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Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme
Elevate Your Life: Invest in Saint Lucia’s Caribbean Citizenship
Launched in 2016, Saint Lucia has the newest Citizenship by Investment programme in the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia is the newest citizenship by investment offering in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, it has already gained prestige, ranking 3rd in the 2023 CBI Index. The volcanic island is known for its pristine beaches, rich culture and cuisine, and holiday lifestyle for both adults and children.An idyllic spot for nature seekers, history buffs, and relaxation-seekers, Saint Lucia offers citizens all of the tropical benefits of the Caribbean.
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Summary
Minimum Investment
Dual Citizenship
Processing Time
Residency Requirement
None
Benefits of Saint Lucia Citizenship
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme* offers many benefits, including:
- Citizenship for life
Saint Lucian citizenship gives you the right to live and work in the country for life, plus civic entitlements like voting, free healthcare and the right to hold a Saint Lucian passport.
- Entitlement to dual citizenship
Unlike other countries, Saint Lucia has no restrictions on dual citizenship. Consequently, you don’t need to relinquish your original nationality in order to become a Saint Lucian citizen.
- Ability to pass on citizenship
As a Saint Lucian citizen, you’ll also be able to pass on your citizenship rights to your descendants. This allows them to enjoy all the same benefits and in turn safeguards your family’s future.
- Four investment options
- A fair tax regime
- Enhanced global mobility
Investment Options
Citizenship by Investment in Saint Lucia is available through one of four options:
| 01 | THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC FUND |
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The National Economic Fund (NEF) was established to receive qualifying investments to fund Government-sponsored projects on the island. A contribution to the Government’s National Economic Fund (NEF): Single applicant: US$240,000 Main applicant and spouse: US$240,000 Each additional qualifying dependant under 18: US$10,000 Each additional qualifying dependant 18 and over: US$20,000 |
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| 02 | PRE-APPROVED REAL ESTATE |
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The purchase of real estate in an approved real estate project must be held for at least five years.US$300,000. The following Government administration fees are applicable: |
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| Single applicant |
US$30,000 | |
| Main applicant and spouse |
US$45,000 | |
| Family member under the age of 18 |
US$5,000 each | |
| Family member aged 18 or above |
US$10,000 each | |
| Any additional family member where the main applicant is applying with a spouse and more than four family members |
US$10,000 each | |
| 03 | ENTERPRISE PROJECT |
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| An investment in an approved enterprise project that may either be independent or joint: | ||
| Minimum independent investment |
US$3,500,000 and creating three permanent jobs | |
| Minimum joint investment |
US$1,000,000 per main applicant (resulting in a joint investment worth US$6,000,000 and creating six permanent jobs | |
| The following government administration fees apply: |
Main applicant: US$50,000 Family member aged 18 or above: US$35,000 each Family member under the age of 18: US$25,000 each |
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| 04 | NATIONAL ACTION BONDS |
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The National Action Bonds (NAB) are a non-interest-bearing government bonds. The NAB must be held for a period of five years from the date of issuance. Under the NAB option, the minimum investment is US$300,000 per application, regardless of the number of dependants included. The following government administration fees apply: |
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| Per application: |
US$50,000. | |
| 05 | THE FOLLOWING BASIC FEES APPLY TO ALL OPTIONS: | |
| All main applicants are required to attend a mandatory interview. | ||
| Due Diligence Fees | ||
| Main applicant: |
US$8,000 | |
| Each dependant 16+: |
US$5,000 each | |
| Processing fees | ||
| Main applicant: |
US$2,000 | |
| Each dependant: |
US$1,000 each | |
| Passport Fees | ||
| Lexen Law Professional Fees | ||
Saint Lucia Passport
What are the benefits of a Saint Lucian passport?
Saint Lucia passports are CARICOM passports that are issued to citizens of Saint Lucia for international travel. They are biometric documents, ensuring a greater level of safety and facilitating cross-border procedures.
How long are Saint Lucian passports valid for?
Passports of Saint Lucia are valid for five years.
The passport application process is separate from the Citizenship by Investment process and requires the applicant to present several documents. These documents vary according to whether the application is a first-time application, a first-time renewal, or a later renewal.
In all cases, a certified copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Registration – the document that is issued to an economic citizen at the end of the Citizenship by Investment process – must be provided.
Every time Saint Lucian passport holders re-apply for a passport (for example, because their old passport has expired), they must present their old Saint Lucia passport. This will be cancelled upon issuance of the new passport.
To renew a passport that has expired, a citizen must first send a request to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through his or her Authorised Agent.
All other renewals after that can be made directly at the Passport Office (a department within the Prime Minister’s Ministry) located at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Alternatively, applications can be made at a Saint Lucia High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
Application Process
Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment application process consists of seven steps:
Step 1: Application and pre-approval by Lexen Law. We will look through your application to check everything is in order and confirm it meets the requisite conditions, giving it the best possible chance of being accepted.
Step 2: Submission of citizenship application. After approving the application, we will then send it to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) on your behalf.
Step 3: Government processing and due diligence checks. The Government of Saint Lucia will process your application and perform due diligence checks, which includes checking for criminal records and assessing your ability to provide funds.
All main applicants are required to attend a mandatory interview.
Step 4: Approval in principle. Once your application is approved in principle, you’ll receive a letter confirming that the CIU has officially granted your request for citizenship.
Step 5: Make the investment of your choice. Now is the point you make your qualifying investments.
Step 6: Citizenship certificate issued. After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, officially making you a Saint Lucian citizen.
Step 7: Passport application. You’re now able to apply for a Saint Lucia passport and reap all the travel benefits involved.
How long does it take to process an application?
From submission of the application to receiving the approval in principle, applicants can generally expect to wait around six months. You are not required to pass tests, or travel to or reside in Saint Lucia, which helps speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the investment options under the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme?
1. National Economic Fund
2. Real Estate
3. Enterprise Project
4. National Action Bonds
Who is eligible to apply?
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, if:
- Aged 21 or below
- Aged no more than 30 and fully supported by the main applicant – A child of any age who is physically or mentally challenged, and fully supported by the main applicant.
- Parents of the main applicant or of the spouse if above the age of 55 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 his or her parent or guardian to make an application.
What does the due diligence process in Saint 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.
- Mandatory interview.
Are citizens of certain countries not allowed to apply?
The following nationals cannot apply for Citizenship by Investment in Saint Lucia, as due diligence checks cannot be effectively performed in these countries:
- Russia
- Belarus
- Iran
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:
1. Individuals/businesspeople looking to establish overseas businesses.
2. Families seeking better global mobility.
3. Professionals who want to broaden their horizons.
4. 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.