Saint Lucia introduces Covid-19 Relief Bond

Major price reduction under the Government Bonds option

Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig | Published on 14 May 2020

Saint Lucia introduces Covid19 Relief Bond

The Citizenship by Investment Unit of Saint Lucia has been the first in the Caribbean region to introduce various amendments to attract more foreign direct investment during the Covid-19 pandemic. The amendment involves the introduction of a Covid-19 Relief Bond which qualifies international investors for citizenship of Saint Lucia. The amendment is intended to attract foreign direct investment through a reduced cost bond investment.

St Lucia Bond Option

Prior to the introduction of the Covid-19 Bond Option, applicants opting for the Government Bonds option were required to invest at least USD$500,000 in non-interest bearing bonds and retain such for a five year period. Before the newly introduced amendments, once an application for citizenship by means of an investment in government bonds had been approved, the following minimum investment applied.

  • Main Applicant: USD$500,000
  • Main applicant with spouse: USD$535,000
  • Main applicant applying with spouse and up to two dependants: USD$550,000
  • Additional qualifying dependant: USD$25,000

In addition, a government processing fee of US$ 50,000 applies. 

New Covid-19 St Lucia Bond Option

Under the new option, prospective applicants will benefit from a 50% reduction in investment. Applicants will be able to apply through the purchase of a non interest bearing bond with a five year holding period, called the COVID-19 Relief Bond, for an investment of USD$250,000, as opposed to US$500,000 under the previous bond option for a single applicant. In addition, the government administrative fee has been reduced from $50,000 to $30,000 and is now only payable upon approval.

The new investment requirements under the Covid-19 Bond Option are the following:

  • Main Applicant: USD$250,000 (5 year holding period)
  • Main Applicant with spouse: USD$250,000 (6 year holding period)
  • Main applicant applying with spouse and up to two dependants: USD$250,000 (6 year holding period) or USD$300,000 (5 year holding period)
  • Additional qualifying dependant: USD$15,000

In addition, a government processing fee of US$ 30,000 applies. 

How can we Assist?

Our Residency & Citizenship team will guide prospective applicants on the requirements, eligibility and benefits of the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment programme and indicate expected time frames based on the specific circumstances and nature of your application.


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Key Contacts

Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker

Advocate, Tax Consultant, Licenced Agent, Malta

+356 22056422

Dr Antoine Saliba Haig

Advocate, Malta

+356 22056446

Claudia Cilia Buhagiar

Senior Private Client Advisor  

+356 22056124

Julia Tirazona

Lawyer

+356 2205 6409

Pauline Gouder

Senior Residency & Citizenship Executive

+356 22056105

Roberta Anastasi

Senior Private Clients Advisor

+356 22056105

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