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

The Saint Lucia passport can be obtained in several ways. Citizenship by birth is granted to children born in the country or abroad to St Lucia citizens. To get citizenship by registration, an applicant should have ties with St Lucia, for example, be married to or adopted by a St Lucian.

The easiest and fastest way to become a citizen of St Lucia is to participate in the citizenship by investment program.

Lyle Julien

Author •Lyle Julien

Knows everything about the St Lucia citizenship program

How to get a St Lucia passport by investment

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

Who can participate in the St Lucia citizenship investment program?

The St Lucia citizenship by investment program is designed for wealthy people. Applicants acquire citizenship in 6+ months after the submission of documents.

The principal applicant can apply for citizenship if over 18 years old and has no criminal record. Another important criterion is the legal origin of income for investment under the program.

Family members who can participate in the program with an investor are the following:

  • a spouse;

  • children under 30;

  • parents over 55;

  • siblings under 18.

Sometimes, family members are added to the program after the investor has received a passport. Citizenship for dependents who were initially eligible for the program can be issued within five years from the investor’s application’s approval date. The term for adding newborn children and new spouses of any family members is not limited.

Until June 2020, the rules were stricter: the principal applicant’s siblings did not participate in the program, and there were other age restrictions for children and parents.

St Lucia citizenship by investment program participants are not required to stay in the country to maintain citizenship.

How much to invest in getting St Lucia citizenship

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

  1. Contribution to the National Economic Fund — at least $240,000.

  2. Investments in an infrastructure business project — at least $250,000.

  3. Real estate purchase for at least $300,000.

  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.

Obtaining St Lucia citizenship by contributing to a state fund

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

The threshold for a single applicant is $240,000. This amount does not change if the investor applies with up to three family members. Starting with the 5th applicant, they should add $10,000 per minor dependent and $20,000 per dependent over 18.

Purchase of St Lucia government bonds

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.

Individual cost calculation for St Lucia citizenship

Individual cost calculation for St Lucia citizenship

Real estate in St Lucia for investors

An investor buys a share in a property for at least $300,000. 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 non-refundable government fee of $30,000.

Business investments under the St Lucia citizenship program

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.

St Lucia citizenship by investment in an infrastructure project

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

The investment amount starts at $250,000 for a single applicant and families 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 over 18.

Cost of St Lucia citizenship by investment: option comparison

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.

Example of St Lucia citizenship expenses for a family of four

Spouses with children aged 7 and 19

Investment

Contribution to the state fund

$240,000

Purchase of bonds

$300,000

Buying real estate

$300,000

Business investments

$1,000,000

Infrastructure projects

$250,000

Spouses with children aged 7 and 19

Government fee

Contribution to the state fund

Purchase of bonds

$50,000

Buying real estate

$30,000

Business investments

$50,000

Infrastructure projects

$30,000

Spouses with children aged 7 and 19

Due Diligence

Contribution to the state fund

$18,000

Purchase of bonds

$18,000

Buying real estate

$18,000

Business investments

$18,000

Infrastructure projects

$18,000

Spouses with children aged 7 and 19

Other fees

Contribution to the state fund

$8,450+

Purchase of bonds

$3,450+

Buying real estate

$8,600+

Business investments

$8,600+

Infrastructure projects

$8,600+

Spouses with children aged 7 and 19

Total:

Contribution to the state fund

$266,450+

Purchase of bonds

$371,450+

Buying real estate

$356,600+

Business investments

$1,076,600+

Infrastructure projects

$306,600+

How to get a St Lucia passport: step-by-step procedure

It is not possible to apply for a St Lucia citizenship in person. According to the terms of the program, the applicant can contact only a licensed agent of the St Lucia program.

The St Lucia citizenship obtaining process is fully remote, does not require the applicant to visit the island, and takes 6+ months to complete.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

AML Compliance specialists conduct a preliminary Due Diligence check at the first stage. It is needed to reduce the risk of refusal from the government of St Lucia to a minimum level.

The check takes one day. It only requires a copy of the passport.

2

2—5 weeks

Document preparation

Immigrant Invest lawyers provide an applicant with a list of documents to be prepared. The document package should include the following:

  1. National passport.

  2. Birth certificate.

  3. Marriage certificate.

  4. Copies of all pages of a foreign passport.

  5. Proof of residential address.

  6. Two photos.

  7. Diploma of education.

  8. Medical certificate.

  9. Documents confirm the sources of investment.

The lawyers fill out forms, draw up legal explanations, affix apostilles, and monitor the correct registration of papers.

3

3—5 months

Due Diligence and application processing

When the documents are collected, the investor pays the Due Diligence fee. After that, our experts send the application and a package of documents to the program department so that they can start checking.

Next, the St Lucia program department conducts Due Diligence. As a part of Due Diligence, the investor passes an interview. This can be done in person or online.

4

Up to 90 days

Investing

The state authorities of St Lucia inform the lawyer of Immigrant Invest about the successful completion of Due Diligence. After that, the applicant invests under the chosen option.

5

Up to 6 weeks

Getting a naturalisation certificate

The naturalisation certificate will be ready within four weeks after investing. When the certificate is obtained, the investor can apply for a passport.

The documents are sent to the address specified by the investor.

5 benefits of the St Lucia citizenship

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

Global visa requirements for St Lucian passport holders

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.

Visa-free countries for St Lucia citizens

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Austria

Bahamas

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Bulgaria

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Estonia

Eswatini

Fiji

Finland

France

Gambia

Germany

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Kenya

Kiribati

Latvia

Lesotho

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malawi

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Micronesia

Moldova

Monaco

Montenegro

Netherlands

Nicaragua

Norway

Panama

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

San Marino

Seychelles

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

St Kitts and Nevis

St Vincent and Grenadine

Suriname

Sweden

Switzerland

Tanzania

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

United Kingdom

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Venezuela

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Countries that issue a visa upon arrival to St Lucians

Bangladesh

Bolivia

Burundi

Cambodia

Cape Verde

Comoros

Egypt

Guinea-Bissau

Jordan

Laos

Madagascar

Maldives

Mauritania

Mozambique

Nepal

Palau

Rwanda

Samoa

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Solomon Islands

Somalia

Timor-Leste

Togo

Tonga

Turkey

Tuvalu

Countries that St Lucia passport holders visit with an eTA

Albania

Armenia

Australia

Bahrain

Benin

Bhutan

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Congo — Kinshasa

Côte d’Ivoire

Djibouti

Equatorial Guinea

Ethiopia

Gabon

Georgia

Guinea

India

Iran

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Mongolia

Nigeria

Oman

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

South Korea

South Sudan

Sri Lanka

São Tomé and Príncipe

Tajikistan

Summary on obtaining St Lucia citizenship

  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 $240,000, 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.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

Will you obtain St Lucia citizenship?

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the benefits of a St Lucia passport?

    With a Saint Lucia passport, an investor gets increased freedom of travel and can open accounts at the best banks in Saint Lucia and Europe.

    The сitizenship of St Lucia makes obtaining a tourist visa to the United States for ten years possible. Documents are accepted at any convenient American consulate.

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

  • What is the Saint Lucia Citizenship by investment programme?

    The St Lucia citizenship by investment program is created for wealthy people. Applicants receive passports within 6+ months after the submission of documents. The investment amount starts at $240,000.

    Detailed program requirements are described on the program’s official website.

  • What investment options are available in Saint Lucia?

    To become a citizen of St Lucia, applicants are offered five investment options. Among them are contributions to the state fund, buying real estate, purchasing bonds, and investing in a business or an infrastructure project.

  • Who is eligible to apply to the Saint Lucia Citizenship by investment programme?

    St Lucia passports can be obtained by people who meet the conditions of the investment program. The main applicant can apply for citizenship if over 18 years old and has no criminal record. Another important criterion is the legal origin of income for investment under the program.

    Who can participate in the program with an investor:

    • a spouse;

    • children under 30;

    • parents over 55;

    • siblings under 18.

  • Can I submit my application directly to the Saint Lucia Citizenship by investment programme?

    No, an applicant must contact a licensed, authorised agent who will present the applications on their behalf.

  • Do I need to stay in Saint Lucia?

    No, St Lucia citizenship by investment program participants are not required to stay in the country to maintain citizenship.

  • Does the US allow dual citizenship with St Lucia?

    The US legislation does not prohibit the country’s citizens from having two passports. Thus, an American can obtain citizenship in St Lucia.

    To become a St Lucian citizen by investment, an American has to turn to a licensed agent, choose the most suitable investment option, make an investment, pass Due Diligence, and undergo an interview.

  • How do I become a citizen of Saint Lucia?

    There are several paths to St Lucia citizenship: birth, registration, and investment. The latter is the easiest and quickest way to become a citizen of St Lucia.

    A foreigner invests at least $240,000, pays administrative fees, and passes Due Diligence. The process from collecting documents to issuing a naturalisation certificate takes at least 6 months.

  • How much is a St Lucian passport?

    The cost of getting St Lucia citizenship by investment depends on the chosen option:

    • contribution to the National Economic Fund of St Lucia (NEF) — $240,000+;

    • investment in an infrastructure project — $250,000+;

    • real estate purchase — $300,000+;

    • buying government bonds — $300,000+;

    • business investment — $1,000,000+.