St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment

Saint Lucia is a breathtakingly beautiful country situated in the Caribbean, boasting of a fascinating history influenced by the native Caribbean people, Africans, the British and the French. It's a real paradise on earth, a major touristic destination in Caribbean with majestic mountainous landscapes and sparkling beaches that attract tourists worldwide.

In 1967, St. Lucia became a federated state and declared independence from United Kingdom. Despite gaining independence in 1979, the country sustained its affiliation with the British Commonwealth and enjoys Commonwealth privileges.

As a member of the United Nations, CARICOM, OECS, and ECCU, St Lucia uses a regional currency, the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US Dollar. With an educated workforce and improving infrastructure, such as roads, communications, water supply, sewerage, and port facilities, St Lucia has attracted foreign investment in various sectors, including tourism, petroleum storage, and transhipment. St Lucia's offshore banking and tourism industries are the main sources of revenue, making it a desirable location for foreign business and investment.

The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program was established in 2016, under the name of Citizenship by Investment Act No. 14, 2015 Thanks to this act, individuals and families can obtain Saint Lucian citizenship upon making a qualifying investment. As relatively a young citizenship program, it attracts investors mainly from United States, China, India and Turkey. Russians and Iranians are currently banned to apply for St. Lucia program.

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Investment Options

St. Lucia CIP requires investors to make an economic contribution to St. Lucia government. Within this context, applicants have the following investment options:

1. Donation

The first and most favorable option to qualify for St. Lucia citizenship by investment program is to make a Donation to the National Economic Fund (NEF). The donation is non-refundable, and donation amount changes according to the number of applicants:

For a single applicant, the NEF requires a donation of US$100,000.

If you're applying with your spouse, the donation amount increases to US$140,000 for a family of two.

Whereas if you're applying with a spouse and up to two other qualifying dependents, the donation amount is US$150,000 for a family of four. Note that any additional qualifying dependents, regardless of their age, require a donation of US$25,000 as well.

Donation option could be financially wiser particularly for Single Applicants. Additional governmental fees and costs will also apply.

2. Government Bonds

Santa Lucia government offers non-interest bearing bonds that can benefit investors with long-term investments. The investment terms vary depending on the number of applicants.

A single applicant can invest US $250,000 for a five-year term, while a family of four can invest up to US $300,000 for a five-year term. Additional dependents can be included in the investment for a fee of US $15,000 each.

For the time being, Santa Lucia is the only jurisdiction offering government bonds as a route to apply for citizenship in the Caribbean. Investing in government bonds is always considered as a wise financial decision. It should be noted that additional government administration and processing fees and costs will also apply.

3. Real Estate

St. Lucia stands among the Caribbean nations with its natural beauty and luxurious touristic facilities, therefore investors planning to move to St. Lucia and obtain a second citizenship can consider real estate option as an alternative to donation option.

To qualify, you must purchase a government approved real estate development valued at a minimum of US $200,000 and hold it minimum for five years. Please note that in addition to investing within the minimum required threshold by law, government fees and additional costs starting from US$30,000 for a Single Applicant and US$45,000 for Spouse will also apply and vary based on the number and age of dependents included in your application.

In addition to comply with the above mentioned investment requirements, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age and his/her family members shall have a clean personal background and shall be in good health and of character to be able to successfully apply and obtain St. Lucia citizenship.

Santa Lucia Citizenship By Investment Process

• Signing of Legal Services Agreement and filling the official forms.
• Preparation of required documents.
• Payment of initial due diligence fees, applicable government fees, advisory fees, and reservation of property investment fees, if applicable.
• Submission of the citizenship application to the CIU.
• Government due diligence background check on the candidates.
• Approval of the citizenship application.
• Finalizing the investment.
• Issuance of St. Lucia Citizenship certificate and new Saint Lucia passports.

How long will it take to obtain St. Lucia citizenship by investment?

For the time being, it takes around 6 Months to obtain Santa Lucia citizenship by Investment and then issuance of the new passports provided the application would be duly submitted per rules and followed up diligently.

Benefits Of Saint Lucia Citizenship Program & Passport

• One of newest CBI Programmes, came into effect in 2016
• Family-oriented CBI program: Citizenship might be obtained for all family members including spouse, children under 30, spouse and dependent parents of the Main Applicant & Spouse over the age of 55.
• Additional dependents can also be included as of five years upon approval of the main application
• Elite & Western Citizenship which is not granted to every applicant with its extensive due diligence procedure
• Cheapest point of investment for a single applicant including all related fees
• Passport delivered within 6 months, renewable for life and passed onto future generations
• Solid investment options with regular income and at the same time you can obtain one of the most sought citizenships in the World
• No Minimum Residency requirement, no need to go to St. Lucia before or after obtainment of Citizenship
• Visa-Free Travel to 147 countries, including Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and EU Countries.
• Advantageous travel options for many countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Singapore & Australia.
• High-Quality Medical Care
• Dual & Multiple Citizenship are allowed.
• No obligation to learn the history or language of the country
• No Military Service Requirement
• Caribbean's lowest tax rates (0% tax rates for wealth, income, inheritance tax)

Why Santa Lucia ?

• An Ecotourism Center with tremendous rainforests & botanical gardens
• Luxury resorts, hotels and top restaurants
• Safe, Happy and Fantastic environment to settle with family
• Preferable 2nd home to spend Winter and Summer, easy to travel from/to US & EU with direct flights.
• Traditionally very hospitable, tolerant and welcoming manner to all foreigners.
• Beautiful beaches with white & golden sands
• High GDP Per Capita
• Respected high-quality Educational Facilities
• Well-Educated society due to high attention paid by the government
• Stable, planned and growing economy with its vivid international offshore sector
• No interview requirement
• Member of the Commonwealth of Nations
• Advantageous travel options to Commonwealth Countries, such as the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore for all St. Lucia Citizens, Strong, Independent Legal System and Courts
• Reasonable Tax Rates, no wealth, gift, and inheritance taxes collected.
• Perfectly located on the Caribbean Sea

Ketenci&Ketenci is a leading international law firm mainly based in Istanbul advising on citizenship and residency by investment programs globally.

Please reach us to review our Santa Lucia Citizenship by investment Brochure, and obtain a quote for your specific St. Lucia citizenship application and for further details and queries on St. Lucia Citizenship program.

[email protected]
+90 216 455 80 98

Frequently Asked Questions (“faq”) In Relation To St. Lucia Citizenship By Investment Program

Why choose St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is a beautiful tropical country and there is no requirement of military service and learning the official language to apply this programme. In addition to this, there is no minimum residency requirement. It also allows dual & multiple citizenships.

Which family members can be involved in the program by the main applicant?

The main applicant can involve the spouse, dependent children under 30, and dependent parents of the main applicant & spouse over the age of 55 in the program.

Do I have to travel to St. Lucia to start the Citizenship procedures?

While obtaining St. Lucia Citizenship, applicants do not have to travel to St. Lucia.

What are the visa-free travel opportunities for citizens of St. Lucia?

The holders of St. Lucia’s passport have opportunities of visa-free travel to 147 countries, including Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and many others.

Is St. Lucia a tax haven for investors who are interested in CIP Program?

Sure. St. Lucia is a country that implements tiny amounts of taxation to investors considering obtaining St. Lucian citizenship by Investment. State authorities of St. Lucia do not collect any wealth, inheritance or foreign income tax from its citizens, thus keeping a moderate taxation rate.

Is St. Lucian Citizenship by Investment Program regulated with official legislation?

Certainly. St Lucian CIP is regulated through several legislative texts, with the Citizenship by Investment Act, which has come into effect on the 24th of August, 2015 is the most important one. This Act provides detailed information and is the key tool for grasping insights into the St. Lucian Citizenship program.

Do you offer Approved Property options for the acquirement of St Lucian Citizenship?

Yes. We offer approved projects for St. Lucian Citizenship. We can advise by presenting approved projects and luxurious, high-end Hotels available to apply for the St. Lucian Citizenship program.

Is St. Lucia Citizenship acquired/valid for life?

Yes, once the citizenship is acquired, it becomes permanent citizenship for a lifetime for you and your next generation’s family also.

Can we change our names after obtaining St. Lucia citizenship?

Sadly, nowadays St. Lucian Government has no regulation on this issue.

Do the applicants have to reside in St. Lucia for a certain period of time at any stage of the application?

There is no residence requirement before or after acquiring St. Lucian citizenship.

Is there any language requirement to apply for St. Lucia Citizenship?

No, neither there is a language requirement nor an interview, business experience or educational requirements for the citizenship application.

Once St. Lucia Citizenship is acquired, in the case that the applicant will not stay in St. Lucia, what will be the main applicant’s tax liabilities in St. Lucia?

No, you are not liable to pay any taxes unless you choose to reside in St. Lucia.

Ketenci&Ketenci is a leading international law firm advising on global citizenship. Please contact us for further details and queries on St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment program.[email protected]

Contact Us

Güvenç Ketenci
CEO & Managing Partner

Our Managing Partner and CEO Mr. Güvenç Ketenci, is a prominent figure in the international legal scene, particularly in the area of immigration law. With extensive global corporate migration experience, he specializes in Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs. His influence reaches a diverse clientele including High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), investment funds, and financial institutions, reflecting his adeptness in handling complex cases. As a testament to his expertise in the field, Mr. Ketenci is an esteemed member of the Investment Migration Council, further highlighting his pivotal role in the world of international immigration law. Mr. Ketenci is the Founder of Ketenci&Ketenci, International law firm as well as Founder of European Lawyers Network.
[email protected]
Office Mobile: +90 532 132 92 33

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Selenay Özkavaklı
Senior Immigration and Citizenship Lawyer

Ms. Selenay Özkavaklı is a results-driven and knowledgeable Immigration and Citizenship Lawyer with over 10 years of international experience. Proven track record in providing strategic legal advice, managing complex cases, and assisting clients with their immigration and citizenship needs. Skilled in interpreting and applying international law to achieve positive results. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a strong ability to establish rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
[email protected]
Office Mobile: +90 532 132 92 33