Saint Lucia•North AmericaCBI-NEF — Citizenship by Investment - National Economic Fund (NEF)
At a Glance
3 months
USD $249,500
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Citizenship granted through a non-refundable donation of at least USD 240,000 to Saint Lucia's National Economic Fund.
Saint Lucia established its Citizenship by Investment Programme under Act No. 14 of 2015, with the National Economic Fund (NEF) created under section 33 to channel investor donations into government-led infrastructure, healthcare, and debt-reduction projects. The NEF is the simplest of four routes and aligns with the OECS USD 200,000 floor agreed in 2024.
qualification requires being 18 or over, a clean criminal record, and proof of legal source of funds. A non-refundable USD 240,000 contribution covers a sole applicant or family of up to four, plus USD 7,500 due diligence and USD 2,000 processing for the main applicant. The CIP Board targets a 90-day decision from acceptance.
This visa is ideal for high-net-worth families wanting lifetime Caribbean citizenship without real-estate management, who value visa-free access to 140+ destinations and a donation pathway with full work rights and dependents up to age 30.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Over 18 years old
Clean criminal record
Proof of legal source of funds
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
240,000 USD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Birth/marriage certificates
Police records
Financial proof
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Lifetime Caribbean citizenship transferable to future generations
- Single non-refundable USD 240,000 donation covers a family of up to four
- Official 90-day processing target from acceptance for processing
- No residency, language, education, or business-management requirement
- Includes spouse, children up to age 30, parents 55+, and minor siblings
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ destinations including Schengen
- Full work rights for principal applicant and dependents on grant
Worth Knowing
- High capital threshold of USD 240,000 plus USD 9,500+ in government fees
- Application must be filed through a licensed Authorised Agent only
- Mandatory interview and biometric ID verification for applicants 16 and over
- Contribution is non-refundable regardless of application outcome timing
- Real-world processing can exceed the official 90-day target in busy periods
- Criminal record or failed due diligence results in denial
- Inability to prove legal source of funds for the full investment
- Nationals of currently restricted countries (e.g. Russia, Belarus, Iran)
Application Process
Select authorized agent
Prepare documents
Submit application
Pay fees
Receive approval
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