Saint Lucia is one of the Caribbean islands that is noted as a sought-after destination for entrepreneurs aiming to launch or expand business endeavors. In addition to its strong tourism industry and favorable climate, this island nation offers a variety of advantages for enterprises, including simple business registration and tax optimization through citizenship by investment programs.
The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
This citizenship by investment program was launched in 2015, allowing foreign investors and their family members to acquire a second citizenship in the Caribbean. Qualified family members include children under the age of 30, parents over the age of 55, and siblings under the age of 18. To obtain a second passport for Saint Lucia, the investor must make a qualified investment. The investor may choose one of the following investment options:
- An investment of at least 100,000 USD to the National Economic Fund, or
- A government-approved real estate investment with a minimum value of 300,000 USD
If the investor selects the option of purchasing real estate, the property can be re-sold after a 5-year period. Furthermore, applicants are not required to reside in Saint Lucia during the time of the application.
Requirements for Saint Lucian Citizenship
To qualify for the Saint Lucia citizenship by investment program, applicants are required to pass due diligence checks and must adhere to the following requirements:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be in good health
- present a clean criminal background
Explore the benefits of the Saint Lucia Program
The Saint Lucia program offers a host of benefits to successful applicants, including the exemption from capital gains tax, foreign income tax, and inheritance tax. In addition, it offers visa-free travel to 145 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen area. Furthermore, it enables investors to hold dual citizenship and list their family members as dependents.
Specific Tax Benefits for Businesses in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia offers a favorable environment for businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to maximize their profits through its progressive tax structure and wide range of offshore banking services. Its tax regime includes the following benefits and advantages:
- Businesses are exempt from paying tax on capital gains, foreign income, and inheritance
- Companies are subject to an income tax of 30%
- Residents generating an income from international business are only taxed on their income if it enters Saint Lucia
- Residential properties are taxed at a rate of 0.25%
- Commercial properties are taxed at a rate of 0.4%
Invest in the Caribbean with Passport Legacy
Partner with our team to establish your business in Saint Lucia. We facilitate each step of the application process, that allows you to set up or expand your business in the Caribbean. Each year, our clients rely on the expert guidance of our client advisors, who offer a combined experience of over 25 years for the acquisition of alternative citizenship through investment.