St Lucia Golden Visa: requirements, benefits, and process

1. Increased global mobility. St Lucian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries and territories worldwide. This greatly enhances global mobility, making travel more convenient and efficient.

2. Remote and fast application process. The Citizenship by Investment Program in St Lucia offers a streamlined process, with most applicants obtaining citizenship within 6+ months. No visit to the country or exams are required, and the investment is made only after application approval.

3. Living in a tropical paradise. St Lucia offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. The island is also known for its friendly community, making it an ideal place to live and raise a family.

4. Business opportunities. St Lucia provides a favourable business environment with incentives for investors, especially in tourism, real estate, and international trade. For example, companies incorporated in St Lucia can apply for fiscal incentives, such as waivers on customs duties and export allowances.

5. Family inclusion. The Citizenship by Investment Program allows you to include your spouse, children, parents, and siblings in your application, enabling your entire family to enjoy the benefits of St Lucian citizenship.

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

To qualify for the St Lucia Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements to ensure they are suitable candidates for citizenship by investment. The program attracts individuals who can contribute positively to the country’s economy while maintaining the integrity of its citizenship.

Eligibility criteria for the main applicant:

• be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit;

• have good health, confirmed by a medical examination to ensure the applicant poses no health risk to the community;

• have a clean criminal record, with thorough background checks to ensure only individuals of good character are granted citizenship;

• demonstrate the financial means to make the required investment.

The Saint Lucia Golden Visa is designed to accommodate a broad range of family members, ensuring that the benefits of St Lucian citizenship can be shared across the applicant’s immediate relatives.

Eligible family members include:

• the legal spouse of the main applicant;

• financially dependent children under 30;

• financially dependent parents over 55;

• siblings under 18.

Financial dependency means complete financial support from the main investor. Dependents must not be financially self-sufficient, hold high managerial positions, or own any assets in their name.

The general expenses depend on the chosen option:

1. A non-refundable donation to the National Economic Fund — $240,000+.

2. Purchase of government bonds — $300,000+.

3. Purchase of approved real estate — $300,000+.

4. Investment in a pre-approved business project — $1,000,000+.

5. Investment in an infrastructure project — $250,000+.

Each of these options is designed to support the country’s economic development.

Additional expenses. During the application approval process, investors pay fees for reviewing and processing the submitted documents, including:

• $8,000 — Due Diligence fee for the main applicant;

• $5,000 — Due Diligence fee for family members over 16;

• $2,000 — processing fee for the main applicant;

• $1,000— processing fee for family members;

• $500 — passport fee for each applicant.

The purchase of government bonds requires an administrative fee of $50,000, regardless of the family composition. For real estate investments, there is an additional administrative fee of $30,000 for the main applicant and $15,000 per dependent over 18.

Investing in real estate provides a pathway to citizenship and offers the potential for a lucrative return on investment. The program requires applicants to invest in approved real estate projects, with a minimum investment amount of $300,000. Eligible properties include:

• luxury resorts;

• high-end residential developments;

• upscale villas.

The property must be held for at least 5 years, after which it can be sold without affecting your citizenship status, potentially at a profit.

The St Lucia real estate market is appealing due to its steady growth and the island’s rising popularity as a luxury travel destination. Investors can benefit from property appreciation and potential rental income of 2—5% per annum.

The final list of documents may vary depending on the personal circumstances of the investor and their family members. Generally, the following documentation is required to apply for the St Lucia Golden Visa:

1. A valid passport. A copy of the current passport, including all pages with personal information, visas, and stamps, for the main applicant and any dependent.

2. A birth certificate. A certified copy of the birth certificate for the main applicant and each dependent.

3. Proof of address. A recent utility bill, bank statement, or another document showing the current residential address.

4. A clean criminal record. A police clearance certificate from the country of residence and any country where the applicant has lived for more than one year in the past 10 years, required for applicants aged 16 and over.

5. A medical certificate. A health report confirming that the main applicant and dependents are in good health and free from contagious diseases.

6. Proof of funds. Documentation, such as bank statements or investment portfolios, demonstrating that the applicant has the financial means to meet the investment requirements.

7. A marriage certificate. A certified copy of the marriage certificate if the applicant is married and including their spouse in the application.

8. An affidavit of support. For dependents over the age of 18, demonstrating financial dependency on the main applicant.

9. Photographs. Recent passport-sized photographs of the main applicant and each dependent.

10. Application forms. All relevant application forms provided by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) must be completed and signed.

Since the launch of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program in 2016, it has maintained a consistently high approval rate for applications. This demonstrates its effectiveness and the thorough yet efficient Due Diligence process in place.

The following graph showcases the strong success rate of approved applications over the years, highlighting the program’s stability and reliability for prospective investors.

Once you obtain citizenship through the St Lucia Golden Visa and receive a naturalisation certificate, you are entitled to a St Lucian passport.

Passports issued to adults and minors are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

It is advisable to renew your passport 3 months before it expires, especially for frequent travellers, to avoid disruptions in travel plans.

Passport renewal follows the same process as the original application, and Immigrant Invest lawyers provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth experience.

When renewing your St Lucia passport, you should be prepared for the following costs:

• $620 — passport renewal government fee;

• $150 — courier costs;

• $40 — bank charges.

If your passport is lost or stolen, additional documentation and steps are required, including provision of a police report and an affidavit, to process the issuance of a new passport.

St Lucia allows individuals to hold citizenship in more than one country without requiring them to renounce their original nationality. However, it is essential to check the laws of your home country, as some nations do not permit dual nationality.

Before applying for St Lucian citizenship, you should consult with legal experts or your country’s relevant authorities to understand any implications of holding dual citizenship.

Dual citizenship in St Lucia offers several key advantages. With a St Lucian passport, you gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries. Second citizenship also provides a valuable safety net during times of political or economic instability in your home country, offering a secure and peaceful environment in the Caribbean.

St Lucia’s favourable tax regime, with no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance, helps optimise tax obligations. Dual citizenship also opens up business opportunities in both your home country and St Lucia, providing flexibility to operate across multiple jurisdictions.

St Lucia offers several tax advantages, especially for those who acquire citizenship through the St Lucia Golden Visa.

No taxes on worldwide income. St Lucia does not impose taxes on income earned outside the country, which is especially beneficial for individuals with international business interests or multiple income streams from various countries. However, income earned within St Lucia is subject to taxation on work activity, business income, royalties, interest, and rent.

For residents, income is not taxed up to $18,400, after which rates are 10 to 30% based on income brackets. For non-residents, tax rates also range between 10% and 30%, depending on income levels.

Corporate income is taxed at a rate of 30% for both resident and non-resident companies.

No capital gains tax. St Lucians are exempt from capital gains tax, allowing full retention of profits from the sale of assets like real estate, stocks, or other investments.

No inheritance or real estate taxes. Assets passed on to heirs are not subject to additional taxation, which simplifies estate planning and preserves wealth for future generations.

No wealth taxes. There are no taxes on the total value of your assets, enabling you to grow and maintain your wealth without annual net worth taxes.

To be considered a tax resident of St Lucia, you generally need to spend at least 183 days in the country per year. As a tax resident, you may be subject to local taxes on income earned within St Lucia, but the overall tax burden remains low compared to many other jurisdictions.

1. St Lucia Golden Visa offers multiple pathways to citizenship, including purchasing of real estate, investing in government bonds, and donating to a state fund, with a minimum investment of $240,000.

2. Citizenship is typically granted within six months, with streamlined application procedures.

3. Dual citizenship is allowed, enabling investors to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of St Lucian citizenship.

4. St Lucia offers a favourable tax environment with no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth, making it attractive to global investors.

5. St Lucia citizenship benefits include increased global mobility, business opportunities, and the chance to live in a peaceful country together with your family.