Saint Lucia NEF citizenship: which family members and costs does US$240,000 cover?
Saint Lucia’s National Economic Fund (NEF) starts with a US$240,000 contribution covering the main applicant and up to three eligible dependants. The full budget depends on who qualifies, due diligence and processing charges, and the documents and procedures that follow.
The base contribution follows the 2024 No. 106 amendment; due-diligence fees must reflect the 2026 No. 57 amendment. Eligibility must be established before counting dependants, and additional members require further contributions.
Who the US$240,000 contribution covers
SI 106 of 2024 sets the minimum NEF contribution at US$240,000 for the main applicant and up to three eligible dependants, effective from 1 July 2024. Further dependants require additional contributions under the relevant age provisions.[1]
The contribution acquires no property to sell and no principal to recover at maturity. It is a one-off expense, alongside background checks, processing, document preparation and professional fees.
Some official FAQs still retain earlier contribution figures. A new application under the current rules should be budgeted at the amended US$240,000 threshold, rather than the lower amounts on older pages.[1][4][5]
Dependant categories and support requirements
Act 22 of 2025 includes a spouse, children and parents meeting the age and support tests, and unmarried siblings under 18 with parental or guardian consent. Separate provisions cover fully supported individuals with disabilities.[3]
Children over 21 and no older than 30 must be fully supported by the applicant. The ordinary parent category requires an age above 55 and full support.[3] Two families of four can therefore have different eligibility positions.
Financial dependence is best explained through actual living arrangements: who pays tuition and everyday expenses, how the money is provided and whether the relative has independent income. Relationship, age and support each need documentary evidence.
The main fees for different family groups
SI 57 of 2026 lists due diligence fees of US$8,000 for the main applicant and US$5,000 for each eligible dependant over 16. The programme website lists processing charges of US$2,000 for the main applicant and US$1,000 per dependant.[2][4] The table includes only the contribution and these two fees.
Scroll horizontally to read the full table
| Assumed household | Contribution | Due diligence | Processing | Three-item total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One applicant | $240,000 | $8,000 | $2,000 | $250,000 |
| Married couple | $240,000 | $13,000 | $3,000 | $256,000 |
| Couple and two children, assumed aged 8 and 12 | $240,000 | $13,000 | $5,000 | $258,000 |
All amounts are in US dollars and assume every person qualifies. These are not all-inclusive prices: other applicable charges, document issue, translation, certification, medical examinations, bank costs and professional services are excluded. Where someone is close to an age threshold, the assessment date and resulting fee also need to be established.
US$350,000 is a financial evidence requirement
The 2026 Regulations require a sworn declaration of financial resources of at least US$350,000. The 2025 Act also requires evidence supporting those resources and the source of funds.[2][3]
The US$350,000 is not a second contribution and should not be added to US$240,000 as another investment payment. Equally, having the contribution available does not establish that all financial evidence requirements have been met.
Dividends, asset-sale proceeds or gifts need corresponding contracts, financial or tax records and payment evidence to explain how the funds were lawfully acquired.
Documents and obligations after approval
Applications go through a licensed authorised agent and are subject to background review. A citizenship registration certificate and a passport are separate documents; approval in principle does not mean a passport is ready for travel.[4]
The 2026 Regulations require successful applicants to provide biometric data. Section 30A, introduced by the 2025 amending Act, requires applicants and dependants to meet prescribed residence and genuine-link conditions, taking effect from 1 January 2026.[2][3]
The materials reviewed do not establish a uniform number of days or a procedure covering all applicants. A promise of no residence or local connection requirement would therefore be unsupported. Families need the current instructions applicable to their case.
The complete budget belongs alongside the applicant list and subsequent obligations: who qualifies, what each charge covers and what remains after approval. US$240,000 is the starting figure; preparation needs to cover the whole process.
Official sources and legislation
1. Saint Lucia: S.I. No. 106 of 2024, amended Schedule 2
2. Saint Lucia: S.I. No. 57 of 2026, financial resources, biometrics and fees
3. Saint Lucia: Act No. 22 of 2025, dependants and application requirements
4. Saint Lucia CIP: FAQs, procedure and processing fees; read with amended legislation
This article provides general information. Check the latest rules, fees and ongoing requirements for your application before proceeding.