Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in St Lucia - The Ultimate Guide
In today’s increasingly uncertain world, forward-thinking individuals are increasingly looking to second citizenship programs as a pathway to enjoying increased global mobility, peace of mind and financial security. By making a qualifying investment into the economy of certain Caribbean island nations, eligible investors and their families can apply to become full citizens of countries such as St Lucia.
Gaining citizenship of St Lucia through its Citizenship by Investment Program unlocks a world of benefits. Our comprehensive guide outlines the program’s various advantages as well as everything you need to know about applying, from eligibility rules to application costs and typical processing times.
Find out what kind of investment you would need to make in order to qualify for the St Lucia Citizenship Program. There are several investment options to choose from. Our guide outlines these routes, including the requirements of the real estate investment option and the financial contribution option, along with details of the application process.
Drawing on years of experience in the Caribbean, we have created this in-depth resource for those considering applying for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. Read on to discover why investors choose St Lucia to protect their future and find out how this trusted program could provide greater security, freedom and flexibility for you and your family.
Introduction
Launched in 2016 following the passing of the ‘Citizenship by Investment Act,’ St Lucia operates the newest Citizenship by Investment Program in the Caribbean.
The program allows successful applicants to obtain citizenship of St Lucia by making an investment in the country through one of four investment options: the National Economic Fund (NEF), National Action Government Bonds (“NAB”), a government-approved real estate project or an Enterprise Project (although none are currently available for investment).
In return for their investment, successful applicants gain enhanced global mobility, security, and opportunity for themselves and their families.
With investment options starting at just US $240,000, St Lucia operates one of the most competitively priced programs available in the Caribbean. The country provides a less costly route to second citizenship for those seeking new global opportunities.
“With investment options starting at just US $240,000, St Lucia operates one of the most competitively priced programs available in the Caribbean. The country provides a less costly route to second citizenship for those seeking new global opportunities”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program become full citizens of St Lucia with the right to live and work on the island with no restrictions.
Your citizenship rights can be passed on to future generations, allowing your children and grandchildren to enjoy all the same benefits and safeguarding your family’s future.
As St Lucian citizens, successful applicants can also take advantage of St Lucia’s membership of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) which provides St Lucian nationals with the right to take up residence, work without permission and establish a business in any other CARICOM member states. There are 15 member states of CARICOM: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.
St Lucian citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
Acquiring citizenship of St Lucia can therefore unlock an array of opportunities across CARICOM and the vast Commonwealth.
No Residency Requirement
A key benefit of the St Lucia program is the lack of a residency requirement for new citizens. Successful applicants are not obligated to permanently live in the country after obtaining citizenship.
As a citizen you have the option to spend as much time as you desire in this idyllic island paradise, renowned for its high quality of life, natural beauty and pleasant tropical climate. Why not take advantage of your citizenship and enjoy a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle by residing part-time or full-time in this beautiful and welcoming country?
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Upon obtaining citizenship through the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, you can apply for a St Lucian passport through a separate application process.
As a citizen of St Lucia, you will enjoy enhanced global mobility to travel and conduct business. The St Lucian passport is globally recognized and highly valued for its extensive visa privileges, allowing holders visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 146 countries and territories worldwide.
For example, with a St Lucian passport you can enjoy visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen area and the UK.
The passport also provides visa-free access to major destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and many others.
Financial Advantages
St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program offers successful applicants who take up residence a highly appealing tax regime – including no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax and no tax on income generated outside the country. Along with the country’s natural beauty and enviable lifestyle, these tax advantages have made St Lucia a sought-after destination for investors seeking second citizenship in the Caribbean. For those seeking the opportunity for substantial wealth preservation together with an unparalleled quality of life, St Lucia provides a unique opportunity to prosper in an island paradise.
Fast Track Application Process
St Lucia offers a rapid route to acquiring second citizenship in the Caribbean. The country seeks to rapidly process applications while maintaining strict due diligence standards. Thanks to a streamlined application process, your application could be processed within 3 to 4 months from submission, providing you with swift access to all the benefits of St Lucian citizenship and the peace of mind that comes with expanded opportunities.
Family-Friendly Program
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program readily welcomes families, allowing the main applicant to include immediate relatives in their application. Spouses, children, parents and grandparents can all apply for citizenship alongside the main applicant. In addition, the right to citizenship passes to future generations, allowing descendants to inherit all the benefits of citizenship as well. So, for families, applying for citizenship in St Lucia creates a legacy of security and access to opportunity for generations to come.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
A key advantage of St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program is that dual citizenship is permitted. Unlike some countries, St Lucia’s laws fully recognize dual nationality. Applicants can therefore acquire a valuable second passport without having to renounce their existing citizenship. This makes the program ideal for investors looking to enjoy the benefits of a new citizenship while retaining their current one.
Requirements
In order to be eligible for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program, an applicant must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age,
- Be of good character with no criminal record,
- Be able to satisfy the minimum required investment and pay the required processing, due diligence and administrative fees,
- Pass due diligence checks.
- Nationals of the following countries are not eligible to apply for citizenship in St Lucia: Belarus, Iran, Russia. The Citizenship by Investment Unit has also warned there may also be difficulties with processing applications from nationals of Syria.
The following family members of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) can be included in the application:
- Spouse
- Dependent children aged under 18 the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
- Children aged 18 to 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant
- Children aged 18 or over who are physically or mentally disabled, living with and fully supported by the main applicant
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse) who are aged 55 or older and financially dependent
- Unmarried siblings of the main applicant (or the main applicant’s spouse)
Investment Options
- 1 Option 1 National Economic Fund
Applicants can qualify for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program by making a financial contribution to St Lucia’s National Economic Fund (NEF).
Investment Amount
- Main applicant: US $240,000
- Main applicant plus spouse: US $240,000
- Each additional family member under the age of 18: US $10,000
- Each additional family member over the age of 18: US $20,000
- 2 Option 2 Government Bonds
Applicants can qualify for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program by making an investment in St Lucia’s National Action Government Bonds (“NAB”).
The National Action Government Bonds are non-interest bearing, and must be registered and held by the applicant for a period of five years from the date of first issue.
Investment Amount
Applicant applying with any number of dependants: US $300,000
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment, a non-refundable administration fee of US $50,000 is payable.
Additional administrative fees must be paid for each dependant included in the application as follows:
- Each qualifying dependant (18 years of age and over): US $35, 000
- Each qualifying dependant (under 18 years of age): US $25,000
- 3 Option 3 Real Estate Investment
An investment in an approved St Lucia real estate project (N.B. the property must be held for a minimum of 5 years).
Investment Amount
One-time minimum investment payable upon the grant of citizenship: US $300,000.
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment outlined above, applicants are required to pay the below Administrative Fees upon the grant of citizenship which are non-refundable:
- Single Applicant: US$ 30,000
- Main Applicant with spouse: US$ 45,000
- Each qualifying dependant under the age of 18: US$ 5,000 each
- Each qualifying dependant over the age of 18: US$ 10,000 each
- Applicant applying with spouse & more than four dependants: US$ 10,000 each
- 4 Option 4 Enterprise Project Investment
An investment into a pre-approved enterprise, either as sole investor or joint investor – N.B. There are currently no enterprise projects open for investment.
Investment Amount
- Sole investment: Minimum US $3,500,000 (plus the creation of at least 3 permanent jobs)
- Joint investment: Minimum US $1,000,000 each with total investment valued at US $6,000,000 (plus the creation of at least 6 permanent jobs)
Administrative Fees
In addition to the investment outlined above, a non-refundable administration fee of US $50,000 is payable.
Additional administrative fees must be paid for each dependant included in the application as follows:
- Each qualifying dependant (18 years of age and over): US $35, 000
- Each qualifying dependant (under 18 years of age): US $25,000
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps:
- 1 Compile Application
Complete all required forms for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program in the English language and gather together all required supporting documents with the guidance and support of an authorized Agent. We can introduce you to a qualified and authorized Agent with experience of handling citizenship applications.
- 2 Submit Application
Submit application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) via an authorized Agent for review and due diligence.
- 3 Application Review & Determination
The application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
Interview
Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
Due Diligence
Strict due diligence (including AML (anti-money laundering), CTF (counter-terrorism financing) and criminal record checks will be conducted by multiple organizations including the CIU, international due diligence firms and regional and international law enforcement agencies.
Determination
Approval in principle or rejection is usually provided within a period of 90 days.
- 4 Conclude Investment
If approved, applicants are required to pay the balance of the required investment and the remaining fees.
- 5 Citizenship Granted
The passport(s) will then be made available for collection either in St Lucia or at an Embassy or Consulate, usually within a period of 30 days. At this time successful applicants will take an oath of allegiance.
Real Estate
Searching for real estate approved for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program? Several of our property listings in St Lucia are approved projects under the CIP program.
Several of the listings on our site are officially approved projects which means that an investment in to one of them provides eligibility to apply for citizenship of St Lucia.
Contact us to discuss your options.
Costs & Fees
In addition to the financial contribution or the real estate investment outlined above, additional administrative fees are payable.
Applicants are required to pay application processing and due diligence fees as part of the application process.
Application Processing Fee
- Main Applicant: US $2,000
- Each qualifying dependant: US $1,000
Due Diligence Fee
- Main Applicant: US $7,500
- Each qualifying dependant above the age of 16: US $5,000 (N.B. Due diligence is only conducted on applicants above the age of 16 years)
Find Out More
We would be delighted to discuss your options and consider whether the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program would be a good fit for you.
To request a telephone callback, please complete the contact form and a specialist citizenship advisor will be in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.