Saint Lucia Launches Virtual Citizenship Application Process

• Posted on Nov 20, 2020
• In St. Lucia

The new initiative is set to reduce the processing time from application to citizenship.

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has launched the Caribbean’s first virtual e-payment platform that enables investors to apply for the island nation’s Citizenship by Investment program entirely online.

This new initiative will offer greater efficiency and reduce the processing time between application and the granting of citizenship.

The Unit’s CEO Nestor Alfred says that delivering a secure, transparent, fast, efficient, and professional service to high-net-worth global investors lies at the heart of Saint Lucia CIU’s latest innovation developed by its internal IT team.

“During the Covid-19-imposed international lockdown, arranging for bank wire transfer could either add weeks to the timeframe or be simply impossible for our investors to manage,” shared Alfred.

“This e-payment and processing platform is seamlessly integrated into our new website and will save our clients’ precious time as well as capital as there are no fees required to manage the transfer.”

Saint Lucia offers various options to investors looking to secure citizenship of the country, starting at USD 100,000.

In May, Saint Lucia was the first Caribbean country to announce a new investment option in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

To qualify for citizenship via the Covid-19 Relief Bond option, an individual is required to make a minimum investment of US$ 250,000 in a non-interest-bearing government bond and pay an administrative fee of US$ 30,000. With the government fees waived and the guaranteed return of the investment after the prescribed holding period, the main applicant and qualified dependents obtain citizenship at a an extremely competitive cost.

In addition, Saint Lucia recently made several key amendments to its legislation to make its program even more attractive to investors with families.

The category of qualifying dependents has been expanded to also include children up to the age of 30 as well as parents over 55, and siblings under the age of 18, granted that they are fully supported by the main applicant.

The Caribbean island nation is intent on creating additional value for its international investors over and above the sustainable return that is guaranteed by Saint Lucia CIU’s commitment to the highest standards of good governance.

“We offer significant return on investment at a competitive investment level, with visa-free access to 146 destinations worldwide, but it’s our dedication to ensuring rigorous due diligence and accountability at the highest level across comparable options that really underpins this strategic investment,” shares Alfred.

“The long-term growth and legacy options offered by Saint Lucia to international investors include lifelong yield for themselves and their dependents as well as ongoing and exponential value opportunities through enhanced global mobility.”