The Government of Saint Lucia has made important changes to the citizenship by investment (CIP) programme in 2026. These legislative changes were gazetted under Citizenship by Investment Amended Regulations No 57 of 2026 and published in National gazette.
Key Requirements & Changes
- Financial resources declaration: Applicant must provide a sworn affidavit declaring financial resources of at least US$350,000.
- Annual Quota Limit: The Board may approve a maximum of 1,500 Citizenship by Investment applications per year.
- Real estate holding period: An approved built real estate investment must not be sold or transferred for at least 5 years after citizenship is granted.
- Biometrics: Successful applicants are required to enroll for biometric data.
- New real estate option: A new built real estate option is available for an apartment or villa with a minimum investment of US$500,000.
- Escrow – A developer shall enter into an escrow agreement with an escrow agent. Monies shall be held by the escrow agent in an escrow account.
Due Diligence & Background Check Fees
| Applicant / Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Main applicant – citizenship application | US$8,000 |
| Qualifying dependant aged 16+ – citizenship application | US$5,000 |
| Main applicant – change of name | US$10,000 |
| Qualifying dependant aged 16+ – change of name | US$7,500 |
| Applicant – review of denied CBI application | US$3,000 |
Real Estate Government Fees
Non-refundable administrative fees applicable to an approved real estate project under Regulation 10:
| Application Structure | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| Applicant applying alone | US$30,000 |
| Applicant applying with spouse | US$45,000 |
| Each additional qualifying dependant under 18 | US$5,000 |
| Each additional qualifying dependant aged 18+ | US$10,000 |
New Built Real Estate Option
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment type | Approved built real estate project |
| Property | Apartment or villa |
| Minimum investment | US$500,000 |
| Holding period | At least 5 years after citizenship is granted |
| Transfer/sale | Not permitted during the minimum holding period |
