Getting a Saint Lucian passport via Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) is neither difficult nor time-consuming. However, there are five simple steps that must be followed. The legislation upon which Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is based lists the following steps towards obtaining a Saint Lucian passport. 

Step 1 – Background check: A preliminary background check is done via international databases to ascertain that there are no mitigating circumstances that would prevent you from being barred from obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia. 

Step 2 – Submission of documents for review: After you would have provided all your relevant documentation to McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. – such as passports, birth certificates and financial statements – our team then prepares the necessary submissions to the relevant authorities for review.

Step 3 – Due diligence check: These submitted documents undergo a thorough due diligence check by the appropriate government department/s to ensure that the information contained therein is sound.

Step 4 – Transfer of funds: Once your request is approved, you must finalize your investment condition within 90 days by transferring the appropriate funds based on the investment option you chose.

Step 5 – New Saint Lucian passport issued: After sending your birth certificate and oath of allegiance to Saint Lucia, you will receive your new Saint Lucian passport by courier within four weeks. 

It’s really that simple!

In fact, investors gaining a second citizenship in Saint Lucia are not even required to obtain a residence permit card, live in Saint Lucia, or even undergo a language proficiency test.

Imagine obtaining a second citizenship in Saint Lucia by simply investing as low as US$100,000 via the Citizenship by Investment Programme. In fact, there are a few options by which you can obtain a second citizenship in Saint Lucia, namely by making a contribution to the State fund, purchasing real estate, purchasing bonds, or investing in a business.

Choose from any of these options offered under Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme:

• The Government Bond Investment. This option requires:

• A minimum investment of US$500,000.00 and must be held for five years. 
• If the applicant’s spouse is also participating in the programme, the combined investment for both spouses will be US$535,000.00. 
• Two spouses and two dependents participating in the programme requires an investment of US$550,000.00, while any additional dependent will each cost the applicant US$25,000.00.
  

Once your application for citizenship and been approved, the investment must be made. These bonds are non-interest bearing, and must be registered and remain in the applicant’s name for a five-year holding period from the date of first issue.

• The COVID-19 Bond Relief. A minimum investment of US$250,000.00 must be made, lasts until December 31, 2021, having been extended by another year last December. The terms are as follows:

• Single applicant: A minimum US$250,000.00 -- (five-year holding bond)
• Applicant plus 1 qualifying dependent: US$250,000.00 -- (six-year holding bond) 
• Applicant plus up to 4 qualifying dependents: US$250,000.00 -- (seven-year holding bond)
• Applicant plus up to 4 qualifying dependents: US$300,000.00 -- (five-year holding bond)
• Each additional qualifying dependent (subsequent to applicant plus 4 qualifying dependents): US$15,000.00 each

• The COVID-19 Bond Relief. This option is especially attractive for families, is low-risk, and offers a more favourable long-term value proposition. 
  

• The National Economic Fund Investment. A minimum investment of US$100,000.00 is required. 
  

• The Real Estate Investment. A minimum investment of US$300,000.00 is required. 
  

• The Enterprise Investment. A minimum investment of US$3,500,000.00 is required.

Aside from the primary applicant, dependents are also entitled to second citizenship in Saint Lucia. Therefore, your spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters can be included on your application. However, they will incur additional costs.

Eight benefits of becoming a citizen of Saint Lucia: 

Benefit #1:
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Easy access to the United States: By having a Saint Lucian passport, you can apply for a 10-year U.S. B1/B2 visa which allows you to spend up to six months in the United States. These visits can be for various reasons: tourism, attending business meetings and conferences, and obtaining medical treatment.

Benefit #2:
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Business registration: As an investor, you will be able to register your business in Saint Lucia, which makes it easier for you to open accounts for business overseas. You will also be able to transact business with international partners in foreign currencies.  

Benefit #3:
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Favourable tax environment: In Saint Lucia, there is no tax levied on global income, inheritance, or capital gains. However, National Insurance Corporation (NIC) contributions for employees are 5% of their total wages.

Benefit #4:

Dual citizenship: Dual citizenship is recognized in Saint Lucia, therefore Saint Lucian citizens do not lose their citizenship when they gain citizenship in another country.

Benefit #5:

Ease of travel: As the holder of a Saint Lucian passport, you will enjoy ease of travel to 145 countries, including the European Union Shengen countries, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, France, Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. (However, Economic Citizens of Saint Lucia (passport holders) still need a visa to travel to Canada and the United States.)

Benefit #6:

Equal citizenship and rights: As the holder of a Saint Lucian passport, you will have the same citizenship and rights as native-born Saint Lucians, including the right to pass on citizenship to family members and the right to vote.

Benefit #7:

No residency requirement: As an applicant, there is no need for residency or travel to Saint Lucia during the application process as there is a quick processing turnaround within 3 months.

Benefit #8:

Investments in bonds and real estate can be returned within 5 to 7 years after one is granted citizenship in Saint Lucia.

As per the legislation that governs Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, an investor wishing to gain citizenship via the Programme must seek the services of an authorized agent to submit their application on their behalf. This is where the expertise of McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. comes in.

At McNamara Citizenship Services Inc., we recognize the importance the Citizenship by Investment Programme plays in changing the lives of our clients for the better. We have literally guided people from across the globe seamlessly to becoming citizens of Saint Lucia. 

Since 2015, when the Citizenship by Investment Programme was officially launched, nearly 600 people from across the globe have become Saint Lucian nationals via the Programme. This trend is expected to continue as more and more people find not only the investment options in Saint Lucia attractive, but also the beauty of the island and the ease of travel that comes with having a Saint Lucian passport. 

Our trusted team at McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. has been instrumental in many of these applicants becoming Saint Lucian citizens. Get in touch with us today. We can also do it for you!