Contribution to a state fund, real estate or bonds? What to invest in to get a St Lucia passport

At least $100,000 one needs to contribute to a St Lucia state fund to get the country’s passport. The investment can not be returned.

A smaller investment is the main advantage of the option. Even though the investment can not be returned, the costs are two to three times lower than under other investment options.

If the investor participates in the program alone, their expenses will amount to $110,350+. If you add relatives to the citizenship application, the fund contribution and additional costs will increase depending on the number of participants and their age. Sometimes, the participation with a family may be more beneficial under options with purchasing bonds or real estate.

Investors' money goes to the St Lucia National Economic Fund and pay off the public debt, finance tourism, and build urban and transport infrastructure. The country’s parliament annually approves projects to which the fund will allocate money.

$300,000 is the minimum price of government bonds for investors. The investment return is the main advantage of the option. The investor has the right to redeem the bonds in 5 years.

Buying real estate costs an investor more than the contribution to the state fund or buying bonds. If the investor participates in the program alone, their expenses will start at $240,350.

The investment return is the main advantage of buying real estate. An investor can sell a share or a property 5 years after obtaining citizenship. Another option advantage is an additional income from renting out real estate. When the construction of the chosen hotel is completed, the investor will be able to receive 2 to 5% per annum.

Investors can buy properties in full ownership or participate in the construction of hotels, villas, or urban infrastructure. A share may be in an object, securities, or a trust.

Investors can buy properties in a hotel in Micoud. It is located on the first coastline of the island.

Example of a St Lucia investment property

St. Lucia, Micoud

€300,000

Serviced apartments in a luxury hotel by the ocean

42 m² — 130 m²

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Applicants rarely invest in St Lucian businesses, as the option cost is much higher than other options. For example, if compared with the costs with the contribution, the investor has to pay 10—30 times more.

To obtain a passport, an applicant invests in a government-approved business project. If the investor finances the project alone, the minimum investment amount is $3,500,000. Collective investments in the amount of at least $6,000,000 are possible; each participant’s share starts at $1,000,000.

The administration fee is $50,000. Additional payment for each family member is $25,000.

Individual cost calculation of the St Lucia Citizenship

Get the cost calculation

Let’s compare the minimum cost of participation under the three popular options of the St Lucia citizenship program for a family of four. The calculation includes the main investment and additional expenses.

Investors pay twice as much for St Lucia passports for families of four if they choose the purchase of government bonds or real estate. However, thus they can return the money in 5 years, while the contribution is a non-refundable option.

Second passports for the whole family. St Lucia allows investors to participate in the CBI program with their families. The applicant has the right to add to the citizenship application:

Benefits of the St Lucia passport

• a spouse;

• children under 30;

• parents over 55;

• siblings under 18.

Visa-free travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen states: a St Lucia citizen can stay there for 90 days within six months. In addition, St Lucia citizens can stay for 180 days in a row in the UK. The list of visa‑free destinations also includes Hong Kong and Singapore.

St Lucia citizens are eligible for a 10‑year US tourist visa. They apply for a B‑1/B‑2 visa

Tax optimisation. St Lucia tax residents do not pay taxes on capital gains, dividends and inheritance. Legal entities do not pay tax on capital gains, dividends, and VAT in some cases.

Opportunity to educate children in UK universities. St Lucia is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Therefore, the country’s citizens can get education on preferential terms at the best British universities, for example, under scholarships from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission or CSC. They can also apply for the Chevening Scholarships.