St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

CBI Summary

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St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme

St. Lucia is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea and in 2016 introduced St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program. One way to invest in St. Lucia is through the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. This program allows individuals to apply for citizenship in St. Lucia in exchange for an investment in the country.

Obtaining citizenship through the CBI program can have a number of benefits. It allows individuals to invest, live, work, and study in St. Lucia, and also grants them the right to travel visa-free to over 130 countries. Additionally, St. Lucia does not have an inheritance tax, making it an attractive destination for those looking to pass on their assets to future generations.

There are several options for investing in St. Lucia through the CBI program.

The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme provides an opportunity to apply for St Lucia citizenship and a huge range of benefits including:

  • Global mobility
  • Right to hold dual citizenship
  • Citizenship for life, with the right to live and work in the country
  • Four investment options

 

OPTION 1

THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC FUND

The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established to receive qualifying investments to fund Government-sponsored projects on the island. Applicants can obtain citizenship by making a monetary contribution to the NEF via one of the prescribed contribution levels.  Due diligence and processing fees apply.

  • Main applicant – USD 100,000
  • Main applicant and spouse – USD 140,000
  • Main applicant, spouse and up to 2 other family members – USD 150,000
  • Each additional family member of a main applicant applying with a spouse and 2 other family members – USD 15,000
  • Each additional family member for other family structures – USD 25,000
  • A new born child 12 months old or below – USD 5,000

OPTION 02

REAL ESTATE

Applicants may obtain citizenship by purchasing Government-approved property valued at a minimum of USD 200,000. This property must be owned and maintained for a minimum of 5 years after citizenship has been granted. Due diligence fees apply.

The following Government administration fees are applicable:

  • Main applicant – USD 30,000
  • Main applicant and spouse – USD 45,000
  • Family member aged 18 years or above – USD 10,000
  • Family member under 18 years – USD 5,000
  • Each additional family member where the main applicant is applying with a spouse and four other family members – USD 10,000 each
  • Due diligence fee -USD 7,500

OPTION 03

PRE-APPROVED ENTERPRISE PROJECT

Applicants can obtain citizenship by making an investment, either independent or joint, in a pre-approved enterprise project. Independent investment must be valued at USD 3.5 million and create at least 3 permanent jobs. For joint investments, each investor must contribute at least USD 1 million, resulting in a joint investment worth USD 6 million and creating at least 6 permanent jobs.

Due diligence, processing, Government administration fees apply.

  • Minimum independent investment – USD 3,500,000 (creation of 3 local jobs)
  • Minimum joint investment – USD 1,000,000 (creation of 6 local jobs)
  • Due diligence fee – USD 7,500

OPTION 04

GOVERNMENT BONDS

Applicants may choose to invest in government bonds to obtain citizenship. Once citizenship has been granted, investments in government bonds must be held in the applicant’s name for a fixed period of time that varies according to the applicant’s family structure. The bonds must not attract a rate of interest for the duration of this period.

The National Action Bond (NAB) is a new non-interest-bearing Government bond available from 1 January 2023 onwards.

  • Applicant and all qualifying dependents of any number – USD 300,000 (to be held for 5 years)
  • Administrative fee – USD 50,000

 

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps, which are:

Step 1: Application and pre-approval by CS Global Partners

Step 2: Submission of citizenship application

Step 3: Government processing and due diligence checks

Step 4: Approval in principle

Step 5: Investment in the National Economic Fund, pre-approved real estate, pre-approved enterprise project, or government bonds

Step 6: Citizenship certificate issued

Step 7: Passport application
Is there a residency req

 

What are the investment options under the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme?

  • Contribution to the Government’s National Economic Fund
  • Pre-Approved real estate option
  • Enterprise option
  • Government bonds option

Applicant eligibility

Applicants for citizenship should be at least 18 years of age, in good health and of good character, without a criminal record, and able and willing to make the required contribution.

Which family members can I include in my application for economic citizenship?

You can include:

  • Spouse
  • Children of the main applicant or of the spouse aged 21 or below
  • Children of the main applicant or of the spouse aged no more than 30 and fully supported by the main applicant
  • Children of the main applicant or of the spouse, of any age, who are physically or mentally challenged, and fully supported by the main applicant
  • Parents of the main applicant or of the spouse if aged 55 or above and fully supported by the main applicant
  • Parents of the main applicant of any age if physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant
  • Siblings of the main applicant aged under 18, unmarried, and in receipt of consent from their parent or guardian to make an application

What does the due diligence process in St Lucia entail?

You will be vetted by multiple entities:

  • KYC (know-your-customer) checks performed by local authorised agents.
  • Internal checks including AML (anti-money laundering) and CTF (counter-terrorism financing) vetting by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
  • Mandated international due diligence firms perform online and on-the-ground checks.
  • Regional and international crime prevention bodies check that you aren’t on any wanted or sanctions lists.

Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?

The following nationals cannot apply for citizenship by investment in St Lucia, as due diligence checks cannot be effectively performed in these countries:

  • Russia
  • Belarus

The Unit has also warned of difficulties with processing applications from Syria.

All other nationalities are eligible to apply

Is this programme for me?

The following may be a good fit for the programme:

  • Individuals/businesspeople looking to establish overseas businesses
  • Families seeking better global mobility
    Professionals who want to broaden their horizons
  • Families who would like their children to go to prestigious universities

Where do the funds go?

The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established to receive qualifying investments to fund Government-sponsored projects on the island.

 

OTHER COSTS

In addition to the required investment, there are other costs for the St Lucia citizenship program, which are Citizenship Invest professional fees, documents certifications when applicable, courier fees, and other small disbursements. If you wish to receive a detailed quotation outlining all costs, please get in touch with us.

SAINT LUCIA VISA FREE COUNTRIES

Saint Lucia offers Visa-free access to 146 countries including Schengen countries, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong

EUROPE

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vatican City

AMERICAS

Argentina
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia *
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Suriname
Venezuela

CARIBBEAN

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Dominica
Dominican Republic
French West Indies
Haiti
Jamaica
Montserrat
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

ASIA

Bangladesh
Cambodia *
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Indonesia
Laos *
Macao (SAR China)
Malaysia
Maldives *
Nepal *
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka **
Timor-Leste *
Uzbekistan

OCEANIA

Cook Islands
Fiji
French Polynesia
Kiribati
Micronesia
New Caledonia
Niue
Palau Islands *
Samoa *
Solomon Islands *
Tuvalu *
Vanuatu

AFRICA

Botswana
Cape Verde Islands *
Comores Islands *
Egypt *
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Gambia
Guinea-Bissau *
Kenya
Lesotho
Madagascar *
Malawi
Mauritania *
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mozambique *
Rwanda *
Senegal
Seychelles *
Sierra Leone *
Somalia *
St. Helena *
Tanzania
Togo *
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

MIDDLE EAST

Armenia *
Iran *
Israel
Jordan *
Palestinian Territory

E-VISA

Australia (e600 visa)
Bahrain
Gabon
Georgia
India
Turkey

*Access to these countries is subject to changes based on each government’s policies, leading to variations in the list of eligible countries.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions.

Applicants seeking Saint Lucia citizenship by investment must make a significant economic contribution to the country. Citizenship can be obtained by making a minimum $100,000 payment to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund, investing at least $200,000 in real estate for 5 years, or investing in a government bond. Financing for real estate investing can be acquired. Obtaining citizenship entails applying, going through due diligence checks, and receiving approval from the government. The specific requirements and fees may differ depending on the investment choice chosen and the applicant’s particular circumstances.
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship for obtaining citizenship by investment in Saint Lucia. Applicants don’t need to renounce their nationality, as dual citizenship is recognised in Saint Lucia, which can help business expansion and tax reduction.
Obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship through investment has several tax implications. There are no capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, or wealth taxes on international income or assets for residents and citizens of Saint Lucia. However, there is a stamp tax on the transfer of assets, ranging from 2% to 10%, depending on the asset type and the seller’s residency status. It is also important to note that some local considerations may apply. Additionally, Saint Lucia practices residence-based taxation, which means that if you live full-time on the island, you may be taxed on your worldwide income.
Saint Lucia offers citizenship by investment through four options: donating $100,000 to the government National Economic Fund, purchasing real estate from $200,000, buying at least $300,000 in government bonds, or investing at least $1 million in local enterprise. Therefore, obtaining citizenship through a loan or investment in bonds, in addition to cash investment, is possible. Investors can return the money in 5 years by redeeming bonds or selling real estate.
There are no language or education requirements for obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. The main applicant must be 18 years or older and prove that they have enough funds to make the required investment, as well as demonstrate the legal source of the funds.
 
Yes, a spouse and children can obtain citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. The citizenship by investment program in Saint Lucia allows applicants to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, parents aged 55 and over, and to add dependents after being granted citizenship. The program offers various investment options, including real estate investment, donation, and government bond investment.
There are some risks associated with obtaining citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment. One option is to invest $300,000 in 5-year Saint Lucia government bonds to obtain citizenship, but there is a risk that the bonds may not perform well.
No, the investment made to get citizenship in Saint Lucia cannot be revoked at any time. The investment must be kept for a set period as defined by the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Board. However, investors can benefit from potential returns on their investment, and the Citizenship by Investment Program offers a variety of investment options to meet individual preferences and financial goals.
 
If candidates meet the qualifying conditions and submit the appropriate papers correctly, the success rate of getting citizenship in Saint Lucia through investment is normally high. The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is well-regulated and transparent, which increases the success rate for gaining citizenship by investment. Individual situations may differ; thus, getting expert counsel and guidance before applying for citizenship through investment in Saint Lucia is best.
Investing in the Citizenship by Investment Program of Saint Lucia can provide benefits such as increased mobility, security, and financial gains. Among the options are real estate, government bonds, and business enterprises, and citizenship allows for visa-free travel to nearly 146 countries. However, whether St. Lucia citizenship is worthwhile depends on individual circumstances and tastes. Therefore, it is best to get professional counsel before making a decision.
The Saint Lucia International Travel Information page specifies that a Saint Lucia passport has a validity period of 5 years. While citizens must renew their passports every 5-10 years, adding to the variance in passport expiration timelines. It’s important to note that for travel, passport validity must extend at least six months beyond the duration of the trip.
In St. Lucia, approval for citizenship by investment typically takes 60 to 90 days. It shouldn’t take more than four months to complete the process from application to citizenship. Applications for citizenship in St. Lucia typically take 3–4 months to process.

Property Acquisition In Saint Lucia

Do you want to lease, purchase, hold or own St Lucia land?

Non-nationals can hold, lease, acquire or purchase land in Saint Lucia with an Alien Landholding License.

 

CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY

An alien shall make an application to the Board for a certificate to be eligible to apply for an alien landholding license to purchase, acquire, lease land or continue to hold land in Saint Lucia. The certificate may be issued for the duration of one (1) year or ten (10) years.

ALIEN LANDHOLDING LICENSE

An alien with a valid certificate or an attorney-at-law on behalf of an alien with a valid certificate may make an application to the Board for an alien landholding license to purchase, acquire, lease, subdivide land or continue to hold land in Saint Lucia. An alien, except an alien granted an exemption under the former Act or under this Act, shall not purchase, acquire, lease or continue to hold land to used for any purpose in Saint Lucia without a valid license issued under the former Act or an alien landholding license.

ALIEN INVESTOR ENTRANCE PERMIT

An alien shall not hold an alien investor entrance permit without a valid license issued under the former Act or an alien landholding license. The permit grants the alien the right to enter and remain in Saint Lucia indefinitely as per conditions set out within the Alien Landholding License. An alien investor is eligible to make an application to the Chief Immigration Officer for an alien investor entrance permit for himself or herself or on behalf of his or her dependent.