The benefits of obtaining Saint Lucian citizenship are substantial. The passport grants access to visa-free travel around the world, as well as business and tax advantages. Saint Lucia’s flexible immigration policy allows you to gain residency within 3-6 months through investment or by completing the naturalization process. No matter which route is taken, foreign nationals (including Russians) can enjoy all the privileges the country offers once they become citizens.
The most popular and well-known way to citizenship is the "Golden Passport" program, introduced in 2015. By investing in the local economy, creating jobs, or supporting infrastructure development, foreign nationals can secure residency in as little as 3-6 months, without needing to fulfill language requirements or minimum stay periods. Additionally, the entire application process can be completed remotely, without the need to visit the country.
Ways to Obtain Citizenship
Permanent residency in Saint Lucia is regulated by the Citizenship Act, the 1978 Constitution, and their amendments. These regulations define the eligibility criteria for becoming a citizen.
As of 2024, Saint Lucian citizenship can be obtained through one of the following methods:
- By Birth (Jus Soli): Individuals born on Saint Lucian soil are automatically eligible for residency.
- By Descent (Jus Sanguinis): Those with close relatives who are Saint Lucian citizens can apply for citizenship through family reunification.
- Through Marriage: Foreign nationals who marry a Saint Lucian citizen and fulfill additional program requirements can apply for citizenship.
- Naturalization: After residing in Saint Lucia legally for seven continuous years, individuals may apply for citizenship.
- Investment: Foreign nationals who make a non-refundable financial contribution, invest in real estate or government bonds, or engage in business development are eligible for expedited citizenship.
Benefits of Saint Lucian Citizenship
The breathtaking nature of this mountainous island with its stunning beaches is just one reason to consider Saint Lucia for a second passport. Residency in this country offers significant opportunities for expanding your business, traveling, and providing your family with the best living conditions.
Here are some of the key advantages of Saint Lucian citizenship:
- Visa-free access to over 90 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
- A favorable tax system for individuals and businesses.
- No residency requirements.
- Opportunities for family reunification, including parents and siblings.
- Citizenship can be inherited by future generations.
- An accessible citizenship-by-investment program.
- The ability to hold dual or multiple citizenships.
- Citizenship can be granted within 3 to 12 months, with an option for expedited processing.
- Reasonable fees for document processing, administration, and renewal.
- The right to consular assistance worldwide.
Dual Citizenship
The ability to obtain dual or multiple citizenship is one of the key advantages of Saint Lucian residency. By becoming a citizen, you can keep your original passport while enjoying additional privileges.
Current civil law outlines three main ways to obtain a second citizenship:
- By descent.
- Through marriage.
- By investment.
For investment-based citizenship, there are different options for the types of investments and the approval criteria. Nonetheless, the passport acquisition program remains the most common pathway to residency for most expatriates.
Investment Citizenship Program
Saint Lucia's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has been working since 2015 and ranks among the world's leading programs. This relatively recent initiative has quickly gained popularity due to its favorable terms. With initial investments starting at $240,000, whether through a donation, real estate acquisition, or business venture, the program provides broad accessibility for investors.
Any foreign national of legal age can participate in the program. Mandatory requirements include having a legal source of income, a clean criminal record, and no serious health conditions. The citizenship application can also include a spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents over 55 years old, and siblings under 18 years old.
The CBI program offers several investment options:
- Contribution to the National Economic Fund: Applicants are required to make a non-refundable contribution starting at $240,000 to support government economic projects. This donation covers the main applicant and up to three immediate family members. For additional family members, the donation increases by $10,000 for each person under 18 and $20,000 for those over 18.
- Real Estate Purchase: Foreign nationals can invest in approved real estate with a minimum value of $300,000. The size of the applicant’s family does not affect the investment amount. After the purchase and the granting of residency, the property must be held for at least 5 years before it can be sold.
- Government Bonds: Citizenship can be obtained if the foreign national purchases government bonds with a minimum value of $300,000. The bonds must be held for at least 5 years as a mandatory condition for maintaining the investment.
- Real Estate Purchase: Foreign nationals have the option to invest in approved real estate with a minimum value of $300,000. The number of family members does not affect the investment amount. After completing the purchase and receiving residency, the property must be retained for at least 5 years before it can be sold.
- Government Bonds: Citizenship can be acquired by purchasing government bonds worth at least $300,000. These bonds must be held for a minimum of 5 years.
In addition to the primary investment, there are several additional costs to consider. The comprehensive background check for the main applicant costs $8,000, and for family members over 16 years old, it’s $5,000. Application processing fees are $2,000 for the primary applicant and $1,000 for each family member. When purchasing real estate, an additional government fee of at least $30,000 applies. For business investments, additional administrative fees start at $50,000.
Recent Reforms to the Citizenship Program
In June 2024, the country's parliament approved amendments to the Citizenship Act, allowing descendants of residents to become naturalized citizens of Saint Lucia without going through the standard naturalization process. This change is aimed at descendants in the second and third generations born abroad.
Previously, only children born abroad to Saint Lucian citizens had automatic citizenship rights. Now, this right extends to grandchildren and subsequent generations, provided that their parents or grandparents were Saint Lucian citizens at the time of their birth. This amendment is expected to attract new citizens, contributing positively to the country’s development.
Step-by-Step Application Process
If you choose the citizenship-by-investment program, personal applications are not permitted. Instead, applications must be submitted through licensed agents. This process enables remote application submission and data verification without requiring physical presence. In contrast, other residency programs may necessitate in-person visits to the Saint Lucia Immigration Department.
The step-by-step application process is the following:
Qualified agents will perform a preliminary assessment to ensure you meet the program’s criteria and will prepare a detailed checklist of required documents.
Gather and organize all necessary documentation for yourself and any dependents according to the provided checklist. This includes translating and legalizing all relevant documents.
The required forms for the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program are available on the official website. If applying in person, the immigration authorities will provide the application forms. At this stage, you must also pay the applicable government fees.
The CIP division reviews the application files, conducts thorough due diligence on the applicant and their family members, and issues a preliminary recommendation. The final decision rests with the ministry, which generally adheres to the preliminary recommendations.
After a final decision is made, the applicant will receive a detailed letter outlining the approval process. If approved, the remaining fees must be paid, or the required investments made, within 60 days.
Once all payments are confirmed, a registration certificate is issued, officially acknowledging the grant of citizenship.
The approved applicant must take an oath of allegiance before a notary. Upon completion of this step, the applicant can apply for their passport.
Gathering Documents and Submitting the Application
Regardless of the citizenship program selected, the applicant must complete the application forms and submit the required documents for assessment. This typically includes a valid ID, proof of good character, financial statements, and other pertinent documents, following the provided checklist.
The applicant’s file is forwarded to the Department of Immigration for review. Once the complete documentation is received, the department initiates the process of verifying the applicant's identity and the information of all included individuals. If additional information is needed, a request may be issued within 3-5 days. Provided that the application meets all requirements, a decision is generally made within 3-12 months.
Document Checklist
The final list of personal documents required depends on the specific program selected. Since each application is assessed based on the applicant's unique circumstances, the list may be expanded or supplemented as needed. However, there is a standard set of documents, along with their legalized copies, regardless of the residency option selected:
- Valid passport.
- Six recent passport-sized photos.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Military service information (if applicable).
- Education and professional qualification details.
- Proof of residence.
- Medical certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Financial documents proving solvency.
- Letters of recommendation/ references from respected individuals or organizations in Saint Lucia."
- Receipts for payment of government fees, duties, and other mandatory charges.
Review and Decision
The Due Diligence Unit of the Immigration Department collaborates closely with local law enforcement, regional intelligence partners, and international third-party firms. Generally, the standard processing time for applications and background checks is 9-12 months. However, the citizenship-by-investment program provides a shorter timeframe of 3 to 6 months.
There are cases where government authorities delay making a decision "for valid reasons." This usually happens due to missing documentation or the need for additional information. Once the necessary details are clarified, a final decision is made - either to grant citizenship or to reject the application.
Disadvantages of Saint Lucian Citizenship by Investment
The Saint Lucia Economic Citizenship Program has built a strong reputation and has received numerous positive reviews since 2015. However, despite its high popularity and accessibility, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) classified it as "high-risk" and required a bank due diligence in 2018.
Besides its ambiguous international classification, acquiring Saint Lucian citizenship involves substantial financial commitment. Most Caribbean nations have increased their minimum fees for citizenship by investment since 2024. The starting amount is $240,000 now, with additional administrative fees, and an extra $10,000 to $20,000 required for each additional dependent.