Saint Lucia continues to strengthen the integrity, transparency, and international credibility of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme through regional cooperation and enhanced regulatory measures. As a signatory to the regional Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Caribbean CBI programmes, Saint Lucia has reaffirmed its commitment to harmonised standards, robust due diligence, and responsible governance.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
The MOA represents a collective commitment by the participating Caribbean CBI jurisdictions to align key aspects of their programmes, including minimum investment thresholds, due diligence procedures, information sharing, and regulatory oversight.
Since signing the agreement, Saint Lucia has actively implemented and supported all agreed reforms.
Core Principles Implemented
Collective Treatment of Denied Applicants
- Applications rejected by any participating Caribbean CBI jurisdiction will not be approved by another participating state.
- Saint Lucia had already incorporated this safeguard into its due diligence framework prior to the MOA.
Mandatory Applicant Interviews
- All applicants are required to complete an interview as part of the enhanced due diligence process.
- Saint Lucia became the first participating jurisdiction to implement mandatory interviews on 4 September 2023.
Enhanced Security Screening
- Every applicant undergoes additional background verification through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the relevant jurisdiction.
- Saint Lucia commenced these enhanced security checks on 4 September 2023.
Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Nationals
- Processing of Citizenship by Investment applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals remains suspended.
- This measure has been in effect since 15 February 2023.
Additional Measures Already Implemented
Saint Lucia has also implemented or committed to introducing several additional reforms, including:
- Information sharing and transparency standards
- Enhanced security screening framework
- Joint regional training and capacity-building initiatives
Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA)
A major regional reform is the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), which will provide independent oversight of Citizenship by Investment Programmes across participating Eastern Caribbean states.
The Interim Regulatory Commission (IRC) has published draft legislation establishing ECCIRA for public consultation.
Key Provisions
Regional Regulatory Authority
- Participating OECS Member States will enact enabling legislation establishing ECCIRA.
- ECCIRA will oversee all participating Citizenship by Investment Programmes.
- The Authority will establish uniform operational standards, regulatory oversight, and compliance requirements across all member states.
Enhanced Security and Due Diligence
- Mandatory biometric data collection for all new applicants during interviews.
- Biometric enrolment for previously approved citizens upon passport renewal.
- Stronger residency and genuine connection requirements.
- Expanded regional vetting through the CARICOM IMPACS Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC), supported by additional personnel and technology funded through CBI revenues.
Transparency and Accountability
- Binding operational standards for all Citizenship by Investment Units and licensed agents.
- Annual public compliance and enforcement reports.
- Regional registers of applicants, licensed agents, and approved developers to improve transparency and prevent abuse.
Compliance and Enforcement
- Administrative fines and penalties for non-compliance.
- Revocation of licences or approvals for contractual breaches or regulatory violations.
Economic Sustainability
- Adoption of a regional minimum investment threshold of US$200,000.
- The harmonised investment level supports programme credibility while continuing to finance national development, climate resilience, and critical public infrastructure.
Engagement with International Partners
These reforms have been developed through ongoing cooperation with international governments and regional institutions, including:
- US-Caribbean Roundtables (2023 and 2024)
- European Commission engagement in Dominica (January 2024)
- UK, US and European Commission consultations in Grenada (August 2024) and London (January 2025)
- Regional stakeholder consultations involving Attorneys General, Financial Secretaries, industry professionals and civil society (March–August 2025)
International partners have acknowledged the economic importance of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes for small island developing states. Programme revenues play a critical role in supporting fiscal stability, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and post-pandemic economic recovery.
Commitment to International Standards
Saint Lucia remains committed to maintaining one of the world’s most secure and transparent Citizenship by Investment Programmes. Through enhanced due diligence, regional regulatory cooperation, stronger security measures, and greater transparency, the Government continues to safeguard the integrity of the programme while ensuring it remains a sustainable tool for national development and economic resilience.
