Acquiring Citizenship by Investment in St Lucia - The Ultimate Guide
In an uncertain world increasing numbers of people are looking for the security of a second citizenship for themselves and their families. A second passport can provide increased freedom to travel internationally, peace of mind, as well as enhanced financial security. Several Caribbean island nations offer citizenship to eligible applicants including the island of St Lucia.
We put together this guide for investors wondering how to get citizenship of St Lucia and considering applying for the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program. The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program enables qualifying investors to apply for full citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the nation’s economy. There are several approved investment routes available to investors. Our guide covers all aspects of the program from eligibility requirements, investment options and application costs through to the benefits of citizenship.
Introduction
In 2016 St Lucia introduced the Caribbean’s newest Citizenship by Investment Program.
Via an investment in real estate or a financial contribution to the country’s economy, the St Lucian citizenship program offers eligible investors the opportunity to acquire full citizenship of the island.
“Via an investment in real estate or a financial contribution to the country’s economy, the St Lucian citizenship program offers eligible investors the opportunity to acquire full citizenship of the island”
Benefits
Full Citizenship for Life
Successful applicants become full citizens with the right to live and work in St Lucia and in other CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries. St Lucian citizens also enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizenship of a Commonwealth country in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.
No Residency Requirement
Successful applicants are not required to permanently reside in St Lucia but the option is available.
Visa-Free Travel Worldwide
Successful applicants receive a St Lucian passport which offers visa-free or visa on arrival access to approximately 146 countries worldwide, including the EU-Schengen area, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and many others.
Fast Track Application Process
Thanks to a straightforward application process you could receive your new St Lucian passport in 3 to 4 months.
Family-Friendly Program
The program allows for family members to apply together, including spouses, children, parents and grandparents of the main applicant.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
St Lucia recognizes dual citizenship so there is no requirement under St Lucian law for applicants to give up their current citizenship.
Requirements
Applicants for citizenship of St Lucia must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able of good character with no criminal record
- Must be able to make at least the required minimum investment
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 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).
Minimum investment: US $300,000.
Search our St Lucia Citizenship by Investment real estate for approved properties in St Lucia.
- 2 Option 2 Financial Investment
A non-refundable financial contribution to St Lucia’s National Economic Fund (NEF).
Main applicant: US $100,000
Main applicant plus spouse: US $140,000
Main applicant, spouse plus up to 2 other family members: US $150,000
Each additional family member of a main applicant, spouse and 2 other family members: US $15,000
Each other additional family member: US $25,000
- 3 Option 3 Enterprise Investment
An investment into a pre-approved enterprise, either as sole investor or joint investor.
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)
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). Applicants may be required to attend an interview. 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. 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.
Search our St Lucia Citizenship by Investment real estate options or contact us to discover your options.
Costs & Fees
Real Estate Route
Applicants are required to pay the following Government fees:
- Main applicant: US $30,000
- Main applicant plus spouse: US $45,000
- Family member aged 18+: US $10,000
- Family member aged under 18: US $5,000
- Each additional family member after the 6th: US $10,000 per family member
Financial Contribution Route
As outlined above, applicants are required to make a non-refundable financial contribution to St Lucia’s National Economic Fund (NEF) as follows:
- Main applicant: US $100,000
- Main applicant plus spouse: US $140,000
- Main applicant, spouse plus up to 2 other family members: US $150,000
- Each additional family member of a main applicant, spouse and 2 other family members: US $15,000
- Each other additional family member: US $25,000
Additional Fees
In addition, due diligence and processing fees apply.
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.