15 pros & cons of Saint Lucia citizenship

St Lucia passport overview and ranking

St Lucia offers foreigners the opportunity to acquire citizenship by investment. The program has been operating since 2015. Investors choose St Lucia not only for an opportunity to get a second passport but also for its high quality of life, picturesque landscape, and pleasant climate.

To obtain St Lucia citizenship, investors need to contribute at least $240,000. The applicant’s relatives can also qualify; among them are a spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18.

Immigrant Invest has developed its own passport ranking, assessing 193 countries on criteria such as freedom of travel, asset protection, quality of life, and "Plan B" security.

For freedom of travel, St Lucia ranks 25th, allowing citizens to travel visa-free to 146 countries. This includes visa-on-arrival access to 27 nations, and electronic travel authorisation, or eTA, for 33 countries.

The "Plan B" criterion evaluates alternative residency options for security against unforeseen challenges in the investor’s home country. It ranks countries by factors like national risk, rule of law, and citizenship acquisition time. St Lucia is ranked 5th among 193 countries, making it one of the most attractive St Lucia passport benefits.

Asset protection through second citizenship enables safeguarding financial and personal assets in a secure legal environment. St Lucia ranks 27th for asset protection, offering favourable tax policies with no taxes on wealth, inheritance, or capital gains for its citizens.

St Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 2.70 XCD. This peg provides currency stability, making it one of St Lucia citizenship benefits for international investors, as it reduces the risk of currency fluctuation.

For quality of life, St Lucia ranks 23rd, appealing to those who enjoy a relaxed, tropical environment with natural beauty and a welcoming community. St Lucia offers high-quality healthcare, focusing on access to natural hot springs, spas, and wellness resorts. It also provides a stable political environment a low cost of living.

St Lucia passport ranking

15 benefits of obtaining St Lucia citizenship by investment

1. Fast processing time. St Lucia enables investors to obtain citizenship in 6+ months. In contrast, obtaining second citizenship in European countries typically takes 5—10 years.

2. Diverse investment options. St Lucia offers foreigners five ways to contribute to the country's economy: through a donation to a state fund, purchase of real estate or government bonds, infrastructure projects, and business investment.

In comparison, the popular citizenship programs of Dominica and Grenada provide only two options.

3. Low investment threshold. The minimum contribution sum under the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is $240,000, one of the lowest investment requirements. In comparison, European Golden Visas require a minimum contribution of €250,000—500,000 and typically take 5—10 years before you can qualify for citizenship.

4. Returnable investments. Foreigners can reclaim their investments after 5 years if they buy local property or government bonds. The purchased real estate can be rented out during ownership.

5. Remote process. The entire procedure of obtaining a St Lucia passport can be completed remotely. Applicants are not required to visit St Lucia at any step.

6. A 10-year visa to the USA. St Lucia citizens are eligible for a B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa that allows them to stay in the USA for up to 6 months per year. The visa can be issued at the nearest consulate.

7. Passports for the whole family. St Lucia grants citizenship to the investor’s relatives: a spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18. Family members can join the investor within 5 years, even if they did not participate in the initial application.

8. No residency requirement. St Lucia does not oblige its citizens to spend a specific number of days in the country to keep their passports, so investors do not have to live there continuously. However, they can visit St Lucia anytime, even when the borders are closed for visitors. 

9. Tax optimisation. Citizens of St Lucia do not pay taxes on global income earned from sources outside the country. There is also no tax on wealth, inheritance, or capital gains. The real estate tax is 0.25—0.4%, and there is no stamp duty on real estate purchases.

10. International business. Investors can register their companies in St Lucia. It helps facilitate international transactions and reduce taxes. St Lucia allows foreign investors to repatriate all profits and dividends to their countries of origin.

11. Freedom to travel. A St Lucia passport allows its holder to visit 146 countries visa-free. Some countries offer visas upon arrival or require obtaining an electronic travel authorisation.

12. Access to Caribbean banks. St Lucia citizens can open bank accounts in the Caribbean countries that are members of the CARICOM. This allows St Lucia citizens to manage savings and conduct transactions in foreign currency securely.

13. No language or cultural exams. St Lucia does not require investors to pass exams in order to apply for a passport. European countries like Spain, Greece, or France oblige applicants to pass exams in language, culture, history, and more.

14. Citizenship can be inherited. An investor’s children are eligible to acquire a St Lucia passport by descent. Children born in St Lucia obtain citizenship based on the right of birthplace.

15. Dual citizenship. St Lucia allows holding two or more passports. Therefore, investors do not have to renounce their first passport upon requiring one in St Lucia. This applies to countries that do not forbid multiple citizenship.

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Drawbacks of St Lucia citizenship

Strict Due Diligence check. Foreign applicants undergo a thorough check to verify their background, income sources, and reputation. The main check is carried out by the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit, which reviews various databases. The process takes up to 5 months.

Remote country. St Lucia is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It takes 4 hours by plane to reach St Lucia from New York and over 8 hours from London. The closest islands are Martinique, located 39 km to the south, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 34 km to the northeast.

Hurricane seasons. St Lucia experiences the hurricane season from June to November, with the peak activity occurring between August and October. During the season, travel can be temporarily disrupted. Visitors and residents are often advised to stay updated on weather forecasts, as tropical storms can develop quickly, affecting flights and outdoor activities.

Investment options to get St Lucia passport

St Lucia offers five investment options: donation to a state fund, purchase of government bonds or real estate, infrastructure projects, and business investments. The minimum contribution amount varies from $240,000 to 3,500,000.

Contribution to the National Economic Fund is non-refundable. Funds are allocated to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and alternative energy projects in St Lucia.

The investment requirement starts at $240,000, regardless of the number of applicants.

Purchase of government-approved real estate. Investors buy a property or shares worth $300,000 or more. The investment sum does not depend on the number of applicants.

The investor can return the money in 5 years by selling the real estate. During this period, the owner is allowed to rent out the property and receive income. According to the Global Property Guide, the annual yield in St Lucia is 2—5%.

Property examples in St Lucia

St. Lucia, Micoud

$2,200,000+

Two-level villa with pool and landscape garden

789 m²

6

6

St. Lucia, Micoud

$2,100,000+

Luxury villa with ocean view near the golf club

567 m²

5

4

St. Lucia, Micoud

$3,000,000+

Luxurious villa with panoramic ocean and island views

929 m²

10

10

Buying government bonds requires an investment of at least $300,000, regardless of the family composition. The bonds do not bear interest. The investment can be returned in 5 years by redeeming the bonds.

Infrastructure project investment requires at least $250,000. The applicant invests in government-approved projects that enhance the infrastructure of St Lucia, such as ports, bridges, roads, and highways.

Business investment must be made in a government-approved enterprise project. If the investor applies alone, the minimum investment is $3.5 million.

A group investment is also possible. In this case, the total investment must be at least $6 million, with each participant contributing at least $1 million.

Eligible business sectors include tourism, education, healthcare, social development, specialty restaurants, cruise ports and marinas, agro-processing plants, pharmaceutical products, offshore universities, and research institutions.

In addition to any investment option, foreigners pay $8,000 for a Due Diligence check and $2,000 as a processing fee. For business investment, real estate purchase, and government bonds purchase, investors also pay $15,000—50,000 as an administrative fee.

Individual cost calculation for St Lucia citizenship

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Who can obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment

To be eligible for a St Lucia passport, an investor is required to: 

• be over 18 years old;
• have no criminal records or visa refusals;
• have no serious illnesses;
• be able to confirm the legality of their income.

Together with the investor, certain family members can also obtain citizenship:

• a spouse of the opposite sex with no criminal record;
• children under 30 if they are fully financially dependent on the investor;
• financially dependent parents over 55;
• unmarried siblings under 18 with parental consent to participate in the program.

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a St Lucia passport

The procedure of obtaining St Lucia citizenship usually takes at least 6 months. The whole process can be done remotely.

5 reasons to move to St Lucia

1. Everlasting summer. The sun shines in St Lucia for an average of 250 hours each month, except in February and October. Throughout the year, temperatures rarely drop below +23°C and typically do not exceed +31°C. The water remains warm, making it ideal for swimming.

2. Affordable cost of living. Prices in St Lucia are significantly lower than in Europe or the USA. A family of four needs around $3,000 per month in St Lucia, while in Barcelona, Spain, they will spend a minimum of $4,000, and in Miami, USA, around $7,000.

Rent prices in St Lucia are 82% lower than in Miami and 59% lower than in Barcelona. A three-bedroom apartment in Castries, St Lucia, costs $840 per month, compared to $2,300 in Barcelona and $5,400 in Miami.

3. High-quality education and healthcare. St Lucia medical practices, equipment, and healthcare protocols align with the standards set by the UK’s National Health Service. The modern clinics provide a wide range of medical services. The country focuses on holistic health, with access to natural wellness options such as hot springs and spas.

Public schools in St Lucia are free for all students. The cities of Castries and Gros Islet have international private schools and colleges with international programs and English-medium instruction. 

For post-secondary education, St Lucia has Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, SALCC, offering associate degrees and diplomas in various fields. Many students use SALCC as a stepping stone to universities in the US, Canada, or the UK.

4. Recreational activities. St Lucia’s marine reserves, such as the Anse Chastanet Reef and the Pitons’ underwater drop-offs, make it a top destination for snorkelers and divers. Water lovers also enjoy sailing, yachting, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

St Lucia also offers wellness and relaxation opportunities. Known as “the world’s only drive‑in volcano,” Sulphur Springs near Soufrière offers mud baths and mineral-rich hot springs that are popular for their reputed skin benefits and relaxation.

5. Beautiful nature. St Lucia combines lush rainforests, mountains, pristine beaches, and coral reefs. One of the main attractions is the Pitons Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key points about St Lucia citizenship

1. St Lucia offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain a passport by investing in the country’s economy. There are five investment options, with two of them allowing investors to return the investment within 5 years.
2. The minimum investment for acquiring citizenship is $240,000, which is a non-refundable Contribution to the National Economic Fund.
3. The process is remote and typically takes 6 months. Besides, there are no residency requirements.
4. Investors can get St Lucia citizenship with their family members: a spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18.
5. St Lucia allows its citizens to hold two or more passports. Investors do not need to renounce their original citizenship unless their home country prohibits dual citizenship.

Frequently asked questions