St. Lucia’s #citizenship program continues to gain momentum year after year, something that can be attributed to cost-effectiveness and efficient processing. In the FY 2021-2022, the citizenship unit received 583 applications, a 52% year-on-year increase.

Some 54% of the applicants preferred to donate to the government fund. Under this option, it is one of the most cost-effective citizenship programs for single applicants.

Since the inception of the program in 2016, St. Lucia has granted citizenship to 1,304 main applicants. The origin of the applicants has been quite diverse – from North America to Africa to the Far East.

One of the things I personally like about this program is that, unlike some other programs, St. Lucia has applied robust due diligence standards from the beginning. The collective number of passports issued is also low compared to other programs.

The program does have limitations, though. For example, citizenship can’t be passed on to future generations automatically. This is a legislative issue and can’t be resolved unless a new legislation is passed.

That said, the ‘Helen of the West Indies’ and the land of Pitons continue to attract entrepreneurs and aspiring global citizens from different parts of the world.