The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program stands as a great opportunity, offering a pathway to citizenship for individuals seeking to invest in the growing economy of this Caribbean nation. Aspiring citizens are drawn by the promise of not only acquiring citizenship but also accessing a lot of benefits, including visa-free travel and family reunification.
In this article, we’ll explain what a citizenship-by-investment program in St. Lucia is, how it works, what investment opportunities it has, how much St. Lucia citizenship costs for each investment opportunity, and how to get citizenship through this program.
Key Takeaways
- The St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers pathways to citizenship through financial contributions to the National Economic Fund, real estate investments, enterprise projects, or government bonds.
- St. Lucia citizenship cost varies based on the chosen investment option, with minimum investment amounts ranging from $100,000 to $3,500,000, along with additional administrative fees and costs for dependents.
- Applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to age, background checks, health, and financial requirements, and provide necessary documentation such as passports, birth certificates, and investment confirmation documents.
What is a Citizenship by Investment Program in St.Lucia and How Does it Work?
The Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) in St. Lucia was created in December 2015 and offers individuals the opportunity to acquire citizenship through a qualifying investment in the country. This program allows applicants to obtain citizenship by making a financial contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF), investing in approved real estate projects, participating in an enterprise project, or investing in government bonds. By meeting the requirements of the program, individuals can secure citizenship and enjoy the benefits it offers, including visa-free travel and the ability to live and work in St. Lucia.
How Much Does St. Lucia Citizenship Cost?
There are four investment opportunities to apply for a St. Lucia passport. Depending on which option you choose, St. Lucia citizenship cost may vary.
1. Making a contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
Investing in Saint Lucia's National Economic Fund is an easy way to apply for citizenship and help improve the island's infrastructure and utilities.
To get Saint Lucia citizenship, once your application is approved, you must make the minimum investment for yourself and, if needed, your family.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Board reviews all applications carefully and can approve, deny, or delay them for specific reasons. The minimum amount of investment is:
- Single applicant: $100,000
- Applicant with a spouse: $140,000
- Family with up to 4 dependents: $150,000
- Additional qualifying dependents: $25,000 each
- Qualifying dependent in addition to a family of four: $15,000 each
- Newborn child of a citizen (child of 12 months of age & below): $5,000
2. Real-estate project
Saint Lucia attracts many visitors and tourists and offers a wide range of real estate options. The Citizenship Investment Programme allows investors to invest in approved real estate projects under the following categories:
- High-end branded hotels and resorts
- High-end boutique properties
Investors will receive a title deed to the property.
- Minimum investment: $200,000
- Government administrative fees for the real estate route: $50,000
Administrative Fees:
- Applying alone: $30,000
- Applying with a spouse: $45,000
- Applying with a dependent (over the age of 18): +$10,000 (per person)
- Applying with a dependent (under the age of 18): +$5,000 (per person)
- Applying with a spouse and 4+ dependents: $10,000 (per person)
3. Enterprise project
However, the Citizenship Programme is open to receiving proposals for investment in the following areas:
- Specialty restaurants
- Cruise ports and marinas
- Agro-processing plants
- Pharmaceutical products
- Ports, bridges, roads, and highways (infrastructure)
- Research institutions and facilities
- Offshore universities
- Housing projects
- Social development projects
- Investment services
There are several opportunities of investment under this category:
Option One: Single Investor
- Minimum investment: $3,500,000
- Additional non-refundable administration fee: $50,000
Option Two: Joint Investment
- Total minimum investment: $6,000,000
- Each investor must contribute at least $1,000,000
- Additional non-refundable administration fee: $50,000
Option Three: Single Applicant
- Minimum investment: $100,000
- Applicant and up to 3 dependents: $150,000
- Additional non-refundable administration fee: $15,000
Administrative Fees
- Applying alone: $15,000
- Applying with a spouse: $20,000
- Applying with two dependents: $25,000
- Applying with three dependents: $30,000
- Each additional dependent beyond three: $10,000 each
If you have more questions, you can contact our team.
4. National Action Bond
This option aims to increase the national treasury. For a single applicant, the minimum investment amount is $300,000, which must be held for 5 years. An additional non-refundable administration fee of $50,000 applies.
Fees and Additional Costs
Investors have to pay fees when applying for the St. Lucia citizenship by investment program. The amount of fees is connected to the number of dependents.
- Processing Fees: $2,000 (for a single investor), $3,000 (for an investor and his/her family)
- Due Diligence Fees: $7,500 (for the main applicant), $5,000 (for dependents over the age of 16)
To calculate the St. Lucia citizenship cost, choose the investment opportunity, and add the minimum amount of investment to administrative fees and additional costs. The team behind Mirabello Consultancy Agency is ready to help you in this process.
St. Lucia Citizenship Requirements for the Investment Program
If you're wondering how to become a citizen of St. Lucia, and what is St. Lucia's citizenship cost, understanding the eligibility criteria is key. There are some general requirements designed to ensure that applicants meet the necessary standards for citizenship, such as
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check: Applicants must pass a thorough background check and have no criminal record.
- Health: Applicants must be in good health.
- Financial Requirements: Proof of funds to make the required investment and pay all associated fees.
The required documents for the application are:
- Passport or travel document: Proof of identity and nationality.
- Birth certificate: An authenticated copy to confirm your birthplace and date.
- Marriage or divorce certificate: Proof of marital status.
- Police clearance certificate: Evidence of good conduct and character.
- Medical certificate: Confirmation of good health.
- Bank statements or financial records: Proof of funds for the donation.
- Investment confirmation documents: Confirmation of donation payment.
- Two passport-sized photographs: For identification purposes.
- Application forms: Required forms provided by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
- Applicant References: Letters of recommendation proving that the applicant is a good character.
How to get citizenship by investment in St.Lucia?
To acquire citizenship through investment in St. Lucia, individuals can explore several options outlined by the Citizenship by Investment Programme. This initiative offers a pathway to citizenship for foreign nationals who make substantial investments in the country's economy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to obtain citizenship through investment in St. Lucia:
Contact a Licensed Agent: Consider reaching out to a licensed agent for guidance and assistance throughout the application process. Mirabello Consultancy Agency is a reputable firm that specializes in citizenship by investment programs and can provide expert advice tailored to your needs.
Research and Choose an Investment Option: Familiarize yourself with the investment options available under the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme. These options typically include making a donation to the National Economic Fund, investing in pre-approved real estate projects, participating in enterprise projects, or purchasing government bonds.
Understand the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Calculate the St. Lucia Citizenship Cost: Evaluate the financial implications of obtaining citizenship through investment in St. Lucia. The cost varies depending on the investment option chosen, additional fees, and the number of dependents included in the application.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documentation required for the citizenship application process. This typically includes a passport or travel document, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police clearance certificate, medical certificate, bank statements, investment confirmation documents, passport-size photographs, and completed application forms.
Submit Application: Prepare and submit your citizenship application along with the required documentation to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Lucia. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and any applicable fees are paid.
Undergo Due Diligence Process: The CIU will conduct a thorough due diligence process to assess the credibility of the applicant. This may involve background checks and verification of the source of funds.
Investment: If your application is approved, proceed with making the required investment as outlined in your chosen investment option. This may involve making a donation, purchasing real estate, investing in enterprise projects, or acquiring government bonds.
Receive Citizenship: Upon successful completion of the investment and due diligence process, you will be granted St. Lucian citizenship. You can then apply for a St. Lucian passport and enjoy the benefits of citizenship, including visa-free travel to numerous countries.
Conclusion
In summary, the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program offers a pathway to citizenship for individuals seeking to invest in the country's economy. Understanding the St. Lucia citizenship cost is essential, as it varies depending on the chosen investment option. As applicants navigate the requirements and investment avenues, they embrace the opportunity to become citizens of a vibrant Caribbean nation, contributing to its growth while enjoying the benefits of citizenship.
