St. Lucia is a small Caribbean state. It is a picturesque volcanic island covered with tropical forests. The country is famous for the beauty of its waters, snow-white beaches, and clean air. It has a developed, stable economy, comfortable conditions for living and working, and a high level of security. In addition, the state recognizes dual citizenship and provides all its passport holders with excellent prospects and advantages.
Here we will consider how to get Saint Lucia citizenship by investment, the advantages of the local passport, the requirements for applicants, and why it is recommended to contact specialists to collect and process documents.
What is Dual Citizenship?
The country recognizes dual citizenship without any restrictions, so the potential investor can not worry about having to give up her usual identity card. Moreover, the law allows for the possibility of voluntary renunciation of citizenship. But, at the same time, there are cases of such deprivation if the cherished status was obtained through fraud or the provision of false information.
According to the 2015 investment program, applicants must make a financial contribution to the country’s economy. In return, the applicant and his family obtain St Lucian passport if they meet certain conditions. In addition, it provides various indisputable privileges for the investor and his close relatives.
Benefits of invest in Saint Lucia citizenship
It is possible to highlight the main advantages of this island state passport:
- Saint Lucia passport visa-free countries: 146, including Schengen states, Britain, and many others;
- residence or regular visits are not required during the processing of documents;
- you can include your spouse, children, and other close relatives on the application and add dependents after citizenship is obtained;
- a decent level of education and health care;
- great living conditions, comfort, and safety;
- excellent environmental situation;
- convenient air links with Europe and America.
According to a specialist of the company Immigrant Invest Svetlana Gorchakova, the country offers the most economic status in the Caribbean, which is also a significant advantage for those who have long wanted to move here and become a full citizen.
Paths to dual citizenship
Once an application is submitted, the Saint Lucia government reviews the application package, verifies the applicant and his relatives, and gives an answer. It may be a granting, a denial, or a postponement for a valid reason. All documents in English are submitted on behalf of the applicant in electronic and hard copy formats. You can delegate this to a specialized company that knows the whole process inside out and will help you every step of the way. This issue is covered in more detail at immigrantinvest.com.
If the application has been approved and all fees have been paid, it is possible to obtain a certificate of coveted status. The successful candidate must sign a statement of allegiance to the new state and take the oath in the presence of a lawyer or notary public. In exceptional situations, the minister of state can revoke the legal status, but such cases are rare.
Requirements to obtain dual citizenship
The government uses the investment received from foreign nationals who wish to live and work in the Caribbean state to develop the national economy and social policy. The requirements for the applicant are simple:
- 18 years of age or older;
- financial freedom and the opportunity to invest the necessary sums;
- the legitimacy of income;
- an impeccable reputation;
- good health.
You should also invest in a property of $200,000 or more in one of the approved projects. Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Fund of $100,000 per applicant, or invest in an entrepreneurial project with a minimum of $3.5 million. Another option would be to invest in interest-free government bonds with a minimum value of $300,000 and pay an administrative fee of $50,000.
Family members must also have a clean record with no criminal convictions or prosecutions. Suppose the state government suspects potential security risks or activities that could harm St. Lucia’s reputation. In that case, you will get your citizenship application categorically rejected without the right to reapply.
Conclusion
If you decide to choose St. Lucia as your second country of residence, but you do not know where to start, you should contact an immigration agency. Experienced lawyers will give you advice and a detailed plan of action. They also take care of all the preparatory work. The process will go more quickly and efficiently with them. Do not miss the opportunity to get St Lucia citizenship by investment program and start a new life in a beautiful promising country with a great climate, excellent environment and stable economy.
