How to get a St Lucia passport in 2024: a complete guide for investors

To become a citizen of St Lucia, applicants are offered 5 investment options:

1. Contribution to the National Economic Fund — at least $100,000.

2. Investments in an infrastructure business project — at least $100,000.

3. Real estate purchase for at least $200,000.

4. Buying government bonds for at least $300,000.

5. Investing in government-approved business projects — at least $1,000,000.

The total expenses include government fees that depend on the chosen option. Besides, the contribution sum increases when family members are added to the application.

Investors make non-refundable donations to the National Economic Fund of St Lucia (NEF). The investment amount depends on the number of family members:

• $100,000 — for a single applicant;

• $140,000 — for the applicant with a spouse;

• $150,000 — for the applicant, their spouse, and two other dependents.

If the investor has more than three dependents, they pay an additional $15,000 per dependent, starting with the fifth if the investor’s spouse is included in the application. $25,000 is added if the spouse does not participate in the CBI program.

If the applicant chooses the bonds option, they invest at least $300,000. Only non-interest-bearing Government Bonds qualify.

The investment amount does not depend on the number of candidates in the application. However, the investor pays a fixed administrative fee of $50,000.

The minimum holding period for Government Bonds is 5 years. After that, bonds can be fully redeemed, and the investment can be returned.

An investor buys a share in a property for at least $200,000. The property is usually a five-star hotel or resort complex. The property must belong to a project approved by the government for participation in the program.

The minimum investment amount does not change depending on the family members. Real estate may be sold after five years to return the investment.

Investors who choose this option pay a special government fee:

• $30,000 for the investor;

• $15,000 for a spouse;

• $5,000 per minor dependent;

• and $10,000 per dependent over 18.

The applicant can invest in projects that the government approves. These include restaurants, marinas, pharmaceuticals, research companies, and agricultural enterprises.

One investor needs to invest at least $3.5 million and create at least three jobs in St Lucia. However, teaming up with other applicants and investing at least $6 million while creating six jobs is possible. In this case, the minimum investment for one applicant is $1 million.

The applicant pays an administrative fee of $50,000. A government processing fee of $2,000 is charged for the investor and $1,000 per family member.

Under this option, the applicant invests in a project approved by the St Lucia government and enhances the country’s infrastructure.

The investment amount starts at $100,000 for an applicant alone and $150,000 for a family of up to four members.

The investor also pays:

• a government processing fee of $2,000 for themself and $1,000 for each dependent in the application;

• a non-refundable administration fee of $15,000 for themself;

• a non-refundable administration fee of $5,000 per dependent and $10,000, starting at the fifth applicant.

In addition to the investment, applicants pay fees. They differ depending on the option and the number of family members under one application.

The most affordable option is a state fund contribution. However, purchasing government bonds or real estate is more preferential for those who want to return the invested money in 5 years, decreasing the citizenship cost to state fees.

1. Getting a US visa. The сitizenship of St Lucia makes obtaining a 10-year Visitor Visa to the United States possible. Documents are accepted at any convenient American consulate.

2. Increased global mobility. Investors with St Lucia passports do not have to obtain visas when travelling to most countries. This allows discovering new destinations and is helpful when doing business.

3. Tax optimisation. St Lucia has low taxes. Some taxes are not paid, such as the tax on income received in other countries. There is also no inheritance or capital gains taxes.

Beneficial tax conditions have been created for companies in St Lucia. Financial reporting is carried out according to international IFRS standards. Companies are taxed only on income earned in St Lucia. In addition, there is no tax on dividends in the country.

4. Opening bank accounts. Investors with St Lucia passports can open accounts in international financial institutions, allowing quick and easy payments in foreign currencies and preserving assets.

5. Education in the UK. St Lucia citizens enjoy preferential conditions in some universities in the UK. Students from St Lucia are entitled to four types of Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Chevening Scholarships.

How St Lucia citizenship can become a powerful tool for convenient travelling and business expansion

Citizens of St Lucia benefit from increased global mobility and can travel to 147 countries without obtaining a visa in advance.

Some countries such as Australia or Egypt require St Lucia passport holders to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation or to be issued a visa upon arrival. Both of these permits are quicker and cheaper to get than a regular visa.

1. St Lucia citizenship can be obtained by birth, registration, or investment.

2. Citizenship by investment is the fastest route to get a St Lucia passport. Applicants invest at least $100,000, pay government fees, pass Due Diligence, and undergo an interview. When all the conditions are met, the Government issues a naturalisation certificate allowing one to apply for a passport.

3. Possible investment options include contributing to the state fund, buying real estate, purchasing bonds, investing in a business, or participating in an infrastructure project.

4. The investor’s family, including a spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18, obtain citizenship with the main applicant.