Obtaining second citizenship in a country described as a stunning island paradise while gaining visa-free access to more than 140 exciting international destinations might seem like a dream. However, by obtaining St. Lucia citizenship and a second passport through the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, that dream can become a reality.
The Saint Lucia government launched its CBI program in 2016 to bolster the local economy, create more jobs, and increase foreign investment in the country’s infrastructure. The Saint Lucia CBI program inherited the best practices from other programs and used those to create a reliable and efficient investment process.
Applicants for a St. Lucia second nationality through the CBI program can obtain citizenship and a passport in just six months. The St. Lucia CBI program is open to all nationalities and does not have a mandatory language requirement applicants must meet. Applications can be completed remotely without visiting or living in Saint Lucia.
Applicants can participate in the St. Lucia CBI program through three different channels. They can make a non-refundable contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) to support the island’s infrastructure and utilities. A second option is to invest in a real estate project approved under the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit. Applicants could instead choose to invest in non-interest-bearing government bonds as a third option. Additional processing fees will apply depending on the applicant’s investment option. There are also fees for spouses and dependents that vary by investment scheme.
Before taking a closer look at the advantages of Saint Lucia’s CBI program, let’s review what Citizenship by Investment is and why it’s so beneficial.
What is a Citizenship by Investment Program?
A Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign nationals to safely and legally obtain second citizenship and a second passport in a selected country. In return for giving investors citizenship, the country offering the CBI program receives valuable foreign investments to grow and develop its economy and infrastructure. All CBI program applicants must undergo a process called due diligence to examine the applicant’s risk of illegal activity or corruption.
CBI programs are highly beneficial for those with weaker passports who might otherwise not have much international mobility. Countries that offer CBI programs offer powerful passports. They offer investors the opportunity to obtain a second passport that grants them visa-free access to many more countries than their original citizenship would allow.
These programs usually require investors to make a non-refundable contribution or invest in government-approved real estate. They might also have options for purchasing government bonds or making a bank deposit.
Why is a Saint Lucia Passport So Beneficial?
While obtaining a St. Lucia second citizenship through their CBI program does not require investors to relocate to the island, it does allow them to freely enjoy all the great benefits St. Lucia has to offer if they choose. Home to around 170 000 people, St. Lucia is a gorgeous mountainous island destination with stunning beaches and vibrant local culture. It has many charming towns and beautiful natural attractions. Many outdoor adventures are available with the famous Piton mountains on its west coast and rainforest with waterfalls and hiking trails. For those who prefer to relax, there are plenty of excellent resorts, restaurants, and volcanic beaches.
St. Lucia citizenship opens many doors for those looking to expand their business, travel to new international destinations, or relocate to give their family a better life. St. Lucia has one of the most diverse and robust economies in the Caribbean, making it an attractive destination for businesspeople and professionals. One significant St. Lucia passport advantage is that it gives visa-free access to more than 140 countries and territories worldwide, including the Schengen Zone and the United Kingdom. Some Saint Lucia visa-free countries include France, Norway, Ireland, and Singapore. Saint Lucia’s citizenship advantages include permanent resident status, voting and purchasing property, and the right to live and work in the country. There are also no St. Lucia taxes imposed on non-residents. Investors’ newborn children can benefit from St. Lucia citizenship by descent and inherit the passport. The Saint Lucia CBI also allows investors to retain their previous nationality and benefit from the advantages of dual citizenship.
Who Can Apply for the Saint Lucia CBI Program?
Anyone over 18 years of age with a clean criminal record can submit a St. Lucia citizenship application form. They must prove that they have a reliable source of funds to make the investment payments. Dependent children under 30 and parents over 55 may qualify to apply alongside the main applicant. This also applies to unmarried dependent siblings of the main applicant under 18 years of age. The main applicant and any dependents above 16 must undergo a due diligence process to ensure they do not have a criminal record.
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Options
The Saint Lucia CBI program offers three primary investment schemes to obtain second citizenship and a second passport. The St. Lucia citizenship requirements and fees differ for each scheme, so investors should be sure to research the best one for their unique situation before proceeding with their application.
The following options are available to eligible applicants:
- The National Economic Fund (Donation)
The National Economic Fund was created to bring in foreign investment to fund government-sponsored projects, bolstering the local infrastructure and utilities. The required non-refundable contribution amount also called a ‘donation’, depends on the applicant’s number of dependents. For a single applicant, the amount is $100,000. For the principal applicant to add their spouse, the amount is $140,000, and a family of four must invest $150,000. The applicant will need to invest $15,000 for any additional dependents. - Saint Lucia Real Estate Investment
Applicants can choose to invest in a government-approved real estate project in Saint Lucia at a minimum investment value of $300,000. If approved, the investor must retain the property for at least five years from the date citizenship is granted. The property can only be re-sold under the CBI program after those five years. Government fees apply to this scheme and must be paid by the main applicant for themselves and their dependents. For a single applicant, the government fees are $30,000, and for the main applicant to add their spouse, the amount increases to $45,000. Dependents will incur additional fees. For dependents over the age of 18, there is an additional fee of $10,000 per applicant. Dependents under 18 years of age will incur an additional fee of $5,000 per dependent for the first four children. The fees increase to $10,000 for the fifth child and up. - Government Bonds
Purchasing Saint Lucia government bonds is a straightforward way to receive second citizenship by investment. Investors can purchase bonds in their name. They must hold on to these bonds for a minimum of five years. It’s important to note that these bonds do not incur any interest, so only the original purchase amount can be recovered. To participate in this scheme, single applicants must be prepared to invest $500,000. This amount increases to $535,000 to add their spouse and $550,000 to add their spouse and two dependents. Additional dependents require $25,000 per applicant. There is also a non-refundable administrative fee of $30,000 that must be paid.
Now that we have gone through the benefits and options for obtaining St. Lucia citizenship and the passport let’s look at the steps to apply for the St. Lucia CBI program.
St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Application Process
- Contact Guide Consultants
While the St. Lucia CBI Unit handles most aspects of running the program, they do not accept direct applications. Investors interested in applying for St. Lucia’s CBI program must submit their application with one of the country’s authorized agents.
Authorized agents are specialized in the CBI program application process. They are ready to guide applicants through the application process and handle any questions or concerns they may have.
Guide Consultants is an international market agency authorized by the Saint Lucia CBI Unit to promote and provide full services to interested parties and potential applicants.
- Choose the investment option best suited to your needs.
Applicants will select the investment option that best suits their needs. As mentioned, there are three options, each with unique requirements. Applicants should consider each option carefully to determine what kind of investment they want to make. Understanding the fees for dependents and spouses is essential before choosing an investment option.
Immigration advisers at Guide Consultants will carefully study the applicant’s case and assist them in selecting the best investment option based on their situation.
- Prepare all the necessary documents and application forms.
After the applicants choose the most appropriate investment option to obtain Saint Lucia citizenship, they will prepare all documents and application forms required by the program.
The experts at Guide Consultants work with applicants to collect, translate, and notarize all required documents and submit them to the government of St. Lucia. Next, the St. Lucia CBI Unit will review the application and conduct the due diligence process.
During this time, applicants will be requested to pay the application processing and due diligence fees.
- Await a decision
Once received, the application will be evaluated in a process that also includes a personal background check on the applicant.
Applications are evaluated directly by the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment authorities, which renders a decision.
At the end of the processing period, the CBI unit will provide written notification to the applicant as to the status of their application. Successful applicants can move on to the next step.
- Complete the CBI payment
After being notified of their acceptance into the Saint Lucia CBI program, applicants will be able to submit the final payment for their saint Lucia citizenship.
- Receive Saint Lucia citizenship
Once payment is processed by the CBI unit, the applicant will receive a certificate of registration from the body, which will formally confer citizenship upon the applicant.
This certificate of registration is also the main document required for the Saint Lucia passport application—
Guide Consultants will help the applicant apply for a Saint Lucia passport upon receipt of the certificate).
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