➡ 2024 UPDATE
The Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa, part of the “Live It” program, is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and students, allowing them to live and work in Saint Lucia for up to a year. Introduced as a response to the pandemic, this visa seeks to attract digital nomads to enhance the local economy. Eligibility requires a valid passport with six months remaining before expiration, proof of adequate funds, and evidence of remote employment or educational enrollment. Applicants must complete an online form, gather necessary documents, submit their application at least two weeks prior to arrival, and can expect a visa decision within approximately five days.
Nomad Visa Saint Lucia 2024
Living in Saint Lucia as a digital nomad offers an enchanting and fulfilling experience, combining the allure of a tropical climate with a laid-back atmosphere ideal for those looking to unwind and work in serenity. This Caribbean island nation boasts a rich and diverse local cuisine, influenced by French, indigenous, and African culinary traditions, making it an emerging hub for digital nomads and remote workers who are drawn to its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly locals.
Saint Lucia is well-equipped to cater to the needs of digital nomads, offering a variety of comfortable living arrangements, dependable Wi-Fi, and numerous direct flights from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Recognizing the growing trend of remote working, many Caribbean islands have introduced digital nomad visas to attract this new wave of workers, and Saint Lucia has joined this movement with its “Live It” program.
Launched in early 2021, the Live It program is a non-immigrant visa initiative designed to offer tourists an extended stay of up to six weeks, with the flexibility to work remotely. Due to its overwhelming success, the program has since been expanded, now offering a 12-month multiple-entry visa, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the Saint Lucian lifestyle.
The Live It program transcends the typical visa offerings by providing a bespoke experience crafted by Live It Island Specialists. These specialists curate personalized itineraries that allow participants to explore Saint Lucia’s wonders safely and authentically, living as locals do.
Eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa for Saint Lucia
This non-immigrant visa caters to foreign nationals and digital nomads who wish to visit Saint Lucia for business, leisure, or educational purposes. Applicants need only a valid passport from their home country to apply. Currently, there are no minimum income requirements to qualify for the visa, though applicants are asked to state how much money they plan to bring, which could influence the approval process.
Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for the visa is straightforward:
- Complete the application form and submit it to the Immigration Department at least two weeks before your intended travel date.
- Upon approval, pay the applicable visa fee at the airport and keep the approval letter handy for customs clearance.
Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa Application
- Two certified passport-sized photographs
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A return ticket to your country of origin
- A copy of your travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodations (hotel or private residence)
- A letter of invitation (if staying with a friend or relative)
Cost of the Digital Nomad Visa
The fees for the visa vary depending on the entry type:
- Single-entry visa: $46.25 USD (125 XCD)
- Multiple-entry visa: $70.30 USD (190 XCD)
Saint Lucia Golden Visa: Citizenship by Investment
The St. Lucia Golden Visa program, known officially as the St. Lucia Citizenship-by-Investment Program, has recently emerged as one of the most accessible pathways to citizenship worldwide, thanks to significant reductions in the minimum investment required. This year, the program reduced its investment threshold by $100,000, enhancing its appeal to those seeking an affordable option for acquiring a second passport.
Since its inception in 2015, the program has attracted hundreds of investors by offering citizenship in exchange for substantial economic contributions. One of the most compelling aspects of the St. Lucia Golden Visa is its lack of residency requirements, allowing investors to obtain a new passport without a mandatory stay, thereby facilitating asset and lifestyle diversification.
Additionally, the program extends the opportunity for citizenship to immediate and extended family members, enabling applicants to secure a St. Lucian passport for their entire family under a single application.
With one of the fastest processing times—just four months—the St. Lucia Golden Visa stands out as a swift route to obtaining a second passport.
Key Benefits of the St. Lucia Golden Visa:
- Immediate Citizenship: Unlike many other programs that require extended residency periods and rigorous testing, the St. Lucia Golden Visa grants citizenship and a new passport directly upon approval of the application.
- Global Mobility: A St. Lucian passport offers visa-free access to 150 countries, including the UK and the Schengen Area, placing it among the more valuable travel documents for global access.
- Tax Advantages: St. Lucia offers favorable tax conditions; its citizens benefit from no taxation on foreign-earned income, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth, presenting significant financial advantages.
- No Residency Requirement: Applicants can gain citizenship without ever residing in St. Lucia, ideal for those who wish to maintain flexibility in their living arrangements.
- Family Inclusion: The program allows the inclusion of spouses, dependent children up to the age of 30, parents and grandparents over 55, and unmarried siblings under 18.
- Dual Citizenship: St. Lucia permits dual citizenship, which can be advantageous for applicants looking to maintain their current nationality while enjoying the benefits of a St. Lucian passport.
Eligibility Requirements for the St. Lucia Golden Visa:
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Good character and health.
- Clean criminal record.
- Successful completion of a detailed background check.
Investment Options for the St. Lucia Golden Visa:
- National Economic Fund (NEF): A non-refundable donation supporting national development:
- Individual Applicants: $100,000
- Couples: $140,000
- Family of Four: $150,000
- Additional Dependents: $15,000 to $25,000
- Real Estate Investment: Purchase property valued at a minimum of $200,000, held for at least five years, with a $30,000 state fee.
- Government Bonds: Investment in no-interest government bonds, returnable after five years:
- All Applicants: $300,000 with a $50,000 administrative fee.
- Enterprise Investment: Investment in approved projects within certain industries, such as specialty restaurants or pharmaceuticals:
- Individual: Minimum $3.5 million investment and creation of three full-time jobs.
- Group Investment: $6 million total, with each investor contributing at least $1 million.
How to Apply for the Saint Lucia Golden Visa
Applying for the St. Lucia Golden Visa is renowned not only for its affordability and swift processing but also for its straightforwardness, making it one of the more accessible programs of its kind globally. In just a few clearly defined steps, applicants can secure a second passport within a few months, opening doors to enhanced global mobility and a range of financial benefits.
Step 1: Choose Your Investment The initial step in the application process is selecting an investment route. St. Lucia offers four investment options, with amounts ranging from $100,000 to $3.5 million. Prospective applicants should carefully assess each option to determine which best aligns with their financial capabilities and long-term objectives. It’s advisable to consult with financial advisors or experts who specialize in citizenship-by-investment programs to make a well-informed decision.
Step 2: Engage an Authorized Agent Direct applications are not accepted; instead, you must work through an authorized agent. These agents are accredited by the St. Lucian government and equipped to guide applicants through the intricate application process. A comprehensive list of authorized agents can be found on the official St. Lucia Citizenship-by-Investment website.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Prior to making your investment, your application needs to be formally submitted. This includes a detailed proposal of your chosen investment alongside a series of required documents to support your application. These documents typically include:
- Certified copies of birth certificates and any name change documents
- Six passport-sized photos
- Current passport copies
- Military records, if applicable
- Proof of residence
- Marriage certificates, if applicable
- Detailed resumes or CVs for any applicant over 18
- Criminal background checks
- Professional and bank reference letters
- Medical certificates
- Custody records for dependents, if applicable
- Academic qualifications for applicants over 18
It is important to note that additional documents may be requested. Application fees, including due diligence and processing charges, must be paid upfront. For the main applicant, due diligence fees are typically around $7,500 and processing fees are about $2,000. Each additional dependent incurs their own fees.
Step 4: Complete Your Investment Following the submission of your application, the Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) committee will conduct thorough due diligence checks on all applicants aged 16 and older. Once cleared, you will receive an “approval in principle,” after which you have 90 days to finalize your investment according to the proposed terms.
Step 5: Obtain Your Passport The entire application process, from initial submission to receiving your passport, typically spans four to six months. Upon completion of all steps and confirmation of your investment, you will receive your new St. Lucian passport, marking your new status as a citizen with all associated benefits.