Since the implementation of the new immigration act in 2017, Saint Lucia investment immigration has rapidly become a new favorite in the global passport market. With a minimum individual investment of just $100,000, a family of three generations can apply for Saint Lucian citizenship, making the Saint Lucia passport one of the most cost-effective options among global legislative immigration programs. The Saint Lucia passport is a high-value passport, representing the perfect example of "affordable price, aristocratic status."
So, where exactly is Saint Lucia? What are the requirements for applying for a Saint Lucia passport? Below is an exclusive compilation of frequently asked questions and answers regarding Saint Lucia investment immigration, prepared by WorldWay Group, to make your immigration to Saint Lucia easier.
1. Where is Saint Lucia? What is the time difference with China?
Saint Lucia is located in the Caribbean region, situated in the middle of the Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, and is part of the Lesser Antilles. It is a Commonwealth country, and the time difference is 12 hours behind China.
2. What is the naturalization policy of Saint Lucia?
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in December 2015, in accordance with Act No. 14 of 2015 and the Citizenship by Investment Act of August 24, 2015. Investors who make a contribution to Saint Lucia can obtain Saint Lucian citizenship in accordance with the law. Investors only need to invest from $100,000 to apply for citizenship for three generations of their family.
3. Are there any requirements for the Saint Lucia passport program?
The application requirements for the Saint Lucia passport include that the applicant must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, meet the investment requirements, be of good character, and submit authentic documents.
4. How many countries does the Saint Lucia passport offer visa-free access to?
The Saint Lucia passport offers visa-free access to nearly 150 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, Schengen countries, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore.
5. What taxes is Saint Lucia exempt from?
There are no property tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, or capital gains tax. It is not a global taxation country, and personal income tax is exempt for income generated by citizens overseas.
6. How is the Saint Lucia immigration government processing fee calculated?
The Saint Lucia government processing fee is calculated based on the number of applicants. The main applicant is $2,000, and each additional eligible dependent is $1,000.
7. Who can apply with the main applicant?
Spouse; children under 18; children aged 18-25 who are full-time students and fully financially dependent on the main applicant; children of any age with physical or mental disabilities who are fully financially dependent on the main applicant; parents of the main applicant or spouse who are over 65, live with the main applicant, and are fully financially dependent on the main applicant; parents of any age of the main applicant or spouse who have mental or physical disabilities and are fully financially dependent on the main applicant.
8. Are there any fees to be paid before submitting the application?
Before submitting the application, you must pay the government due diligence fee, passport issuance fee, and government processing fee.
9. After approval, must I take an oath before I can receive the Saint Lucia passport?
In principle, yes, an oath is required to receive the passport. However, for WorldWay clients, this step can be waived, and our partners can assist in handling it. Clients do not need to travel abroad.
10. Can non-Chinese citizens apply for a Saint Lucia passport?
The Saint Lucia passport program is open to global investors, and non-Chinese citizens can also apply.
11. Can I change my name after receiving the Saint Lucia passport? How long does it usually take?
You can apply for a name change after the passport is issued, which takes an average of about 2 weeks.
12. Do I need to go to Saint Lucia in person to change my name?
Changing your name, obtaining a Saint Lucian citizenship card, and getting a driver's license all require you to visit Saint Lucia in person.
13. What countries' non-criminal record certificates does the applicant need to provide?
You must provide non-criminal record certificates from your country of birth, country of citizenship, and any country where you have resided for more than 1 year in the past 10 years from the date of application submission.
14. Can applicants without a source of income (no job, no company, no business entity, etc.) apply?
Yes, funds can be provided to the applicant by others through a gift.
15. If I have no source of income and am funded by my parents, can my parents still apply as dependents?
No, the sponsor cannot be a dependent at the same time.
16. Will all submitted client information be kept confidential?
The information is submitted to the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit, so it is very secure.
17. How long does it take for a Saint Lucia passport application to be approved?
Generally within 3 months from the date of submission to the immigration office.
18. Can I submit the application myself?
No. Applications must be submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through a government-authorized attorney.
19, Do I have the right to vote and be elected after obtaining a Saint Lucia passport?
You will not have the right to vote and be elected initially, unless you meet the regulations of Saint Lucia regarding voting and eligibility for election.
20. Can I add dependents later after obtaining the Saint Lucia passport?
Yes.
21. Has Saint Lucia established diplomatic relations with China?
Not yet.
22. Does Saint Lucia have an embassy or consulate in mainland China?
No. The closest embassy to China is in Taiwan, China.
23. Do I need to provide fingerprints when applying for a Saint Lucia passport?
No.
24. Can children born after the main applicant is approved become Saint Lucian citizens directly?
If the child is born in Saint Lucia after the main applicant is approved, they can become a Saint Lucian citizen directly; if born in a country or region outside of Saint Lucia, they must go through the process of adding a dependent, pay the relevant fees, and follow the necessary procedures to become a Saint Lucian citizen.
25. How do I collect the Saint Lucia passport? How long is the passport valid? How do I renew it after it expires?
The attorney can mail it directly back to China, or you can go to Saint Lucia to collect it yourself. The passport is valid for 5 years, and renewals are also for 5 years. When renewing an expired passport, you can authorize an attorney to handle it by paying the relevant fees. Alternatively, you can go to Saint Lucia in person to replace it, or apply for a replacement at a Saint Lucian consulate abroad.
As a leading institution in the investment immigration industry, WorldWay Group maintains good trust, interaction, and cooperative relations with the Saint Lucia government, allowing us to obtain official news in a timely manner and safeguard the immigration journey for investors. In July 2017, a WorldWay delegation led by Dr. Winner Xing, Chairman of WorldWay Group, was invited to visit Saint Lucia and held cordial and friendly talks with Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Michael Chastanet and several other Saint Lucian dignitaries. WorldWay became the only immigration agency in China to be received by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. This meeting was described by the industry as a "historic meeting."
Choose WorldWay for your Saint Lucia investment immigration and make your immigration journey easier! For details, please consult: 400-138-2929.