Since the introduction of the new immigration act in 2017, Saint Lucia's investment immigration program has rapidly become a favorite in the global passport market. With a minimum individual investment of just $100,000, applicants can obtain Saint Lucian citizenship for three generations, making the Saint Lucia passport one of the most cost-effective options among global legislated immigration programs. The Saint Lucia passport offers exceptional value, serving as a prime example of "affordable pricing for elite status."
So, where exactly is Saint Lucia? What are the requirements for applying for a Saint Lucia passport? Below are the frequently asked questions and answers regarding Saint Lucia investment immigration, exclusively compiled by Worldway Immigration Group to make your immigration journey 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 its time 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 contribute to Saint Lucia can legally obtain Saint Lucian citizenship. 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 requirements for the Saint Lucia passport application 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 visa-free countries does the Saint Lucia passport have?
The Saint Lucia passport offers visa-free access to nearly 150 countries and regions, including the UK, Schengen countries, Ireland, the UAE, South Korea, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore.
5. What taxes are exempted in Saint Lucia?
There is 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 exempted for income generated by citizens overseas.
6. How is the Saint Lucia 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 financially dependent on the main applicant; children of any age with physical or mental disabilities who are financially dependent on the main applicant; parents of the main applicant or spouse who are over 65, live with the main applicant, and are financially dependent on the main applicant; parents of any age of the main applicant or spouse who have mental or physical disabilities and are 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 fee, and government processing fee.
9. After approval, must I take an oath before I can receive the Saint Lucia passport?
In principle, yes, you need to take an oath to receive the passport. However, for clients of Worldway, 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 investors worldwide, 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 Lucia citizenship card, and getting a driver's license all require you to visit Saint Lucia in person.
13. How do I receive the Saint Lucia passport? How long is the passport valid? How do I renew it after it expires?
The lawyer can mail it directly back to China, or you can go to Saint Lucia to collect it yourself. The passport is valid for 10 years, and renewals are also for 10 years. To renew an expired passport, you can authorize a lawyer to handle it by paying the relevant fees. Alternatively, you can go to Saint Lucia in person to renew it, or apply for a renewal at a Saint Lucian consulate abroad.
14. Which countries' police clearance certificates does the applicant need to provide?
You must provide police clearance 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.
15. 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 another person through a gift.
16. If I have no source of income and am funded by my parents, can my parents still apply as dependents?
No, the sponsor cannot also be an applicant as a dependent.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Can I submit the application myself?
No. Applications must be submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through an authorized lawyer appointed by the government.
20. 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 election rights.
21. Can I add dependents later after obtaining the Saint Lucia passport?
Yes.
22. Has Saint Lucia established diplomatic relations with China?
Not yet.
23. Does Saint Lucia have an embassy or consulate in mainland China?
No. The closest embassy to China is in Taiwan, China.
24. Do I need to provide fingerprints when applying for a Saint Lucia passport?
No.
25. Can children born after the main applicant is approved directly become Saint Lucian citizens?
If the child is born in Saint Lucia after the main applicant is approved, they can directly become a Saint Lucian citizen; if born in a country or region outside of Saint Lucia, they must become a Saint Lucian citizen by adding them as a dependent, paying the relevant fees, and following the necessary procedures.