The Grenadines are 32 perfectly sculpted pieces of paradise strewn throughout the Caribbean Sea, making them an island hopper’s dream. Yachters, nature lovers, and the occasional wealthy flock to the islands, which are known for their stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you fly between the Grenadine islands or settle yourself in St Vincent’s vibrant capital, Kingstown, there’s much to do aside from sunbathing. Overall, there are nearly innumerable reasons to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Saint Vincent Constitution Order of 1979, as modified; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Citizenship Act of 1984, as amended; and numerous British nationality laws govern Vincentian nationality. These laws define who is a national of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or who is qualified to become one. Vincentian nationality is normally acquired either through the principle of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, or through the norms of jus sanguinis, i.e. through birth abroad to Vincentian parents.
It can be awarded to people who have a connection to the country or to permanent residents who have resided in the country for a certain period. There is presently no mechanism in place in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that allows anyone to obtain nationality through investing in the country. As a citizen of a sovereign nation, one’s nationality establishes one’s international identity. Though not synonymous with citizenship, the United Kingdom, and hence the commonwealth, have long used the terms interchangeably for rights conferred under domestic law for domestic reasons.
Nationality in Vincentia can be obtained through birth, registration, or naturalization.
By Birth
– Persons born on the territory, unless one or both parents have diplomatic immunity or are citizens of a country at war with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
– Persons born outside of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to at least one parent who was born in the country, or
– Persons born on aircraft or ships registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as unregistered government aircraft and ships.
By Descent:
A child born outside of the country or an adopted child under the age of 18 whose parents are both citizens of Saint Vincent.
By Registration
Those who have familial or historical ties to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are considered nationals by registration. Individuals who obtain nationality by registration include:
– a spouse of a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national;
– Commonwealth citizens who have lived in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for at least seven years and are regular residents;
– Minors born to a Vincentian parent who would have obtained Vincentian nationality if their parent had not died before the country’s independence;
– minors under the age of twenty-one who are legally adopted by or stepchildren of a national; or minors under the age of twenty-one who are legally adopted by or stepchildren of a national.
– Any minor, at the Minister’s discretion.
By Naturalization
Ordinary naturalization in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is available to adults of legal capacity who have remained in the territory for the previous 12 months, are of good character, and plan to remain a resident of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applicants petition the Minister of Immigration, who assesses if the applicant has sufficient English language skills, has lived in the territory for nine years, has worked for the government, or has combined residency with government employment. Applicants must swear an Oath of Allegiance and may be asked to relinquish their citizenship of origin if their application is approved.
If the declarant is a legal adult with full capacity, he or she may freely renounce their association with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. If Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are at odds with the intended new source of nationality, renunciation may be refused. Denaturalization may occur if a person obtains nationality by fraud, false representation, or concealment; if they have committed crimes of treason; if they have committed acts of disloyalty or service to a foreign country; and if they have lived abroad for five years continuously.