Saint Lucia National Action Bond – Citizenship by Investing in Government Bonds

Saint Lucia’s National Action Bond offers a unique pathway to citizenship through investment in government bonds. This program allows eligible investors to acquire citizenship by purchasing non-interest-bearing bonds with an investment of $300,000. The bonds must be held for a five-year period, providing a secure and straightforward route to obtaining a Saint Lucian passport.

Introduced as part of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, the National Action Bond option appeals to investors seeking citizenship without having to make a donation. This opportunity grants access to a country known for its stunning natural beauty, strategic location, and favorable tax policies.

Investors considering this option should be aware of the application process, eligibility criteria, and the rights and responsibilities that come with Saint Lucian citizenship. The program’s efficiency and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for those looking to expand their global mobility and secure a second passport.

Key Takeaways

• Saint Lucia offers citizenship through a $300,000 investment in National Action Bonds
• The bonds must be held for five years and are non-interest bearing
• Successful applicants gain a Saint Lucian passport and associated citizenship benefits

Overview of Saint Lucia’s National Action Bond option

Citizenship by investment allows individuals to acquire citizenship in a country by making a significant financial contribution. Saint Lucia’s National Action Bond program exemplifies this concept. Investors purchase government bonds for a minimum of $300,000 USD, regardless of family size. This investment supports national development projects.

The program includes a fixed administration fee of $50,000 per application. Applicants undergo due diligence checks to ensure integrity. Successful investors gain Saint Lucian citizenship, which offers visa-free travel to numerous countries.

Historical Context and Evolution

Saint Lucia introduced its citizenship by investment program in 2015. The National Action Bond is a recent addition, launched in 2023. It replaced the previous Covid-Relief Bond, which ended in December 2022.

This new bond option aims to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth.

It positions Saint Lucia competitively among Caribbean nations, none of which offer similar investment opportunities.

Eligibility and Investment Criteria

Saint Lucia’s citizenship-by-investment program through National Action Bonds requires meeting specific financial and personal criteria. Applicants must undergo thorough vetting and comply with due diligence processes.

Qualifying Investments and Fees

The minimum investment in National Action Bonds is $300,000. These bonds are non-interest-bearing and must be held for 5 years.

An additional, non-refundable Government administration fee of US$ 50,000 is applicable.

The investment requirement and administration fees are fixed and do not depend on the number of dependents.

Applicants should budget for legal and agent fees, which vary by service provider.

Due Diligence and Compliance Requirements

Applicants must pass a stringent due diligence process. This includes background checks, source of funds verification, and criminal record checks.

Key requirements:

• Clean criminal record
• Proof of lawful source of funds
• Good health (medical certificate required)
• No visa denials from countries with visa-free agreements with Saint Lucia

Applicants must provide various documents:

• Passport copies
• Birth certificates
• Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates
• Bank statements and financial records

The government may request additional information or conduct interviews during the vetting process.

Application Process

The Saint Lucia National Action Bond application process involves several key steps and timeframes. Applicants must carefully follow procedures and meet requirements to obtain citizenship through this investment option.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose an agent to assist with the application, such as our firm.
2. Gather required documents, including passport copies, police certificates, and proof of funds.
3. Complete the application forms accurately.
4. Make the bond investment and pay associated fees.
5. Submit the application package to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
6. Undergo due diligence checks conducted by the CIU.
7. Receive approval in principle if the application meets all criteria.
8. Take the Oath of Allegiance to Saint Lucia.
9. Obtain citizenship certificate and passport.

Rights and Responsibilities of New Citizens

Obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through the National Action Bond investment grants individuals a range of rights and responsibilities. New citizens enjoy the same privileges as native-born Saint Lucians.

Key rights include:

• Unrestricted travel and residence within Saint Lucia
• Ability to vote in national elections
• Access to public education and healthcare systems
• Right to own property and conduct business

Citizens can also apply for a Saint Lucian passport, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories worldwide.

With citizenship come certain responsibilities:

• Obeying Saint Lucia’s laws and regulations
• Paying taxes on income earned within the country
• Contributing to the national social security system if employed locally

New citizens are not required to reside in Saint Lucia to maintain their status. However, they must renew their passport every 5 years to keep it valid.

It’s important to note that Saint Lucia allows dual citizenship. This means investors can retain their original nationality while gaining Saint Lucian citizenship, provided their home country permits dual citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

The St. Lucia National Action Bond program offers citizenship through investment in government bonds. This FAQ addresses key aspects of the process, requirements, and benefits for potential applicants.

What is the minimum bond investment required to obtain citizenship by investment in St. Lucia?

The minimum investment in National Action Government Bonds for citizenship is US$300,000. This amount applies to applicants with any number of qualifying dependents. An additional non-refundable administration fee of US$50,000 is also required.

How long is the processing time for obtaining St. Lucia citizenship through investment in government bonds?

The processing time for St. Lucia citizenship applications via government bond investment is that same as for other investment routes in the country. Please contact us to hear about current processing times, or visit our general Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment page.