Explore Countries for Living & Doing Business
Find and compare the best jurisdictions for your business
Find and compare the best jurisdictions for your business
Compare with other jurisdictions or get in touch for expert guidance.
Caribbean island with IBCs and citizenship program
Region
CARIBBEAN
Corporate Tax
0%
Setup Time
2 weeks
Currency
—
St. Lucia, a small Eastern Caribbean island nation, combines tourism appeal with offshore services. The country's company registration framework and citizenship by investment program support specific business setup strategies.
With a population of 180,000, St. Lucia offers Caribbean island living with dramatic Piton mountains. English is the official language. The tropical climate is warm year-round with hurricane risk.
Healthcare is limited, with serious cases requiring regional evacuation. Safety is generally good. The cost of living is moderate for the Caribbean.
The natural beauty and French Creole heritage create distinctive appeal.
International Business Companies face no tax on foreign income. Domestic companies pay 30% corporate tax. Personal income tax reaches 30%. No VAT currently applies.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (pegged to USD) is the official currency. The economy depends on tourism and banana exports. Financial services have developed.
Company registration for IBCs is efficient through registered agents. Domestic companies register with the Registry of Companies. Foreign ownership is unrestricted for IBCs.
Company formation completes within days for IBCs. No minimum capital requirements apply. Annual fees and registered agent maintenance are required.
St. Lucia has not established specific crypto license frameworks. Digital asset businesses can incorporate but without specialized regulation.
St. Lucia does not operate an extensive gambling license regime. The small market and limited regulatory infrastructure mean gaming entrepreneurs look elsewhere.
Geographic remoteness and small professional services sector create limitations. Banking access can be difficult for offshore structures. Hurricane vulnerability affects operations.
The citizenship by investment program offers Caribbean passport option.
St. Lucia suits simple offshore structures and those interested in citizenship programs for their business setup.
Local: LLC
Local: IBC
Local: Foundation
| Corporate Tax Rate | 0% |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 0% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% |
| Withholding Tax | 0% |
| Reduced Corporate Tax Available | No |
| Non-Resident Withholding Exempt | Yes |
| Tax Treaty Network | No |
| Banking Access | MEDIUM |
| Financial Privacy | HIGH |
| Currency Controls | NONE |
| Local Bank Account Required | No |
| Non-Resident Bank Account Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Presence for Banking | No |
| Banks Restrictive (High Risk) | No |
| AML Officer Required | No |
| MLRO Required | No |
| Compliance Officer Required | No |
| Data Protection Officer Required | No |
| Local Bookkeeping Required | No |
| Mandatory Audit | No |