Short answer: St Lucia citizenship by investment can be obtained by buying USD 300,000 in non-interest-bearing government bonds, held for five years, plus a USD 50,000 administration fee. The bonds are repaid at maturity, so the real cost is mainly the fee and five years of tied-up capital.
Bonds vs contribution
| Government bonds | National Economic Fund contribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | USD 300,000 bonds plus a USD 50,000 fee | From USD 240,000 (up to four family members) |
| Recoverable | Principal repaid after five years | No |
| Interest | None | Not applicable |
| Real cost | Fee plus five years’ opportunity cost | The contribution |
Working out the real cost
Over five years, the bond route costs roughly the USD 50,000 fee plus the opportunity cost of USD 300,000 you can’t invest elsewhere. If your capital normally earns a good return, that opportunity cost can approach or exceed the difference between the routes.
Who it suits
- Families who want the money back eventually.
- Those with ample funds who can accept a five-year lock-up.
- For a one-off, simpler route, the contribution is more direct.
Also note
- Government and due diligence fees are extra and depend on family size.
- Processing recently takes about 12–18 months — see the St Lucia decision guide.
- St Lucian passport holders have needed a UK visa since March 2026.
As of October 2026; subject to the latest announcements by St Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Unit.