St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide for 2024

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program presents the opportunity for foreign investors to obtain second citizenship by making a significant economic investment in the country. Launched in December 2015, the investment program offers a straightforward path to citizenship through one of four investment options starting from $240,000.

This guide will walk you through all the essential details about citizenship by investment in St. Lucia, including:

• Program overview
• Benefits for investors
• Eligibility criteria
• Investment options
• Fees and charges
• Required documents
• Application process

Overview of St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs are immigration policies established by governments to grant citizenship to foreign nationals who significantly contribute to their economic growth and social development. St. Lucia is among the nations with a citizenship program, providing an avenue to obtain citizenship in St. Lucia and a second passport by making one of the various investment options approved in the program.

St. Lucia’s economic citizenship program, established in December 2015 in accordance with the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015, is overseen by the St. Lucia Citizenship Unit (CIU). The program offers four foreign investment options, starting from $240,000 for a sole investor or family of four to obtain a St. Lucia passport:

• National Economic Fund (NEF) donation
• Approved real estate investment
• Acquiring government bonds
• Approved enterprise investment

Key Program Details

• Visa free countries: 148
• Visa free to Schengen Area: Yes
• Tax framework: No worldwide income taxes
• Processing time: 10 to 12 months
• Minimum government fund contribution: $240,000
• Minimum real estate investment: $300,000
• Minimum total for one applicant: $260,600
• Minimum total family of four: $269,400
• Eligible dependents:
  • Spouse
  • Children under 30 or with disabilities
  • Parents and grandparents over 55
  • Unmarried siblings under 18
• Passport validity:
  • 5 years for all citizens
• Visit or residency requirement: None
• Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Benefits

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria

The St. Lucia citizenship by investment legislation for eligibility in St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015. Qualifying dependents are also listed in the same Act, as well as (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2020.

Main applicant

• Be over 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Be able to make a qualifying investment
• Complete due diligence and background checks

Health and criminal background requirements

• Medical clearance: Applicants must prove good health by completing a medical exam.
• Police clearance: A criminal record certificate in all countries of residence over the past ten years is required.

Qualifying dependents

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant or spouse, under 21; aged between 21 and 30, if supported by the main applicant or spouse; or aged 21 or over and physically/mentally challenged
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or the spouse aged 55 or above
• Siblings of the main applicant or spouse, unmarried, with no children, aged 18 or younger, who have received consent from their parent or guardian

Restricted countries

Applicants from the following countries do not qualify for the program.

• Belarus
• Iran
• Russia

The St. Lucia citizenship by investment official website, cipsaintlucia.com, provides more information about the eligibility criteria.

St. Lucia Citizenship Investment Options

1. Non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
2. Approved property investment
3. Approved enterprise investment
4. Acquisition of government bonds

1. National Economic Fund (NEF) contribution

A non-refundable financial contribution of $240,000 to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund qualifies a single applicant or a main applicant with up to three dependents to apply for the St. Lucia citizenship program.

2. Approved real estate purchase

The minimum investment required for government-approved real estate investment is $300,000, which qualifies a main investor and any number of dependents. Obtaining St. Lucia real estate citizenship requires applicants to maintain their investment for at least five years after being granted citizenship. In addition to the minimum investment required, the main applicant must pay a government administrative fee for themself and each qualifying dependent.

3. Approved enterprise investment

There are two options to invest in approved enterprise projects:

• Option A: $3.5 million investment as a solo investor
• Option B: $250,000 investment in a joint venture worth at least $6 million

The investment qualifies a main investor and any number of dependents. In addition to the minimum investment required, the main applicant must pay a government application fee of $50,000 and an administrative fee for themself and each qualifying dependent.

4. Government bonds acquisition

The government bonds option applicants to purchase $300,000 worth of non-interest-bearing National Action Government Bonds (NAB), which can be fully recovered after five years. The investment qualifies a main investor and any number of dependents. In addition to the minimum investment required, the main applicant must pay a government application fee of $50,000.

Application Fees and Processing Charges

Besides the minimum investment and the government application and administrative fees (for real estate investment, enterprise investment, and National Action Government Bonds acquisition), applicants must pay fees to directly qualify for citizenship. Fees for the St. Lucia citizenship by investment include:

• Due diligence fee
• Processing fee
• Passport

Citizenship for new family additions

After gaining citizenship, the primary investor can apply for citizenship for for new family members. The following fees apply.

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Required Documents

This list of required documents to obtain St. Lucia citizenship by investment is not exhaustive. The St. Lucia citizenship unit may request additional supporting documents from the applicant.

General documents required

• Original excerpt of the full birth record or certified copy of the birth certificate
• Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable)
• Permanent residence card (if applicable)
• National identity card (if applicable)
• Certified colored copy of current passport(s) showing name, photo citizenship/nationality, date and place of issue, expiry date, passport number, and issuing country
• Photograph and signature certificate (for children below 18 or if dependent, please insert N/A in the designated signature slot)
• Six original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last six months. The face must be neutral, with one photo affixed to the Medical Examiner Declaration.
• Proof of residential address valid within the last three months. Examples include a Certified copy of a recent utility bill corresponding to your address OR a bank statement showing full name and address to show proof of address.
• Marriage or divorce certificate
• Copy of military service card (if applicable)
• Affidavit from spouse or ex-spouse relating to children applying for citizenship
• Affidavit of support for qualifying dependents
• Education certificates and transcripts
• Professional and academic certificates (submit these for children over 18 years old, too).
• Professional reference letter (from an attorney, chartered accountant, or other profession of similar standing) valid within the last six months immediately before the submission of the application.

Supporting documents

• Certified copy of your current and expired visas
• Police certificate from country of birth and from any other country where you’ve resided for at least one year. The police certificate should be no more than six months old.
• Custody or legal guardianship records
• Statutory declaration of a non-accompanying parent of a qualifying dependent below 18 years old, indicating that they have no objection to their child acquiring St. Lucian citizenship.
• A certified copy of a photo ID of a non-accompanying parent bearing their signature

Translation and certification of documents

For non-English documents submitted with the application, provide a certified English translation only. The translation should be done by a qualified translator with professional credentials, ensuring accuracy and faithfulness to the original document. The original document’s text, seals, and signatures must be translated.

All the required documents to support the citizenship by investment application must be certified and authenticated as per the originating jurisdiction’s laws. 

St. Lucia Citizenship Application Process and Timeline

The entire application process to obtain St. Lucia citizenship by investment takes 10 to 12 months.

1. Contact Authorized Agent: Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) to submit your citizenship application.
2. Initial due diligence checks: Your licensed agent will perform preliminary due diligence checks to ensure a successful application.
3. Client agreement and retainer payment: Confirm the agreement with your licensed agent to submit your application by making a retainer payment.
4. Gather documents and complete forms: Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms.
5. Submit your application: Your dedicated Authorized Agent will submit your application on your behalf*.
6. Due diligence checks: The (CIU) will process your application and carry out comprehensive due diligence checks.
7. Attend citizenship interview: The main applicant and dependents over 16 must attend a mandatory virtual interview with CIU-approved professionals.
8. Receive Approval in Principle: Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 90 to 120 days stating their application has received pre-approval.
9. Make your investment: Once you have received your government approval letter, you must make your qualifying investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CIU.
10. Receive citizen approval: You and your family will be granted citizenship by the CIU.
11. Collect Certificate of Registration: The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in the country or at an approved St. Lucia High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
12. Full citizenship received: You are now a fully registered citizen of St. Lucia and can retrieve your citizenship certificate and St. Lucia.

*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from prospective applicants but only from St. Lucia Authorized Agents.

Citizenship processing time

The St. Lucia citizenship timeline is between 10 to 12 months, beginning from submitting the complete application to issuing citizenship documents.

Month 1 (preparation)

• Choose the qualifying investment
• Choose an Authorized Agent
• Prepare the required documents and submit to the CIU

Months 4 to 9 (processing)

• The CIU outsources background checks
• Complete the virtual interview
• Make the required investment

Months 10 (approval)

• Pay the passport fee and obtain a Certificate of Registration
• Obtain a St. Lucia passport

Compliance and Legal Structure

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) outlines the legal structure for the citizenship program, enforcing the program’s investment routes, investment thresholds, application processes, due diligence procedures, and applicant requirements and responsibilities before and after obtaining citizenship.

Core requirements include:

• Minimum investment amounts
• Due diligence procedures
• Application fees
• Application process and timeline
• Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
• Rights and responsibilities of new citizens

Dual citizenship

The St. Lucian government allows dual citizenship, permitting citizens to maintain multiple citizenships and preserve the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a passport in St. Lucia. 

Citizenship revocation

The Government of St. Lucia has the authority to cancel citizenship obtained through investment if it discovers any dishonesty or breaches of its rules. 

Key amendments to the program

• January 2017: Reduced minimum investment threshold from $200,000 to $100,000.
• January 2017: Removed annual 500 citizenship application limit.
• May 2020: Introduced temporary Special COVID-19 relief Bond investment option.
• June 2020: Expanded family eligibility by increasing the maximum age of dependent children from 18 to 21, lowering the age of dependent parents from
  65 to 55, and allowing unmarried siblings of the primary applicant to apply.
• September 2023: Mandatory citizenship interview requirement introduced for applicants 17 and over.
• February 2024: Introduced “Infrastructure Option”
• June 2024: Joins the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding Agreement (MoA).
• July 2024: Raises the minimum non-refundable contribution from $100,000 to $240,000 as per the MoU.

Why choose St. Lucia citizenship?

• St. Lucia’s CBI program is respected worldwide, having been ranked number 1 in 2021.
• New residents enjoy unspoiled beauty and a tropical climate.
• St. Lucia passport holders can travel visa free to 148 countries, including the UK and EU countries.
• Successful applicants gain lifetime citizenship for themselves and their families.
• St. Lucia is the only Caribbean country offering a fully-refundable government bond investment option.
• Confidential application process with no exchange of information with other Governments.
• The CBI program has no residency, in-person interview, or language test requirements.
• The entire application process is remote.
• Visiting St. Lucia is not required to obtain a passport, and it can also be renewed at a consular office abroad.
• There are no worldwide income, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes in St. Lucia.

Pros and Cons of St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Pros

• Multiple investment routes: St. Lucia offers four qualifying investments to obtain citizenship.
• Affordability: An individual investor or a family of up to four can obtain citizenship with a $240,000 investment.
• Refundable investment: St. Lucia is the only Caribbean offering a fully refundable investment route through the government bond option.
• Payment after pre-approval: Investors are only required to invest in St. Lucia once the application has been approved in principle.

Cons

• Few government-approved real estate projects: There is only one government-approved real estate project to invest in.
• No visa free access to China or Russia: St. Lucia only country offer Caribbean citizenship by investment that does not offering visa free access to either China or Russia.

St. Lucia Citizenship Comparison with Other Caribbean CBI Programs

• St. Lucia: Offers the most investment routes among Caribbean programs.
• Antigua and Barbuda: Has the lowest investment requirement for a family of four.
• Dominica: Has the lowest investment requirement for a single applicant.
• Grenada: The only Caribbean CBI country offering eligibility to the US E-2 Visa Program.
• St. Kitts and Nevis: Offers the strongest Caribbean passport.

St. Lucia Passport

The Saint Lucia passport is a strong Caribbean passport that facilitates visa free travel to 148 countries and territories worldwide. Destinations St. Lucia passport holders can visit without a visa include the UK, Ireland, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kond, and EU countries in the Schengen Area. St. Lucia passport holders also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.

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 St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment