Citizenship by Investment

 Saint Lucia is a stunning Caribbean  island known for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and warm tropical climate. Along with its natural beauty, Saint Lucia offers an amazing opportunity for  foreigners looking to obtain citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment program.

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment program was established in 2015 to attract foreign investors and boost economic growth. The program allows individuals and their families to acquire citizenship by making a significant financial contribution to the country.

To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must meet certain requirements.  They must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, applicants must invest in one of the following approved investment options.

Invest in the National Economic Fund (NEF)

The most popular option for citizenship by investment is  where individuals make a non-refundable donation to the development of Saint Lucia. Terms go as follows:

• • • • • The minimum contribution for a single applicant is $100,000 USD
        • The minimum contribution for an applicant and their spouse is $140,000 USD
        • The minimum contribution for an applicant, spouse, and up to two dependents is $150,000 USD
        • Additional dependents $15,000 USD for dependent of applicant and spouse or $25,000 USD for other qualifying dependents
        • Other fees include Application fee ($2000 for main applicant and $1000 for others), Due Diligent Fee ($8000 for the main applicant and $5000 per dependent), and bank fee ($1000)

Invest in an approved real estate development

The next option is to invest a minimum of $200,000 USD in an approved development.   For this option, research will be needed to see which developments are approved for this type of investment, and the investment will need to be held for a minimum of 5 years.  This investment could be in shares of the development, or a fully titled property.  Financing can be arranged for this investment through local banks, though the verification process for banking in the Caribbean can be a bit overwhelming due to the strict regulations countries like Canada and the USA put on Saint Lucia to fight money laundering.  As of the time of this article (late 2023) the current approved properties are

• • • • • Canelles Resort
        • Alpina Hotel

National Government Bonds

As of January 1, 2023, Saint Lucia has introduced a new investment option, which is to invest in Saint Lucia Government Bonds.  For this investment, you must invest $300,000 USD for a minimum of 5 years.  The bonds unfortunately are zero interest bonds, but being government bonds, they are lower risk.  With this option, there is a $50,000 USD non refundable processing fee applied, so essentially you spend $350,000 USD and get $300,000 back 5 years later.

Invest in a Business

The final way to participate in citizen by investment is through participation in an approved enterprise project with a minimum contribution of USD $3.5 Million, plus the creation of no less than three permanent jobs.   

The process of obtaining citizenship through the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment program is generally straightforward and efficient. Once the application is submitted, it undergoes a due diligence check to ensure the applicant’s suitability. This includes background checks, interviews, and verification of the source of funds.  The total approval process should take no longer than 4 months from the submission of the application to issuance of the certificate of citizenship assuming there are no issues that come up with the application or due diligence findings.

It is worth mentioning that you will apply for the application PRIOR to making the actual investment declared in the application.  Once the application is approved, applicants must make the necessary financial contribution, either through the NEF or their chosen investment option. The exact timeline for receiving citizenship varies, but it typically takes between three to six months.

With Saint Lucian citizenship, individuals and their families gain numerous benefits. They can enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries worldwide, including the European Union and the United Kingdom. Additionally, citizens have the right to live, work, and study in Saint Lucia indefinitely.

Moreover, Saint Lucia offers attractive tax benefits to its citizens. There are no capital gains, gift, inheritance, or wealth taxes, making it a favorable destination for business and investment opportunities.

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment program provides individuals with a unique opportunity to obtain citizenship in a Caribbean paradise. With its stringent due diligence process and various investment options, the program ensures that only qualified individuals can gain citizenship. Whether for personal or business purposes, the benefits of Saint Lucian citizenship make it an attractive choice for many.