St Lucia to issue $20 million worth of Government bonds worth EC$ 50 million starting from 02 July 2018.
According to Bank of Saint Lucia, the issue date for treasury bonds is 2nd July with a maturity period for five years at maximum 6% interest.
Treasury bills are one of several types of government bonds. Other types include treasury notes, treasury bonds, and municipal bonds. The only difference between T-Bills and T-Bonds are Treasury bills (T-Bill) are the shortest term debt instruments, while “bonds” to refer to longer term treasury instruments. A T-Bill is issued in denominations ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000. Treasury bills do not pay interest, but are sold at a discount and mature at par (100% of face value).
Saint Lucia is the only country in the caribbean offering citizenship by investing in Government bonds. Purchase of $500,000 worth of non-interest bearing Government bonds for five years, eligible for Saint Lucia citizenship with family. After 5 years the entire bond investment is given back without interest and the investor (and family), get to keep his citizenship. This is why Government bonds is one the most attractive investment options for citizenship, without incurring any loss, a better option than real estate or NDF.
As of 9 August 2016, the Government of St Lucia has suspended the non-interest bearing Government bond option for applicants for citizenship by investment, for the non-availability of bonds.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit of Saint Lucia, provides guidelines to buy government bonds here.
Once an application for citizenship by means of an investment in government bonds has been approved, the following minimum investment is required:
Government Bonds
Applicant applying alone: US$500,000
Applicant applying with spouse: US$535,000
Applicant applying with spouse and up to two (2) other qualifying dependants: US$550,000
Each additional qualifying dependant: US$25,000
Additional $50,000 administration fees also apply and $7500 due diligence, when applying under St Lucia CIP.
