St Lucia Citizenship by Investment – The Ultimate Guide by Experts

It is possible to become a citizen of St Lucia, named “the best honeymoon destination in the world,” in exchange for making an investment in the country, starting at $100,000. This island nation’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers four different investment options for those interested in obtaining a Caribbean passport: donating to a national fund, purchasing real estate, buying government bonds, or investing in a business enterprise.

A Caribbean passport by investment may be a great option for you if:

• Your current passport allows for limited global mobility. With a St Lucia passport, you have visa-free access to over 140 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 a number of 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 thriving tourism industry in the Caribbean.
• 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 are allowed to live in any of the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment programs, also sometimes referred to as economic citizenship or golden visa programs, offer foreign investors the opportunity to receive citizenship of a country in exchange for a contribution to the nation’s development, usually in the form of either a donation to fund government projects or a real estate investment.

Some countries offer additional investment routes. The St Lucia citizenship program offers the option of purchasing government bonds or creating a business enterprise. Citizenship can be extended to family members and is valid for life, passing down to future generations.

During the application, all documentation provided will go through the due diligence process. This is a vital step in a CBI application, as it means the documents and information will be checked to confirm the identity, financial profile, and security profile of the applicant, as well as all family members aged 16 or over. A solid due diligence process is crucial to guarantee the credibility (and longevity) of a citizenship by investment (also known as CBI) program.

Benefits of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program

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. A Caribbean passport is the ultimate Plan B and obtaining one is affordable, easy, and fast.

St Lucia citizens enjoy an attractive tax environment, with no income, wealth, or inheritance tax.

The investment options are affordable, starting at $100,000. 

Your entire family can be included in the application – spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. And since citizenship is lifelong, it will pass down to the generations to come.

There are no residency requirements for citizenship, meaning you can do the whole process remotely without the need to travel to St Lucia at any point. There are no language tests either.

Holders of a St Lucia passport can travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including the European Union, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Why St Lucia?

St Lucia is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. Since the XVII century, the country has alternated between French and British rule, to the point that the fight for control between the two nations led St Lucia to be nicknamed “Helen of the West” after the Greek mythological character, Helen of Troy.

Eventually, the British took full control of St Lucia, in 1814. The country’s official language is English, but the French-based St Lucian Creole is also widely spoken.

St Lucia has a total area of 617 square kilometers. The Pitons, two mountainous volcanic plugs, form the island’s most famous landmark. It is also home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs, where you can dive into the mud baths. There are a number of small islands off the coast, the largest of which are the Maria Islands, located in the southeast of the island.

Getting to St Lucia

This Caribbean island has amassed accolades such as “The World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” and “The Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”. These awards are not exactly surprising, considering the country is home to some of the world’s most sought-after beaches, rain forests, volcanic springs, and much more.

Tourism is Saint Lucia’s main source of employment and income — accounting for 65 percent of its GDP — and the industry has been recovering well following the pandemic. While not yet back to its pre-pandemic figures of 1.3 million visitors per year, recorded in 2019, it is on the right path. 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, with only a 5 percent decrease.

Tourists from the US traditionally account for over 50 percent of visitors, with the UK being the second largest group, at 30 percent. 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.

Who is eligible for St Lucia citizenship?

Main applicant

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

• Be over 18 years old
• Have no criminal record
• Be of excellent character (proved through bank statements and employer references)
• Be able to make a qualifying investment

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.

Family members

The following family members can be included in the application and obtain lifelong St Lucia citizenship:

• 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

Qualifying Investments: Four Options

In order to qualify for the St Lucia CBI program, you have to choose one of the following investment routes:

1. National Economic Fund (NEF) 

Saint Lucia NEF is a special government-established fund to receive financial contributions for government-sponsored projects. By making a non-refundable contribution to the NEF, you can receive citizenship in exchange for investing in the country’s development. The minimum amount depends on the number of family members in the application.

The advantage of this option is that it is extremely straightforward, and the most affordable of all. Also, there are no government fees.

2. Real estate

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

The property must be held for five years before being resold.

3. Enterprise investment

You may also choose to invest in a local business enterprise, 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

You can apply as a single investor, with a minimum investment of $3,500,000, or as part of a joint venture worth at least $6,000,000. In this case, each person must make a minimum investment of $1,000,000.

4. Government bonds

This popular investment option allows you to purchase $300,000 in National Action Government Bonds (“NAB”), which can be fully recovered after five years. These are non-interest-bearing bonds.

The Pros and Cons of St Lucia Citizenship

St Lucia is one of the five countries in the Caribbean that offer CBI programs. The other four are 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 of them has its own characteristics that make them more appealing to different clients. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the St Lucia citizenship by investment program.

Pros

Diverse investment options: St Lucia CBI offers four investment options, a great opportunity for those who aim to diversify their assets portfolio.

Cheapest Caribbean citizenship for a single applicant: A single person who chooses to make a NEF donation will pay less than $120,000 in total for the program costs (please note that bank fees, translations, notary, and other service fees are not included in this amount).

Cons

Few real estate projects available: Currently, the only government-approved project to invest in is a resort on the east coast of the island, by the village of Micoud.

No visa-free access to China or Russia: If it’s important for you to have easy access to these countries, then perhaps another Caribbean passport may be a better fit.

Citizenship by Investment - Step by Step

Once you decide to apply for the St Lucia citizenship by investment program, our expert team at Global Citizen Solutions 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. Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by Global Citizen Solutions.
3. Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the application on your behalf*.
4. Receive the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) approval of application: Within 60-90 days of applying, you will receive a confirmation letter with the status ‘approved in principle’.
5. Make your investment: Make the investment and send proof to the CIU.
6. Become a 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.

St Lucia Taxes

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 percent 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  percent of the property value.

Key considerations include:

PIT scale:

• Up to 10,000 East Caribbean Dollars (XCD) – 10 percent
• 10,000 to 20,000 XCD – 15 percent
• 20,000 to 30,000 XCD – 20 percent
• over 30,000 XCD – 30 percent
• 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 percent (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  percent 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 percent. For a hotel business, a reduced rate of 8 percent applies.
• Registration for VAT payment is required if the total annual cost of supplies exceeds the threshold of 180,000 XCD.

Check out our article: St Lucia Taxes – A Guide for Individuals and Businesses.

List of Documents

This 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 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: 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
• 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 six 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 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 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.

Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?

• 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 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.

Additionally, we are an official CIP Licensed Marketing Agent, as authorized by the St Lucia Government. You can view our certificate below:

Global Citizen Solutions is proud to announce our official certification by the Government of St Lucia as an Authorized International Marketing Agent.

By being granted this license, Global Citizen Solutions is allowed to promote and market St Lucia's Citizenship by Investment Program, as authorized by the island's Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU).

This also means that we have exclusive rights to act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for St Lucia.

You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the left.

 

To see the full list of reasons to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Caribbean citizenship application, click here.

 

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 four qualifying investments: Contribute to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund, make a real estate investment, contribute toward an approved enterprise project, or make a government bond investment.

What is the cost of 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 $7,500 due diligence fee and $2,000 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 of St Lucia will send a recommendation to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Board, who will assess the recommendation and make a board decision. If the application is approved, the qualifying investment must be made by the applicant. A Certificate of Citizenship is granted upon the investment and proof of said investment.

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, which can be a donation to a national fund. In this case, the minimum investment is $100,000 for a single applicant, $140,000 for a couple, or $150,000 for a family of four. There are also other investment options available in real estate, government bonds, or business enterprise.

How do I apply for St Lucia citizenship?

When applying for citizenship, an expert from Global Citizen Solutions will help you with the necessary paperwork according to 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 an enterprise, or purchase government bonds.

Can my family obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment too?

Yes, the following family members can be included 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, and 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, you must also submit an authenticated English translation of the original.

What if my application for a 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?

The fund was established in 2015 to receive qualifying investments of donations under the Citizenship by Investment Program. Funds collected will be 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 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 makes it a great choice. Alongside this, for Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment, 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 significant benefits.

Can you buy a St Lucia passport?

Through the St Lucia CBI 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's passport?

The 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 does St Lucia Investment program compare with others?

If you need more detailed information, you can check our article Caribbean Citizenship 2023 and our comparison guides between Caribbean CBI programs and our Dominica vs St Lucia comparison article.

Are there any due diligence checks or background checks conducted as part of the application process?

No matter which investment route you choose, all documentation provided by the applicant will go through the due diligence checks during the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment application process. Global Citizen Solutions also conducts a preliminary due diligence check to help ensure your application is successful.