St Lucia Citizenship by Investment
St Lucia offers citizenship by investment to individuals who contribute to the country in one of four ways: by donating $100,000 to the government National Economic Fund; by purchasing real estate from $300,000; by buying at least $250,000 in government bonds; or investing at least $1 million in local enterprise.
In this article you will learn all about why St Lucia citizenship by investment program has become an increasingly popular option. St Lucia’s tropical benefits and visa free travel to over 140 destinations are enticing reasons to get a second passport and settle down on this beautiful island. Learn more about St Lucia economic citizenship including the benefits, requirements, investment options and how to apply.
Your guide to Saint Lucia citizenship by investment
CBI programs offer individuals the unique ability to obtain citizenship by investing in the country, usually in the form of real estate or government donations. With its unspoiled landscapes, warm climate, and world-class beaches, the St Lucia economic citizenship program is the newest and one of the most popular ways to obtain a second passport. You can acquire a Saint Lucia passport by investment by either investing in real estate, the National Economic Fund, into a government bond or enterprise.
Saint Lucia citizenship by investment benefits
There are many reasons to choose Saint Lucia nationality and opt for Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program. From its booming trade and bustling tourism industry to its paradise beaches and private lifestyle, the investment program’s unique benefits include:
- Quick application process: One of the fastest turnarounds from the date of application submission. Get your application processed in as little as 3 months.
- Entire family are eligible: Inclusion of spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
- Cheapest second passport: Saint Lucia passport can be obtained for a minimum investment of just $100,000 financial contribution. St Lucia passport ranking is 75th in the Global Passport Index.
- Investment required only after approval: Complete investments after receiving citizenship application approval.
- Flexible requirements: No residence or visitation requirements. Plus no interview, education or managerial experience is necessary.
- Visa free travel: Saint Lucia’s passport power is undeniable. Enjoy Saint Lucia visa free travel to over 140 countries, including Europe’s Schengen zone, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more.
- Tax freedoms: No taxation on capital, wealth, and inheritance tax.
Saint Lucia passport requirements
In order to obtain Saint Lucia second citizenship, a series of St Lucia citizenship requirements must be met first.
The applicant must:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Make the required investment and provide detailed information and evidence of the respective investment.
- Have an outstanding character.
- Have excellent health.
- Hold no criminal record.
- Pass a detailed background check.
- Pay the required non-refundable processing, a due diligence fee, and administrative fees upon application.
A key benefit of the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program is that it extends to the applicant’s family members, meaning they are also eligible for citizenship.
The following family members apply:
- Spouse
- Inclusion of children under 21 years old
- Inclusion of dependent children aged between 18-30
- Inclusion of mentally or physically challenged dependent children and/or parents.
- Inclusion of parents and/or grandparents aged 55 or above
- Inclusion of siblings of the main applicant, if below the age of 18, unmarried, and who’ve received consent from his or her parent or guardian to apply for citizenship by investment
Saint Lucia CBI options
There are four investment options to choose from when considering becoming a citizen of St Lucia.
1. National Economic Fund (NEF)
Saint Lucia NEF is a special fund established by the government to receive financial contributions for funding government sponsored projects.
Once an application for citizenship by investment via the NEF route has been approved, the following minimum investment is required:
- Sole applicant: $100,000
- Applicant with spouse: $140,000
- Applicant with spouse and up to two other qualifying dependents: $150,000
- Each additional qualifying dependent, of any age: $25,000
- Each qualifying dependent in addition to a family of four (family includes a spouse): $15,000
Additional costs:
- Due Diligence: $7,500 for the main applicant plus $5,000 for each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age
- Processing fee: $2,000 for the main applicant plus $1,000 for each qualifying dependent
2.Pre-approved real estate investment
There are two options available to applicants who wish to go through the Saint Lucia real estate route.
- Invest a minimum of $300,000 in pre-approved high-end branded hotels and resorts
- Invest a minimum of $300,000 in a boutique property
Condition of investment: Applicant must execute a binding purchase and sales agreement for an investment in an approved real estate project. Investments, equalling the agreed purchase price, must be deposited in an approved escrow account managed by the real estate developer and the Citizenship by Investment Unit in Saint Lucia.
Administration fee (non-refundable):
- Sole applicant: $30,000
- Main applicant + spouse: $45,000
- Additional dependent aged 18 or over: $10,000 each
- Additional dependent under 18: $5,000 each
Additional costs:
- Due Diligence: $7,500 for the main applicant plus $5,000 for each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age
3. Enterprise investment Saint Lucia
There are seven options available to applicants who wish to go through the Saint Lucia citizenship by enterprise option.
- Specialty Restaurants
- Cruise ports and marinas
- Agro-processing plants
- Pharmaceutical products
- Ports, bridges, roads, and highways
- Research institutions and facilities
- Offshore universities
Once a Saint Lucia citizenship application via the enterprise route has been approved, the following minimum investment is required:
- A sole applicant: A minimum investment of $3.5 million
- More than one applicant (joint venture): A minimum investment of $6 million with each applicant contributing no less than $1 million.
Administration fee (non-refundable):
- Sole applicant: $50,000
- Additional dependent aged 18 or over: $35,000 each
- Additional dependent under 18: $25,000 each
Additional costs:
- Due Diligence: $7,500 for the main applicant plus $5,000 for each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age
- Processing fee: $2,000 for the main applicant plus $1,000 for each qualifying dependent
4. Government bonds
Saint Lucia economic citizenship by investment can also be obtained through the purchase of government bonds [no-interest requirement]. These government bonds are required to be registered and remain in the name of the applicant for a 5 year period from the date of first issue.
Once a Saint Lucia citizenship application by means of an investment in government bonds has been approved, the following minimum investment is required:
- Sole applicant: $500,000
- Applicant with spouse: $535,000
- Applicant with spouse and up to two other qualifying dependents: $550,000
- Each additional qualifying dependent, of any age: $25,000
Administration fee (non-refundable):
- $30,000
Additional costs:
- Due Diligence: $7,500 for the main applicant plus $5,000 for each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age
- Processing fee: $2,000 for the main applicant plus $1,000 for each qualifying dependent
5. Covid-19 Relief Bonds
This investment option was launched in 2020, and is available for a limited time until 31 December 2022. Starting at $250,000, it is a more affordable version of the Government Bonds investment route, a non-interest-bearing bond that must be registered and remain in the name of the applicant from the date of first issue.
Minimum investment:
- Sole applicant (five-year holding bond): $250,000
- Main applicant + 1 dependent (six-year holding bond): $250,000
- Main applicant + up to 4 dependents (seven-year holding bond): $250,000
- Main applicant + up to 4 dependents (five-year holding bond): $300,000
- Each additional dependent: $15,000
Administration fee (non-refundable):
- $30,000
Additional costs:
- Due Diligence: $7,500 for the main applicant plus $5,000 for each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age
- Processing fee: doesn’t apply for Covid-19 Relief Bonds.
*Additional agent fees and Saint Lucia passport application forms are not included.
Tax considerations
Saint Lucia residents and citizens enjoy relatively relaxed conditions. There are no capital gains and no inheritance or wealth taxes on worldwide income or assets.
Note that some local considerations apply. Namely, residents of Saint Lucia pay personal income tax rates (PIT) deriving from domestic activities. Individuals who are not residents pay taxes in St Lucia, but only on income received from local sources. Additionally, property taxation is 0.25% of the market value of housing. Buyers of real estate who are non-residents of Saint Lucia should additionally obtain a license for land ownership, paying 7.5% of the property value.
Key considerations include:
PIT scale:
- Up to 10,000 East Caribbean Dollars (XCD) – 10%
- 10,000 to 20,000 XCD – 15%
- 20,000 to 30,000 XCD – 20%
- over 30,000 XCD – 30%
- The minimum non-taxable PIT for individuals is 18,000 XCD
Company and wages:
- Companies registered in Saint Lucia pay only corporate income tax at a minimum rate of 1% (in some cases, a zero rate applies) or an annual license fee, the amount of which depends on the size of the company’s charter capital.
- Wage earners must pay a 5% taxation on their salary to the social security fund, but this amount should not exceed 5,000 XCD.
VAT payment terms:
- VAT rate is 15%. For a hotel business, a reduced rate of 8% applies.
- Registration for VAT payment is required if the total annual cost of supplies exceeds the threshold of 180,000 XCD.
Saint Lucia CBI application processing time
All applications are prepared by Authorized Agents on the behalf of the applicant and are assessed by the Citizenship by Investment Board (CBIB).
The average processing time from submitting the application to receiving an application outcome is three months.
All supporting documents must be attached to applications along with the necessary fees before they can be processed by the Board.
Where an application for Saint Lucia citizenship by investment has been granted, the Board will notify the authorized agent that the qualifying investment and required government administration fees must be paid before the Certificate of Citizenship can be granted. Applicants usually have up to 60 days to make such a qualifying investment.
Once proof of the investment has been submitted, applicants are granted Saint Lucia citizenship.
Where a citizenship application has been denied, the applicant may, in writing, request a review by the Minister.
Who can submit the application for the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program?
All applications are processed by an Authorized Agent.
Get in touch with our specialists at Global Citizen Solutions for more information on how we can support you throughout your application.
Step-by-step guide for the St Lucia CBI application
To get a Saint Lucia passport, follow these simple steps to achieving dual citizenship.
- Choose an Authorized Agent to process your application. Your Authorized Agent will walk you through all the necessary paperwork and requirements for a successful St Lucia citizenship application.
- Complete all the application forms as provided by your Authorized Agent. Make sure all the documents are legalized according to the Unit’s standards (more information on document requirements below).
- Government assesses application and conducts background checks on each applicant.
- The Unit approves your application within 60-90 days of applying. A letter will be issued, with detailed instructions on making your investment.
- Choose your preferred investment within 60 days of receiving notice from the Unit. Submit proof of purchase of your qualifying investment, as well as the government application fees.
- Become a citizen. Upon receiving proof of payment, the Unit issues the certificate of citizenship registration. Applicants must then submit the passport documents and passport application. You are then granted citizenship of St Lucia and will be able to receive a St Lucian passport.
St Lucia citizenship program document requirements:
Important information: Applications for citizenship are only handled by registered Authorized Persons. Furthermore, the list of St Lucia citizenship by investment required documents is not exhaustive. The unit may request additional supporting documentation from the applicant.
General Saint Lucia investment program document requirements:
- Original excerpt of full birth record or certified copy of birth certificate.
- Certified copy of proof of name change (if applicable).
- Permanent residence card (if applicable).
- National identity card (if applicable).
- Certified coloured 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.
- 6 original passport-sized photos of each applicant taken within the last 6 months. Face must be neutral. 1 photo needs to be affixed to the Medical Examiner Declaration.
- Proof of residential address valid within the last 3 months. Examples include: Certified copy of a recent utility bill corresponding to your address OR 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.
- Affidavit of support for 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 6 months immediately before the submission of the application.
Supporting documents for the application
- Certified copy of your current and expired visas
- Police certificate from country of birth; and from any other country in which you’ve resided for at least 1 year.The police certificate should be no more than 6 months old.
- Custody or legal guardianship records.
- Statutory declaration of a non-accompanying parent of a qualifying dependent below 18 years old, indicating that he or she has no objection to his/her child acquiring St Lucian citizenship.
- A certified copy of a photo ID of a non-accompanying parent bearing his/her signature.
Translation of documents
Documents written in a language other than English must be accompanied, at the time the application is submitted, with a certified translation into English only. The translation must be done by a translator who is a member of a professional order or is authorized to act professionally in this capacity and must be complete and faithful to the original document. The text, seals and signatures of the original document must be translated.
Certification of documents
Where a document is required to be produced in support of the application for citizenship by investment, it must be certified and authenticated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction from where the document originates.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS
At Global Citizen Solutions, we work first and foremost for our clients, providing unique tailor-made solutions to each individual.
Making an investment and moving abroad may seem daunting, we know this from first-hand experience. At Global Citizen Solutions, we guide our clients through each step of the citizenship process, with 100% success rates.
Contact us to learn more about St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, or to learn more about other residency and citizenship programs we work with.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Lucia Citizenship by Investment
How to get St Lucia citizenship?
To get citizenship in Saint Lucia, you must be of outstanding character, hold no criminal record, have excellent health, be over 18 years old, pass St Lucia’s due diligence checks, and make one of 4 qualifying investments: Contribute to the Saint Lucia National Fund, make a real estate investment, contribute toward an approved enterprise project, or make a government bond investment.
What is the cost for St Lucia citizenship?
St Lucia economic citizenship starts from $100,000 for a single applicant, for a donation to the National Economic Fund, plus a $7500 due diligence fee and $2000 administration fee.
What is the St Lucia citizenship application process?
First, your application will be received by the Citizenship by Investment Unit of St Lucia. A compliance check and due diligence background check will be conducted. Upon completion, the Citizenship By Investment Unit St Lucia will send a recommendation to the St Lucia Citizenship By Investment Board who will assess the recommendation and make a board decision. In the event that the application is approved, the qualifying investment must be made by the application. Upon the investment and proof of said investment, a Certificate of Citizenship is granted.
How does St Lucia citizenship by donation work?
St Lucia citizenship by donation is just another way of saying St Lucia CBI (that sometimes is also referred to as the “St Lucia Golden Visa”). It basically means acquiring a second nationality in St Lucia in exchange for a qualifying investment. The minimum investment is $100,000 for a single applicant.
How do I apply for St Lucia citizenship?
When applying for citizenship, your Authorized Agent will help you with the necessary paperwork as per the legislation and document guidelines issued by the Citizenship by Investment Board. You will need to be above the age of 18, pass St Lucia’s due diligence checks, and choose from one of 4 qualifying investments: Contribute to the Saint Lucia NEF, make a real estate investment, contribute toward enterprise, or pay government bonds.
Can my family obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment too?
Yes, you can include in the application: your spouse, children under 21, dependent children between 21 and 30, dependent parents or grandparents over 55 years of age, mentally and physically challenged dependent children and/or parents, unmarried siblings under 18.
Does St Lucia allow dual citizenship?
Yes, St Lucia allows you to keep both your current nationality and St Lucia citizenship.
What is the St Lucia citizenship act?
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No 14 of 2015 enables persons to acquire citizenship of Saint Lucia by registration following a qualifying investment in Saint Lucia and for related matters.
How long does it take to get a St Lucia passport?
Usually, it takes three months from the date of application submission for you to receive a Saint Lucia citizenship certificate and Saint Lucia passport.
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, then you MUST also submit an authenticated English translation of the original.
What if my application for St Lucia passport is denied?
If your Saint Lucia passport is denied after the date of submission, you can appeal your application denial if you feel there are good grounds to do so. Your Authorized Agent will advise you on how to go about the appeal.
What is the St Lucia National Economic Fund?
What is the new bond option launched by Saint Lucia?
Introduced in May 2020 to raise additional government revenue during the crisis, the Saint Lucia Relief Bonds option allows investors to obtain citizenship for a minimum investment of $250,000, rather than $500,000 for ordinary government bonds.
Is St Lucia a good investment?
Strategically located in the Caribbean, St Lucia’s efficient infrastructures, safe reputation, and beautiful landscape makes the country a very good investment location with a number of benefits. With enhanced visa free travel opportunities, privacy on the island, flexible requirements and the fact that an investment is only needed on approval make it a great choice. Alongside this, for Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program, the application process is quick, the entire family is eligible, in addition to the Saint Lucia passport being the cheapest second passport to acquire by investment. The list of St Lucia passport visa free countries includes the Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. This passport ranks 75th in the Global Passport Index, providing its holders with significant benefits.
Can you buy St Lucia passport?
Through St Lucia citizenship by investment program, you can receive citizenship and a passport in exchange for investment in the country, and then enjoy St Lucia citizenship benefits. The minimum investment is $100,000 for a single applicant, in order to receive a “St Lucia golden visa”.
How do I become a citizen of St Lucia?
The most straightforward way is to apply for the Citizenship by Investment Program, which offers the possibility of becoming a citizen of St Lucia in exchange for investment in the country. St Lucia economic citizenship minimum investment starts at $100,000 for a single applicant.
How strong is St Lucia passport?
St Lucia passport ranks 75th in the Global Passport Index. The list of St Lucia passport visa free countries is long, with over 140 nations, including the European countries of the Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
How do you become a citizen of St Lucia?
It’s possible to acquire St Lucia citizenship by marriage, by birth, or by naturalization. Alternatively, you can obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment, by contributing to the country’s development.
How much does St Lucia citizenship cost?
If you decide to apply for economic citizenship, the St Lucia citizenship cost starts at $100,000 for a single applicant, plus a $7500 due diligence fee and $2000 administration fee.
How can I get St Lucia passport by investment?
St Lucia passport by investment is available for investors who contribute to the development of the country and also who fulfill the requirements of the Citizenship by Investment Program, such as being over 18, having no criminal record, and being a high-net-worth individual.
