“Pax et Justitia (Peace and Justice)”
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship Laws are based upon the Saint Vincent Constitution, dated October 27, 1979 and the Citizenship Act of 1984. As a member of the British Commonwealth, Saint Vincent has specific laws and rules for British and Commonwealth citizens. (UKC-Commonwealth)
BY BIRTH: Child born within the territory of Saint Vincent, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The exception is a child, one of whose parents is employed in a foreign diplomatic post.
BY DESCENT: Child born abroad or adopted child under age 18, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Saint Vincent.
REGISTRATION: The following may apply for citizenship by registration: Foreigner who has married a citizen of Saint Vincent. Citizen of the British Commonwealth who has resided in Saint Vincent for at least seven years. Person who had previously renounced Saint Vincentian citizenship. Stepchild or adopted child of Saint Vincentians, under age 21.
The following are requirements for registering for citizenship: Person has resided in the country for at least 12 months preceding registration, has lived in the country continuously for at least nine years, is of good character, has knowledge of the English language and citizenship responsibilities, and plans to make Saint Vincent a permanent home.
BY NATURALIZATION: Same as Registration. Some foreign nationals may be required to renounce previous citizenship.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED in these special categories:
Person born abroad of St. Vincentian parents, who obtained citizenship of the country of birth. Child born in St. Vincent of foreign parents. Citizen of St. Vincent married to a foreign national. Naturalized citizens.
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Permitted by law for all citizens 18 years and older. Contact Embassy for details and required paperwork.
INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Saint Vincentian citizenship: Person obtains naturalization or registration by fraud. Person has shown disloyalty to the country. Person has lived continuously abroad for at least five years.
Serving The Countries of CARICOM: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
