The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme remains a flagship CIP program among the Eastern Caribbean citizenship programs. The CIP provides flexible investment options to apply for Saint Lucia citizenship. This opens the door to incredible benefits such as global mobility; the right to hold dual citizenship; education opportunities for children abroad and citizenship for life with the right to both live and work in the country.
With a straightforward seven-step application process, and no residency requirement, a Saint Lucia investment is a life-changing opportunity for HNWI persons.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment is an excellent choice for global investors and direct foreign investment much needed by small island developing states. Saint Lucia is committed to sovereign and corporate governance and diplomatic engagement of the highest level.
Official Launch
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme was officially launched on Tuesday December 29, 2015 at a well-attended cocktail reception at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort. The launch, which came nearly three months after the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia made a global announcement of Saint Lucia’s programme during the Global Citizen Forum in Monaco in early October 2015.
Investment Routes
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme offers four investment platforms by which potential application can become citizens of Saint Lucia.
- National Economic Fund Contribution – USD 240,000 to National Economic Fund (one time non-refundable)
- Real Estate – USD 300,000 in approved Real estate projects (hotels, resorts, boutiques, holiday homes)
- Government Bonds – USD 300,000 in non-interest bearing National Action Government bonds (Fully Refunded in 5 years) (Limited offer extended for 2023)
- Business Investment – USD 250,000 to 6,500,000 in joint enterprise business projects (universities, ports, research, oil, processing plans, highways, agriculture)
Legislation
The Citizenship by Investment Program of St Lucia was officially launched in December 2015 following the passage of Act No. 14 of 2015, the Citizenship by Investment Act on 24th August 2015. enabling foreign investors and families acquire citizenship of Saint Lucia through these investment routes.
Price Increase
The St Lucia Government has increased to the minimum legislative prices of qualifying investment options to USD 240,000 from previous USD 100,000 for contributions effective July 1, 2024. These adjustments are in keeping with the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the five OECS territories operating Citizenship by Investment Programmes which calls for a minimum investment threshold to (USD 200,000.00) from USD 100,000.
- NEF contribution set at $240,000
- Real Estate is now $300,000 (increased from $200,000)
- Business Investment reduced to $250,000 (from previous $1 million)
Due Diligence
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme undertakes robust due diligence during the application process, and works closely with its local and regional intelligence partners. This protects the integrity of the Saint Lucia passport – and its value to our applicants’ investments – and ensures that visa-free travel is maintained.
From the inception of the Programme in 2016, Saint Lucia introduced a multi-layer approach to due diligence consisting of KYC (know your customer) conducted by Authorised Agents prior to the submission of an application, to the use of international and recognised 3rd party due diligence firms and our Local Law Enforcement, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force which in themselves extend to Local Authorities in line with AML policy and mandates, and Regional and International Border Control Authorities.
Identity Verification Process
Effective September 1st, 2023, applications to the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme will be subject to an interview in person or virtually, allowing for an additional layer of protection. This identity verification process will commence upon the compliance of an application and at the Due Diligence Process stage.
Transparency
There is no hidden agenda in the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme. We maintain transparency of our programme and our offer to all applicants. Additionally, we maintain open dialogue with our service providers and publish full details of our financial affairs on an annual basis report.
Efficiency
The time it takes to receive a grant of citizenship is important for our applicants. While maintaining our strict due diligence criteria, we continually seek to review and improve. We are confident that, in most cases our processing time for a grant of citizenship is significantly below the 90 days’ guideline.
Integrity
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme reviews every application in the same way, without preference or prejudice. Every applicant can expect to receive the same experience and attention to detail.
CIP Unit and Board
Citizenship by Investment Board (the Board) plays a key role in creating policy and procedures that were essential to the development and implementation of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP Saint Lucia). Board made many vital decisions that has set CIP Saint Lucia on
the leading edge of economic citizenship programmes. Since its establishment in January 2016, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has been working with Invest Saint Lucia to facilitate both foreign direct and local investments for Saint Lucia.
Appointed CEO
CIP Saint Lucia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. McClaude Emmanuel, actively engages with international partners, including law firms, investment advisors, and licensed agents, highlighting the programme’s unique advantages and promoting Saint Lucia as a premier investment migration destination.