Saint Lucia Citizenship Application in 2026: Steps, Documents, Interview and Timeline

A Saint Lucia file is prepared remotely and in English. The rules became stricter in 2025 and 2026: a sworn statement of wealth, a banker’s reference and biometrics are now part of the law. Here is the sequence based on the CIU FAQ, the CIU forms page and Amendment Act No. 22 of 2025.

Step 1. Choose an authorised agent

Only licensed agents can submit applications. Check that the firm is on the CIU list and ask who will sign your forms.

Step 2. Collect documents

BRIDGES estimates 2 to 6 weeks for this stage. The core set required by the Act and the forms:

• passport copies and birth certificates for everyone;
• marriage, divorce, custody or adoption papers where relevant;
• a police certificate from your country of residence, and usually from your country of citizenship;
• a health certificate from a doctor for every applicant;
• a banker’s reference;
• details and evidence of the planned investment;
• a sworn affidavit declaring financial resources of at least $350,000, with supporting documents on the source of funds;
• for a dependant with a disability: a court order or equivalent, a medical certificate, proof of financial dependence and proof of residence or care.

Documents not in English need authenticated translations. BRIDGES lists the full set in its documents article.

Step 3. Fill in the forms

Form	Purpose
SL1	Document checklist
SL2A	Application of the main applicant
SL2B	Application of each dependant
SL3	Photo and signature certificate
SL4	Confirmation of the investment
Others	Oath of allegiance, passport form, national insurance registration, source of funds document

The agent checks that every name and date matches across forms and documents. Small mismatches are a common reason for questions later.

Step 4. Due diligence and the interview

The fees are paid with the application: $2,000 processing for the main applicant and $1,000 for each dependant, $8,000 due diligence for the main applicant and $5,000 for each dependant over 16. Since 4 September 2023 the main applicant also goes through an identity verification interview, in person or by video. I prepare clients by reading their own file with them: the questions come from what they wrote.

Step 5. Approval and investment

If the Board approves, you receive a notice and then make the investment: the fund contribution, the property purchase or the bond. Successful applicants also give biometric data, such as fingerprints, under S.I. No. 57 of 2026.

Step 6. Oath, certificate and passport

The oath of allegiance is taken before an attorney-at-law, a Saint Lucia consular officer, an honorary consul or a notary. The CIU issues the certificate of registration, and the agent applies to the Immigration Department for passports.

How long it takes

Source	Estimate
CIU FAQ	About 90 days from notice of acceptance for processing
BRIDGES, 2026 practice	6 to 12 months; due diligence alone 4 to 5 months

The yearly cap of 1,500 approved applications set in S.I. No. 57 of 2026 can also affect queues late in the year.

Reasons for refusal to check in advance

False information, a conviction other than a minor traffic offence, an ongoing criminal investigation, a security risk, a refused visa to a visa-free country without a later visa, or a refusal by another OECS state. If any of these apply, tell your agent before paying fees. Within five years of registration you also may not change your name, except for marriage, divorce, adoption and a few other legal reasons. The family guide explains the documents for each dependant.