Immigration. Travel. Living.

Saint Lucia: options to obtain passport

Flag of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth and CARICOM member with good air connections to Europe and North America.

 

Citizenship by birth

This can be acquired by being born in Saint Lucia, or outside the country to parents whose citizenship is not by descent. If a child is adopted by at least one parent who is citizenship, the such child becomes a citizen by birth.

 

Citizenship by Marriage

A foreigner acquires Saint Lucia citizenship if he or she gets married to citizenship. The citizenship is valid as long as the marriage stands.

 

Citizenship by Investment

The Citizenship by Investment Program in St. Lucia requires candidates to contribute a large amount of money to the government. In exchange, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship through a rigorous application process and due diligence investigations. The Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015 governs the Citizenship by Investment Program in St. Lucia.

 

Requirements

The Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14 of 2015 governs the Citizenship by Investment Program in St. Lucia. This act established the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund (NEF), which takes the program’s qualified donations and invests them. The administration will put this money to good use as part of its national development plan.

Applicants must make a significant economic contribution to the country to be considered for the program. In exchange, the applicants and their families are granted full citizenship through a rigorous application process and due diligence investigations. To qualify, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old, complete the application requirements, and choose one of the investment alternatives below:

  1. A minimum investment of $300,000 in an approved real estate development must be held for at least five years. Additional expenses may be charged depending on the real estate developer
  2. A minimum investment of USD 3.5 million in an approved enterprise project (as defined by the regulations), plus the creation of at least three permanent jobs. Alternatively, a combined investment of USD 6 million (with each applicant donating at least USD 1 million), as well as the creation of at least six permanent jobs

 

The following government administration fees will also apply to the aforementioned two options:

  • USD 30,000 for the main applicant
  • USD 45,000 for the main applicant and his or her spouse
  • USD 10,000 for each dependent over the age of 18
  • USD 5,000 for each dependent aged 17 and up
  • USD 10,000 for each subsequent family member after sixth

 

  1. A $100,000 non-refundable contribution to the NEF (for a single applicant). A candidate can contribute one of the four categories below:
  • USD 100,000 for the main applicant
  • USD 140,000 for the main applicant and his or her spouse
  • USD 150,000 for the main applicant, spouse, and up to two more qualified dependents
  • USD 15,000 for each additional qualifying dependant applying with the main applicant, spouse, and two other qualifying dependents
  • USD 25,000 for each additional qualified dependent

 

  1. Purchase of non-interest-bearing government bonds that must be held for five years
    1. Citizenship by Investment Regulations, Cap. 1.20, regulation 12(1)
  • USD 500,000 for the main applicant.
  • USD 535,000 for the main applicant and his or her spouse.
  • USD 550,000 for the main applicant, spouse, and up to two other qualified dependents.
  • USD 25,000 for each additional qualified dependent of any age.
  • USD 50,000 for government administration.

The Covid-19 Relief Bond, is available for a limited time until December 31, 2022.

  • USD 250,000 for the main applicant (bond holding period is five years)
  • USD 250,000 for the main applicant and one qualified dependent (bond holding period is six years)
  • USD 250,000 for the main applicant and up to four qualified dependents (bond holding period is seven years)
  • USD 300,000 for the main applicant and up to four qualified dependents (bond holding period is five years)
  • USD 15,000 for each qualified dependent after that
  • USD 30,000 administrative fee to the government

 

All qualifying dependents must have a clean personal history, including no criminal records, and must not be the subject of a criminal investigation (other than in respect of a minor offense). Citizenship will not be granted to anyone who is judged a possible security risk or who is or has been involved in any conduct that is likely to bring St. Lucia into disrepute. 

 

BENEFITS OF THE ST. LUCIA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

 

1) Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel is available to 146 countries, including the Schengen Area of Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and many others.

2) There are no requirements for residency or visitation. 

3) Applicants can include a spouse, children under the age of 31, siblings under the age of 18, and parents aged 56 and up, as well as add dependents once they are given citizenship.

4) The program’s investment and processing expenses are both attractive.

5) Dual citizenship is recognized in St. Lucia.

Contact us

[CONTACT_FORM_TO_EMAIL id="1"]