Why invest in Saint Lucia real estate under the citizenship program?

How much does real estate cost in St Lucia?

There are no official reports on the state of real estate prices in St Lucia. Our analysis of the market in the country showed that the prices start at: 

• $35,000+ for a piece of land of 600 m²;
• $180,000+ for a three-bedroom cottage in the countryside; 
• $300,000+ for a villa with a sea view.

Usually, prices for properties in the countryside are higher than for real estate in towns. The most expensive per square metre are properties close to a coastline or those featuring a panoramic view. 

How to obtain St Lucia citizenship by investment

Locations on the north of the west coast, such as Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Castries, the island’s capital, are good choices for purchasing real estate in St Lucia. They are convenient cities to live in and also popular destinations among tourists. When rented out, they have the potential to be quite profitable.

In some cases, the purchase of real estate can provide a foreign buyer with St Lucia citizenship. For that, investors need to choose real estate from a government-approved list, and the investment in the property should be at least $200,000.

Examples of properties in Saint Lucia

As a real estate investment for the citizenship program, foreigners are usually offered to purchase an apartment in a hotel or residential complex. Aside from that, investors can purchase high-end villas to move in with their families or rent out to tourists and expats.

Here are some examples of real estate that could qualify for the citizenship by investment program or become a high-profit rental real estate.

Added expenses for property purchase in St Lucia

In St Lucia, foreign buyers can choose from two paths for property purchase. A  foreign investor can buy real estate under the citizenship program or independently from it. The additional expenses depend on the chosen way. 

Buying property independently from the citizenship program implies obtaining an Alien Landholding Licence, which is time- and money-consuming. 

First, the buyer needs to apply for the Certificate of Eligibility, which costs $3,000 for a 1-year certificate or $10,000 for a 10-year certificate. As long as a foreigner owns real estate in St Lucia, they are required to renew this document continually.

After they acquire their Certificate of Eligibility, the foreigner can apply for the Alien Landholding Licence. It costs $2,500 to $20,000, depending on the size of the purchased land. 

Aside from that, foreigners pay a stamp duty of 2% and 0.5—2.50% of legal fees. 

After a foreigner pays for the property, they obtain an Alien Investor Entrance Permit, which allows them to enter St Lucia at any time and reside in the country indefinitely.  

Investors who purchase property under the citizenship by investment program are not obliged to pay stamp duty or buy a licence to own land. 

However, there are added costs aside from the real estate price, such as: 

• a $30,000 administration fee;
• a $7,500 Due Diligence fee;
• a $2,000 processing fee;
• a $500 passport fee.  

Applicants for citizenship by investment usually obtain citizenship in 3—4 months. This time frame includes the purchase of real estate and all paperwork. 

St Lucia property maintenance costs

During the ownership period, foreign property owners pay a municipal tax of 0.25% of the housing cost.

Other regular expenses associated with house ownership in St Lucia are maintenance costs. If the owner rents their property out, they can hire a delegated management company to take care of leasing and management for 40—50% of the total rental income. 

Alternatively, a property owner can hire required personnel on their own and negotiate contracts for the staff.

St Lucia real estate guide for expats

St Lucia real estate profitability

Rental prices in St Lucia start at around $80 per night or $750 per month for an apartment in a city. Rent for villas and other high-end residential properties starts at $2,000 per month. 

During winter months, which is St Lucia’s busiest season, rent increases by at least twice as much.

In general, renting out real estate brings around 2—5% of the initial price yearly. During the high season, the yield reaches 9—10%.

How to buy real estate under the citizenship program

Saint Lucia’s citizenship by investment program allows foreigners to become nationals of the country in exchange for contributing at least $100,000 to its economy. 

There are four options to invest in: 

• make a non-refundable contribution of at least $100,000;
• purchase $300,000 worth of Government Bonds;
• buy real estate of at least $200,000 from a pre-approved list; 
• make a business investment of at least $1,000,000. 

Investors purchasing Government Bonds or real estate can return their capital. In the case of real estate, they can do so after 5 years of owning it and paying a non-refundable state fee of $30,000. 

The investor participating in the program can also provide their close family members with St Lucia citizenship. This applies to the investor’s spouse, dependent children under 30 and dependent parents over 55, and siblings under 18 if they have their parent’s written consent to the program.

For adding family members to the application, the investor pays additional fees: 

• an administrative fee of $15,000 for the spouse, $10,000 for other adult family members, and $5,000 for each family member under 18; 
• Due Diligence of a $5,000 fee for each applicant over 16;
• a processing fee of $1,000 for each added person. 

Individual cost calculation for St Lucia citizenship

Get the cost calculation

Benefits of Saint Lucia citizenship

Opportunity to move to St Lucia. Citizens of the country can visit the island at any time and stay here for as long as they want to. Expats choose to move to St Lucia for its beautiful scenery, good weather and rich cultural life. 

Visa-free travels. St Lucia passport holders can travel visa-free to 147 countries, including the Schengen, UK, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Complete list of visa-free countries for St Lucia citizens

Long-term US visa. The USA is not included in the list of visa-free countries for St Lucia citizens. However, they can apply for a 10-year visitor visa for tourism and business purposes.   

Opportunity to reduce the tax burden for business. Citizens of the country can register their companies in St Lucia and take advantage of the local taxation regime. This applies to foreign investors who obtain St Lucia passports, too. 

Companies registered in St Lucia are exempt from paying VAT, capital gains taxes, and tax on foreign income.

Dual citizenship is allowed. People who become citizens of St Lucia by investment or other reasons don’t have to give up their other passports. 

How St Lucia citizenship can become a powerful tool for convenient travelling and business expansion

Key takeaways

Here are the main things to consider when planning a real estate purchase in St Lucia:

1. Property prices in St Lucia start at $180,000 for a three-bedroom cottage in the countryside. 
2. Foreigners who obtain real estate in St Lucia can apply for participation in the citizenship by investment program. For that, they need to purchase property of at least $200,000 from a government-approved list. They will obtain their passports in under 5 months.
3. St Lucia citizenship provides its holder several benefits, including business opportunities, visa-free travels, and an opportunity to obtain a 10-year visa to the USA. 

Frequently Asked Questions