The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program of Saint Lucia has gained immense popularity among affluent people looking to procure a second passport. Initiated in 2015, this program provides citizenship to foreign investors who make significant investments in the country’s economy. Saint Lucia is a beautiful island nation situated in the Caribbean region that is globally renowned for its scenic beauty and stable economic environment.
Benefits
Acquiring St Lucia citizenship presents several perks to investors. Below are some of the advantages of obtaining St. Lucia citizenship:
- Visa-free travel: Saint Lucia passport holders can travel to over 146 countries without the need for a visa.
- Tax benefits : Saint Lucia does not impose any wealth or inheritance taxes on its citizens, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their tax burden.
- Business opportunities: As a citizen of Saint Lucia, investors can take advantage of the country’s growing economy and invest in various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Family inclusion: Citizenship in Saint Lucia can be passed down to future generations, allowing families to enjoy the benefits of citizenship for years to come.
- Political stability: This country has political stability, so it’s a safe and secure country to live in.
- Education: Saint Lucia has a strong education system, with several high-quality universities and colleges offering a range of academic programs.
Overall, the St Lucia CBI program offers a range of benefits to investors, making it an attractive option for those who want to obtain a second passport and explore new opportunities.
Process of obtaining
As the expert on the Saint Lucia investment program Zlata Erlach (Immigrant Invest company) noted, the process of obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program is a popular option. Here’s what you need to know about the process:
- choose an authorized agent;
- select an investment option;
- due diligence;
- submit application;
- application review;
- investment;
- oath of allegiance.
Overall, the process of obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia is efficient, with a typical processing time of 3-4 months.
Dominica citizenship
It is one of the most economical and streamlined programs of its kind globally, designed to lure foreign investors willing to make substantial investments in the country’s economic expansion. The program’s primary objective is to entice affluent individuals to invest in Dominica’s development, thereby bolstering the nation’s financial stability and generating employment opportunities for the local populace. Using the Dominica CBI program, foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in a short duration, generally within three to four months, and access several benefits, including visa-free travel to over 140 countries worldwide.
Benefits
Let’s look at the benefits of obtaining Dominica citizenship:
- One of the most significant benefits is the ability to travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, and many others.
- Another benefit of Dominica citizenship is the tax advantages it offers. Dominica doesn’t impose taxes on foreign income, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to reduce their tax burden.
- Additionally, Dominica offers a high standard of living and a safe, secure environment for residents. The country has a stable political climate, low crime rate, and excellent healthcare and education systems.
In conclusion, the benefits of Dominica citizenship are numerous and appealing to foreign investors seeking a second citizenship.
Process of obtaining
The process of obtaining Dominica citizenship by investment program include the next steps:
- select a government-approved investment option (variants include a non-refundable donation to the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) or a real estate investment);
- initiate a citizenship application and undergo an extensive screening process;
- transfer the investment funds to the government-designated account.
After the oath of allegiance has been taken, the applicant receives a certificate of naturalization, and a passport application can be submitted.
Overall, the process of obtaining Dominica citizenship is a streamlined and efficient process. People can expect the process to take approximately 3-4 months from start to finish, making it one of the fastest programs in the world.
Differences of programs
St. Lucia and Dominica are two popular Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment programs to foreign nationals. While both programs provide investors with the opportunity to obtain citizenship and a second passport, there are some differences between the two that potential investors should be aware of.
Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the St. Lucia and Dominica citizenship programs:
Criteria | St. Lucia Citizenship | Dominica Citizenship Program |
Investment Options | $100,000 donation to the National Economic Fund $300,000 investment in a government-approved real estate project $3.5 million investment in an approved enterprise project $500,000 investment in government bonds. | $100,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund $200,000 investment in government-approved real estate $100,000 investment in a government-approved business venture |
Family Inclusion | Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in the application for an additional fee | Spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in the application for the same fee |
Processing Time | 3-4 months for application processing | 3-4 months for application processing |
Visa-free travel | 146 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom | 137 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom |
Residency requirement | No residency requirement | No residency requirement |
Passport validity | 5 years | 10 years |
Dual citizenship | Allowed | Allowed |
Conclusion
While St Lucia and Dominica both offer citizenship-by-investment programs, there are distinct differences between the two. St Lucia’s program is generally considered more expensive, but it offers a wider range of investment options and more favorable tax laws. Dominica’s program, on the other hand, is more affordable and has a simpler application process, but it has a more limited range of investment options and may not offer the same level of tax benefits. Ultimately, the decision between the two programs will depend on each individual’s priorities and preferences. It is important to carefully consider all of the factors involved and seek professional advice before making a decision.
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