St Lucia

HNWIs preferring the refundable bond route for capital preservation. Schengen access maintained. UK travel no longer possible visa-free.

Mobility score

6/10

workbook layer

Visa-free

140

destinations

Passport tier

Established (120-149)

Programme detail from the September 2026 data release

Last updated: September 2026Source-backed programme data77 source referencesData confidence

Minimum investment

From USD 240,000 (National Economic Fund contribution, single applicant or family of up to 4)

Investment type

National Economic Fund (NEF), Government Bonds (National Action Bond, NAB), Real Estate

Timeline

Visa-free access

140 destinations

Passport Rank

#31

Physical presence

A minimum of 30 cumulative days during the first five years of citizenship has been agreed under the regional Eastern Caribbean CBI framework. Implementation in Saint Lucia is pending, so applicants should confirm the effective rules before applying.

Dual citizenship

Permitted - investors may retain other passports

Best for

HNWIs preferring the refundable bond route for capital preservation. Schengen access maintained. UK travel no longer possible visa-free.

Key benefits

Low entry cost: One of the lowest minimum investment thresholds in the Caribbean CBI market, starting at USD 240,000.
Only refundable option in the Caribbean: The Government Bond (NAB) route is redeemable after 5 years, offering capital recovery not available under most other Caribbean CBI programmes.
Global mobility: Visa-free 140
US/Canada visitor visa eligibility: St Lucia citizens can apply for a 10-year US Visitor Visa, typically processed within about 2 weeks.
Favourable tax regime: Territorial tax system — no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax; non-residents are not taxed on worldwide income.
No physical presence historically required: The programme has not required residency or a visit to St Lucia before or after obtaining citizenship (see 'Physical Presence' tab for the pending change).
No language or history exam: No civics, language, or history test required to obtain citizenship.

Limitations / notes

ANYONE requiring UK visa-free — use Grenada, Antigua, or St Kitts instead. Frequent UK travelers. UK-focused business operations.
CRITICAL (Oct 2024): UK suspended visa-free access — significant reduction in passport value. Negotiations underway but no restoration expected short-term.

Passport strength

Mobility score

6/10

Visa-free

140 destinations

Tier

Established (120-149)

Schengen access; UK: NO — Lost Oct 2024; USA: Visa required; 145 visa-free destinations

St Lucia

Direct citizenship pathways

St Lucia CBI

Programme detail from the September 2026 data release

Key benefits

Limitations / notes

Country verification