St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide for 2024

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment allows foreign investors to obtain a second citizenship by investing in the country. If you apply successfully, you gain a Caribbean passport, providing visa free access to over 140 countries and the security of a plan B in a financially and politically stable environment. The required investment starts at $240,000 for you to apply as a single applicant or include up to three family members. This guide will walk you through all the essential details about the program, including:

• • St. Lucia CBI overview
  • St. Lucia citizenship benefits
  • Eligibility criteria for St. Lucia citizenship
  • St. Lucia CBI investment options
  • St. Lucia CBI application process
  • St. Lucia citizenship fees and charges
  • Required document for St. Lucia CBI

 

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Benefits

1. Affordable second citizenship: St. Lucian CBI has no minimum net worth requirement, and investments start from just $240,000 for a single applicant or a family of four people.
2. Tax optimization: Tax advantages include no worldwide income tax, inheritance, or capital gains tax.
3. Short application process: The St. Lucia citizenship application process takes as little as 10 months to complete.
4. No residency requirements: There are no residency requirements to obtain or maintain a St. Lucia passport.
5. Government bonds option: St. Lucia offers the only Caribbean CBI program with a government bonds option, which is refunded in full after five years.
6. Extensive family inclusion: In addition to a spouse and children, qualifying dependents include parents, grandparents, and siblings.
7. No in-person interviews: Applicants complete the citizenship process remotely, with the mandatory interview taking place virtually.
8. Increased travel privileges: A St. Lucia passport facilitates visa free access to 148 countries, including EU countries, the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
9. Dual citizenship allowed: St. Lucia recognizes dual citizenship, allowing successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships when obtaining St. Lucia citizenship.
10. Security of a Plan B: Secure a Plan B for yourself, your family, and future generations with a solid Plan B to ensure financial stability in a safer, more politically stable environment.

Quality of life advantages in St Lucia

St. Lucia offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, Caribbean culture, and modern infrastructure. Its jaw-dropping landscapes, including UNESCO landmarks like the Pitons and picturesque beaches, provide the ideal setting for life in the tropics. Citizens enjoy a warm, year-round tropical climate, which suits an active outdoor lifestyle, and the welcoming environment is supported by political stability and a strong sense of community.

Overview of St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program allows individuals to obtain citizenship in St. Lucia through a significant financial investment. Applicants can choose options such as donating to the National Economic Fund, investing in government-approved real estate, or purchasing government bonds. 

St. Lucia’s economic citizenship offers foreign investors an array of attractive benefits, like visa-free travel to numerous countries and the opportunity to include their family members in the application.

There are four foreign investment options, starting from $240,000 for a sole investor or family of four:

• 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 Eligibility Criteria

St Lucia’s citizenship by investment eligibility requirements follow legislation outlined in the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015.

Main applicant

• Be over 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be of excellent character
• Be able to make a qualifying investment

Citizens of Belarus, Iran, and Russia do not qualify.

Qualifying dependents

• Spouse
• Children of the main applicant or spouse
  • under 21
  • 21 and 30, if supported by the main applicant or spouse
  • 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

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

St. Lucia Citizenship Investment Options

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.

2. Approved real estate purchase

The government-approved real estate investment option requires a purchase valued at least $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.

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 requires purchasing $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.

St. Lucia Citizenship Application Process

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 passport.

*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.

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

Application Fees and Processing Charges for St. Lucia CBI

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 additional fees.

• Due diligence fee
• Processing fee
• Passport

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

• $5,000 for a newborn child aged 12 months or below
• $35,000 for a spouse $35,000
• $25,000 for other qualifying dependent

St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Required Documents

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

Non-English documents submitted with the application must be accompanied by a certified English translation only.

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

St. Lucia Passport Ranking

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 Kong, and EU countries in the Schengen Area. St. Lucia passport holders also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.

Saint Lucia Dual Citizenship

The Government of Saint Lucia allows dual citizenship, permitting nationals to hold St Lucia dual citizenship and retain the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a St Lucia passport. 

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

How to get St. Lucia citizenship?

You can get St. Lucia citizenship by marriage, birth, naturalization, or investment. For Saint Lucia citizenship by investment, you must demonstrate an outstanding character, hold a clean criminal record, be in good health, pass due diligence checks, and make a minimum financial contribution:

• National Economic Fund donation ($240,000)
• Investment in real estate ($300,000)
• Approved enterprise project investment ($250,000)
• Government bond investment ($300,000)

What is the total cost of St. Lucia citizenship by investment?

St. Lucia economic citizenship starts from $240,000 for a sole applicant or family of up to four. The total cost to invest in St. Lucia and obtain citizenship includes a government administrative fee, processing fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees, which amounts to about $10,500 for a single applicant and $20,000 to $30,000 for a family of four for the cheapest option. 

How does St. Lucia citizenship by donation work?

St. Lucia citizenship by donation is a route under the St. Lucia CIP program. Investors are granted St. Lucia citizenship by making a qualifying donation of $240,000 to St. Lucia’s government fund (National Economic Fund).

Can my family obtain St. Lucia citizenship by investment?

The principal applicant of St. Lucia‘s citizenship program can include their family members, including their spouse, dependent children up to age 30 or with disabilities, dependent parents or grandparents over age 55, and unmarried siblings under 18. 

What is the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act?

The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015 enables individuals to acquire Saint Lucian citizenship by registration following a qualifying investment in Saint Lucia. Section 33 established the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF), which receives the qualifying donations that the government uses under the national development agenda. 

How long does it take to get a St. Lucia passport?

Usually, it takes 10 to 12 months from the date of submission to receive a Saint Lucia citizenship certificate and Saint Lucia passport, provided you fulfill all the St. Lucia citizenship by investment requirements.

What language should my supporting documents be in?

All supporting documents must be submitted in the original language when applying for Saint Lucia citizenship. Where the original language of the supporting document is not English, you must also submit an authenticated English translation of the original. 

What if my St. Lucia passport application is denied?

If your Saint Lucian passport application is denied after the date of submission, you can appeal the decision if you feel there are reasonable grounds to do so. Your Authorized Agent will advise you on the appeal process. 

What is the St. Lucia National Economic Fund?

The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established in 2015 to receive donations under the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program. Funds collected are used for purposes approved by the government as part of the national development agency priorities. 

How long is St. Lucia citizenship by investment?

Saint Lucia citizenship by investment is lifelong citizenship that does not expire, provided applicants adhere to the requirements of the program, such as maintaining a qualifying real estate investment for at least five years after they obtain Saint Lucia citizenship. 

How much to buy a passport in St. Lucia?

You can’t buy St. Lucia citizenship or a St. Lucia second passport. Through the St. Lucia CBI program, also known as the St. Lucia Golden Visa, you can obtain a passport by investing in the country and contributing to its economic growth to enjoy St. Lucia citizenship benefits. The minimum donation is $240,000 for a sole applicant or family of up to four to receive St. Lucian citizenship. 

Can St. Lucia citizenship be inherited?

St. Lucia‘s nationality law recognizes both jus soli, for those born in St. Lucia, and jus sanguinis, for those with St. Lucian parents or grandparents. St. Lucia citizenship can be inherited for future dependents of successful applicants of the citizenship program, provided they pay the require government fee, which is $5,000 for a newborn child and $35,000 for a future spouse. 

Is St. Lucia citizenship worth it?

St. Lucia citizenship obtained through the St. Lucia Investor Visa offers numerous benefits, making it worth considering for a range of individuals, from retirees to expat families. St. Lucia’s passport offers global mobility with visa free travel to 148 destinations, including European Union countries. There are no taxes on worldwide earnings, wealth, capital gains, or inheritance. The country’s CBI program is accessible, requiring just $240,000 to apply as an individual or small family, and there’s no requirement to visit St. Lucia during the investment citizenship process. 

What are the residency requirements for St. Lucia citizenship by investment?

The St. Lucia government does not mandate any minimum residency requirements to obtain citizenship by investment.