25 Oct Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment: 2023 Guide
Combing an idyllic lifestyle with significant investment benefits, Saint Lucia offers serious opportunities for investors. Since 2015, investors have been able to gain citizenship through the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program. This dedicated initiative means investors and their families can obtain a second passport in just 3-6 months for as little as $100,000.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the advantages, costs and application process for applying for citizenship by investment. We will explore:
- Saint Lucia citizenship by investment options
- Eligibility requirements for Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program
- Benefits of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship Program
- Can my family be included in my Saint Lucia citizenship application?
- How to apply for a Saint Lucia’s citizenship program – step by step
- Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment costs – explained
- Taxes in Saint Lucia for investors
- Documents required for Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
- How strong is the St Lucia passport?
- Does St Lucia offer dual citizenship?
- How many countries can you visit with a St Lucian passport?
- Saint Lucia passport ranking
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program options
There are currently four options available for applying for citizenship by investment in Saint Lucia. Investors can either donate a minimum of $100,000 to the government National Economic Fund, purchase real estate for at least $300,000 or invest at least $250,000 in Government bonds. You can also gain Saint Lucian citizenship through investment by donating at least $3.5 million to a local enterprise, though this option is less common.
If you plan to invest at least $100,000 in the National Economic Fund, it’s important to remember that this is a non-refundable contribution. The minimum contribution also depends on the number of individuals included in the application. For instance, single applicants must contribute at least $100,000, but a family of four will need to contribute $150,000 or more.
However, if you plan to invest through government bonds, the minimum contribution remains the same regardless of the number of applicants. Applications planning to invest in real estate will be allowed to sell their property after five years to release their capital. This does not affect citizenship rights, which makes it one of the most popular options for investors.
Our advisors have helped countless investors gain Saint Lucia citizenship through investment. If you’re unsure about which option would be best for you or would like to get an accurate quote, our advisors will be happy to help.
Eligibility requirements for Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program
In order to apply for Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program, you will need to meet specific requirements. As you might expect, all qualifying dependents must pass a background check that proves they have no criminal record and that they are not currently under a criminal investigation. Any individual who has been involved in activities that could damage the country’s reputation or pose a national security risk will not be approved for citizenship either. Applicants who have been denied a visa to a country with which Saint Lucia has visa-free access will also be rejected.
There are also specific requirements for each investment option. For example, investors who plan to gain citizenship through real estate investment must invest in a pre-approved high-end hotel and resort or a boutique property. Those planning to gain citizenship through enterprise contributions can only invest in speciality restaurants, cruise ports, agro-processing plants, ports and road infrastructure, research institutions, offshore universities, and pharmaceutical companies.
Benefits of Saint Lucia’s citizenship program
The St Lucia citizenship by investment program is becoming increasingly popular amongst savvy investors for good reason. As well as powder-white sandy beaches, endless sunshine and excellent infrastructure, investors can enjoy:
Tax optimisation
St Lucia citizens can maximize their profits through the country’s famously low tax rates. Citizens do not pay capital gains, inheritance or wealth tax on worldwide income or assets.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to a wide range of countries
Citizens can travel to 146 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival.
No residency or travel requirements
Applicants do not need to live in St Lucia or even travel to the country. There are no interview, education or managerial requirements either.
Fast and easy application process
It takes just 3-6 months to process an application, making it one of the fastest citizenship turnarounds in the world for investors.
Family eligibility
Investors can include most of their family in the application.
Investment after approval
Investors will only need to make their contributions once their application is approved.
Can my family be included in my Saint Lucia citizenship application?
Yes, unlike many countries, your entire family will be eligible for inclusion. When applying for your Saint Lucia citizenship, you will be able to include your spouse, children aged under 31 years, siblings aged under 18 years, and parents aged over 56 years. You will also be entitled to add dependents once they have been granted citizenship.
How to apply for the Saint Lucia’s Citizenship through Investment Program – step by step
The authorities have made the application process for citizenship through investment relatively straightforward, but for those unfamiliar with local rules and regulations it can still be confusing. To help make the process easier, we have broken it down into five simple steps:
Step 1: Decide on which investment route to take and enlist help
First, you will need to confirm which of the four investment options is most suitable for your situation. We advise enlisting help from an authorised agent at this stage, who can help take care of your application.
Step 2: Submit your application
Next, you’ll need to prepare your paperwork and submit your application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Step 3: Background checks and processing
At this stage, the application is out of your hands. The Unit will assess your application and conduct a background check.
Step 4: Make your qualifying investment
If the application is approved, you will have 60 days to make your qualifying investment. You will need to provide proof of this investment too.
Step 5: Apply for citizenship
You can now pay the passport fee and obtain your Certificate of Registration.
Saint Lucia citizenship by investment costs – explained
The cost of participating in the Citizenship by Investment Program depends on a number of factors. For instance, prices vary according to the number of family members and the investment option.
For an accurate quote tailored to your specific situation, get in touch with Hurya Private. Our friendly and knowledgeable business advisors will be able to calculate and provide guidance on the most cost-effective and efficient way to proceed.
Taxes in Saint Lucia for investors
Citizens through investment can benefit from St Lucia’s territorial tax system. Taxes are low, with no inheritance taxes or capital gains to worry about. Income received in other countries is not taxed either. Companies are only taxed on income made in St Lucia, with no tax on dividends in the country.
However, residents do pay personal income tax (PIT) and the current VAT rate is 15%. Property taxation is currently 0.25% of the market value.
Documents required for Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program
To apply for Saint Lucia citizenship through investment, you will need to ensure your documents are in order. These documents include:
- Original or certified copy of birth certificate and a certified copy of proof of name change, if applicable
- Permanent residence card and national identity card, if applicable
- Certified colour copies of current passport
- Six passport photos
- Photograph and signature certificate
- Proof of residential address from within the last three months, such as a bank statement or utility bill
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable
- Copy of military service card, if applicable
- Affidavit form spouse or ex-spouse relating to children
- Affidavit of support for dependents
- Education certificates and transcripts
- Professional certificates
- Professional reference letter
These documents must be written in English or accompanied by a certified translation into English only. Documents must also be certified and authenticated in accordance with the law of the country or jurisdiction from which the document originates.
How strong is a St Lucia passport?
A St Lucia passport is globally recognised as a powerful passport, offering visa-free access and visas on arrival to 146 countries. These countries include the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong, and more. This gives it a high mobility score and makes it a highly desirable passport.
Does St Lucia offer dual citizenship?
Yes, St Lucia does recognise dual citizenship. Currently, there are no restrictions on dual citizenship in St Lucia and citizens are not required to renounce their previous nationality.
How many countries can you visit with a St Lucian passport?
Investors who hold a St Lucia passport can visit 146 countries without a visa. These include those countries in the Schengen Agreement, where citizens can remain in a Schengen Zone country for as long as 90 days in six months.
Saint Lucia passport ranking
According to the Passport Index, Saint Lucia has a global ranking of 28 and an individual rank of 66, making it a particularly powerful passport. According to this methodology, the passport ranks higher than surrounding countries such as Dominica too.
With a deep understanding of the citizenship by investment market, Huriya Private is licensed by the Saint Lucia Government as an international promoter and marketing agent, helping to identify applicants for the citizenship by investment program. By getting in touch with us today, you’ll be taking your first step towards owning a Saint Lucia passport.
