Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is among the most sought-after and cost-effective Caribbean second citizenship options. The program, launched in 2015, allows individuals and their families to obtain Saint Lucian citizenship through various investment routes. With its incredible biodiversity, from the dense rainforests, stunning beaches, tropical forests, to the dramatic volcanic landscapes by the sea, the country provides investors the prestige of owning a second passport along with enhanced attractive tax advantages, proximity to nearshore markets, and a reliable Plan B for future protection.
This detailed guide provides all necessary information about obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship through investment, including the various investment paths, requirements, application procedures, and the benefits of the island’s citizenship.
Saint Lucia CBI Program in a Nutshell
Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program is one of the youngest programs in the Caribbean. The country has recently updated the regulations governing its CBI Program to remain competitive and ensure it fulfills its mandate of increasing demand for its investment products, ultimately benefiting the Saint Lucian people.
The program allows foreign investors and their qualifying dependents to acquire a second passport and citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy. After meeting certain criteria and successfully passing a thorough due diligence process, applicants are granted citizenship for life within 8 to 10 months. The application process for this program is cost-effective, fast, and straightforward, with a limited number of documents to be submitted. Applicants can include dependent children under 30 years, parents above 56 years, as well as siblings under the age of 18 years. They don’t have to obtain a residence permit, live in the country, or take a language proficiency test.
Making a significant investment is the primary requirement to gain Saint Lucia citizenship, and applicants can choose between three investment options:
- Make a non-refundable contribution (donation) to the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund
- Invest in a government-approved real estate project
- Purchase a government bond, along with paying all the applicable government fees.
- Invest in infrastructure projects within the Enterprise Project Investment category.
Advantages of Saint Lucia Citizenship
Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program features a transparent application process and a firm commitment to security, making it an attractive choice for investors and high-net-worth individuals pursuing second citizenship. Its numerous advantages include:
- Diversified Investment Options: Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program offers investors diverse investment options that suit their needs and financial situation. They can make a financial contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF), which funds national development projects aimed at developing infrastructure, healthcare institutions, and education. Investors also have the option to purchase a property in an approved real estate project in this tropical paradise or invest in government bonds with a holding period of at least five years. Applicants can also invest in projects that are towards enhancing the country’s infrastructure.
- Visa Free Access to more than 146 countries: The Saint Lucia passport is ranked 30th among global passports. It is considered a desirable passport, providing holders with visa-free access and a visa on arrival to 146 destinations, including the UK, the Schengen Area, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Latin American countries.
- 10-year US visitor visas: St Lucia citizens can get a 10-year B-1/B-2 visitor visa to the USA. The holder can stay in the US for up to 6 months a year, attend business meetings and conferences, and get medical treatment in American clinics.
- Attractive Tax Regime: Saint Lucia is an attractive destination for investors due to its favourable tax regime. It doesn’t tax individuals on global income, capital gains, inheritance, or dividends. Furthermore, the social security contribution rate is only 5% of the employee’s salary, and there is no cap on the salary that can be paid. This makes Saint Lucia an attractive destination for businesses and individuals alike.
- Good Standards of Living: Investors can move to the country and stay as long as they wish at any time. The stunning Island, with its mesmerizing beaches, rich cultural experience, diverse recreational activities, and a close-knit community that values hospitality, creates a paradise for investors to live, work, and study. With its high-end amenities, gourmet dining, and top-notch golf courses, individuals can benefit from a lifestyle of comfort and leisure.
- Stable and Secure Environment: Saint Lucia is known for its political stability and low crime rates, making it an ideal destination for investors seeking a safe environment to live and invest. The government is committed to maintaining a secure and peaceful society, which is appealing to investors relocating with their families.
- Family Inclusion: Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program allows investors to include their spouse, children, dependent siblings, and parents in their application under specific requirements, therefore, creating a secure future for their entire family.
- Attractive investment climate: Thanks to prudent planning and comprehensive policies, Saint Lucia provides an appealing investment climate with cutting-edge solutions. It continually ranks at the top in factors like ease of doing business, economic freedom, and transparency, making it an irresistible and unique choice for investors. It has a stable political climate and a robust growth strategy that facilitates and promotes investments on the island. Investors in Saint Lucia will find the most tertiary-educated population in the Eastern Caribbean, with additional access to a regional labor pool that can move freely within the region.
- Promising Business Opportunities: Investors aiming to obtain Saint Lucia citizenship can take advantage of massive opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and global business outsourcing, along with the safety, stability, zero taxes imposed on non-residents, along with visa-free access to more than 140 international destinations including the Schengen Zone and the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Ireland, and Singapore.
- World-class Educational and Healthcare Services: The educational system of Saint Lucia includes international schools that offer a high-quality curriculum. The Saint Lucia International School and The Island Academy are some of the institutions that provide excellent educational opportunities for children and give them a good foundation for their future. Saint Lucia also has a robust healthcare system, featuring public and private facilities that ensure peace of mind for investors and their loved ones.
- Right to Hold Dual Passports: The country recognizes dual citizenship. Therefore, investors are not required to renounce other citizenships unless their country of origin requires that. Citizenship is granted for life and is irrevocable.
- Cultural Richness: The island stands out for its diverse cultural heritage, which combines African traditions with French and British influences. The island celebrates its rich heritage through festivals such as Carnival, Jounen Kweyol, and the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, which offer authentic experiences of local traditions.
Eligibility Criteria
In addition to making the required investment, applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for Saint Lucia Citizenship:
- Be over 18 years old
- Clean criminal record: Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from their country of residence and demonstrate a clean criminal record.
- Good Health: Applicants should provide a recent medical examination certificate to prove that they are free from any infectious diseases.
- Good Character: Applicants must undergo a rigorous due diligence process by the Saint Lucia government.
- Minimum Investment Threshold: Applicants must either contribute $240,000 to the NEF to support national development projects in the nation or invest $300,000 by buying shares or properties in a government-approved project. Applicants can also make a qualifying investment worth $300,000 in government bonds and hold it for five years. Investors also have the infrastructure option, which falls within the Enterprise Project investment category. This offers an expanded option for developers to invest $250,000 in projects that may enhance the country’s infrastructure.
- Applicants must pay non-refundable processing, due diligence, and administrative fees related to the process.
Applicants for Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program need to fulfill specific standards regarding their integrity and character. They must not:
- Possess any criminal history except for small traffic offenses.
- Face active investigations for criminal offenses.
- Have any visa denials from any nation that allows visa-free entry to Saint Lucian passport holders.
- Participate in any conduct that harms or damages the reputation of Saint Lucia.
- A licensed medical professional has ever declared them mentally or physically incapacitated.
Family Inclusion
Investors interested in Saint Lucia Citizenship can add their spouses, children, parents, and even siblings to the application. This means:
- The spouse of the main applicant
- Children aged 21 or under
- Children who are financially dependent and aged no more than 30 years
- Mentally or physically disabled children at any age
- Parents who are older than 56 and are supported by the main applicant
- Mentally or physically disabled parents at any age
- The sibling of the main applicant who is below 18, not married, and has permission from their parents or guardians to apply for Citizenship By Investment.
It is worth noting that during the application process, both the main applicant and the dependents over 16 must attend an interview.
Required Documents
Applicants for Saint Lucia Citizenship must provide a complete set of verified documents, including:
- Proof of administrative and due diligence fee payment as the first document on the list
- The Citizenship By Investment requires the main applicants and their dependents to fill out application forms written in English.
- Photograph and signature form for each applicant. (However, for mentally or physically disabled individuals or children under the age of 18, applicants may insert “N/A” in the form).
- After making the donation or investment, applicants need to fill out the Investment Confirmation Form.
- Submit high-resolution color copies of the passport pages along with any relevant national identification cards.
- Recent passport-sized photographs taken professionally in front of a neutral background
- An authenticated copy of the birth certificate or an equivalent document confirming the birthplace and date of birth.
- A certified medical examination form to affirm the applicant’s state of health.
- Police clearance certificates must be provided for the current country of residence and all other countries where the applicant lived for at least six months over the past decade.
- The CV needs to include information about each applicant who is 18 years or older (Ensure the records span at least the last ten years).
- A transcript record or acceptance letter is required for all applicants between 18 and 25 years old.
- Applicants above 18 years old have to submit official certificates for their educational and professional history.
- Translators and attorneys-at-law, and notaries public need to authenticate the documents provided.
- Duly certified copies of marriage certificates or divorce decrees should be presented when applicable.
- Sufficient financial records must be authenticated to show that applicants have enough resources for the investment through bank statements.
- Applicants should provide documents that show their selection of investment type through real estate contracts, or enterprise agreements, or donation confirmations.
- Proof of any name changes.
- Letters of recommendation should be submitted from respected individuals or organizations that know the applicant’s character.
- A notary public to validate the document, explaining where the investment funds originate from.
It is worth noting that all documents must be translated into English while keeping their original versions intact.
Saint Lucia Investment Routes
Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program is considered one of the fastest citizenship routes in the Caribbean, providing investors with four affordable investment options.
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National Economic Fund Donation (NEF)
A one-time, non-refundable contribution starting at $240,000, with variable rates for additional family members. The NEF is established for the sole purpose of receiving qualifying investments of donations under the Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program.
Donation Amount
| Main applicant with up to three dependents | $240,000 |
| Each additional qualifying dependent (under 18 years of age) | $10,000 |
| Each additional qualifying dependent (above 18 years of age) | $20,000 |
Due Diligence
| Applicant alone | $7,500 |
| Each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age | $5,000 |
Non-refundable processing fees:
| Applicant alone | $2,000 |
| Each qualifying dependent | $1,000 |
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Purchase of Government-Approved Real Estate
To qualify for Saint Lucia citizenship under the Real Estate Option, an applicant must purchase authorized real estate for a minimum value of $300,000, which may be resold after 5 years. Additionally, the applicant must pay the following government and due diligence fees. Applicants investing in an approved real estate project can avail of lucrative returns from the high rental income, without any need to make a larger qualifying investment to include family members.
Investment Amount
| Main Applicant | $300,000 |
Non-refundable administration fee:
| Main Applicant | $30,000 |
| Main Applicant & Spouse | $45,000 |
| Each qualifying dependent (18 years of age and over) | $10,000 |
| Each qualifying dependent (under 18 years of age) | $5,000 |
| Applicant applying with spouse & more than four dependents | $ 10,000 |
Due Diligence
| Main applicant | $7,500 |
| Each qualifying dependent over 16 years of age | $5,000 |
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New Government Bond Option
Saint Lucia has introduced the Government National Action Bond (NAB) Option as a qualifying investment to acquire citizenship. An applicant and qualifying dependents of any number may opt for the Government Bond option at $300,000. The bond is non-interest-bearing with a holding period of five years. A one-time administrative fee worth $50,000 is payable upon the grant of citizenship.
Features of Government Bonds
Government bonds are considered a good and safe investment because they are issued and backed by the national government. They have low risk, especially in countries with stable economies. Bonds have a fixed term, after which the initial investment is returned. The security of government bonds makes them an attractive choice amid times of market uncertainty and geopolitical instability because investors seek refuge in them.
The main benefit of government bonds lies in their capability to help investors achieve portfolio diversification. In some circumstances, they can reduce overall risk or can be used to help manage the risk created by exposure to high-growth assets like shares. For investors who need a predictable source of income, such as retirees or conservative investors looking for steady returns over time, a bond’s regular interest payment can provide greater income certainty than other investment products.
The high liquidity of these bonds stands out as one of their primary advantages. The large trading volumes in secondary markets enable investors to sell government bonds before their maturity date. The investment stability of these bonds remains intact while providing financial flexibility for investors.
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Enterprise Project- Infrastructure option
The Infrastructure option for Saint Lucia Citizenship falls within the Enterprise Project Investment category. This latest option allows developers to invest in projects that aim to enhance the country’s infrastructure.
Investment Amount
| Applicant and up to 3 Qualifying Dependents | $250,000 |
Non-refundable administration fee:
| Main Applicant & Spouse | $20,000 |
| Each qualifying dependent (18 years of age and over) | $35,000 |
| Each qualifying dependent (under 18 years of age) | $25,000 |
| Applicant applying with 2 dependents | $25,000 |
| Applicant with three qualifying dependents | $30,000 Each |
| Additional Dependents (+3) | $10,000 Each |
How to Obtain Saint Lucia Citizenship?
To acquire Saint Lucia Citizenship and passport, applicants are required to go through five main steps.
Step 1: Consultation and Pre-Application Check
Applicants have to choose their authorized Citizenship By Investment agent and enter into a service agreement. The advisor will lead applicants through the entire process and determine their optimal investment solution based on their requirements. The initial background evaluation determines the applicant’s qualification status.
Step 2: Document Preparation
At this step, the advisor starts helping the applicant collect all required documents after they choose their investment path. The required documents include personal identification (passport, birth certificate), proof of investment, police clearance certificates, and financial records. The document preparation process requires 2-6 weeks for completion.
Step 3: Application Submission
The application, including all necessary documents, will be submitted to the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) after completion. The government processing fees must be paid at this stage before the application undergoes extensive due diligence examinations.
Step 4: Application Review and Approval
The CIU examines applications while conducting thorough background checks to verify that all requirements are fulfilled. The application review process at the CIU takes about 5-6 months to complete. St Lucia government will deliver an official approval letter after the review process.
Step 5: Final Payment and Passport Issuance
Following approval, applicants need to complete the payment for their selected investment pathway. After completing this step, applicants will obtain their Saint Lucian passport, which will be delivered to them securely within one week. At this stage, the balance of fees will be due.
Procedures and Time Frame
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit reviews all applications, conducts interviews, and thoroughly examines all applicants. The unit also performs due diligence checks and may deny an application if the applicant has made false statements or omitted significant details. Saint Lucia mandates that all applicants and their dependents over 16 years attend an interview during the due diligence check. The interview can be held online, in person in Saint Lucia, or at other approved locations.
It is estimated that the process will take between 8 and 10 months from the date of application submission to the issuance of the passport, assuming there are no issues with the application. For real estate investment, the timeline may vary depending on the selected project.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How strong is the Saint Lucian passport?
The Saint Lucia passport provides its holders with visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It is ranked as the 30th most powerful travel document worldwide according to the 2025 rankings.
- How many months does it take to acquire Saint Lucia citizenship?
The Citizenship by Investment Program of Saint Lucia operates as one of the fastest programs worldwide since it requires between 8 to 10 months to process applications after document verification.
- Is Saint Lucia citizenship permanent?
The citizenship obtained through Saint Lucia program is permanent and irrevocable. Applicants are not required to reside in the country to keep their citizenship status.
- Is a background check required?
Applicants must pass a thorough background screening process, which includes extensive criminal history investigations to guarantee the Citizenship by Investment Program’s integrity.
- Can investors retire in Saint Lucia?
Absolutely. The Citizenship by Investment Program and the relaxed lifestyle and investment opportunities make Saint Lucia an ideal retirement location.
- What is the “Golden Visa” Program in Saint Lucia?
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program provides direct citizenship instead of residency through investments in real estate, government bonds, or approved business ventures, while other schemes offer only residency through their “Golden Visa” programs.
- Does the United States allow its citizens to hold dual citizenship with Saint Lucia?
The United States allows dual citizenship, which enables people to possess both US and Saint Lucian citizenship without forfeiting their American citizenship.
- What are the most attractive locations for property investment in Saint Lucia?
The most attractive locations for real estate investment in Saint Lucia are Rodney Bay, Soufrière, and Marigot Bay, which are famous for their beautiful natural scenery and high-end properties.
- Why do applicants need a licensed agent’s help?
Resorting to an authorized agent when applying for Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program is not just a suggestion; it is a primary requirement for citizenship by investment. This mandate was established by the government to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Can investors live and work in Saint Lucia with citizenship?
Obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship provides applicants and their families full residence rights, including the ability to live, work, and study in the country.
- Is it possible to return the investments in Saint Lucia?
Investors can return their money within five years if they invested in government bonds or purchased a real estate property, but they must observe the minimum ownership periods. However, selling the property or bonds before the required time leads to the revocation of citizenship.
- Should applicants visit Saint Lucia to obtain their passports?
The process of acquiring Saint Lucia passport can be done remotely, therefore, applicants are not required to visit the country at any stage of the application.
- What are the main benefits of obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship?
Saint Lucia has a lot of benefits to offer:
- The program provides visa-free travel to more than 145 international destinations.
- It allows applicants to obtain a 10-year U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa.
- Enables investors to register an international company in the country.
- It offers attractive tax benefits that exempt worldwide income and inheritance, and capital gains from taxation.
- It allows applicants to visit Saint Lucia for residence or establish a second home at any moment.
- The process to obtain a second passport through this program is quick and simple and provides complete security.
- The investment requirements for this program remain more affordable than other citizenship programs.
- It enables applicants to obtain citizenship with their entire family, including dependent children and parents.
For more information about Saint Lucia Citizenship By Investment program, the requirements, and investment thresholds, please contact us on WhatsApp.