Ringing in the New Year in grand style is a tradition that has been practiced around the world for ages. The New Year is about new beginnings, hope for a better future, and going after those aspirations we have put on hold for quite some time. 

Therefore, a New Year’s resolution is likely to be at the top of many people’s to-do lists in 2022. If you’re among the millions of people worldwide serious about grasping new opportunities in 2022, a change of scenery should definitely be your top New Year’s resolution. Investing in Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is a perfect example.

Since 2016, when Saint Lucia launched its Citizenship by Investment Programme, hundreds of people from across the globe have had life-changing experiences. They have all been able to travel to more countries than they normally did before and now have a safe place of refuge should socio-political instabilities cause them to be displaced in their home countries.

Imagine making a significant investment in Saint Lucia and being able to change yours and your family’s lives for the better in the New Year. Following a processing time of three to four months for your application, during which time no residency in or visit to Saint Lucia is required, you and your family can have a new lease on life in the New Year in your new home country, Saint Lucia.

Here are 10 key benefits that successful applicants enjoy:

1. Hassle-free travel to more countries: A Saint Lucia passport that provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 146 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
2. Dependents are covered: Applicants are able to include a spouse, children under 31 years old, siblings under 18 years old, and parents aged 56 years old and over, as well as to add dependents after they have been granted citizenship.
3. You retain citizenship from both countries: Saint Lucia recognizes dual citizenship, so you do not lose your original citizenship.
4. You become an OECS and CARICOM citizen: By becoming a citizen of Saint Lucia, you also automatically become a citizen of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and 11-member Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) blocs.
5. You gain equal rights with native Saint Lucians: Your Saint Lucian citizenship entitles you to similar rights with native-born Saint Lucians, including the right to pass on citizenship to family members and the right to vote.
6. You can purchase property: Your Saint Lucian citizenship enables you to own properties in either country. With Saint Lucia’s robust real estate market that offers myriad of options, you’re sure to find a piece of paradise in your new home country.
7. Bond investment return: Investments in bonds and real estate can be returned within 5 to 7 years after one is granted citizenship in Saint Lucia.
8. Easy access to the United States: By having a Saint Lucia passport, you can apply for a 10-year U.S. B1/B2 visa which allows you to spend up to six months in the United States. These visits can be for various reasons: tourism, attending business meetings and conferences, and obtaining medical treatment.
9. Business registration: As an investor, you will be able to register your business in Saint Lucia, which makes it easier for you to open accounts for business overseas. You will also be able to transact business with international partners in foreign currencies.
10. Favourable tax environment: In Saint Lucia, there is no tax levied on global income, inheritance, or capital gains. However, National Insurance Corporation (NIC) contributions for employees are 5% of their total wages.

These benefits are a great return on investment when one considers the simple, easy and hassle-free process that can turn a New Year’s resolution into reality. Choose from any of these five options currently being offered under Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme and get to enjoy the benefits you deserve.

Government Bond Investment. This option requires:

• A minimum investment US$500,000.00 that must be held for five years.
• If the applicant’s spouse is also participating in the programme, the combined investment for both spouses is US$535,000.00.
• Two spouses and two dependents participating in the programme require an investment of US$550,000.00, while any additional dependent will each cost the applicant US$25,000.00.

Once your application for citizenship and been approved, the investment must be made. These bonds are non-interest bearing, and must be registered and remain in the applicant’s name for a five-year holding period from the date of first issue.

National Economic Fund Investment. For this option, a minimum investment of US$100,000.00 is required. ‍

Real Estate Investment. For this option, a minimum investment of US$300,000.00 is required.

The Enterprise Investment is another option under Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, and requires a minimum investment of US$3,500,000.00.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Saint Lucia introduced a fifth option, the COVID-19 Bond Relief. For this option, a minimum investment of US$250,000.00 must be made. The offer lasts until December 31, 2021, having been extended by another year in December 2020. The terms are as follows:

• Single applicant: A minimum US$250,000.00 — (five-year holding bond)
• Applicant plus 1 qualifying dependent: US$250,000.00 — (six-year holding bond) 
• Applicant plus up to 4 qualifying dependents: US$250,000.00 — (seven-year holding bond)
• Applicant plus up to 4 qualifying dependents: US$300,000.00 — (five-year holding bond)
• Each additional qualifying dependent (subsequent to applicant plus 4 qualifying dependents): US$15,000.00 each

The COVID-19 Bond Relief option is especially attractive for families, is low-risk, and offers a more favourable long-term value proposition in comparison to the donation to the National Economic Fund or Real Estate Investment options. 

Whatever option you choose, you’ll need the competent team at McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. to guide you along the process to gaining your citizenship in Saint Lucia. We offer a full-service advisory agency and provide all the relevant services you will need.

As an approved authorized agent under Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, we at Mc Namara Citizenship Services Inc. use our intimate knowledge of the Programme to guide you through the process of obtaining your citizenship.

Not only is McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. the largest law firm in Saint Lucia, but we also take great pride in our hallmarks of excellence and professionalism. From the initial application stage to you becoming a Saint Lucian citizen, we keep you informed throughout the process. 

Having witnessed firsthand the immense satisfaction from clients whom we have represented successfully on their path to having dual citizenship in Saint Lucia, McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. can certainly speak to the overall benefits of the Citizenship by Investment Programme offered in Saint Lucia.

Contact McNamara Citizenship Services Inc. today and let us help you realize the best New Year’s resolution you will forever cherish.