The Citizenship by Investment Unit in St Lucia, also known as the St Lucia Official Unit, is a government authority that works to process and oversee applications made to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program. Keep reading to find out what St Lucia’s Citizenship Unit does and how the country’s internationally respected global citizenship program continues to inspire confidence in those interested in obtaining St Lucia citizenship.
Citizenship by Investment Unit St Lucia: Key Takeaways
What is the St Lucia Official Unit?
The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) was established following the introduction of St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program(CIP) in 2015. The CIU has many functions, including:
- Processing all CBI applications
- Recommending suitable applicants for citizenship to the Citizenship by Investment Board
- Making recommendations to the Board to develop and improve the program
- Advising the Board on matters relating to the program
- Collecting fees
- Executing and offering technical support and advice relating to citizenship by investment in St Lucia
- Employing the best practices to carry out the CBI Program
The Citizenship by Investment Board oversees St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program and the CIU. The Board consists of five members who appoint a Chief Executive Officer to head St Lucia’s Official Unit. Its other functions include coordinating the efficient operation of the program, monitoring the progression of each applicant’s application, reviewing reports from the Unit, recommending ways to develop the program to the Minister, determining the role of the Unit, publishing annual reports regarding the details of the CBI Program, and more.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit also grants Agent Licenses to immigration companies and citizenship lawyers in St Lucia. This is particularly important, as applicants cannot submit their CBI applications directly to the CIU. Rather, applications must be submitted on their behalf by an Authorized Agent issued a St Lucia CIP license for the Official Unit to market and promote the country’s CBI Program. These companies also have exclusive rights to act as CIP International Marketing Agents for St Lucia.
Who is the President of the CIU?
The CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit St Lucia is Mc Claude Emmanuel, who was appointed in March 2022. As CEO, his duties include ensuring the independence and integrity of the Unit and program are maintained and managed in accordance with the country’s Citizenship by Investment Act and international best practice.
The Citizenship by Investment Board
In accordance with St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Act, 2015, the CBI Board is a corporate body consisting of five members appointed by Cabinet. These members must include a person nominated by the Minister responsible for the CBI Program, a person nominated by the Minister responsible for national security, the Attorney General (or their appointed representative), and two Attorneys-at-law.
In addition to the functions mentioned above, the Board may request any information or document relating to an application to the St Lucia citizenship program from the main applicant, any qualifying dependent, or the Unit. After careful consideration of each application, the Board determines whether they should be approved, denied, or delayed for cause.
St Lucia citizenship by investment program
St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2015 and is regulated by the Citizenship by Investment Act No.14 of 2015. The program is highly ranked among the world’s CBI programs and attracts high-net-worth individuals who are interested in St Lucia’s growing economy and global business opportunities. A way for investors to make a qualifying investment into the island and obtain citizenship, the program offers four different routes to invest in St Lucia: The National Economic Fund, real estate investment, enterprise investment, and government bonds.
National Economic Fund
Investors make a non-refundable minimum investment of $240,000 into a government fund that is used to support government-sponsored projects.
Real estate investment
Investors can invest a minimum of $300,000 in a government-approved property. The investment must be held for five years, following which it can be resold.
Enterprise investment
Investors can choose one of two options – apply as a solo investor or as part of a joint venture. A solo investor must contribute a minimum of $3,500,000. The joint venture must be worth at least $6,000,000, and each investor is required to make a minimum investment of $250,000.
Government bonds
Investors must purchase $300,000 worth of National Action Government Bonds (NAB). The St Lucia government bonds are not interest-bearing and can be fully recovered after five years.
Passport requirements
- Passport application form
- Original birth certificate
- Certified copy of passport bio data page
- Two passport-sized photos (2 inch x 2 inch) with one certified
- Affidavit of Name Difference or Deed Poll (if applicable)
- Marriage (for married women only)
- Divorce certificate (for divorced women only)
- Death certificate (for widowed women only)
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Citizenship by Investment – Application Process
1. Choose your investment route
2. Complete all application forms
3. Submit your application
4. Receive approval from the CIU
5. make your investment
6. Become a St Lucia citizen
- Choose your investment route: Decide which of the investment routes is best for you, either making a non-refundable contribution to the St Lucia National Economic Fund or purchasing real estate.
- Gather documents and complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
- Submit your application through an agent: Your dedicated specialist will submit the application on your behalf*.
- Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 18 months of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
- Make your investment: Make the investment, pay the additional fees, and send proof to the CIU.
- Become a citizen: You and your family will be granted citizenship of St Lucia and receive your St Lucia passport at an address of your choice.
*The CIU doesn’t accept applications directly from applicants but only from Authorized Agents who are previously approved. These agents will provide the forms and submit the application.
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St Lucia
St Lucia is a popular island destination in the Caribbean with an economy based mainly on tourism and agriculture. Once you obtain St Lucia citizenship and receive your St Lucia passport, you can benefit from visa-free access to over 155 countries, no income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax or inheritance tax, and dual citizenship in a country that is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the British Commonwealth.
You’ll find an unmatched lifestyle on the island of Saint Lucia with something to do at any time of the day. The island’s bustling nightlife, picturesque natural landscapes, rich culture, and diverse culinary delights offer something for everyone – from digital nomads looking for adventure to families and retirees looking to enjoy a peaceful slice of paradise in this popular Caribbean country.
In addition to its attractive tourism industry, the island is strategically located to serve regional and international markets because of its proximity to the North and South American markets and countries that are part of CARICOM.
Discuss Your Options with Global Citizen Solutions
Global Citizen Solutions is an authorized international marketing agent that works closely with a licensed agent based in St Lucia.
After reviewing your eligibility, what it costs, and the application process, you receive personalized insights tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.
During a complimentary 30-minute consultation, a specialist migration advisor goes in-depth to assess your eligibility, explain the available investment routes, outline estimated costs and timelines, and evaluate what’s required to include family members.
Any questions you have about the program are answered to ensure that this program is the right option for you.
