St Lucia the only country named after a woman and has received numerous accolades over the years, including “the best honeymoon destination in the world.” The popular St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors to gain citizenship by making a significant economic investment in the country. 

Launched in 2016, this citizenship program offers four different investment options starting from $100,000 to obtain a St Lucia passport: A National Economic Fund donation, real estate investment, buying government bonds, or investing in an approved enterprise project. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining St Lucia citizenship, from the qualifying investments, application process, and requirements to the visa free travel and tax benefits you can enjoy. We’ll also provide vital information regarding the introduction of a fifth qualifying investment called the “Infrastructure Option,” due for implementation on 5 February 2024, which aims to streamline the application process for the program. 

What is the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program?

St Lucia the only country named after a woman and has received numerous accolades over the years, including “the best honeymoon destination in the world.” The popular St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors to gain citizenship by making a significant economic investment in the country. 

Launched in 2016, this citizenship program offers four different investment options starting from $100,000 to obtain a St Lucia passport: A National Economic Fund donation, real estate investment, buying government bonds, or investing in an approved enterprise project. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining St Lucia citizenship, from the qualifying investments, application process, and requirements to the visa free travel and tax benefits you can enjoy. We’ll also provide vital information regarding the introduction of a fifth qualifying investment called the “Infrastructure Option,” due for implementation on 5 February 2024, which aims to streamline the application process for the program. 

Why choose a Caribbean passport by investment?

  • Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With a St Lucia passport, you have visa free access to over 148 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
  • You are considering diversifying your assets and looking for a place where you can enjoy several tax breaks. In St Lucia, there is no income tax on worldwide income, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
  • You want to invest in high-end tourist real estate and benefit from the Caribbean’s thriving tourism industry.
  • You are looking for a Plan B for yourself and your family. A second citizenship offers alternatives in instances of global instability.
  • You are making plans to retire in a peaceful, sunny paradise. With St Lucia citizenship, you and your family can live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program Benefits

Great tax
benefits

Fast application process

No residency requirements

Family-friendly approach

No tests
required

Visa free travel to over 148 countries

1. Dual citizenship: In a world of unpredictable economies and politics, second citizenship in St Lucia creates opportunities and flexibility for you and your family. This Caribbean passport is affordable, convenient, and fast to obtain – the ultimate Plan B.

2. Tax optimization: St Lucia citizens enjoy attractive tax benefits, including no income tax on foreign income, no wealth taxes, and no inheritance taxes.

3. No residency requirement: There are no language tests or residency requirements for obtaining citizenship. The entire process is remote, without the need to visit St Lucia at any point.

4. Family-friendly: Your entire family can be included in the application – spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents.

5. Visa free access: St Lucia passport holders can travel visa free to over 148 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

6. Affordability: The investment options are diverse and affordable, starting at $100,000, with a fast application process.

 

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Requirements

Main applicant

In order to fulfill the St Lucia citizenship by investment program requirements, the principal applicant must:

  • 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

Family members

The following family members can be included in your application for St Lucia citizenship by investment:

  • 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 to apply for citizenship by investment

Required Documents

This list of St Lucia citizenship by investment required documents is not exhaustive: however, the St Lucia government recently streamlined the program’s application process, reducing the required documentation from eight to five. The Unit may request additional supporting documents from the applicant, depending on the application.

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. 

Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.

Get the Cost Calculation Arrow Icon

Qualifying Investment Requirements

To obtain a St Lucia passport by investment, you have to choose one of the following investment routes:

1. National Economic Fund (NEF) 

Contributions to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund – a government fund – are the most affordable and straightforward and have no government fees besides a small non-refundable administration fee. You will be granted citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000 to the NEF. The minimum investment required and additional fees depend on the number of family members included. 

National Economic Fund

Single
Applicant

Applicant
+ Spouse

Family up

to 4

Additional
Dependent 

(to a Family of 4)

Additional
Dependent

(in a Family
without Spouse)

Minimum Donation

$100,000

$140,000

$150,000

+$15,000 each

+$25,000 each

Processing Fee

$2,000

$1,000 for each applicant

Due Diligence Fee

$8,000

$5,000 for each family member aged 16 or over

Passport Fee

$500 per passport

2. Real estate

If you prefer to invest in real estate, you can purchase property in St Lucia. The minimum investment required is $200,000, the investment must be held for five years, and you must choose from St Lucia government-approved real estate. These are usually high-end touristic projects, such as resorts or villas. One advantage of investing in St Lucia real estate is that property prices are usually lower than in neighboring countries, and you can receive a return on your investment. 

Real Estate Investment

Single
Applicant

Applicant
+ Spouse

Additional
Dependent

(over 18 years old)

Additional
Dependent 

(under 18 years old)

Minimum Investment

$200,000

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

3. Enterprise investment

Invest a minimum of $3,500,000 as a solo investor or $1,000,000 as part of a joint venture worth $6,000,000. Invest in approved enterprise projects in the following areas:

  • Specialty restaurants
  • Cruise ports and marinas
  • Agro-processing plants
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Ports, bridges, roads, and highways
  • Research institutions and facilities
  • Offshore universities
  • Housing projects
  • Social development projects
  • Investment services

Enterprise Investment

Single
Applicant

Applicant
+ Spouse

Additional
Dependent

(Over Age 18)

Additional
Dependent

(Under Age 18)

Minimum Enterprise  Investment

OPTION 1: $3,500,000 as a solo investor

OPTION 2:  $1,000,000 (in a joint $6,000,000 enterprise) 

Government Fee

OPTION 1: $50,000

OPTION 2: $75,000

OPTION 1: $85,000

OPTION 2:$110,000

+$35,000 each

+$25,000 each

Processing Fee

$2,000

$1,000 for each applicant

Due Diligence Fee

$8,000

$5,000 for each family member aged 16 or over

Passport Fee

$500 per passport

New “Infrastructure Option” 

The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit disclosed on 1 February 2024 its intention to incorporate a new investment opportunity into enterprise investments, granting foreign investors the ability to obtain citizenship in St Lucia by engaging in infrastructure projects in the country. 

This infrastructure option offers two key advantages over other enterprise investments: a notably lowered minimum investment threshold of $100,000 and reduced documentation to satisfy the verification and screening process. This new investment option will be open to new applicants as of 5 February 2024. 

4. Government bonds

This popular investment option allows you to invest at least $300,000 in non-interest-bearing National Action Government Bonds (“NAB”), which can be fully recovered after five years. This option is guaranteed risk-free by the government.

Government Bonds

Single
Applicant

Applicant
+ Spouse

Family
up 
to 4

Additional
Dependent

Bond Minimum Investment

$300,000

Government Fee

$50,000

Processing Fee

$2,000

$1,000 for each applicant

Due Diligence Fee

$8,000

$5,000 for each family member aged 16 or over

Passport Fee

$500 per passport

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Procedure

At Global Citizen Solutions, we offer an initial pre-due diligence assessment free of charge, so you can be assured that your application will be successful even before you sign the contract with us. Once you decide on the St Lucia citizenship by investment program, our expert team will guide you through the following steps to gain your second passport:

  1. Choose your investment route: Decide which of the four investment routes is best for you – making a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF), purchasing shares of pre-approved real estate projects, making an enterprise investment, or buying government bonds.
  2. Gather documents and complete application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
  3. Submit your application through GCS: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the application on your behalf*. As part of the due diligence checks, applicants aged 16 and older must participate in mandatory virtual or in-person interviews.
  4. Receive approval from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU): Within 60-90 days of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
  5. Make your investment and send confirmationMake the investment and send proof to the CIU.
  6. Become a St Lucia citizen: You and your family will be granted citizenship of St Lucia and receive your passports at an address of your choice.

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

Pros and Cons of St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

St Lucia is one of the five countries in the Caribbean that offer citizenship by investment programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis. While they are all excellent (and we at Global Citizen Solutions work with all of them), each has its own characteristics that make them more appealing to different clients. Let’s explore some pros and cons of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. 

Pros

  • Four diverse investment options allow you to diversify your assets portfolio through the St Lucia CBI program.
  • Affordable Caribbean citizenship for an individual applicant: An individual who makes an NEF donation will pay less than $120,000 for the program costs (bank fees, translations, notary, and other service fees are not included in this amount).
  • St Lucia investment program ranked the best CBI program in 2021.

Cons

  • Few real estate projects available: Currently, the only government-approved project to invest in is a resort on the island’s east coast, by the village of Micoud.
  • No visa free access to China or Russia: If easy access to these countries is essential for you, then another Caribbean passport may be a better fit.

About St Lucia

saint-lucia-citizenship-by-investment-program-visa-free-accessSt Lucia has been an independent Commonwealth country since 1979. An island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean, St Lucia is nicknamed “Helen of the West”. The country’s official language is English, but the French-based St Lucian Creole is also widely spoken.

With its natural beauty, it’s unsurprising that St Lucia has amassed accolades, including “The World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” and “The Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”.

St Lucia has a total area of 617 square kilometers. There are several small islands off the coast, the largest being the Maria Islands. Iconic landmarks include the famous Pitons, two mountainous volcanic plugs, and the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, where you can dive into the mud baths.

Tourism is Saint Lucia’s primary source of employment and income — accounting for 65 percent of its GDP — and the industry has been recovering well following the pandemic. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that visitor arrivals for the Caribbean in July 2022 were almost at the same level as in July 2019. The country has excellent connections worldwide, with direct flights to London, Toronto, and several cities in the US, including Miami, New York, Chicago, Boston, and more.

saint-lucia-citizenship-by-investment-programme-factsheet

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 show outstanding character, hold a clean criminal record, have excellent health, be over 18 years old, pass St Lucia’s due diligence checks, and make a minimum contribution:

  • Saint Lucia National Economic Fund donation ($100,000) 
  • Real estate investment ($200,000)
  • Approved enterprise project contribution ($1,000,000)
  • Government bond investment ($300,000)

What is the St Lucia citizenship by investment cost?

St Lucia economic citizenship starts from $100,000 for a sole applicant, plus additional fees (government administrative fee, processing fees, due diligence fees, etc.). The overall cost depends on the investment route and number of qualifying dependents. 

What is the St Lucia citizenship application process?

When applying for citizenship by investment, an expert from Global Citizen Solutions will help you with the necessary paperwork according to the Citizenship by Investment Board’s guidelines.

  1. The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) will receive your application and conduct a compliance check and due diligence check.
  2. The Unit will send a recommendation to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Board, which will make a board decision.
  3. Successful applicants must make the qualifying investment.
  4. A Certificate of Citizenship is granted when proof of the investment is received.

The process takes three to four months to complete.

How does St Lucia citizenship by donation work?

St Lucia citizenship by donation is a route under the St Lucia CBI program. You will be granted St Lucia citizenship by making a qualifying donation to a national fund. The minimum contribution is $100,000 for an individual applicant, $140,000 for a couple, or $150,000 for a family of four. Other investment options include real estate investment, government bond investment, or approved enterprise investment. 

Can my family obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment?

Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children up to age 30, dependent parents or grandparents over age 55, mentally and physically challenged dependent children and/or parents, and unmarried siblings under 18.

Is St Lucia dual citizenship allowed?

Yes, St Lucia allows dual citizenship – you keep your existing nationality and have St Lucian citizenship.

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 Lucia 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 three months from the date of submission to receive a Saint Lucia citizenship certificate and Saint Lucia passport.

Not only is the St Lucia passport powerful, but St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program offers a fast application process and diverse investment options to suit different needs. For more detailed information, visit our articles: 

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 Lucia 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 how to do this.

What is the St Lucia National Economic Fund?

The fund was established in 2015 to receive donations under the Citizenship by Investment Program. Funds collected are used for purposes approved by the government as part of the national development agency priorities.

Is St Lucia a good investment?

Strategically located in the Caribbean, St Lucia’s efficient infrastructure, safe reputation, and beautiful landscape make the country a good investment location. Citizenship benefits include privacy on the island, flexible requirements, the fact that an investment is only needed after the application is approved, and enhanced visa free travel opportunities. The St Lucian passport allows visa free travel to the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. 

Additionally, Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment application process is quick, the entire family is eligible, and the Saint Lucia passport is the cheapest second passport to acquire by investment. Finally, the tax benefits afforded by St Lucia’s tax environment are highly attractive.

Can you buy a Saint Lucia passport?

You can’t buy a St Lucia passport. However, through the St Lucia CBI program, you can obtain a passport by investing in the country and enjoying St Lucia citizenship benefits. The minimum contribution is $100,000 for a sole applicant to receive St Lucian citizenship. 

How strong is St Lucia's passport?

The St Lucia passport ranks 75th in the Global Passport Index. The St Lucian passport enables visa free travel to over 148 nations, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It must be renewed every five years. 

Are there any background checks?

All Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program applicants will go through due diligence checks, including a mandatory virtual interview for applicants aged 16 and above. Due diligence fees are $8,000 for the principal applicant and $5,000 for each family member aged 16 and older. Global Citizen Solutions also conducts a preliminary due diligence check to help ensure your application will be successful.