“Pax et Justitia (Peace and Justice)”
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
General: Governed by the Constitution of October 27, 1979 and the Citizenship Act of 1984 (Chapter 117 of the Revised Laws), as amended (notably a 2023 amendment expanding rights for "second-generation Vincentians" born overseas).
By Birth: A person born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a citizen regardless of parents' nationality, except a child of a parent employed in a foreign diplomatic post (or, generally, a parent with diplomatic immunity or who is a national of a hostile occupying power).
By Descent: A child born abroad (or an adopted child under 18) with at least one Vincentian-citizen parent is a citizen by descent. The 2023 amendment extended consideration to "second-generation" Vincentians born overseas (i.e., a further generational reach), subject to application and supporting documentation (birth/marriage/naturalization records of parents and grandparents, police clearance, and possible interview).
By Registration: Available to a foreigner married to a citizen; a Commonwealth citizen who has resided in Saint Vincent for at least 7 years; a person who previously renounced Vincentian citizenship (may reapply); and other specified categories (e.g., certain persons born abroad of Vincentian parents who obtained citizenship of their birth country, or children born in St. Vincent of foreign parents).
By Naturalization: Requires legal residence for a qualifying period — commonly cited as 5 years' total residence with the immediately preceding year continuous (some sources cite a 7-year benchmark), good character, and demonstrated intent to reside.
Dual Citizenship: Permitted without general restriction — no renunciation of other nationality is required.
Loss of Citizenship – Voluntary: Permitted by law for citizens 18 years and older, via formal renunciation application (through the Embassy/High Commission or relevant ministry).
Loss of Citizenship – Involuntary: Grounds include obtaining naturalization or registration by fraud; disloyalty to the country; and (for certain non-birth citizens) continuous residence abroad for at least 5 years without appropriate registration/authorization.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
General OECS Descent Requirements:
Completed citizenship registration paperwork (including the official local reference page).
Original birth certificates of the applicant and the qualifying grandparent or parent.
Certified copy of your US passport biometric page.
One certified passport-sized photograph.
An official medical fitness certificate completed by a registered doctor.
A Police Certificate of Character from your home jurisdiction
Original birth certificates of the applicant and the qualifying grandparent or parent.
Certified copy of your US passport biometric page.
One certified passport-sized photograph.
An official medical fitness certificate completed by a registered doctor.
A Police Certificate of Character from your home jurisdiction
Oath of Allegiance: Most OECS countries (St. Vincent And The Grenadines) require a signed, notarized Oath of Allegiance to the state before citizenship is formalized.
Serving The Countries of CARICOM: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, The Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
