Saint Lucia Alien Landholding License

ByThe Travel Tipster Updated on

Foreigners wishing to purchase land on the island must first acquire a Saint Lucia Alien Landholding License. Here are a few basics you should know about purchasing land or Real Estate in Saint Lucia:

  • A local solicitor (attorney) must register the license
  • The license is permanent and does not require renewal
  • The license is granted for a specific property and is not transferable
  • A non-refundable EC$1,500 license application fee is required
  • License applications take 6 to 8 weeks to process

Once approved, the Saint Lucian cost of the Alien’s Landholding License is:

  • 1 acre or less EC$5,00
  • 1 – 10 acres EC$10,000
  • 10 – 20 acres EC$20,000
  • 20 – 50 acres EC$30,000
  • 50 – 100 acres EC$40,000
  • Over 100 acres EC$50,000

With the assistance of the purchaser’s solicitor and real estate agent, the following must be submitted:

  • Completed Alien’s Landholding Application form
  • Details of the property to be purchased
  • Property value assessment
  • Four passport photos of applicant
  • Certificate of Character report from applicant’s local police department
  • Certified fingerprints from a local police station
  • Treasury receipt for the EC$1,500 application fee
  • Approval in principle from the Saint Lucian Development Control Authority

Additional St. Lucia Alien Landholding License Costs

1. Stamp Duty

Saint Lucian law requires a Stamp Duty of 2% of the purchase price

2. Solicitor’s Fees

Legal fees are generally 3% of the purchase price

3. Purchase Deposit

The standard deposit is 10% of the purchase price; all purchasing contracts include the following forfeiture clause for the buyer’s protection:

  • If buyer cancels – deposit is forfeited
  • If vendor cancels – 10% deposit is refunded plus buyer receives the 10% deposit forfeited by the vendor
  • If the Alien’s Landholding License is not approved – the buyer’s 10% deposit is refunded

4. Start-up Costs

The start-up cost for property purchase is approximately 15% of the property price, made up of, 10% deposit + 2% stamp duty + 3% solicitor fees.