St Lucia’s Citizenship‑by‑Investment (CBI) program, launched in 2015, offers foreign investors and their families a second passport in exchange for a qualifying contribution to the country’s economy.
Key Benefits
- Visa‑free travel to 146 countries, including the EU, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and more; the passport ranks 32nd globally for mobility.
- No residency requirement – applicants are not required to live in St Lucia before or after obtaining citizenship.
- Dual citizenship allowed – the original nationality can be retained.
- Tax advantages – no tax on worldwide income for passport holders.
- Family inclusion – spouse, children (under 21), dependent children (18‑30), disabled dependents, and parents can be added to the same application.
Investment Options
Applicants must invest at least US $100,000. The investment can be made in one of the following:
| Option | Minimum amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government donation (non‑refundable) | US $100,000 | Direct contribution to the National Economic Fund. |
| Real‑estate purchase | US $300,000 (minimum) | Must be approved development; ownership retained for at least five years. |
| Government bonds | US $500,000 | Held for a minimum of five years. |
Investments are required only after the application is approved, reducing upfront financial risk.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be 18 years or older, in good health, and have a clean criminal record.
- Must pass due‑diligence and background checks; no placement on sanctions lists or prior visa denials in the EU, UK, USA, or Canada.
- Must pay a non‑refundable processing fee (exact amount varies by service provider).
- Provide proof of the qualifying investment after approval.
Documentation
All supporting documents must be:
- Translated into English by an authorized translator, including seals and signatures.
- Certified and authenticated according to the laws of the issuing jurisdiction.
Typical documents include passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, medical reports, and proof of source of funds.
Application Timeline
- Submission & due‑diligence – approximately 5 months total.
- Approval – once approved, the applicant has 60 days to complete the investment and submit proof.
- Passport issuance – after payment of the passport fee and receipt of the investment proof, the certificate of registration and passport are issued.
Family Inclusion (as of June 2020)
- Spouse – automatically eligible.
- Children – under 21 years; dependent children aged 18‑30; disabled dependents.
- Parents – can be included as dependents.
Each eligible family member receives a separate St Lucia passport.
Practical Considerations
- Financial risk is limited because the investment is only required after approval.
- Tax residency remains unchanged unless the applicant chooses to become a tax resident of St Lucia.
- Program availability is subject to government policy; applicants should act promptly if interested.
Overall, St Lucia’s CBI program provides a relatively affordable route to a second passport with extensive travel freedom, family inclusion, and favorable tax treatment, provided applicants meet the eligibility criteria and complete the required documentation and investment steps.
