Citizenship by Investment – Introduction
St Lucia - Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship is a status that an individual enjoys with a nation. The country promises protection and certain levels of freedom to the citizen while the citizen fulfills certain responsibilities and duties towards the nation. Getting a citizenship status is considered one of the most privileged forms of nationality.
People who are born in a country become citizens by birth. Citizenship by naturalization is the process of moving to another country, living there for a specific period, and acquiring citizenship. Citizenship by investment is another program that allows you to enjoy dual citizenship for life by investing in the country.
This will open a plethora of opportunities to high-net-worth investors. Choosing the right country to get your second citizenship will improve your personal and financial security, open up economic conveniences, help optimize tax expenses, and make you globally mobile.
Some people opt to become citizens of another nation through investment to build communal relationships, enjoy better tolerance, experience a healthier way of living, and provide better health and education to the family.
Only a few countries globally have citizenship by investment programs, and VLinks Group will help you identify the right country that will welcome you with open arms as an investor.
St Lucia
St Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean and is home to spectacular volcanic beaches, picturesque villages, and rainforests. St Lucia is a part of the Commonwealth realm and enjoys a friendly relationship with the UK, USA, France, and other powerful neighbors. Good infrastructure, an educated workforce, and port facilities have all made this small island a popular choice for investors.
Why opt for St Lucia citizenship?
- Lifelong citizenship
Receiving citizenship by investment gives you a lifelong opportunity to remain permanent citizens of this lovely island.
- Free to hold dual citizenships
St Lucia allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship.
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 countries
People who hold a St Lucia passport can travel to 146+ countries, visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access.
- Transparent process
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) is transparent, efficient, and quick with no hidden charges.
Investment Options
There are four options under which you can choose to invest.
Government Bond Investment
Interested individuals can make a pre-specified investment in government bonds that are non-interest bearing. The bond must remain in the applicant's name for at least five years. Below is a list of minimum bond values the person must invest in based on the number of people applying for citizenship.
|
Main applicant |
USD 500,000 |
|
Main applicant + spouse |
USD 535,000 |
|
Main applicant + spouse + two other dependents |
USD 550,000 |
|
Each additional dependent |
USD 25,000 |
All applications will also incur an administrative fee of USD 30,000, which will be non-refundable.
National Economic Fund Investment (NEFI)
This program invests in projects aimed at improving the national economy. Individuals who want to pick this option must make the below monetary contributions to the NEF.
|
Main applicant |
USD 100,000 |
|
Main applicant + spouse |
USD 140,000 |
|
Main applicant + spouse + two other dependents |
USD 150,000 |
|
Each additional dependent |
USD 25,000 |
|
Due Diligence Fees |
Main applicant – USD 7,500 Each additional dependent older than 16 – USD 5000 |
|
Non-Refundable Processing Fee |
Main applicant – USD 2000 Each additional dependent – USD 1,000 |
Real Estate Investment
St Lucia is a fast-growing tourist destination, and the government invites individuals to invest in approved real estate projects that are created to handle the large crowd of visitors who come to the nation every year. The individual must invest in an approved real estate project valued at at least USD 300,000 and maintain and own the property for five years.
Below is a list of administrative fees that the investor must bear.
|
Main applicant |
USD 30,000 |
|
Main applicant + Spouse |
USD 45,000 |
|
Each additional family member aged 18 and above |
USD 10,000 |
|
Each additional family member under 18 |
USD 5,000 |
|
Each additional family member for a family, when the main applicant is applying along with spouse and four other family members |
USD 10,000 each |
|
Due Diligence Fees |
Main applicant – USD 7,500 Each additional dependent above 16 – USD 5,000 |
Enterprise Investment
Investors can invest individually or as a joint entity in government-approved enterprise projects.
- Individual investment – minimum of USD 3,500,000 investment + creation of 3 local jobs
- Joint investment – minimum of USD 1,000,000 each with a total investment of USD 6,000,000 + creation of 6 local jobs
Other additional fees are as below.
|
Administrative fees |
Each qualifying dependent aged 18 and above – USD 35,000 Each qualifying dependent less than 18 – USD 25,000
|
|
Due Diligence |
Main applicant – USD 7,500 Each qualifying dependent aged 16 and above – USD 5,000
|
|
Non-Refundable processing fees |
Main applicant – USD 2,000 Each qualifying dependent – USD 1,000 |
Application process
- Start by contacting VLinks Group and explaining your interest in receiving citizenship by investment from St Lucia
- Complete the application and submit it to our consultants.
- We will verify the details, suggest additions if need, and help upload them on the CIP portal.
- CIP staff will verify the application and necessary documents, and due diligence will be undertaken.
- The application will be presented to a board that will accept/reject it.
- Once the application is approved, you will have to make the necessary investment.
- CIP will issue a certificate of registration.
Processing time
The processing time for CIP of St Lucia is usually below 90 days.