14 main benefits of the St Lucia passport and citizenship in 2024

To enjoy the St Lucia passport benefits, wealthy people participate in the country’s citizenship by investment program.

Both St Lucia’s passport and CBI program have several advantages that make them attractive to applicants:

1. Travel freedom to over 140 countries.

2. Moving to St Lucia and creating a safe haven.

3. Opportunity to get a visa to the United States for 10 years.

4. Obtaining dual or multiple citizenship.

5. Options for tax optimisation.

6. Opportunity to register an international company.

7. Access to services of international and European banks.

8. Preferential terms on education in the UK.

9. Family inclusion.

10. Relatively low minimum investment amount.

11. Investment after the application is pre-approved.

12. Quick and easy procedure.

13. Return on investment after 5 years.

14. No residency requirements.

One of the main St Lucia citizenship benefits is the opportunity to visit 147 countries without visas.

Demanded visa-free destinations include the states of the Schengen Agreement, where St Lucians can stay for 90 days within 180. Popular Asian destinations are Hong Kong and Singapore, which are also accessible without additional documents.

St Lucia is a former British colony and thus a part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Citizens of the island state of St Lucia can visit the UK without additional documents and are permitted to stay there for up to 180 days a year.

Investors and their family members can enter or move to St Lucia anytime. The country offers a secure and peaceful environment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a safe haven. The island’s low crime rate contributes to its reputation as one of the safest countries in the Caribbean.

Political stability. St Lucia’s political stability adds to its appeal. As a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, it has a consistent and transparent governance structure.

Affordable cost of living. Living expenses in St Lucia are relatively low. A single person typically spends around $460 monthly on rent and utilities, with additional expenses for food and transportation averaging about $663 per month.

Natural beauty and lifestyle. St Lucia offers a quiet lifestyle, with beautiful beaches and green landscapes. The island’s warm climate and cultural diversity create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

Quality education and healthcare. Families in St Lucia have access to local education and healthcare services. The government’s investment in infrastructure ensures residents benefit from modern amenities.

Akil, 48 years old

A shareholder of a large bank in Egypt

One year after obtaining Saint Lucia citizenship

Akil, a 48-year-old Egyptian bank shareholder, aimed to enhance his family’s global mobility and secure quality education for his 19-year-old son, Darius. He achieved these goals through Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program.

Akil chose the government bond option during a limited-time 50% discount offer, investing $250,000 instead of the usual $500,000. Administrative and Due Diligence fees brought the total investment to $299,350 for his family of three.

This investment has granted them the right to live in Saint Lucia and provided visa-free access to over 140 countries, including the UK and Schengen Area. Darius is now pursuing a degree in Banking and Finance at the University of the West Indies in Saint Lucia. The family has relocated to Castries to support Darius during his studies.

Learn a case

The сitizenship of St Lucia makes it possible to obtain a B‑1/B‑2 Visitor Visa to the United States for 10 years. The B‑1/B‑2 is a non-immigrant visa designed for business and tourism or visiting purposes, such as attending conferences, having a vacation trip, or meeting with relatives.

Applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application with the Form DS‑160, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview at a convenient US Embassy or Consulate.

St Lucia permits individuals to hold dual or multiple citizenships, providing significant advantages for global mobility and personal security. Meaning that foreigners can retain their original nationality when becoming St Lucia nationals.

Holding multiple passports facilitates easier travel and access to diverse markets, along with the ability to reside in different countries. Dual citizenship also provides a safeguard against political or economic instability in one’s home country, offering a secure alternative residency option.

St Lucia has relatively low taxes. Some taxes are not paid at all — for example, tax on income received in other countries. There are also no inheritance taxes or capital gains.

Сonvinient conditions have been created for companies. 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.

St Lucia offers a favourable environment for establishing International Business Companies, or IBCs, attracting entrepreneurs seeking to expand their global operations.

Efficient registration process. Registering an IBC in St Lucia typically takes up to two weeks, with:

• registration costs around $1,500;

• trademark registration costs about $1,000;

• annual maintenance fees are approximately $800.

The country’s legislation does not require a minimum authorised capital, allowing flexibility for business owners. In practice, it is enough to invest $50,000.

Preferential tax regime. International Business Companies in St Lucia benefit from:

• 0% tax on income deemed to have been earned outside St Lucia;

• 0% VAT if their annual sales turnover does not exceed XCD 400,000, or $148,000;

• 5% of social contributions;

• 0,25% for residential property and 0,4% for commercial property;

• up to 5% for real estate transfers for sellers and 2% for buyers;

• freedom from exchange controls.

Once a year, the company must pay a $300 government tax.

Strategic location and trade access. St Lucia’s membership in the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, provides access to regional markets and international trade networks. The country’s stable political environment and modern infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a hub for international business.

Investors with St Lucia passports can easily open bank accounts in the EU countries. They are pre-checked by EU law, but the procedure is much less stringent than usual for third-country citizens.

An account in a European bank allows quick and easy payments in foreign currency and keeps savings in a safe place.

St Lucian and international banks across the Caribbean are also available to St Lucia passport holders.

Four types of Scholarships by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) are available to students from St Lucia. These are:

1. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for one-year postgraduate courses.

2. Commonwealth Distance Learning Master’s Scholarships.

3. Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships allowing PhD candidates to spend up to 12 months at a UK university.

4. Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals to undertake professional development in the UK.

The Chevening Scholarships are also available to St Lucians. It is a prestigious global scholarship programme funded by the UK Government, designed to develop future leaders by allowing them to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in the UK. For example, the University of London provides qualifying Master’s programs in various fields.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, return airfare, and additional expenses.

To qualify for St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be at least 18 years old;

• have a clean criminal record;

• undergo a thorough Due Diligence check;

• prove the legal source of their investment funds;

• make an eligible investment.

The CBI program allows investors to include family members in their applications, extending citizenship benefits to loved ones. Eligible dependents include:

• a spouse;

• biological or legally adopted children under 30 who are financially dependent on the main applicant;

• parents of the main applicant or their spouse, aged 55 or older, who are financially dependent on the main applicant;

• unmarried brothers or sisters of the main applicant, under 18, with parental or guardian consent.

Citizenship for relatives can be issued even after the investor has received a passport. For family members who were originally eligible to participate in the program, the maximum application period is 5 years from the date of application by the investor.

Newborn children and new spouses can join the program and obtain citizenship at any time.

The investment amount for obtaining St Lucia citizenship depends on the chosen option:

• $240,000+ for contributing to a state fund;

• $250,000+ for investing in government-approved projects that enhance the infrastructure of the country;

• $300,000+ for buying non-interest-bearing government bonds;

• $300,000+ for purchasing real estate;

• $1,000,000+ for investing in a government-approved business project.

In comparison, other citizenship and residence by investment programs have significantly higher thresholds. For instance, St Kitts and Nevis requires a fund contribution of at least $250,000, while real estate investments start at $325,000.

Obtaining not citizenship, but residency in the EU usually requires at least €250,000, or $270,000.

A notable advantage of the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is that applicants only make the required investment after receiving preliminary approval. This approach lowers financial risk, as investors commit funds only once they have a high likelihood of obtaining citizenship.

In the Saint Lucia CBI process, applicants first undergo Due Diligence checks and document verification. Once these checks are complete and the application is reviewed, the government grants preliminary approval. Only then are applicants required to proceed with their chosen investment option.

This “pre-approval” structure contrasts with other programs that require investment upfront, before any guarantee of acceptance.

The Saint Lucia CBI Program offers options that provide potential returns, particularly through government bonds and real estate.

Government bonds. Investors can purchase government bonds starting at $300,000. These bonds must be held for at least five years, after which the investor can redeem them and recover the full amount.

Real estate. By investing a minimum of $300,000 in government-approved real estate. After five years, investors may sell the property while retaining their Saint Lucia citizenship, potentially earning a profit if the property’s value has increased.

A key advantage of the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is the absence of a residency requirement. Applicants are not required to live in or visit Saint Lucia before, during, or after the application process to obtain citizenship.

This flexibility allows investors to secure citizenship without altering their lifestyle, work, or travel commitments.

1. St Lucia passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 140+ countries, enhancing travel and business opportunities in the Schengen Area, the UK, and Asian economic centres like Singapore.

2. Saint Lucian citizens can apply for a US B‑1/B‑2 visa, which grants 10 years of access for business, tourism, and family visits.

3. Citizenship also offers access to low tax rates and exemptions on foreign income, inheritance, and capital gains. Besides, the second passport simplifies opening bank accounts in the EU, aiding international financial transactions.

4. Investors can establish International Business Companies in Saint Lucia with efficient registration processes and minimal capital requirements. Benefits include tax advantages, access to regional trade via CARICOM, and freedom from exchange controls.

5. St Lucian citizens gain access to UK educational benefits, including Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships, fostering professional development.

6. The investment program provides a cost-effective path to St Lucia citizenship, includes family members, and offers potential returns. The minimum investment is $240,000 with the obtaining time of 6+ months.

7. Saint Lucia permits individuals to hold dual or multiple citizenship. This allows foreigners to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Saint Lucian citizenship.