St Lucia citizenship by investment

Saint Lucia grants passports to participants of the state citizenship by investment program. There are four options: a contribution to the National Economic Fund, the purchase of government-approved real estate, the purchase of government bonds, or an investment in an approved business project. 

The final decision depends on the outcome of Due Diligence, which all applicants must pass.

No, citizenship of Saint Lucia, or any other country, cannot be bought. However, one may take part in Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program and obtain a passport in as little as six months.

Pros include easier travel and global mobility, flexible residence requirements, and potential tax advantages. Possible downsides are the program costs and the strict Due Diligence. Each case is unique, so it is worth consulting investment‑migration experts.

In addition to an investment starting at $240,000, an investor pays extra costs such as Due Diligence of $8,000 and government fees of $4,100. These amounts increase if relatives are included.

For a family of four — spouses and two children under 16 — the total will be at least:

1. Under the non‑refundable contribution option — $258,450 including government fees.
2. Under the significant projects option — $303,450+.
3. Under the government bonds option — $368,450+.

There are currently no approved real estate projects, so this option is not available.

Yes. Saint Lucia allows investors to obtain a second citizenship by contributing to the state fund, purchasing real estate or government bonds, or investing in a business. Investors do not need to renounce their other passports.

On average, investors receive a St Lucia passport within six months. The longest stage is Due Diligence, which takes at least three months.

Applicants over 16 are interviewed online in English right after Due Diligence.

Under the Citizenship by Investment Act, an application may be refused if the person:

• provides false information;
• has been convicted of a crime or is under criminal investigation;
• is deemed a potential threat to national security or engages in activity that could damage St Lucia’s reputation;
• has been refused a visa to a country that has a visa‑waiver arrangement with Saint Lucia.

Citizenship may be revoked if it was obtained by misrepresentation, fraud, or wilful concealment of material facts. It may also be revoked if the person is convicted of an offence or commits any other act that, in the Prime Minister’s opinion, could harm St Lucia’s reputation.

Investment migration rules are updated from time to time. In summer 2025, St Lucia and four other Caribbean countries agreed to tighten requirements to improve transparency and security. Potential changes include:

1. Requirement to reside in the country for 30 days within the first five years;
2. Integration program covering the country’s laws, history and system;
3. Annual caps on the number of passports issued.

Holders of a St Lucia passport can open accounts in international banks under standard terms for foreigners. In St Lucia, investors may also register a company, which helps when opening business accounts abroad and settling with international partners.

Investors do not pay taxes in St Lucia unless they become tax residents. One becomes a tax resident by spending at least 183 days a year in the country. Tax residents pay personal income tax on a progressive scale up to 30%. Those earning under EC$ 18,400 are exempt. 

There is no tax on capital gains or inheritances for residents.

St Lucia passport is valid for five years and must then be replaced. The process is remote, and travel to the island is not required. Apply for a replacement no later than three months before expiry. 

Passportivity assists investors with renewal and delivers the document to the specified address.

No. The St Lucia CBI Unit does not publish lists of investors who obtained status. The Ministry of Finance periodically releases statistics showing investment amounts, the number of applications, and the countries from which they were submitted.