St Lucia Citizenship by Investment
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a substantial economic contribution to the country. In return, and following a rigorous vetting and due diligence process, including comprehensive background checks, the applicants and their families are granted citizenship.
Established in 1984, the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program is the world’s oldest and most respected citizenship by investment initiative. The program is anchored in Part II, § 3 (5) of the Citizenship Act, 1984, and the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations, 2011. These legal provisions empower the government to grant citizenship to individuals meeting the criteria set by cabinet decisions in exchange for economic contributions to the country.
Key Advantages of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
Benefits include:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Area in Europe, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many others
- No requirement for residence or in-person visits
- Applicants can include their spouse, children under 31, siblings under 18, and parents over the age of 55, with the option to add dependents after citizenship is granted
- The program offers appealing investment options and processing fees
- Lucia allows dual citizenship
Key Requirements of the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
To qualify for St. Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old, meet the necessary requirements, and choose one of the following investment options:
- A non-refundable contribution of USD 240,000 to the National Economic Fund for the main applicant and up to three dependents. For each additional dependent aged 18 or older, an extra USD 20,000 is required, and for those under 18, an additional USD 10,000 is required.
- An investment of USD 250,000 in an approved enterprise or project, plus administrative fees, for the main applicant and up to three dependents.
- Purchase of real estate valued at a minimum of USD 300,000 from an approved development, which must be held for at least five years, with no limit on the number of qualifying dependents.
- Investment in non-interest-bearing government bonds with a minimum value of USD 300,000, along with an administrative fee of USD 50,000, to be held for a period of five years.
Additionally, all qualifying dependents must have no criminal record, must not be under criminal investigation (other than for minor offenses), and must not pose any security risks or be involved in activities that could bring disrepute to St. Lucia.
Process for applying to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
Applications for citizenship by investment will be submitted in both electronic and printed formats by Compass Services on behalf of the applicant, and all documents must be completed in English.
To process an application, all required supporting documents must be attached before it can be considered by St Lucia’s dedicated Citizenship by Investment Unit (‘CIU’). Additionally, each application must include the appropriate non-refundable processing and due diligence fees for the principal applicant, their spouse, and each qualifying dependent. If an application is approved in principle, the CIU will inform Compass Services that the qualifying funds and necessary government administration fees must be paid before the citizenship certificate can be issued.
The main applicant must transfer the required funds for their chosen investment option within 90 calendar days after receiving notice of approval. Upon successful approval, the applicant will sign an oath or affirmation of allegiance before an attorney-at-law, royal notary, or notary public. In exceptional circumstances, the minister has the authority to revoke a grant of citizenship.
- Investment: Minimum investment requirement stands at EUR 200,000
- Key benefits: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 120 global destinations including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Türkiye, and Europe’s Schengen Area, among others, and e-visas to India.
St. Lucia is an attractive destination due to its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the iconic Pitons. The country offers a peaceful lifestyle with a stable political environment, excellent healthcare, and access to high-quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Citizenship by Investment program in St Lucia?
The Citizenship by Investment program provides individuals and their families with the opportunity to obtain St Lucian Citizenship through substantial economic contributions to the economy.
What Investment options are available to obtain the St Lucian Citizenship by Investment?
Investment options comprise a non-refundable donation to the National Economic Fund, investing in a government-approved enterprise or project, purchasing real estate from an approved development, or investing in government bonds.
What are the advantages to obtaining the St Lucian Citizenship by Investment?
The benefits of St Lucian citizenship include visa-free travel to over 145 countries and enjoying a tropical Caribbean climate with stunning beaches.
Is there a minimum investment requirement for the St Lucian Citizenship by Investment?
The minimum investment begins at USD 240,000 contributed to the National Economic Fund.
What is the timeframe for processing an application?
Application processing times for Citizenship by Investment applications may vary. Please contact Compass Services directly for further information.
Can I include my family members in my application?
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, as well as dependent parents in their citizenship application.
Are there any residence requirements in St Lucia?
No, there are no specific residence requirements.
What documentation will be required for the application process?
Documents required include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of investment
- Certificate of no criminal record
What is the procedure for applying to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program?
Applicants are required to select a qualifying investment, submit their application along with the necessary documents, and complete a due diligence process.