teeming with biodiversity and natural wonders. Trek through lush trails, encounter exotic flora and fauna, and discover hidden waterfalls tucked away in the heart of the island’s greenery.

Ensuring a high quality of life for those residing in or visiting St. Lucia.

St. Lucia is truly an idyllic destination for citizenship by investment participants.

Island Beauty and Lifestyle

Saint Lucia is indeed a paradise on earth, with the Piton Mountains, drive-in volcano, waterfalls, and lush rainforests covering over 70% of its land. The saint lucian island offers a wealth of outdoor activities including hiking trails, bird watching, and diverse scuba diving and snorkeling experiences.

You can soak in the local culture through events such as the Gros Islet Street Party, Anse La Raye Fish Fry, and horse riding tours on scenic beach trails. The bustling Castries Market is a testament to the island’s artisanal spirit, known for fresh produce, local spices, handcrafted pottery, and locally made chocolate.

Safety and Stability

St. Lucia is not just beautiful; it’s safe too. The country is characterized by:

• a low crime rate
• an absence of notable conflict threats
• a strong rule of law
• low levels of corruption
• a historically stable political system

These factors create a secure environment for citizens and investors.

Additionally, the country poses no significant risk of terrorism, severe industrial unrest, or significant cyberattacks, further contributing to its global image of safety. And when it comes to natural disasters, St. Lucia is relatively safe, being situated in a mildly active seismic zone and positioned south in the Caribbean hurricane belt.

Investment Paths to St. Lucia Citizenship

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers four main investment routes options:

• Contribution to the National Economic Fund
• Real estate investment
• Investment in government bonds
• Business investment

A closer examination of each of these options will assist you in choosing the most suitable path.

National Economic Fund Contribution

Contributing to the National Economic Fund presents a clear-cut route to St. Lucia citizenship. It requires a non-refundable contribution, which starts at USD 100,000 for a single applicant and increases for additional applicants. For a family of four, the contribution is set at USD 150,000, with an additional fee for each extra dependent.

For newborns added to a St. Lucia citizenship application in the future, there’s an additional non-refundable processing fee of USD 5,000.

Government Bonds

The Government Bonds investment path requires a minimum investment of $250,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds. Investors are also subject to an administrative fee, in addition to the due diligence fees.

The invested government bonds must be held for a minimum period of five years, after which they will be returned in full to the investor.

Real Estate Investment

If owning a piece of paradise sounds appealing, the Real Estate Investment option is for you. It requires a minimum investment of over $200,000 in approved real estate, which needs to be maintained for a minimum period of five years after acquiring St. Lucian citizenship.

Business Investment

Finally, if you’re an entrepreneur at heart, the Business Investment option might be the perfect fit. A single applicant is required to make an investment of $3.5 million towards an approved enterprise project, creating at least three permanent jobs. This $3.5 million investment represents the minimum value for a single applicant. For joint business investments, the total investment amount increases to $6 million, with each participant contributing no less than $1 million, collectively resulting in the creation of at least six permanent jobs.

Application Process and Timeline

Though the application process for St. Lucia’s citizenship by investment program may seem intimidating, it need not be. The program is structured to be efficient, aiming to complete the entire process in under 9 months. In general, applicants can expect a processing time ranging from 3 to 9 months after submission.

The application process entails collaboration with a qualified firm, accurate preparation of documents, and necessary decision-making and signing. To ensure the application progresses smoothly and expeditiously, it is crucial to work with a trusted specialist, such as Imperial Citizenship.

Imperial Citizenship: Partnering with a Trusted Expert

Engaging a trusted expert can greatly simplify your journey to acquiring citizenship. Experts of Imperial Citizenship provide a range of services including:

• Assessment of investment options
• Facilitation of the application process
• Guidance on regulatory compliance
• Personalized consulting

Our role is to transform the citizenship application process into a straightforward procedure, reducing the complexity and potential for errors.

All this comprehensive support aims to streamline and simplify the St. Lucia citizenship by investment application process for you.

Document Collection and Review

Preparing documentation is a key step in the application process. You’ll need to gather a range of documents including:

• Application forms
• Birth certificates
• Proof of name change if applicable
• Military records
• Passport-sized photos
• Identity cards
• Residential address proof
• Marriage or divorce certificates
• Educational certificates
• Police clearance from birth country and any country of residence over the past ten years
• Bank reference letters
• Medical declarations
• Dependent student transcripts
• Custody records
• Statutory declarations from non-accompanying parents for minors

All documents must be in English or be accompanied by certified English translations.

Due Diligence and Approval

All primary applicants and qualifying dependents must undergo a due diligence review by the government in St. Lucia, ensuring they have a clean personal background and no criminal record. This process involves:

• Due diligence fees for the main applicant and for dependents over 16 years old
• Non-refundable processing fees for the main applicant and for each dependent over 16
• Additional costs for land transfer and legal expenses

Upon receiving approval in principle and completing the investment, applicants are notified to pay the required government administration fees before citizenship is granted.

Post-Approval Steps and Passport Issuance

Upon receiving approval for St. Lucia citizenship, the main applicant has a 90-day window to complete their investment. The good news? Upon citizenship approval, the future spouse of the main applicant can also obtain citizenship, with an increased investment and due diligence fee requirement. And let’s not forget about the little ones – newborn children of successful main applicants can be granted citizenship without an additional investment.

Completing the Investment

The clock starts ticking once you receive the approval notification. The main applicant has a period of 90 days to complete the investment. Within these 90 calendar days, the required funds for the chosen investment must be remitted to fulfill the citizenship by investment requirements.

Oath of Allegiance and Birth Certificates

After approval, a successful applicant is required to sign the oath or affirmation of allegiance.

This oath of allegiance must be signed and submitted in both electronic and printed form by an authorized agent on behalf of the applicant.

Receiving Your St. Lucia Passport

Once all requirements, including the investment, are met, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Lucia grants a Certificate of Naturalization to the investor and their eligible dependents. Once the Certificate of Naturalization is granted, a St. Lucia passport can typically be issued within 7 days.

Applying for the Saint Lucian passport requires a certified copy of the Certificate of Naturalization, a completed passport application form, and other necessary documents such as passport photos.

Summary

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program presents a golden opportunity for those seeking to expand their global outreach. The program is transparent, straightforward, and offers a quick path to second citizenship. With a relatively low investment threshold, it provides an accessible route to the many benefits of a St. Lucia passport, including visa-free travel to 148 countries, tax exemptions, and the inclusion of family members in the citizenship application.

St. Lucia itself is an enchanting destination, boasting natural beauty, safety, and stability. Whether you’re attracted by the visa-free travel, the fiscal benefits, or the chance to call this island paradise home, the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers a unique opportunity.

In conclusion, the St. Lucia passport is more than just a travel document; it’s a key to a world of opportunities. Whether you choose to contribute to the National Economic Fund, invest in approved real estate, purchase government bonds, or venture into business investment, St. Lucia citizenship can unlock a world of advantages for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to USA with St. Lucia passport?

No, as a citizen of Saint Lucia, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Contact the US embassy or consulate for guidance on the application process.

How powerful is Saint Lucia passport?

The Saint Lucian passport ranks 32nd on the Global Passport Power Rank, providing visa-free access to 148 countries, making it a desirable passport for travel.

What are the investment options for obtaining St. Lucia citizenship?

You can obtain St. Lucia citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund, investing in approved real estate, purchasing non-interest-bearing government bonds, or investing in a business.