Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program Overview

Saint Lucia launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program in December 2015 to attract foreign direct investment into sectors that support the island’s economic development, including infrastructure, real estate, and enterprise.

The program confers full, permanent citizenship through a qualifying investment starting from US$240,000, 

Eligible dependents include a spouse, children under 18, financially dependent children between 18 and 25 who are enrolled in full-time education, financially dependent parents or grandparents. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a clean criminal record, pass full due diligence checks, and have not been denied a visa from any country that Saint Lucia citizens can access visa-free without subsequent reinstatement. 

The principal applicant must also complete an interview and identity verification process. 

Four investment routes are available, as follows: 

National Economic Fund (NEF)

The National Economic Fund route involves a non-refundable contribution to the government fund. The minimum amounts are as follows:

• Applicant alone, or with up to three qualifying dependents: US$240,000
• Each additional qualifying dependent under 18: US$10,000
• Each additional qualifying dependent over 18: US$20,000

National Action Bonds (NAB)

• Minimum investment: US$300,000, regardless of the number of dependents included
• The bonds are non-interest-bearing and must remain registered in the applicant’s name for a five-year holding period from the date of first issue
• An additional non-refundable administration fee of US$50,000 applies

Approved Real Estate

• Minimum investment: US$300,000, regardless of the number of dependents included
• Investment must be made into an approved high-end branded hotel, resort, or boutique property
• The investor holds the title deed to the property
• Administration fees range from US$30,000 for a single applicant to US$45,000 for an applicant with a spouse, plus US$5,000 per dependent under 18 and US$10,000 per dependent over 18

Enterprise Project

• Option 1: Sole applicant: minimum investment of US$3,500,000, plus a non-refundable administration fee of US$50,000
• Option 2: Joint venture with more than one applicant: minimum total investment of US$6,000,000, with each applicant contributing at least US$1,000,000, plus a US$50,000 administration fee per applicant
• Option 3: applicant with up to three qualifying dependents: US$250,000 plus applicable administration fees
• Eligible project types include specialty restaurants, cruise ports and marinas, agro-processing plants, pharmaceutical production, ports, bridges, and research institutions, among others. 

Standard Fees (all routes)

• Processing fee, main applicant: US$2,000
• Processing fee, each qualifying dependent: US$1,000
• Due diligence fee, main applicant: US$8,000
• Due diligence fee, each qualifying dependent above age 16: US$5,000

Route to Citizenship

Successful applicants receive Saint Lucian citizenship directly upon approval and investment, with no prior residency period required. The CBI confers permanent, inheritable citizenship with no renewal obligations.

Nationals of Russia and Belarus have been formally suspended from applying since February 15, 2023. Iranian nationals were re-banned effective February 21, 2023, after a brief period of acceptance. 

Prospective applicants from these or any other jurisdictions subject to international sanctions should consult a licensed agent to confirm current eligibility before proceeding.

Dual citizenship is permitted under Saint Lucian law. Applicants are not required to renounce their current nationality. 

Mobility and Taxation

Mobility

Saint Lucian citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144 destinations worldwide, including all Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, the United Kingdom for stays of up to 180 days, Hong Kong for up to 90 days, and Singapore for up to 30 days. 

Saint Lucia is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Saint Lucian citizens may travel to all CARICOM member nations for up to six months without a visa and may live and work indefinitely in OECS member states. 

Tax

Saint Lucia does not impose tax on capital gains, dividends, inheritance, or wealth. These exemptions apply broadly and are not tied specifically to CBI status.

Citizenship of Saint Lucia does not automatically confer tax residency. Tax residency requires physical presence in Saint Lucia for at least 183 days in a tax year, or the establishment of a permanent residence in Saint Lucia. Citizens who do not meet the residency threshold are not subject to Saint Lucian income tax on their global income and are taxed only on income derived from Saint Lucian sources.

For citizens who do establish tax residency, Saint Lucia applies a residence-and-remittance basis of taxation. Individuals who are resident and ordinarily resident in Saint Lucia are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates, with a top marginal rate of 30%. 

How to Apply

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is the administering authority, operating under the Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015 and its subsequent amendments.

Applications must be submitted through a licensed agent. The CBI maintains a public register of licensed agents and a separate list of blacklisted agents on its official website. 

Prospective applicants should verify their agent’s licensing status before engaging. There is no requirement to visit Saint Lucia at any stage of the process.

The application process typically goes as follows: 

• Upon confirmation of the investment, the Board grants citizenship, and the certificate of naturalization is issued.
• Licensed agent conducts an eligibility assessment and prepares documentation
• The agent submits the application file to the Citizenship by Investment Board with processing and due diligence fees
• The board conducts background checks through local and regional intelligence partners
• Principal applicant completes mandatory interview and identity verification
• Applicant makes a qualifying investment following approval in principle