Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment

A tropical haven dotted with volcanic peaks, rainforests, and pristine beaches, Saint Lucia offers all the advantages of a Caribbean lifestyle, laid-back yet culturally rich, ideal for both adventurous travellers and those seeking serenity. It is a jurisdiction that balances lifestyle and legal predictability with global access and sound compliance.

Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Legal Basis

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme is founded on a well-structured legal framework, with the Citizenship by Investment Act supported by comprehensive regulations. The Programme is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), overseen by an independent Board, and governed by principles of transparency and international compliance.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and of good character, with no criminal record. Each application undergoes a rigorous due diligence process that includes:

• Initial KYC (Know-Your-Customer) checks
• AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CTF (Counter-Terrorism Financing) checks by the CIU;
• Third-party due diligence by international investigative firms, including both online and on-the-ground inquiries;
• Checks with regional and international crime-prevention bodies to ensure applicants are not listed on any sanctions or wanted lists;
• And, as of 2023, a mandatory interview for all applicants aged 17 and above.

Due diligence fees are payable as part of the application: USD 8,000 for the main applicant, and USD 5,000 for each qualifying dependant.

In addition, an application processing fee is charged by the CIU: USD 2,000 for the main applicant and USD 1,000 for each dependant.

Due to challenges in conducting effective due diligence, nationals of Russia, Belarus, and Iran are currently ineligible. The CIU has also advised caution with respect to applications from Syria, where similar due diligence difficulties may arise. All other nationalities are eligible to apply.

Saint Lucia offers flexible family inclusion rules, allowing applicants to include a broad set of dependants in one application:

• A spouse;
• Children of the main applicant or spouse, who are:
   
  • Aged up to 30 and financially dependent on the main applicant;
• Parents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 or older who are financially dependent;
• Unmarried siblings of the main applicant, under the age of 18, with parental or guardian consent.

This family-friendly structure supports multi-generational planning, making Saint Lucian citizenship an enduring legacy.

Applicants must choose one of four qualifying investment routes to obtain citizenship:

1. National Economic Fund (NEF):

A one-time, non-refundable contribution to Saint Lucia’s National Economic Fund. As of July 2024, the required donation for a family of four is USD 240,000. The funds are used to finance national development projects, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

For each additional dependent under the age of 18 there is an additional fee of USD 10,000 whilst those over 18 should pay a fee of USD 20,000

2. Real Estate Investment:

Invest at least USD 300,000 in a government-approved property. The investment must be held for a minimum of five years. This option is ideal for those seeking lifestyle or rental benefits alongside citizenship. Apart from the investment additional government administrative fees apply.

3. Enterprise Projects:

Invest directly into an approved enterprise in sectors such as tourism, infrastructure, or agriculture.

4. National Action Bonds:

This government bond option requires a USD 300,000 investment in non-interest-bearing bonds (returnable after five years), along with a USD 50,000 administrative fee. It allows investors to maintain their capital while securing citizenship.

Each route is subject to due diligence and compliance checks, and investors must demonstrate the legal source of their funds. The standard government fees—due diligence, application processing, and, where applicable, administrative fees—apply in addition to the investment commitment.

·       Citizenship for life, with the right to live and work in the country indefinitely.

·       Dual citizenship is permitted and fully respected by the Saint Lucian authorities. Investors are not required to renounce their original nationality.

·       Visa-free or visa on arrival access to more than 140 countries and territories, including the UK, Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, and most of the Caribbean.

·       No requirement for physical residence or travel to Saint Lucia during or after the application process, which is ideal for globally mobile individuals and families.

·       No tax on worldwide income, wealth, or inheritance unless the citizen becomes ordinarily resident in Saint Lucia, making it one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions in the region.

Saint Lucia’s CBI Programme is particularly attractive to:

• Entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand businesses internationally;
• Professionals looking to unlock new career or lifestyle opportunities across borders;
• Families wishing to secure global mobility and high-quality education prospects for their children;
• Investors who want to diversify their personal and business footprint in a stable, English-speaking Commonwealth jurisdiction.

The programme’s combination of integrity, efficiency, and value has cemented its place as a preferred option for sophisticated investors and global citizens.

At Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates, our immigration lawyers provide tailored and professional legal support for high-net-worth individuals seeking Saint Lucia citizenship. Our firm is renowned for its trusted advice in the investment migration sector and offers full-spectrum assistance, from application to post-citizenship matters.

Our services include:

• Initial strategic advice to assess eligibility and identify the most suitable investment route;
• Full legal handling of the application process, including documentation, compliance, and submission;
• Post-approval services, including passport applications, renewals, and advice on dual citizenship obligations.

Get in touch with us today.