Saint Lucia
Resident card

SAINT LUCIA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CIP)


A flexible and modern program offering four distinct investment pathways, including a unique refundable bond option. Processing takes approximately 3–4 months, with no residency requirement and a passport providing visa-free access to over 140 countries.

Processing Time:
Approximately 3–4 months from application to passport issuance.

Visa-Free Access:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area (90/180 days), the United Kingdom (180 days), Hong Kong, Singapore, and Russia (90 days). Maintains visa-free access to the UK.

Key Benefits:
  • Flexible Investment Options: Four distinct pathways, including a unique, fully refundable government bond.
  • No residency, interview, or language requirements.
  • Passport validity of 10 years for adults (5 years for minors).
  • No worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes for non-residents.
  • Inclusion of family members under a single flat-rate donation.
  • Dual citizenship is permitted.
Investment Options & Minimum Financial Requirements:
Applicants can choose from four government-approved routes:

National Economic Fund (NEF) Donation:
  • Contribution: USD $240,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four (flat rate).
  • Additional Dependents: Typically ~$15,000 per person.
  • Note: This is a non-refundable contribution.

Real Estate Investment:
  • Minimum Investment: USD $300,000 in approved property (e.g., hotels, resorts).
  • Government Fee: $30,000 for a single applicant or family of four.
  • Holding Period: Minimum 5 years.

Government Bonds (Refundable Investment):
  • Minimum Investment: USD $300,000 in 5-year, non-interest bearing government bonds.
  • Government Administrative Fee: $50,000 (non-refundable, for a single applicant or family of four).
  • Note: The bond principal of $300,000 is fully refunded after the 5-year holding period.

Enterprise Project Investment:
  • Minimum Investment: USD $3,500,000 in an approved business project.
  • Joint Investment Option: Minimum $1,000,000 per investor into a joint project of at least $6,000,000.
  • Note: This option is designed for significant business investments and is rarely used.

Additional Government Fees:
  • Due Diligence Fee: $7,500 for the main applicant, $5,000 for dependents aged 16+.
  • Processing Fee: $2,000 for the main applicant, $1,000 per dependent.
  • Passport Fee: ~$250 per person.

Eligible Family Members:
Spouse; children under 21 (or up to 30 if financially dependent and in full-time study); parents aged 55+ (financially dependent); dependent siblings under 18.
Physical Presence (Residency) Requirement:
None. There is no requirement to visit or reside in Saint Lucia before or after obtaining citizenship.
Pathway & Key Obligations:
  • Due Diligence: Strict background checks. A clean criminal record and legitimate source of funds are mandatory.
  • Oath of Allegiance: Required.
  • Investment Holding: Real estate or bonds must be held for the minimum 5-year period to maintain citizenship status.
Taxation:
No personal income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax on foreign-sourced income for individuals who are not tax residents (i.e., do not spend more than 183 days per year in Saint Lucia). The country operates on a territorial tax system.
Important Considerations:
  • The $240,000 donation is a flat rate for a family of up to four, making it highly cost-effective for families.
  • The government bond option is the only fully refundable investment route among major Caribbean CIPs.
  • All applications must be submitted through a government-licensed Authorized Agent.
Additional Notes:
  • Saint Lucia is a member of the Commonwealth, CARICOM, and the OECS.
  • The program is known for its transparency and publishes annual reports.
  • The country offers a high quality of life and is a popular tourist destination.