Upcoming changes to St Lucia citizenship: quotas and net worth requirements
Getting a St Lucian passport will soon become more difficult. The government plans to bring back annual quotas, as well as net worth and escrow account requirements.
Learn what is currently known about the upcoming changes.
Investment programs expert
Upcoming changes to St Lucia citizenship: quotas and net worth requirements
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What happened? The Government of St Lucia plans to amend the Citizenship by Investment Act. Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire announced this on 31 March 2025.
The proposed changes include:
Annual quotas on citizenship granted.
Net worth requirements for applicants.
Requirements for escrow accounts.
The government has not yet shared when the changes will come into effect. Similar requirements were in place when the citizenship by investment program was launched in 2015, but they were later removed under former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.
The aim of the reforms, according to the government, is to restore citizenship by investment to “the exclusive high-end program.” Additional control measures are expected to increase its appeal in the investment migration market.
St Lucia may be tightening the requirements for investors to preserve its visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The country previously raised the minimum investment threshold for the same reason from $100,000 to 240,000.
It is not yet known when the changes will come into force. However, St Lucia may introduce a transition period. This would allow investors to obtain citizenship under the current rules if they apply soon.
How to obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment
St Lucia citizenship is granted for an investment of at least $240,000. The process takes a minimum of 6 months.
There are five investment options:
Non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund — $240,000+.
Purchase of government bonds — $300,000+.
Purchase of real estate — $300,000+.
Investment in infrastructure projects — $250,000+.
Business investment — $1,000,000+.
Investments in real estate or government bonds can be returned after five years.
Family members of the main applicant are also eligible for St Lucia citizenship. This includes a spouse, children up to the age of 30, parents, and siblings.
3 reasons to apply for St Lucia passport now
1. Freedom of travel. A Saint Lucian passport provides visa-free access to 147 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
2. Tourist visa to the USA for 10 years. Citizens of St Lucia are eligible for a B‑1/B‑2 visa, which allows them to stay in the United States for up to 6 months each year.
3. Tax optimisation. St Lucia does not impose taxes on global income, capital gains, dividends, or inheritance.
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