CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT ACT 2015
No. 14
263
Citizenship by Investment Act
SAINT LUCIA
No.14 of 2015
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PRELIMINARY
[ 2015
Sections
1. Short title
2. Interpretation
3. Act binds the Crown
PART I
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BOARD
4. Establishment of Board 5. Constitution of Board 6. Disqualification
7. Functions of Board
8. Powers of Board
9. Acting member
10. Resignation
11. Revocation of appointment
12. Publication of names of members
13. Procedure for meetings
14. Seal
15. Protection of members
16. Disclosure of interest
17. Remuneration of members
18. Expenses of the Board
19. Financial year of the Board
20. Budget and plan of action of the Board 21. Accounts
22. Audit
23. Auditor’s report
24. Annual report
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 PART II
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT UNIT
25. Establishment of Unit 26. Constitution of Unit
27. Functions of Unit
28. Chief Executive Officer 29. Staff of the Unit
PART III APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION
30. Application
31. Authorised agent
32. Proof of financial resources
33. Saint Lucia National Economic Fund
34. Due diligence checks
35. Report to Board
36. Approval, denial or delay of application
37. Request for review where an application for citizenship has been denied 38. Revocation of citizenship by investment
39. Publication of information 40. Regulations
PART IV MISCELLANEOUS
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015
[L.S.]
I Assent
PEARLETTE LOUISY,
SAINT LUCIA
___________
No. 14 of 2015
AN ACT to enable persons to acquire citizenship of Saint Lucia by registration following a qualifying investment in Saint Lucia and for related matters.
[ 24th August, 2015 ]
BE IT ENACTED by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Governor-General. August 17, 2015.
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 PRELIMINARY
Short title
1. This Act may be cited as the Citizenship by Investment Act,
2015.
Interpretation
2.—(1) In this Act —
“applicant” means –
(a) a person who applies for citizenship by investment under this Act;
(b) a person who, as a head of a family, undertakes an investment for the purposes of this Act and signs the relevant agreements and undertakings on behalf of his or her dependants;
“Authenticated translation” means a translation effected by either a professional translator who is officially accredited to a court of law, a government agency, an international organization or similar official institution, or if effected in a country where there are no official accredited translators, a translation effected by a company whose role or business is effecting professional translations;
“authorised agent” means a person licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority who has paid the prescribed fee and is authorised to act on behalf of the applicant in relation to an application for citizenship by investment;
“Board” means the Citizenship by Investment Board established under section 4 of this Act;
“citizenship” means the status of being a citizen of Saint Lucia;
“citizenship by investment” means the acquisition of citizenship in Saint Lucia by means of qualifying investment;
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“Citizenship by Investment Programme” means the programme that allows a person to apply for citizenship of Saint Lucia upon satisfaction of the requisite qualifying investment and other requirements under this Act;
“Minister” means the Minister to whom the Citizenship by Investment Programme is assigned except where the Act specifically designates another Minister;
“qualifying dependant” means –
- (a) a spouse of the applicant;
- (b) a child of the applicant or of his or her spouse who is less than eighteen years of age;
- (c) a child of the applicant or of his or her spouse who is no more than twenty five years of age, who is fully supported by the applicant and is in full time attendance at a recognised institution of higherlearning;
- (d) a child of the applicant or his or her spouse, of any age, who is physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the applicant;
- (e) a parent of the applicant or of his or her spouse above the age of sixty five years who habitually lives with and is fully supported by the applicant;
- (f) a parent of any age who is physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the applicant;
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 “Unit” means the Citizenship by Investment Unit established
under section 25 of this Act.
Act binds the Crown
3. This Act binds the Crown.
PART I
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BOARD
Establishment of Board
4. There is established a Citizenship by Investment Board which is a body corporate to which section 19 of the Interpretation Act, Cap. 1.06 applies.
Constitution of Board
5.—(1) The Board consists of no more than five members to be
appointed by Cabinet.
(2) The Board consists of –
- (a) a person nominated by the Minister with responsibility for the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
- (b) a person nominated by the Minister with responsibility for national security;
- (c) the Attorney General or his or her appointed representative;
- (d) two Attorneys-at-law with at least 10 years standing.
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 Disqualification
6. A person is disqualified from being a member of the Board if that person –
- (a) is declared by a court to be a bankrupt;
- (b) is declared by a court or a qualified health practitioner to be mentally incapacitated;
- (c) has been convicted of a criminal offence except where the offence is a minor traffic offence or has been spent.
(a)
(b) (c) (d)
(e)
(f) (g)
co-ordinate the administration and operation of the Citizenship by Investment Programme in an efficient manner;
monitor the process of an application by an applicant;
review reports of the Unit;
make recommendations to the Minister on the development of the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
establish and determine the functions or duties of the Unit;
issue guidelines within its jurisdiction under this Act;
carry out such other functions incidental to the proper discharge of the functions under paragraphs (a) to (f).
(2) The
may from time to time be referred to it by the Minister and shall furnish to the Minister information he or she may reasonably require relating to the administration of this Act.
(3) Subject to this Act, the Board may, for the purpose of exercising or discharging any functions under this Act, do anything and enter into any transaction which in the opinion of the Board, is reasonably necessary to ensure the proper exercise or discharge of its functions.
Board shall consider and advise upon all matters which
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8. For the purposes of the discharge of the functions under section 7, the Board has power to request any information, document or thing, with respect to an application from –
- (a) the applicant or any qualifying dependant;
- (b) the Unit;
- (c) any other person who, in the opinion of the Board, may be able to assist.
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(c)
(d)
(e)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 that member exhibits behaviour inconsistent with his or
her functions as assigned under the Act;
that member is absent from three consecutive meetings without reasonable excuse; or
it is for reasons of national security.
Publication of names of members
12. The names of all members of the Board as first constituted and every change in the membership of the Board must be published in the Gazette.
Procedure for meetings
13.—(1) The Board shall meet –
- (a) twice yearly with the head of the Unit to review the efficient running of the Unit; and
- (b) from time to time as required to consider decisions of the Unit.
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(2) Where any member of the Board is exempt from liability by reason only of the provisions of subsection (1), the Board may be liable to the extent that it would be if such member were a servant or agent of the Board.
Disclosure of interest
16. A member of the Board who is in any way interested in any matter which is under consideration by the Board shall disclose to the Board the fact and nature of his or her interest and shall not take part in and shall be absent from any deliberation or any decision of the Board relating to such matter and such a disclosure must immediately be recorded in the records of the Board.
Remuneration of members
17. There shall be paid to the members of the Board, such remuneration, if any, whether by way of honorarium, salary or fees, or such allowances as Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Minister, determines.
Expenses of the Board
18. Except for the expenses incurred in establishing the Citizenship by Investment Programme, the expenses of the Board, including the remuneration of the members are to be paid out of the income generated by the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Financial year of the Board
19. The financial year of the Board begins on the 1st day of April and ends on the 31st day of March in each year or as otherwise determined by the Minister, in writing.
Budget and plan of action of the Board
20. The Board shall, not later than the 31st day of October in each year cause to be prepared and shall adopt and submit to the Minister –
(a) a budget with the estimates of its income and expenditure;
(b) a plan of action,
for the Board in respect of the next financial year.
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21. The Board shall keep proper records of accounts in accordance with generally accepted international accounting standards and principles and shall prepare and retain financial statements in respect of each financial year.
Audit
22.—(1) The Board shall, with the approval of the Minister, within
one month after each financial year appoint an independent auditor.
(2) An auditor appointed under subsection (1) may be reappointed for two additional terms.
(3) Anindependentauditorappointedundersubsection(1),shall conduct the audit in accordance with generally accepted international auditing standards.
(4) The Board shall grant to the auditor appointed under subsection (1) access to all books, deeds, contracts, accounts, vouchers, or other documents which the auditor may consider necessary and the auditor may require the person holding or accountable for such document to appear, make a signed statement or provide such information in relation to the document as the auditor considers necessary.
Auditor’s report
23. An independent auditor appointed under section 22 shall not later than three months after the end of each financial year, submit copies of the audited financial statement of the Board and a report on the financial statement to the Board.
Annual report
24.—(1) Not later than three months after the end of each financial year and in accordance with subsection (3), the Board shall submit to the Minister an annual report on the work and activities of the Board for that financial year and the Minister shall not later than three months after the submission lay the same in Parliament.
(2) Informationcontainedinthereportreferredtoinsubsection (1) shall include –
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(a) (b)
(c) (d)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 the number of applications made, granted and refused
under the Act;
the names, addresses and nationalities of successful applicants and any qualifying dependants included in the applications;
the amount and other details of the investment;
such other information as the Minister considers appropriate.
(3)
in the report in subsection (1).
(4) Anannualreportundersubsection(1)mustbeaccompanied by the auditor’s report under section 23.
PART II
CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT UNIT
Establishment of Unit
25. There is established a Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Constitution of Unit
26.— (1) The Unit shall be staffed by persons of integrity who are qualified and have the necessary experience and capacity to provide services to the Unit.
(2) The Board, with the approval of the Minister, shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer to be the head of the Unit.
(3) Cabinet shall set the terms and conditions of the Chief Executive Officer.
Functions of Unit
27.—(1) The Unit shall be responsible for the general administration
of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
(2) The Unit shall consider and advise upon all matters which may from time to time be referred to it by the Board and shall furnish
The name of an unsucessful applicant shall not be included
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to the Board information it may reasonably require relating to the administration of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
(3) The (a)
(b) (c) (d)
(e)
(f) (g)
(h) (i)
Unit shall —
process all applications for the Citizenship by Investment Programmme;
recommend suitably qualified applicants for citizenship to the Board;
make recommendations to the Board on the development of the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
advise the Board on any matter within its knowledge or on which the Board may seek its advice, including advice in relation to the terms and conditions on which citizenship by investment may be granted;
undertake, sponsor or assist in research relating to citizenship by investment which may be subject to control or regulation under this Act;
collect fees;
implement and provide technical advice and guidance on citizenship by investment in Saint Lucia;
utilize best practices in administering the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
carry out any other function specified in this Act.
Chief Executive Officer
28. The Chief Executive Officer shall –
(a) attend all meetings of the Board;
(b) provide the necessary leadership to the Unit;
(c) monitor the Citizenship by Investment Programme to ensure that its independence and integrity is maintained and managed in accordance with international best practice;
(d) be responsible for the overall management of the affairs of the Unit;
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 (e) keep the Minister fully informed of the business of the
Unit;
(f) furnish the Minister with all requested information as required; and
(g) generally be responsible for the internal organisation and administration of the Unit and do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of his or her duties.
Staff of the Unit
29.—(1) The Board may appoint on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, such officers and employees as may be required for the proper and efficient discharge by the Unit of its functions under this Act.
(2) An employee of the Unit shall be under the administrative control and supervision of the Chief Executive Officer who may discipline and terminate employees, as is necessary.
PART III
APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION Application
30.— (1) Any person who —
- (a) is at least eighteen years of age; and
- (b) meets the application requirements,
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(b) (c)
(d) (e)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 be dated and signed;
be accompanied by all requisite documentation and information;
be accompanied by the non-refundable processing fees as prescribed; and
be accompanied by –
- (i) a health certificate by a medical practitioner with respect to each applicant and qualifying dependant;
- (ii) a police certificate from the applicant’s country of residence;
- (iii) a banker’s reference; and
- (iv) the details and evidence of the proposed qualifying investment.
(5) An
language and any document submitted with the application must be in the English language or an authenticated translation into the English language.
(6) The applicant shall provide a sworn affidavit of support of each qualifying dependant.
(7) Each application form must be completed personally and signed by the applicant and any of the qualifying dependants over eighteen years of age except where a qualifying dependant is physically or mentally challenged, and the additional conditions shall be applicable-
- (a) for a child who is below the age of eighteen, both of his or her parents may be required to sign the forms on behalf of the child;
- (b) in a case where one parent has sole custody of a child or another person has legal guardianship of a child, the appropriate legal documentation shall be provided to evidence custody or guardianship.
application form shall be completed in the English
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or written confirmation from a recognised school, university or college of the qualifying dependant’s enrolment and attendance at that school, university or college at the time of the application.
Authorised agent
31.—(1) An application for an authorised agent’s licence shall be
submitted to the Unit.
2) An application submitted under subsection (1) shall be made on the prescribed form and accompanied by –
- (a) the prescribed fee; and
- (b) such evidence of the applicant’s professional qualification, ability, resources, experience and integrity, as the Unit may require.
- (a) the ability, resources, experience or integrity of the authorised agent has fallen below the standard that might reasonably be expected;
- (b) the prescribed fee remains unpaid for fourteen calendar days after it has become due;
- (c) the requirements of subregulation (3) have not been complied with; or
- (d) the authorised agent has contravened any of the provisions of this Act.
- (a) sign a written agreement with the Board, among other things, agreeing to adhere to the terms and conditions of the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
- (b) prior to being granted a new licence, be reviewed by the Unit as to performance and suitability for continued
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(c)
(d)
(e) (f)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 involvement with the Citizenship by Investment
Programme;
be responsible for all promotion, advertisement or publication in relation to Citizenship by Investment published or disseminated publicly by any sub-agent, promoter, media outlet, entity or person on behalf of or in conjunction with the said authorised agent;
take reasonable steps to confirm the identity and reputation of each promoter with whom the agent enters into agreement, engages or acts in conjunction with;
not engage or use any person or entity as a promoter who has not been registered and in respect of whom the prescribed annual fee has not been paid;
pay or cause to be paid the prescribed fee in respect to each promoter he or she engages, collaborates with or otherwise uses in relation to the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
(6) Each promoter shall comply with the terms and conditions of the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Proof of financial resources
32. For the purposes of a qualifying investment under this Act, an application may be considered when all the requisite criteria in relation to financial resources are satisfied by the applicant pursuant to such guidelines contained in Regulations.
Saint Lucia National Economic Fund
33.—(1) The Saint Lucia National Economic Fund is established.
(2) Qualifying investments of cash shall be paid into the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund.
(3) The Minister for Finance shall lay before Parliament every financial year for its approval the purposes to which the funds will be allocated.
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 Due diligence checks
34.—(1) The Unit may engage the services of independent, professional and qualified persons or bodies as necessary to conduct due diligence checks on any applicant.
(2) An applicant may also be required to attend an interview in Saint Lucia or at an embassy or High Commission of Saint Lucia prior to the consideration of his or her application for citizenship by the Board.
Report to Board
35.—(1) Upon receipt of all requisite information for an application for citizenship by investment, the Unit shall prepare a full report of its findings and recommendations for the Board.
(2) The Board shall review all reports prepared under subsection (1).
Approval, denial or delay of application
36.—(1) The Board shall after consideration of an application for
citizenship referred to it by the Unit –
- (a) grant;
- (b) deny; or
- (c) delay, for cause,
- (a) provides false information;
- (b) has been convicted of a criminal offence except where the offence is a minor traffic offence;
- (c) is the subject of a criminal investigation;
- (d) is considered to be a potential national security risk;
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(e) (f)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 is involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to
Saint Lucia;
has been denied a visa to a country with which Saint Lucia has visa-free travel and has not subsequently obtained a visa to that country,
shall not be approved for citizenship under this Act.
(4) Where an application is approved under sub-section 1(a) the Board shall notify the applicant of the approval in 30 days of the decision and shall require –
- (a) payment of any other fees within 60 days; and
- (b) commencement of all qualifying investments as described in the application within the period specified in the Regulations.
- (a) must be in writing, addressed to the Minister and submitted through the Unit;
- (b) must be submitted within 60 days of a letter of denial being issued by the Board;
- (c) may not seek to introduce new information or documents;
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(d)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 must show one or more of the following grounds for
seeking a review –
- (i) incorrect application of the law;
- (ii) that the Unit either considered irrelevant matters or failed to consider relevant matters in making a decision not to recommend the applicant to the Board;
- (iii) irregularities at the decision-making stage;
- (iv) that the Board did not have evidence to support its findings against the applicant.
(3) The Minister shall consider the request within 21 days of receipt and notify the applicant in writing of his or her decision to grant or deny the request for review in accordance with sub paragraph (2)(d).
(4) Where the Minister grants the request for review he or she may co-opt additional persons with expert knowledge or experience to provide necessary advice.
(5) The Minister may request the applicant to –
- (a) provide further information or explanations;
- (b) appear in person to be interviewed.
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(a)
(b) (c)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015
such registration as a citizen was obtained by false representation or fraud or wilful concealment of material facts; or
the person has been convicted of an offence; or
the person has performed any other act which, within the opinion of the Minister, has the potential to bring disrepute to Saint Lucia.
(2) A person whose citizenship has been revoked under subsection (1) shall not be entitled to repayment of any investment or contribution made by him or her in furtherance of the grant of citizenship.
(3) The Minister shall in writing specify the grounds for the revocation of citizenship by investment.
(4) Any person whose citizenship is revoked under this section shall have the right of appeal to the High Court.
(5) Notice of appeal under section (4) shall be given within 30 working days of the date that the Minister serves a copy of the Order on the person.
PART IV MISCELLANEOUS
Publication of information
39. The Minister shall, by Notice published in the Gazette,
publish any revocation of citizenship.
Regulations
40.—(1) Subject to the approval of Cabinet, The Minister may, make regulations for the purposes of giving effect to the provisions of this Act.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) the Minister may make regulations in respect of –
(a) qualifications, general requirements and procedures for citizenship by investment;
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(b)
(c) (d)
(e) (f)
(g) (h)
(i) (j)
(k) (l)
(m)
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Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 requirements for a Saint Lucia National Economic
Fund investment;
requirements for an investment in land or enterprise;
requirements for the purchase of a Government bond or a direct monetary contribution;
the registration of anything required or authorised to be registered;
the administration and taking of oaths of allegiance, for the time within which such oaths shall be taken and for the registration of such oaths;
the giving of any notice required or authorised to be given under this Act;
providing for the issue of a certificate to any person registered as a citizen;
the cancellation of the registration of persons whose citizenship has been revoked;
the imposition and recovery of fees relating to any application made in respect of any registration or the grant of any certificate, or the taking of any oath of allegiance authorised to be made, granted or taken, and in respect of supplying a certified copy of any notice, certificate, order, declaration or entry given, granted or made and for the application of such fees;
the nature of a qualifying investment;
the marketing and promotion of the Citizenship by Investment Programme;
anything which may be or is to be prescribed under this Act.
(3) Regulation made under subsection (2) shall be subject to negative resolution.
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No. 14 ] Citizenship by Investment Act [ 2015 Passed in the House of Assembly this 28th day of July, 2015.
PETER I. FOSTER,
Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Passed in the Senate this 4th day of August, 2015. CLAUDIUS J. FRANCIS,
President of the Senate.
SAINT LUCIA
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Original Source: Saint Lucia Citizenship Act 14 of 2015