Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program Overview

Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment Summary

Launched in 2016, Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program is a popular option amongst investors seeking global mobility. The Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program has witnessed success, luring in more than $130 million in investments until 2021, and receiving 1,134 applications between 2016 and 2021.

Saint Lucia offers several citizenship options, including contribution to the National Economic Fund; the purchasing of non-interest-bearing bonds, investment into approved real-estate projects, and investment into approved enterprise-based investment pathways. The most popular route to Saint Lucia citizenship, however, is a straightforward $100,000 donation to the island’s National Economic Fund. A $300,000 bond option was introduced in 2023, which will enable investors to include any number of dependents with no extra cost. 

For investment in real estate, the minimum amount to qualify for residency has been set at $200,000 in 2023, while previously having been $300,000. The change was enacted to spur interest in the country’s real estate and remain competitive amongst many competing programs in the Caribbean region. 

Residency By Investment in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia does not offer a residency-by-investment program, but it is possible for business people to obtain one-year multiple-entry visas. Saint Lucia permanent residency is available to anyone who legally resides in the country for five years or more.

How to Apply for Citizenship in Saint Lucia

Applicants must submit their application through a licensed authorized agent; while application fees and due-diligence charges must be paid up-front, the core investment is made only once the application has been formally approved. Besides the regular biographical documentation, applicants must submit a professional reference, a bank reference and valid police certificate.

Every applicant must go through a detailed due diligence process which includes the undertaking of due diligence by a third party due diligence firm and law enforcement/intelligence. It is only when those two vetting conclusions have been obtained that a decision of the application will be made.

There is no requirement for applicants to travel to Saint Lucia, and no residency requirement for successful applicants. A time period of three months is given for the processing of applications and notification will be provided if processing is delayed beyond that point.

Mobility

Saint Lucia’s passport is ranked 34th in the world, with visa-free access to 130 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area.

Country

With an economy driven by tourism and banana farming, citizenship by investment has provided Saint Lucia with a much-needed influx of capital. While few investors spend much time on the island, new citizens can look forward to visiting an island known for its natural beauty — including forested mountains and golden beaches — and for a stable tropical climate that’s cooled by ocean breezes but generally manages to avoid the worst of the hurricane season. The island is a stable parliamentary democracy, and a member of the Commonwealth, with a legal system based on British common law.

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