St Lucia is one of five countries offering citizenship by investing in real estate. Investors can obtain St Lucia real estate citizenship by purchasing an approved property valued at least $240,000. This guide provides everything you need to know about the St Lucia real estate option, including:
- Minimum investment threshold
- Application fees
- Government-approved real estate developments
- Investment application process
- Benefits
St Lucia Citizenship by Real Estate Investment Overview
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CIP) Program is regulated by the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015, introduced to boost the country’s economic development by attracting foreign direct investment through the offer of citizenship. Approved real estate investment was introduced as an option for obtaining St Lucia citizenship by investment when the program was launched on 1 January 2016.
Eight Benefits of St Lucia Real Estate Citizenship by Investment
Low minimum investment
The required minimum investment amount of $300,000 stays the same when including any number of family members in your application.
Earn rental income
Besides obtaining citizenship, you can earn an annual rental yield of three to five percent.
Invest in sought-after tourist accommodations
Approved real estate projects in St Lucia consist of internationally recognized hotel brands and lucrative boutique developments that deliver assured returns.
Family inclusion
You can include family members in your citizenship application.
Tax benefits
St Lucia property owners are not subject to worldwide income tax, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
Visa free travel
Approved real estate investors qualify for a St Lucia passport with access to over 140 St Lucia passport visa free countries.
Dual citizenship
St Lucia allows dual citizenship, permitting successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships.
No ALHL requirement
The real estate citizenship option in St Lucia does not require applicants to obtain an ALHL (Alien Landholding License) to purchase property.Requirements to Obtain St Lucia Citizenship by Purchasing Real Estate
Caribbean real estate investment in St Lucia for citizenship requires a minimum investment of at least $300,000 in St Lucia property approved by the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). This investment amount remains the same whether you are a single applicant or want to include dependent family members such as a spouse, children, or financially dependent parents.
A primary requirement of purchasing St Lucia real estate to acquire citizenship and maintain dual citizenship status is that applicants must hold their real estate purchases for at least five years before reselling.
St Lucia Real Estate Citizenship Costs and Fees
Real Estate Investment | Single | Family of Up to Four | Additional (over 18 years old) | Additional (under 18 years old) |
Minimum Investment | $300,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $30,000 | $45,000 | +$10,000 each | +$5,000 each |
Due Diligence Fee | $8,000 | $5,000 for each family member aged 16 or over | ||
Passport Fee | $500 per passport | |||
St Lucia Government-Approved Real Estate Projects
Properties approved under the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act comprise two property types:
High-end branded hotel or resort:
- At least 70 rooms
- 4 or 5-star rating
- Recognized hotel brand
- Sophisticated, luxury service and amenities
High-end boutique property:
- 20 to 70 rooms
- Located in a unique environment
- Upscale with refined accommodation
- Personalized service with a high staff-to-guest ratio
Canelles Resort: St Lucia’s Canelles Resort, developed by Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate Ltd, is a real estate development located on the southeast coast. The resort includes a serviced residence – Canelles Oceanfront Apartment, and two world-class luxury resort hotels – Zoetry Resort and Dreams Resort.
Canelles Oceanfront Apartment: This high-end serviced residence offers fully equipped rooms and suites. The facility includes a clubhouse, outdoor area, restaurants, and SPA.
Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resorts: This real estate development, as part of the World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection, offers luxurious beachfront villas and well-being facilities, including an outdoor activity area, SPA, and a seaside dining area.
Dreams Resorts and Spas: This facility offers luxury with rooms and suites. You’ll find a seaside dining area, swimming pool, waterpark, and beach activity area.
Alpina Saint Lucia Hotel and Alpina Square: The Alpina Saint Lucia Hotel and Alpina Square offered by the Pearl of the Caribbean Development are five minutes from the Hewanorra International Airport. The hotel has 231 rooms with an additional 17 serviced apartments. The hotel promises premier amenities, including a business center, restaurants, a health center, a spa, and retail outlets.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Real Estate Citizenship Edibility Criteria
Main applicant
- Be over 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be of excellent character
- Make a qualifying investment
- Be clear of communicable diseases
Qualifying dependents
- Spouses
- Children of the main applicant or spouse under 21; aged between 21 and 30 if supported by the main applicant or spouse; aged 21 or over and mentally/physically challenged
- Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 or above
- Siblings of the main applicant or spouse who are unmarried, with no children, aged 18 or younger, and have received consent from their parent or guardian
Application Process to Obtain Real Estate Citizenship in St Lucia
To obtain St Lucian citizenship by investing in real estate, you can expect to follow the application process outlined below:
1. Preliminary due diligence check with an Authorized Agent
Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) to start the citizenship process. The licensed agent will conduct preliminary due diligence checks and work with you to find the right pre-approved St Lucia real estate to invest in.
2. Choose a property
Once you have chosen your investment property, you will need to complete your application forms and provide all the necessary documentation, as guided by the approved agency.
3. Submit documents to CIU
The dedicated team of migration specialists will submit your application to obtain citizenship to the St Lucia Citizenship Unit on your behalf.
4. Due diligence
An independent firm will carry out the necessary background, including a mandatory virtual interview. You must provide supporting documents if requested.
5. Application approval
Within seven months of submitting your application, you will receive a letter of approval from the CIU stating that your application has been Approved in Principle.
6. Complete real estate purchase
Following the approval of your application by the CIU, you can now make the investment in your chosen government-approved project and send proof of purchase to the CIU.
7. Receive your St Lucia passport
You and your family will be granted citizenship and a St Lucia certificate of naturalization, and your passports will be sent to an address of your choice.
As an applicant to the St Lucia CBI program, your application must be submitted through an agency with a St Lucia CIP license.
St Lucia Citizenship Timeline
The St Lucia citizenship processing time through the real estate investment route takes about 10 to 12 months, provided you fulfill the required eligibility and investment requirements. The mandatory Caribbean citizenship interview is conducted virtually, reducing the overall citizenship timeline.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain St Lucia citizenship?
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of St Lucia to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining St Lucia Citizenship by Investing in Real Estate
Can foreigners buy property in St Lucia?
Foreigners can buy real estate in St Lucia, including residential and commercial properties. As a foreigner, you will need to apply for an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) to buy St Lucia property. Alternatively, you can legally purchase property without obtaining AN ALHL by applying to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program and purchasing specific property approved for the program.
What is the St Lucia citizenship program?
The St Lucia citizenship by investment program enables foreign investors to contribute economically to the country and obtain citizenship. Investing in pre-approved real estate is one route under the investment program, where applicants can make a property investment worth at least $300,000 and acquire citizenship.
Alternative investment routes include:
- A non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
- Acquiring government bonds
- Investing in an approved enterprise project
The minimum investment required varies depending on the investment chosen and the number of applicants.
Can US citizens own property in St Lucia?
US citizens can legally own property in Saint Lucia by obtaining an Alien Landholding License or qualifying for Saint Lucia’s citizenship program. This allows them to purchase real estate in the country and get a Saint Lucia passport.
Can I resell the property I bought through the St Lucia citizenship program?
You can resell your St Lucia property purchased to obtain citizenship by investment after five years.
Can I purchase a free-standing house in St Lucia under the citizenship program?
If you want to obtain a St Lucia passport by investing in St Lucia real estate, you will need to purchase a property that the government has approved, which doesn’t include residential real estate. These qualifying properties typically include tourist accommodations in hotels and resort complexes.
What type of property can I purchase in St Lucia?
If you purchase property under the St Lucia CBI program, you must buy property in a St Lucia government-approved real estate project. Approved properties for investment citizenship include high-end tourist accommodation. If you are not a CBI applicant, you can purchase any residential or commercial real estate for sale in St Lucia, providing you obtain an Alien Landholding License (ALHL). This includes properties such as apartment buildings, beachfront villas, townhouse, and classic plantation homes.
What are the fees associated with the real estate route for citizenship in St Lucia?
Fees associated with obtaining citizenship through real estate investment in St Lucia include making a qualifying real estate purchase, government application fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees. The government application fee and due diligence fee vary depending on the applicant.
Can I rent out my investment property in St Lucia?
An attractive aspect of St Lucia real estate citizenship by investment is successful applicants rent out their property to earn rental income. You could even use a property management company to handle the entire process for you. An additional advantage of pursuing real estate citizenship through St Lucia’s citizenship program is your ability to resell the investment property after five years, guaranteeing a return on your investment.
