How to obtain citizenship of St. Lucia through investment?

 

Saint Lucia has been providing citizenship to reliable investors since 2014. It is one of the six inexpensive citizenship programmes in the world.

The investor makes a non-refundable aid to a government fund, purchases government bonds or participates in an infrastructure project. The investor can also launch a business in an field of strategic importance to the state’s economy.

The most prevalent choices for investors are a non-refundable influence to a state fund and the purchase of the real estate. Contributions in government bonds and infrastructure – hotels, marinas, resort complexes – are recommendable. They can be paid back in 5-7 years.

Investments in real estate stand out because during the ownership can retain rental income – from 2 to 5% per annum. Saint Lucia passport can be fetched by relatives of the investor. Registration of citizenship takes from 2 to 6 months and is private. The availability of the investor is not mandatory before or after getting the passport.

The current minimum investments for donation to the fund are set at $100,000 for a single applicant, $165,000 for a couple and $190,000 for a family of four. For real estate the minimum is set at $300,000 for the main applicant. In May 2020 a provisional bond offering was kicked off offering an option starting at $300,000 for a single applicant with payback of capital in five years. Government, Professional and Due Diligence fees apply in all scenarios.

There is no compulsion to live in Saint Lucia. Applications can be submitted remotely as there is no requirement to tour the island. Processing time is approximately 3 months. Dependent children can be adjusted in the application. Holders of a St. Lucia passport have visa free access to 157 countries.

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

·         Donation- Submit a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) of a minimum USD $100,000 (USD $165,000 for primary applicant and spouse, USD $190,000 for primary applicant, spouse and up to two other eligible dependents and USD $25,000 each for any extra qualifying dependent of any age; or

·         Investment- Invest in a sanctioned real estate development with a minimum worth of USD $300,000, which must be retained for a minimum period of five years or make an investment in an approved Enterprise Project (as set out in the regulations) with a minimum investment of USD $3.5 million plus the creation of no less than three permanent jobs, or a joint investment of USD $6 million (each applicant contributing a minimum of USD $1 million) plus the development of no less than six permanent jobs.

Benefits of obtaining citizenship through Immigrant Investors Program in St. Lucia

·         Antiguan citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 140 countries, including the European Schengen Area, the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore.

·         Minimal presence needed.

·         Citizens enjoy privileges linked with citizenship of a Caricom country.

·         St. Lucia accepts dual citizenship.

·         A right of ancestry for upcoming generations.