Saint Lucia offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program through a contribution to the National Economic Fund. This pathway grants citizenship with no residency requirement, providing visa-free access to many countries.
Citizenship Pathways
Citizenship by Investment (National Economic Fund)
Cost: $240,000 (donation)
Timeline: 1.5 years
Presence Required: None required
Saint Lucia offers a Citizenship by Investment program allowing individuals to obtain citizenship through a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund. This pathway provides visa-free access to numerous countries, including the Schengen Area, with no residency requirement.
Step-by-Step Process
Citizenship by Investment (National Economic Fund)
: Submit application through an authorized agent with initial due diligence fees.
— 1-2 weeks — USD 7,500 (single) / USD 10,000 (family) due diligence fee
: Government processes application and conducts thorough due diligence checks.
— 2-3 months — USD 2,000 processing fee (main applicant)
: Receive Approval-in-Principle letter.
— Upon approval — None
: Make the non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund.
— Within 90 days of approval — USD 100,000 (single) / USD 140,000 (couple) / USD 150,000 (family of 4)
: Receive Certificate of Registration and apply for passport.
— 1-2 weeks after contribution — USD 500 passport fee
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Visa-free access to Schengen, UK, and more
No residency requirement for citizenship
Fast processing time, typically 3-4 months
Favorable tax regime for non-residents
Citizenship for life, inheritable
Stable political and economic environment
Challenges
High initial investment cost
Limited investment options compared to some CBI programs
Due diligence fees can be substantial
No voting rights or political participation
Potential for program changes or increased costs
Requirements
Passport copy — Certified copy of current passport for all applicants.
Birth certificate — Certified copy for all applicants.
Police clearance certificate — From country of origin and any country resided in for 6+ months.
Proof of funds — Bank statements, audited financials to verify source of funds.
Medical examination report — Completed by a licensed physician.
Tax System
System: territorial
Saint Lucia operates a territorial tax system. Non-residents are generally only taxed on income sourced within Saint Lucia, with no tax on worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family be included in the CBI application?
Yes, spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents/grandparents can be included.
Is an interview required for the CBI program?
No, an interview is generally not required for the Saint Lucia CBI program.
Do I need to visit Saint Lucia to get citizenship?
No, there is no mandatory visit or residency requirement to obtain citizenship.