On February 22, 1979, St. Lucia declared its independence from the United Kingdom. This day is commemorated annually as a public holiday. Africans, French, British, and local Carib people have all had an impact on the history of the nation.
Mount Gimie, which rises to a height of 950 meters above sea level, is the highest point on this Windward Island, making it more mountainous than most Caribbean islands. The Pitons, two more mountains, are the most well-known feature on the island.
With attractions like a drive-in volcano, world heritage sites, botanical gardens, rain forest, and national parks, the island’s natural splendor makes it a popular travel destination. Although St. Lucia’s official language is English, residents also speak French Creole.
The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, CARICOM, OECS, and the United Nations all include St. Lucia as a member.
Since 1976, the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), the region’s currency, has been fixed at a rate of 2.70 to the US dollar.
Particularly in its international banking and tourist sectors, the island nation draws in business and investment from elsewhere.
St. Lucia’s primary source of income, jobs, and foreign exchange profits is tourism, which contributes 65% of the country’s GDP and 65% of jobs and income.
In the Eastern Caribbean, the manufacturing sector is the most diversified. Export-oriented crops are grown, including avocados, mangoes, and bananas.
Applicants must significantly boost the nation’s economy in order to be considered for the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program.
The applicants and their families receive full citizenship in return, contingent on passing a rigorous application process and passing due diligence requirements.
Act No. 14 of 2015, Citizenship by Investment, governs the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program.
Benefits Of St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment
- No prior visa required for over 140 destinations including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and many others.
- No residence or visitation is required.
- Applicants are able to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, and parents aged 55 and over, as well as to add dependents after they have been granted citizenship.
- The program has attractive investment and processing costs.
- St. Lucia recognizes dual citizenship.
Requirements Of St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment
Act No. 14 of 2015, Citizenship by Investment, governs the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. This act’s § 33 created the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF), which is in charge of accepting donations and qualifying investments from the program.
Under the framework of the national development agenda, the government will employ these monies. In order to be eligible for the program, candidates must significantly boost the nation’s economy.
The applicants and their families receive full citizenship in return, contingent on passing a rigorous application process and passing due diligence requirements. The primary applicant must fulfill the eligibility conditions, be at least eighteen years old, and choose one of the following investment options:
Purchase of real estate with a minimum value of USD 200,000 from an approved real estate development, which must be held for a minimum period of five years
2. Participation in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of USD 3.5 million, plus the creation of no less than three permanent jobs. Alternatively, a joint contribution of USD 6 million (with each applicant committing a minimum of USD 1 million) plus the creation of no fewer than six permanent jobs
3. Non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund of USD 100,000 for a single applicant. Alternatively:
- USD 140,000 for a main applicant and spouse
- USD 150,000 for a main applicant, spouse, and up to two qualifying dependents
- USD 15,000 for each additional dependent applying with the main applicant, spouse, and two other qualifying dependents
- USD 25,000 for each qualifying dependent
4. Investment in non-interest-bearing government bonds with a minimum value of USD 300,000 (and an administrative fee of USD 50,000), which must be held for a minimum period of five years
Except for minor offenses, all qualifying dependents must be free of criminal records, have a spotless personal history, and not be the subject of any ongoing criminal investigations.
An individual who poses a risk to public safety or who has engaged in activities that could damage St. Lucia’s reputation will not be permitted to become a citizen.
