St Lucia vs Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship: Key Differences
The opportunity to move to another country and make life easier is offered to wealthy entrepreneurs. Participation in unique programs allows them to take advantage of this chance. Requirements to applicants differ, but the result is often the same – investors receive a second passport together with their family.
The peculiarity of the Caribbean programs lies in the absence of the condition of permanent residence. Thus, St Lucia citizenship can be obtained through a simplified process. Saving money and, most importantly, time looks attractive and promising.
St Lucia citizenship program
The program has been available since 2015. Interested foreigners invest at least 100 thousand dollars in the country, and the state offers favorable conditions for residence. The observations of an expert from the agency Immigrant Invest Elena Ruda will help you to take part in the offer.
Requirements
The application form for St Lucia citizenship by investment includes information on security, health, and the investment option chosen. There are four ways for foreigners to decide how to invest and obtain an official residence permit:
National Fund Contribution. The application fee starts at $100,000 for a single applicant. The investor pays an additional fee for processing the application. Another fee accompanies inclusion on the family form.
Purchase of bonds. In this case, the cost of participation will rise to $300,000. Foreigners can buy back the bonds and recoup the made investment.
Purchase of property. Such an application will cost from $200,000. An additional expense is a non-refundable fee. Sale is available after 5 years of ownership.
Investing in a local business. The minimum contribution is 1 million dollars. If the foreigner invests alone, the cost will be 3.5 million. The inclusion of other applicants costs 25 thousand dollars per person.
The applicant is obliged to provide documents on the absence of a criminal record and the results of a medical examination. The same concerns family members.
Benefits
The interest in the proposal is explained with several advantages. Foreigners who have obtained a St Lucia passport by investment enjoy eligible to:
- traveling without a visa;
- tax optimization;
- issuing a tourist visa to the USA.
A simple and safe procedure is available with less capital investment. The opportunity to incorporate an international company is attracting huge interest.
Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program
The introduction of the proposal in 2013 attracted a lot of attention. Foreigners get access to the benefits of holding Antigua citizenship by investment. The application is considered within 3-6 months, and after that, the cosmopolitan enjoys favorable conditions for tax payment and business development.
Requirements
The applicant must fulfil the simple requirements of the country to qualify for a passport. There is no need to renounce the former, as dual citizenship is allowed in the islands. Investment choices include non-refundable contributions, purchase of residential/rental property and support of local businesses.
An increase in the amount accompanies additional persons in the application. Permanent residence on the islands is not required, which is a tangible advantage of Antigua and Barbuda passports by investment.
Benefits
Affordable cost, quick payback, and no travel restrictions (business trips) lure investors. In addition, children and close relatives receive a quality education in the country or abroad. Overall, citizenship is an excellent option for large families.
- The other benefits are summarized as follows:
- visiting the islands at any time, including restrictions;
- extended rights in other Caribbean countries;
- opportunity to retain first citizenship.
The program specialists will help you to pass the way to your second passport comfortably. Processing documents and handing them over to the consulate are tasks performed by licensed agents.
Programs comparison
Despite some similarities between program offerings, investors need to consider their choices. Reviewing your personal requirements can help you evaluate the proposals in light of the differences found. If you are not ready to move to a new country and want to keep your passport, check out Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment.
Simple and secure procedures are available in all Caribbean islands. The whole family can complete the journey from foreigner to citizenship holder. Accompanied by expert guidance allows you to avoid unforeseen surprises. As visiting Saint Lucia is not compulsory, it is possible to complete the program remotely.
Conclusion
Caribbean investment programs are attractive and affordable. Opportunities to include family members and grow a business, return investments, and retain a passport are provided. Tax optimization and changes to the tax system allow for capital appreciation.
The offers are similar, but it is worth evaluating programs based on personal requirements. It is advisable to consider the payback period, opportunities for property use, and the authorization of two passports. An expert’s opinion will help you choose the right option based on the desired outcome.
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