The world of investment opportunities is vast and wide, including investing internationally to obtain a second passport. The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2015. It’s a strategic opportunity for investors, with a myriad of benefits. From visa-free travel to more than 140 countries to residency-free dual citizenship, generational citizenship, potential tax advantages, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into:
- The concept of dual citizenship and its benefits.
- How the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program works in detail.
- The unique advantages of becoming a citizen of Saint Lucia.
- Why you might want to live in this stunning country full or part-time.
- How to open the door to a world of possibilities.
St. Lucia Overview
Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, St. Lucia is a small, tropical island nation known for its breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming energy. The island boasts a landscape of lush mountains, picturesque beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Its rich history is influenced by African, French, and British cultures—and is evident in the local traditions, architecture, and cuisine.
St. Lucia Fun Facts:
- English is the national language and French Creole is widely spoken.
- As of 2023, the population is around 180,000.
- The nation is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
- The political landscape is democratic and stable.
- The economy is progressive and growing, primarily driven by tourism, offshore banking, and agriculture.
- The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. The US dollar is also widely accepted.
- The infrastructure is robust, including modern roads and reliable telecommunications.
- You can access quality healthcare and education.
- The country is Level 1 safe, meaning that safety risks are minimal.
- Locals are friendly and welcoming.
A Second Passport: Your Gateway to Global Mobility
Global mobility is of increasing importance to savvy citizens of the world. Obtaining a second passport through the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program provides you with:
- An exciting way to diversify your investment portfolio.
- A second passport without moving to a new country.
- Visa-free and unlimited travel to St. Lucia.
- Visa-free travel to an extended list of countries.
- A safeguard against volatile political and economic climates.
Saint Lucia: The Perfect Second Home or Vacation Destination
Saint Lucia is the gem of the eastern Caribbean. The country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and charming tranquility that makes it an ideal vacation destination or second home.
Enjoy an easy transition to Saint Lucian lifestyle, which is a blend of Caribbean charm and Western flair. The strategic location ensures easy access to North and South America, making it convenient for travel to and from the United States.
The relaxed quality of life is both enviable and attainable. The island is known for its friendly locals, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The natural beauty coupled with its warm tropical climate, makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Property ownership is straightforward and secure, with a clear legal framework for property rights. The country offers a wide range of real estate options to cater to varied preferences, from luxury beachfront villas to charming hillside cottages.
But there’s no need to move to St. Lucia full or part-time to obtain citizenship!
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program: A Comprehensive Overview
This exciting investment program offers a pathway to dual citizenship through economic contributions to this island nation. Your contribution or investment promotes the ongoing development of this growing nation.
Investment Options
There are 4 prime routes of investment under this program:
- National Economic Fund (NEF): a non-refundable donation to this fund supports ongoing national development projects. The minimum investment is $100,000 for a single applicant and increases proportionately for your spouse, children, and qualified dependents.
- Real Estate Investment: investing in government-approved real estate projects with a minimum value of $300,000. This includes luxury resorts, hotels, and villas. The property must be held for at least 5 years.
- Enterprise Project Investment: a minimum investment of $3.5 million in a government-approved enterprise project that creates sustainable employment opportunities for locals, with the investment increasing with the number of proposed jobs.
- Government Bonds: purchase of non-interest-bearing government bonds, held for a minimum of 5 years. The minimum investment for a single applicant is $500,000.
The prices above don’t include Government Fees, Due Diligence Fees, or Passport Fees.
Benefits of the Program
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program comes with an array of enticing benefits:
- Rapid Processing: most citizenship applications are processed within 3 to 4 months of submission. No minimum presence or residency is required.
- Global Mobility: a Saint Lucia passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 countries, including the EU Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.
- Tax Advantages: Saint Lucia does not impose taxes on global income, wealth, gifts, inheritance, or capital gains for non-residents. Income generated in St. Lucia is taxed between 10% and 30%.
- Family Inclusivity: the program allows fee-based inclusion of existing family members including your spouse, children under the age of 31, siblings under the age of 18, and in some cases, parents over the age of 55.
- Generational Citizenship: the program offers citizenship to your future children.
- Freedom to Retain Multiple Citizenships: the nation recognizes dual citizenship, so you won’t need to relinquish your current citizenship.
- Lifestyle Benefits: if you live full or part-time in the country, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare and education systems, a safe and secure environment, and a vibrant culture and community.
Citizenship Process
- Initial due diligence checks to assess the likelihood of citizenship approval.
- Complete and submit your application and non-refundable Due Diligence Fees.
- The St. Lucian Citizen by Investment Unit (CIU) will perform their internal due diligence.
- Upon approval, investment fees, passport fees, and additional government fees are assessed.
- After you take your oath of affirmation and allegiance, your passports are issued and you can begin using your new passport!
Reach out today to learn more about St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program!