Citizenship by Investment Programme

Saint Lucia's Citizenship by Investment Programme allows foreign nationals to acquire full citizenship through a qualifying economic contribution, with no requirement for prior residence or employer sponsorship. Established under the Citizenship by Investment Act of 2015 and operational since January 2016, the programme is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and offers four investment pathways: a contribution to the National Economic Fund, purchase of government-approved real estate, acquisition of government bonds, or investment in an approved enterprise project. Saint Lucia passports provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

The programme offers four pathways, each with a minimum 5-year holding period where applicable:

• National Economic Fund (NEF): Non-refundable contribution of USD $240,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four. Additional dependants cost USD $10,000 (under 18) or USD $20,000 (over 18).
• Government Bonds: USD $300,000 in non-interest-bearing bonds held for 5 years, plus a USD $50,000 administration fee. Fully refundable after the holding period.
• Real Estate: Minimum USD $300,000 in a government-approved project, held for at least 5 years. Administration fees range from USD $30,000 (single applicant) to USD $45,000 (with spouse), plus per-dependant fees.
• Enterprise Projects: USD $3,500,000 as a sole investor (creating at least 3 jobs) or USD $1,000,000 minimum per investor in a joint venture totaling at least USD $6,000,000 (creating at least 6 jobs). Alternatively, USD $250,000 per applicant in approved infrastructure projects.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Good character with no criminal convictions (except minor traffic offences)
• Not under criminal investigation
• Not denied a visa by a country with which Saint Lucia has visa-free travel
• Demonstrate sufficient funds and their legal source
• Pass mandatory due diligence and background checks
• Complete an interview and identity verification process

• Completed application forms (SL1 through SL4)
• Valid passport (certified colour copy)
• Birth certificate (original and certified copy)
• Six passport-size photographs per applicant (taken within 6 months)
• Police clearance certificates from country of birth and every country of residence for 1+ years in the past 10 years
• Medical certificate (less than 3 months old)
• Affidavit of source of funds
• Two professional references and two personal references
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• University diplomas (notarised copies)
• School or university recommendation for children aged 12 to 18
• Authenticated English translations for all non-English documents

Citizenship is granted for life and does not require renewal. It is transferable to future generations by descent. Saint Lucia passports are valid for 10 years and renewed through standard procedures. There is currently no mandatory physical presence requirement for CIP citizens.

Eligible dependants include a spouse, dependent children up to age 21, dependent children aged 21 to 30 if fully supported, disabled children of any age, parents aged 55 and older, disabled parents of any age, and unmarried siblings under 18. Each dependant aged 16 or older undergoes due diligence checks. Post-citizenship additions are possible: newborn children (up to 12 months) for USD $5,000, a spouse for USD $35,000, and other qualifying dependants for USD $25,000.

Obtaining citizenship alone does not create tax residency in Saint Lucia. Tax residency applies to individuals physically present for 183 or more days per year or those with a permanent residence in the country. Tax residents pay income tax on local income and on foreign income remitted to Saint Lucia, but foreign-sourced income that is not remitted is not taxed. Saint Lucia does not levy wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax.

All applications must be submitted through a CIU-licensed Authorised Agent; direct applications are not accepted. The agent assists with preparing and compiling the application, which is submitted in both electronic and printed form. Non-refundable processing fees (USD $2,000 for the principal applicant, USD $1,000 per dependant) and due diligence fees (USD $8,000 for the principal applicant, USD $5,000 per dependant aged 16+) are payable upon submission. An interview and identity verification fee of USD $500 applies to the principal applicant.

The CIU conducts compliance checks and a thorough due diligence investigation. The Citizenship by Investment Board then reviews and decides on the application. Upon approval, the applicant has 90 days to remit the required investment funds. After investment confirmation, a Certificate of Citizenship is issued, followed by passport processing. Typical processing time is 3 to 4 months, with an average of approximately 80 days.

Citizenship may be revoked if it was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material facts. Revocation can also occur if the citizen is convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, engages in conduct prejudicial to Saint Lucia's interests, or brings disrepute to the country. In cases of revocation, the investment is not refunded.