CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

St Lucia

St. Lucia is a stunning island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The island covers approximately 617 square kilometers (238 square miles) and is situated north of Barbados and south of Martinique. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, St. Lucia features volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, making it a prime destination for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.

More About St Lucia Citizenship By Investment

St. Lucia has a rich history shaped by its indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, as well as European colonization. The island was first claimed by the French in the 17th century and changed hands multiple times between the French and British before becoming a British colony in 1814. St. Lucia gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 22, 1979, and is now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

  • Population: 97,000
  • Language: English (official)
  • Economy: The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is primarily service-based, with tourism being the dominant sector. The country also has growing financial services and real estate sectors, contributing to its economic growth.
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

The culture of St. Lucia is a vibrant tapestry woven from African, French, British, and East Indian influences. Music and dance play a vital role in local life, with genres like calypso, reggae, and soca being popular. Festivals, such as Carnival, showcase colorful parades, traditional costumes, and lively performances. The local cuisine is equally diverse, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices, with dishes like green fig and saltfish being particularly popular.

St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program was established in 2015 and offers individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the country. This program is designed to attract foreign investors, boost the economy, and enhance the overall development of the island.

Investment

Minimum investment of $240,000

Processing Time

6-12 MONTHS

Key Benefit

Enjoy the freedom to travel to destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen Area in Europe, among others.

Benefits of St Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Enjoy Tax Benefits

As a national of St. Lucia, you will not be subject to taxation on your worldwide income. This means that any income earned outside of St. Lucia, including investments and assets held abroad, is exempt from local taxation. This tax-friendly environment can significantly enhance your financial flexibility and investment opportunities, allowing you to maximize your wealth without the burden of double taxation.

Take advantage of visa-free access to 159 countries worldwide, providing you with greater freedom to travel and explore international opportunities.

You are not required to reside in St. Lucia to obtain citizenship. There are no physical residency obligations or language tests, allowing you to apply from anywhere in the world at your convenience.

Applicants have the option to include their spouse, children under the age of 31, siblings under 18, and parents aged 55 and older in their application. Additionally, it is possible to add dependents after citizenship has been granted.

St Lucia CBI Program Requirement

To be eligible for citizenship, the primary applicant must be at least 18 years old, satisfy the application criteria, and choose from one of the following four available options:
Option 1: Contribute to the National Economic Fund

The first option for Citizenship by Investment entails a contribution of $240,000 from you.

Additionally, if you wish to include new dependents in a family of four, there is a cost of $15,000 for each additional dependent. Alongside these contributions, you will incur a processing fee of $2,000 for yourself and $1,000 for each dependent. Furthermore, due diligence fees amount to $7,500 for you and $5,000 for each dependent over the age of 16.

To pursue this option, you must deposit $300,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds. This requires a $50,000 administration fee, which encompasses a $2,000 processing fee for yourself and $1,000 for each dependent.

Additionally, you will need to pay due diligence fees of $7,500 for yourself and $5,000 for each dependent over the age of 16. It is also essential to keep the bonds for a minimum of five years.

This option requires an investment of $200,000 in high-end tourist properties. As a solo applicant, you will also need to pay a $30,000 administrative fee, which increases to $45,000 if you are applying with a spouse.

Additionally, there is a $5,000 administrative fee for each dependent under the age of 18 and $10,000 for those over 18. Lastly, you will incur due diligence fees of $7,500 for yourself and $5,000 for each dependent over the age of 16.

To qualify for this option, you need to contribute $250,000 as a solo applicant, covering up to a family of four, in one of the following sectors:

  • Specialist restaurants
  • Cruise ports and marinas
  • Agro-processing plants
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Infrastructure projects (ports, bridges, roads, and highways)
  • Research institutions and facilities
  • Offshore universities
  • Housing projects
  • Social development projects
  • Investment services

Additionally, there is an administration fee of $15,000. For dependents aged 18 and above, an administrative fee of $35,000 applies, while those under 18 are required to pay $25,000.

If you are applying with just your spouse, the total administrative fee will be $40,000 ($20,000 each). If you have two dependents, the fee is $25,000 each, and if you have three dependents, the total is $30,000 each.

Application Procedure and Time Frame

Onboarding Process
MONTH 1

We begin the St. Lucia citizenship process with Form 1, which allows us to conduct the initial due diligence through the Oneworld Alliance Network. After this crucial screening, we will present you with a Client Agreement (CA) for your review and signature.

Once we receive the signed agreement and your retainer payment, our case processing team will complete all required government forms and supporting documents. If you opt for a property investment, you will need to sign a sales and purchase agreement with the developer.

Finally, we will coordinate with the property developer and the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit on your behalf to ensure a smooth process.

Review and Submission of Your Application
MONTHS 2-3

The Citizenship by Investment Unit will evaluate your application. Once it is approved, you will be required to make all necessary contributions and pay any applicable government fees. Afterward, you must sign the oath of allegiance before an attorney-at-law, a Consular Officer of St. Lucia, an Honorary Consul of St. Lucia, or a Notary Public.

Following this, you can collect your Certificate of Registration at the Castries headquarters or at your nearest consulate or embassy. Once you have your certificate, you will be eligible to apply for a St. Lucia passport.

Receiving Your Citizenship
MONTHS 6-12

The CBIC will conduct a comprehensive review of your application. Once it is approved, you will need to make all required contributions and pay any applicable government fees.

After completing this step, you will be eligible to apply for a Grenadian passport, eliminating concerns about visa requirements for your travels. Additionally, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) processes will also become less of a concern once you become a Grenada passport holder.

Frequently Asked Questions for St Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program

What is the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program?

The St. Lucia CBI program allows individuals to obtain citizenship in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the country.

Applicants can choose from several investment options, including donations to the National Economic Fund, purchasing government bonds, investing in approved real estate projects, or contributing to an approved enterprise project.

The processing time can vary, but generally, applicants can expect a decision within a few months after submitting their application, provided all documentation is complete.

No, there are no residency requirements associated with St. Lucia’s citizenship. You can apply from anywhere in the world.

Yes, applicants can include a spouse, children under 31, parents aged 55 and older, and siblings under 18 in their application. Additionally, you can add dependents after obtaining citizenship.

No, there are no language tests required for applicants under the St. Lucia CBI program.

Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of investment, due diligence documents, and other supporting documentation as specified by the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

Yes, St. Lucia citizenship can be passed down to future generations by descent, allowing your children and grandchildren to inherit your citizenship.