[Please refer to How to Read a Country Entry for help interpreting this material. It was produced prior to March 2001 as part of a US government report entitled Citizenship Laws of the World. The accuracy and depth of these country listings varies significantly, and some information may be incorrect. At best, this page presents only part of the story for a particular country. Additional information for this country may be available in Country Information]

ST. LUCIA

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is based upon the Citizenship Act of St. Lucia, dated June 5, 1979. (UKC-Commonwealth Nation) The following categories of persons were granted St. Lucian citizenship upon the date of independence (February 22, 1979):

A citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (UKC) naturalized or registered in St. Lucia. A Commonwealth citizen who resided in St. Lucia for seven years. A foreign woman married to a man who was eligible for citizenship.

BY BIRTH: Person born in the territory of St. Lucia before February 22, 1979, who was a citizen of the UKC. Person born in the territory of St. Lucia after February 22, 1979, regardless of the nationality of the parents. Exception: Child born to foreign representatives or diplomats.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, before or after independence, at least one of whose parents is a citizen, or was eligible for citizenship at the time of independence.

REGISTRATION: A foreigner married to a citizen of St. Lucia, either living or deceased, is eligible to request citizenship by registration, subject to the approval of the government.

BY NATURALIZATION: St. Lucian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is of good character, is familiar with the language and customs, has resided in the country for eight years before submitting application, intends to reside in St. Lucia, and has renounced previous citizenship.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of St. Lucian citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Embassy for details and required paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of St. Lucian citizenship: Naturalized citizenship is gained through fraud or falsehoods. Citizen is convicted of treason against the government.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of St. Lucia Consular Section 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-364-6792 through 6795 Fax: 202-364-6723

Copyright (C) 2002-2007 All rights reserved.