Safe haven
For the whole family
$240,000
Minimum investment
$240,000
Family of four
10+ months
Obtainment period
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) presents a foreign individuals with the to obtain citizenship through contributing to the country’s future growth with an economic investment. The government allows investors to choose from one of four investment routes starting from $240,000.
This guide will walk you through all aspects of citizenship by investment in St Lucia, including:
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program Overview
St Lucia launched its Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) in August 2015 through St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 as part of the country’s national development agenda. The government will grant a St Lucia passport to foreign nationals who make a foreign direct investment that supports the nation’s socio-economic development.
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the government authority tasked with overseeing all aspects of St Lucia CIP in accordance with the St Lucia Nationality Act and standards set by international governing bodies, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The St Lucia government provides four qualifying investments:
- National Economic Fund contribution
- Approved real estate purchase
- Approved enterprise project investment
- Government bond acquisition
The government established a minimum investment threshold of $240,000 for the government fund option, $300,000 for the real estate option, $300,000 for the government bonds option, and $250,000 for enterprise investments.
Key Points about the Program
- Visa free destinations: 148
- Visa free access to Schengen Area: Yes
- Tax structure: No worldwide income taxes
- Citizenship timeline: 10 to 12 months
- Minimum government fund donation: $240,000
- Minimum real estate investment: $300,000
- Minimum total cost for one applicant: $260,600
- Minimum total cost for family of four: $269,400
- Eligible dependent family members:
- Spouse
- Children under 30 or with disabilities
- Parents and grandparents over 55
- Unmarried siblings under 18
- Passport validity:
- 5 years for all citizens
- Remote application process: Yes
- Residency requirement: None
10 Benefits of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
1
Ultimate plan B
Becoming a St Lucian citizen provides freedom and flexibility. You have more residence options, with the right to live in any member state of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the security of a stable and peaceful country with diplomatic representation in several countries across the globe.
2
Extensive family eligibility
As the primary applicant applying, you can submit a family application for your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings to obtain a St Lucian passport. Additionally, St Lucia citizenship is lifelong and can be passed down to future generations.
3
Dual citizenship
St Lucia recognizes dual citizenship, allowing you to maintain citizenship status after successfully applying for the St Lucia Golden Visa.
4
Affordable investment options
The Saint Lucian Citizenship by Investment Program offers affordable and diverse investment options for single applicants or applicants, including up to three dependents. The required investment starts from $240,000.
5
Quick application process
Your Saint Lucia citizenship application will be processed, and citizenship will be granted within an average processing time of 10 to 12 months.
6
Great tax benefits
St Lucia citizens enjoy tax advantages, including no worldwide income, wealth inheritance, or capital gains tax.
7
No residency requirements
St Lucia citizenship by investment requirements do not include a visit to St Lucia during the application process. Interviews can be conducted remotely, and there is no residency requirement to maintain dual citizenship.
8
No language tests or academic requirements
Neither the primary applicant nor dependents need to pass any kind of test or language requirement to be granted St Lucia citizenship.
9
Visa free travel
St Lucia passport holders enjoy visa free and visa on arrival access to over 140 countries, such as the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and countries in the EU Schengen Area.
10
Government bonds option
St Lucia is the only Caribbean country offering government bond acquisition as a qualifying investment, which is refunded in full after five years.
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Eligibility Criteria for Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment
Individual investors and their family members can acquire St Lucia citizenship by investment. To apply, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have an excellent character, proven using bank statements and employer references.
- Be able to make the necessary qualifying investment
- Complete strict due diligence checks
- Spouse
- Children of the main applicant or spouse who are:
- Under 21 years of age
- Aged between 21 and 30 and supported by the main applicant or spouse
- Aged 21 or over and physically or mentally challenged
- Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 and older
- Siblings of the main applicant or spouse who:
- Are unmarried
- Have no children
- Are aged 18 years old or younger
- Have consent from their parent/guardian to apply to the citizenship by investment program
- Medical clearance: Must prove good health by taking comprehensive tests confirming they are not a public health risk.
- Police clearance: A clean criminal record in all countries of residence over the past ten years.
Individuals from the following countries do not qualify for Saint Lucia citizenship.
- Belarus
- Iran
- Russia
The St Lucia citizenship by investment official website, cipsaintlucia.com, provides comprehensive information regarding the program’s eligibility criteria.
Qualifying Investment Options for St Lucia Citizenship
There are four investment routes under the St Lucia citizenship by investment program:
- Non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund
- Government-approved real estate investment
- Government-approved enterprise investment
- National Action Government Bonds purchase
1. National Economic Fund (NEF) donation
Established under Section 33 of the Citizenship by Investment Act, the NEF option requires a minimum contribution of $240,000 for a single investor or a family of up to four members.
National Economic Fund | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Additional Dependent (Under 18) | Additional Dependent (Over 18) |
Minimum Contribution | $240,000 | +$10,000 each | +$20,000 each | |
2. Government-approved real estate investment
Investors can purchase pre-approved St Lucia real estate valued at least $300,000 to acquire citizenship. The investment must be held for at least five years after obtaining a St Lucia citizenship certificate.
Real Estate Investment | Single Applicant | Main Applicant and Spouse | Additional Dependent (Under 18) | Additional Dependent (Over 18) |
Minimum Investment | $300,000 | |||
Government Administrative Fee | $30,000 | $45,000 | +$5,000 each | +$10,000 each |
3. Government-approved enterprise investment
There are two routes for investing in an enterprise project approved under the St Lucia second citizenship program:
- Option 1: $3.5 million investment as a sole investor
- Option 2: $250,000 investment in a joint investment valued at last $6 million
This option qualifies a primary investor and any number of qualifying dependents. In addition to the minimum investment required, the principal applicant must pay a government application fee of $50,000 and an government administrative fee for themself and each qualifying dependent included in the application.
Enterprise Investment | Single Applicant | Main Applicant + Spouse | Main Applicant + 2 Dependents | Main Applicant + 3 Dependents | Main Applicant + 4 or More Dependents |
Minimum Investment | OPTION 1: $3.5 million as a single investor | ||||
Government Application Fee | $50,000 | ||||
Administrative Fee | $15,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 | $30,000 | $10,000 |
4. National Action Government Bonds acquisition
The Saint Lucia government bonds option allows investors to acquire non-interest-bearing National Action Bonds (NAB) to the value of $300,000 to be granted citizenship. The bonds are fully guaranteed and refunded after five years.
The investment qualifies a primary investor and any number of qualifying dependents. In addition to the minimum investment required, the principal applicant must pay a government application fee of $50,000 and an administrative fee for themself and each qualifying dependent included in the application.
National Action Bonds | Single Applicant | Main Applicant and Spouse | Additional Dependent (Over 18) | Additional Dependent (Under 18) |
Minimum Investment | $300,000 | |||
Government Application Fee | $50,000 | |||
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
Additional Costs and Fees
Besides the required investment, government application fee, and administrative fee (for real estate investment, enterprise project investment, and bonds acquisition), applicants must pay additional costs to complete their applications. Costs include:
- Due diligence fee
- Processing fee
- Passport fee
Fee | Main Applicant | Spouse | Additional Dependent |
Due Diligence Fee | $80,000 | $5,000 per applicant over 16 | |
Processing Fee | $2,000 | $1,000 per application | |
Passport Fee | $500 per passport | ||
Citizenship for new dependents
After gaining citizenship, the primary investor secure citizenship for new additions to their family. The following government fees apply.
Dependent | Fee |
Newborn child aged 12 months or below | $5,000 |
Spouse | $35,000 |
Qualifying dependent (other than a spouse) | $25,000 |
Estimated expenses for a family of four
Here is an example of the estimated cost of obtaining citizenship in St Lucia for a family of four, including government fees. The example includes a primary applicant, spouse, and two children aged 8 and 17.
Cost | NEF Contribution | Real Estate | Government Bonds | Enterprise |
Investment Required | $240,000 | $300,000 | $300,000 | $250,000 |
Administrative Fee | – | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Application Fee | – | – | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $18,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 |
Processing Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Passport Fee | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Total | $265,000 | $350,000 | $375,000 | $350,000 |
Required Documents for St Lucia Citizenship
The following section outlines the documents required when applying for citizenship through the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program. While the list is extensive, it is not exhaustive, and the CIU may request supporting documents from applicants as required.
- 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 color copy of current passport/s showing:
- Name
- Photo
- Citizenship/nationality
- Date and place of issue
- Issuing country
- Expiry date
- Passport number
- Photograph and signature certificate (for dependent children or children under 18, insert N/A in designated signature slot)
- Six original passport-sized photos of each applicant (must be taken within the last six months):
- Face must be neutral
- One photo must be affixed to the Medical Examiner Declaration
- Proof of residential address, e.g., certified copy of recent utility bill for address or bank statement showing full name and address. Must be valid within the last three months.
- Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of military service card (if applicable)
- Affidavit from spouse or former spouse in relation to children (if applicable)
- Affidavit of support from dependents
- Education certificates and transcripts
- Professional and academic certificates (submit for children over 18 as well)
- Professional reference letter from an attorney, chartered accountant, or another professional of similar standing (valid within the last six months or immediately before application submission)
- Certified copy of current and expired visas
- Police certificate of country of birth (no older than six months)
- Police certificate from any other countries where you have resided for at least a year (no older than six months)
- Custody or legal guardianship records
- Statutory declaration of a non-accompanying parent of a qualifying dependent below 18, stating no objection to the child obtaining St Lucia citizenship.
- Certified copy of a photo ID of a non-accompanying parent bearing their signature
- If any of your documents are not in English, they will need to be translated.
- The translator must be a member of a professional order or authorized to act professionally in the capacity of a translator.
- The translation must be complete and faithful to the original document, meaning that the text, seals, and signatures must all be translated. When submitting your application, the original documents and certified translations must both be included.
- Documents must be certified and authenticated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction from which they originate.
Step-by-Step Citizenship Application Process
The entire citizenship process to obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment takes 10 to 12 months.
1
Contact Authorized Agent
Contact an Authorized Agent licensed by the CIU to submit your citizenship application.
2
Initial due diligence checks
Your licensed Authorized Agent will perform preliminary due diligence checks to ensure you qualify for the program.
3
Client agreement and retainer payment
Confirm the agreement with your agent to submit your application by making a retainer payment.
4
Gather documents and complete forms
Gather necessary documentation and complete all forms.
5
Submit your application
Your dedicated licensed agent will submit your application on your behalf*.
6
Due diligence checks
The CIU will process your application and outsource comprehensive due diligence checks to an independent firm.
7
Attend citizenship interview
The main applicant and dependents over 16 must attend a mandatory virtual interview with CIU-approved professionals.
8
Receive Approval in Principle
Successful applicants will receive an approval letter from the CIU within 90 to 120 days stating their application has received pre-approval.
9
Make your investment
Once you have received your approval letter, you must make the required investment, pay the government administration fees, and send proof to the CIU.
10
Receive citizen approval
You and your qualified dependents will be granted citizenship by the CIU.
11
Collect Certificate of Registration
The CIU will issue your Certificate of Registration, which must be collected in person either in the country or at an approved St Lucia High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
12
Full citizenship received
You are now a fully registered citizen of St Lucia and can retrieve your citizenship certificate and St Lucia passport.
*The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit does not accept applications directly from prospective applicants, only licensed agents are authorized to provide Caribbean immigration services and submit citizenship applications.
Why choose St Lucia?
- St Lucia citizenship by investment is respected worldwide, with the government expanding its diplomatic relations.
- St Lucia citizenship offers travel without a visa to 148 countries, including the UK and EU countries.
- Successful investors and their families gain lifetime citizenship.
- St Lucia is the only country offering Caribbean citizenship by investment through a fully refundable government bond investment option.
- The country’s program has a confidential application process with no exchange of information with other governments.
- There are no residency, in-person interview, or language test requirements to qualify for citizenship.
- The entire citizenship application process is remote.
- Visiting St Lucia is not required to get citizenship.
- There is worldwide income tax or wealth, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.
Compliance and Legal Structure
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Act outlines the legal structure for the economic citizenship program regarding options to invest in and their thresholds, application processes, due diligence protocols, and applicant requirements and responsibilities before and after gaining citizenship.
Primary requirements include:
- Minimum investment thresholds
- Due diligence procedures
- Processing fees
- Citizenship timeline
- Grounds for citizenship denial, revocation, and renouncement
- Rights and responsibilities of new citizens
Due diligence and background checks
St Lucia’s program includes comprehensive due diligence and background checks on all applicants to ensure applicants meet the program’s integrity standards:
- Criminal record: Confirmation of no criminal background or legal encumbrances.
- Financial integrity: Evaluation of financial standing and adherence to lawful funding practices.
- Personal history: Verification of personal and occupational background.
The St Lucia Citizenship Unit outsources due diligence and the Caribbean citizenship interview to a specialized third-party organization to ensure only high-caliber individuals are granted citizenship.
Dual citizenship
The Government of Saint Lucia allows citizens to hold St Lucia dual citizenship and retain the right to vote, access social services, and maintain a Saint Lucia passport.
Citizenship revocation
The Government of St Lucia has the authority to revoke citizenship obtained through investment if it discovers any dishonesty or breaches of program rules or nationality laws.
Key amendments to the program
January 2017: Reduced minimum investment amount from $200,000 to $100,000.
January 2017: Removed limit of 500 citizenship applications per year.
May 2020: Established temporary Special COVID-19 relief Bond investment option.
June 2020: Expanded qualifying dependents by increasing the maximum age of dependent children from 18 to 21, lowering the age of dependent parents from
65 to 55, and accepting applications from unmarried siblings of the primary applicant applying.
September 2023: Mandatory citizenship interview introduced for applicants 17 and over.
February 2024: Introduced “Infrastructure Option.”
June 2024: Joined the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
July 2024: Raised the national fund contribution threshold from $100,000 to $240,000 per the MoU.
St Lucia CBI Pros and Cons
Pros
Multiple investment options
St Lucia’s CBI program offers four investment routes with diverse investment thresholds.
Affordable program
Single applicants or families of four can qualify for St Lucia passports with a $240,000 investment.
Payment after pre-approval
Applicants are only required to make the primary investment once the application has been approved in principle.
Cons
No visa free access to China or Russia
Despite increased travel privileges, St Lucia is not among the Caribbean nations facilitating visa free access to China and Russia.
Limited real estate options
While there are several investment routes, approved real estate projects in St Lucia are limited.
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program compared to Other Caribbean Citizenship Programs
- Dominica: Offers the cheapest program for single applicants.
- Antigua and Barbuda: Offers the cheapest program for large families.
- Grenada: The only Caribbean nation offering eligibility for the US E2 Visa Program.
- St Kitts and Nevis: Has the fastest citizenship timeline and most powerful Caribbean passport.
- St Lucia: Offers the option to invest in the Caribbean through refundable government bonds.
St Lucia Passport Power Ranking
The St Lucia passport is a strong Caribbean passport that facilitates visa free access to 148 countries worldwide. The passport ranks 70thth on the Global Passport Index, and destinations passport holders can travel to without a visa include the UK, Ireland, Taiwan, Singapore, and EU countries in the Schengen Area. St Lucia citizens also qualify to apply for a US visitor visa.
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 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 of 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.
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Antigua and Barbuda government to promote the country’s CBI program and act as a CIP International Marketing Agent for Antigua and Barbuda.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about St Lucia Citizenship by Investment
You can’t buy St Lucia citizenship, but the country’s citizenship program provides options to invest in its economy and obtain Saint Lucia citizenship, including:
- $240,000 National Economic Fund donation
- $300,000 approved property investment
- $300,000 acquisition of non-interest-bearing government bonds
- $250,000 investment in approved enterprise projects
Whether it is worth it to obtain St Lucia citizenship and become part of the Caribbean community depends on your circumstances and reason for pursuing it. Overall, a St Lucia second passport provides the holder with many benefits, such as dual citizenship, increased global mobility through visa free access to over 140 countries, access to a favorable tax environment, the ability to live on a safe Caribbean island, and the right to pass citizenship down to future generations.
You cannot buy a St Lucia passport. However, if you would like to obtain investment citizenship in St Lucia, you can do so through the St Lucia (CIP) Citizenship by Investment Program. This program allows foreign investors to acquire citizenship and a passport in exchange for a significant economic contribution.
The minimum investment required to be granted citizenship by investment in St Lucia is $240,000 for a single applicant or up to four family members. Additional fees apply, such as due diligence fees.
Obtaining citizenship by investment in St Lucia takes 10 to 12 months on average, provided you fulfill the significant investment requirements and character criteria, including providing detailed financial documents.
The St Lucia government allows its citizens to hold multiple citizenships, so successful St Lucia Investor Visa Program applicants can legally have dual or triple citizenship status.
Belarus, Iran, and Russia are the three countries whose citizens are prohibited from applying for St Lucia’s citizenship program by the St Lucia Citizenship Investment Board.
Once a British colony, St Lucia gained independence from the British on 22 February 1979, marking the end of British citizenship for St Lucians.
You can get St Lucian citizenship through jus soli (birth), jus sanguinis (descent), affiliation, such as marriage, or naturalization by living in the country for at least seven years.
St Lucia also provides an option to get citizenship by investment by making a financial contribution worth at least $240,000 to its economy through Caribbean real estate investment, government bonds acquisition, a state fund donation, or business investment.
St Lucia’s Caribbean passport is relatively strong, ranking high on the global passport index for its visa free travel options. St Lucia citizens can travel to 148 countries with that passport, including the UK and EU countries, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
The St Lucia citizenship program distinguishes itself from options in the Caribbean due to offering an option to invest in government bonds, which is the only fully guaranteed and refundable investment option to obtain Caribbean citizenship.