Saint Vincent and the Grenadines•North AmericaAlien's Land-Holding Licence
At a Glance
1–2 months
XCD $2,500
Not applicable (this is a property ownership license, not a residency visa)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Cabinet-approved licence under SVG's Alien Land Holding Regulation Act allowing foreigners to own real estate and qualify to apply for permanent residence.
The Alien's Land-Holding Licence (ALHL) is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' statutory authorisation under the Aliens (Land Holding Regulation) Act, Cap. 316, that lets non-citizens hold title to real estate. It is granted by Cabinet via the Office of the Prime Minister and is the only lawful route for foreigners to take freehold or long-term leasehold property in SVG.
Applications go through a Vincentian attorney to the PM's Office with banker's reference, police certificate, survey plan, and draft deed. The non-refundable application fee is EC$2,500; further licence fees and stamp duty scale to market value. Processing is typically 6-8 weeks, with mandatory Land Registry registration within three months. Holders qualify to apply for permanent residence.
This visa is ideal for high-net-worth investors, retirees, and second-home buyers wanting freehold ownership in SVG as a stepping-stone to permanent residence.
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Application submitted by a Vincentian attorney-at-law
Completed Alien Land-Holding Licence application form
Certified copy of passport (bio-data page)
Banker's reference letter
Police certificate of good character
Survey plan of the property
Draft deed of sale / title deed
Statement of intended use of the property (residence, rental, development)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Certified copy of passport bio-data page
Banker's reference letter
Police certificate of good character
Survey plan of the property
Draft deed of conveyance / title deed
Statement of intended use of the property
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Only lawful route for foreigners to hold freehold property in SVG
- Qualifying ground to apply for permanent residence
- Permanent licence with no annual renewal once registered
- No minimum investment threshold set by statute
- No language, education, or age requirements
Worth Knowing
- Variable licence fee and stamp duty scaled to property market value
- Application must be filed through a Vincentian attorney-at-law
- Licence must be registered at the Land Registry within three months or lapses
- Does not by itself confer the right to reside or work in SVG
- Cabinet approval required and may be refused for sensitive-area properties
- Failure to register the licence and deed within three months of issuance
- Breach of licence conditions can lead to forfeiture of the property to the Crown
Application Process
Retain a Vincentian attorney-at-law
Sign a sale agreement subject to obtaining the Alien Land-Holding Licence
Attorney prepares the application dossier (form, passport, banker's reference, police certificate, survey plan, draft deed, use statement)
Pay the EC$2,500 non-refundable application fee
Submit application to the Office of the Prime Minister
Await Cabinet approval (typically 6-8 weeks)
On approval, pay licence fee and stamp duty calculated on property market value
Register the licence and deed of conveyance at the Land Registry within three months of issuance
Related visas
More visas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Temporary Residence Permit
Residency
- CSME Skills Certificate
Work
- Diplomatic and Official Visa
Diplomatic
Investment visas in other countries
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