Everything you need to know about Saint Lucia’s National Action Bonds

Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme is an attractive path for smart investors looking to expand their horizons. Obtaining alternative citizenship in the Caribbean Island can open up the global playing field, not only for investors themselves but also for their families. ?

Saint Lucia’s programme is highly rated and was recently recognised in the top three best CBI programmes by the annual CBI Index, a reputable in-depth report analysing active CBI programmes across the globe.??

Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Unit has introduced a new investment option following approvals from the CBI Board and the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ernest Hilaire.?

From 1 January 2023, a new bond investment was introduced for investors purchasing non-interest-bearing Government Bonds, called National Action Bonds (NAB).?

Previously, the Government Bonds investment option provided a minimum investment amount of US$500,000. In May 2020, the limited-time Special COVID-19 Relief Bond option was introduced for the purpose of allowing the government to borrow funds for public use during the pandemic. The minimum investment amount was US$250,000, however, this option expired on 31 December 2022.??

The National Action Bonds is the new non-interesting-bearing Government bond that was established to provide a similar investment option for applicants.??

Under the National Action Bonds option, applicants are required to invest a minimum of US$300,000 per application, with a fixed government administration fee of US$50,000, regardless of the number of qualifying dependants included in the application.??

The National Action Bonds must also be held for a minimum period of five years from the date of the first issue.??

National Action Bonds – Investment Details?

The minimum investment amount with any number of dependants is US$300,000, with a fixed administration fee of US$50,000, per application.??

There are due diligence and processing fees per application. ?

Due diligence fees?

• US$7,500 for the main applicant?
• US$5,000 for each dependant aged 16 or over?

Processing fees?

• US$2,000 for main applicant?
• US$1,000 for each dependant?

Bank client screening fee?

• US$1,000 per application?

Bank changes?

• US$300 to cover shortfalls?

Great for large families?

A major draw card of the National Action Bonds option is that applicants can include any amount of qualifying dependants on their application, which makes this perfect for those with large families looking to secure a brighter future in Saint Lucia.??

Family members that can be included in the application include the applicant's:?

• Spouse?
• Children of the main applicant or spouse aged 21 or below?
• Children of the main applicant or spouse who is no more than 30 years of age and who is fully supported by the applicant?
• Children of the main applicant or spouse, of any age, who are physically or mentally challenged, and fully supported by the main applicant?
• Parents of the main applicant or spouse aged 55 or above and fully supported by the main applicant?
• Parents of any age if physically or mentally challenged and fully supported by the main applicant?
• An unmarried sister or brother of the applicant who is below 18 years of age, and who has received the consent of his or her parent or guardian to make an application for citizenship by investment?

From submission of the application to approval in principle, applicants are generally expected to wait three months.?

Benefits of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship??

Saint Lucia is an attractive destination for nature lovers, relaxation seekers, culture vultures, and history buffs. Saint Lucia offers its citizens all the tropical benefits of the Caribbean, including:?

• Global footprint?
• Right to hold dual citizenship?
• Citizenship for life, with the right to live and work in the country?
• The ability to pass on citizenship to future generations?

Saint Lucia’s CBI programme is well-known for its high standards and exclusive benefits and is one of the most sought-after programmes in the world.??

Due Diligence?

Due diligence in the investment immigration industry is of utmost importance, and the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit ensures that citizenship is only granted to credible and reputable applicants.??

All applicants, including their dependants aged 16 or over, are subject to a multi-layered due diligence process in order to qualify for alternative nationality on the island. Saint Lucia requires detailed information for the applicants in order to understand the source of the funds of the investors who want citizenship.??

“Due diligence is performed by our Unit on all applicants, this is then followed by another due diligence check by the banks. This is then followed by due diligence checks by international intelligence units who also do on-the-ground assessments,” said Minister Ernest Hilaire.??