Saint Lucia introduced its digital nomad visa in March 2021, known as the “Don’t Just Visit, Live It” program. With this visa, remote workers and even students can live in St Lucia for up to one year, as long as they have independent income (from abroad) to support themselves.
Saint Lucia currently ranks 18th in the VisaGuide.World Digital Nomad Index with a score of 2.79.
Saint Lucia: Quick facts
Who Is Eligible for St Lucia’s Digital Nomad Visa?
You are eligible to apply for a Saint Lucia digital nomad visa if:
- You are a remote worker, freelancer, or student.
- You can provide proof of your remote work or a letter of enrollment from your school if you are a student.
- You can show proof of sufficient funds. There is no minimum amount, but you must have enough money to support yourself and your family during your stay in Saint Lucia.
How Can I Apply for a Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa?
You can apply for Saint Lucia’s digital nomad visa online: you just have to fill out an application form and then email it along with the required documents to the visa office.
Here is the step-by-step application process:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
The first step when applying for a Saint Lucia digital nomad visa is to prepare digital copies of the following documents:
- A completed application form, with truthful and accurate information.
- A passport, valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Saint Lucia and with two blank pages.
- Two passport-size photos, taken within the last six months and following the visa photo requirements.
- Proof of remote work/enrollment. The documents you need to submit depend on your category. For example, if you are a remote worker, you can submit an employment letter or a contract. However, if you are a student, you can submit a letter of enrollment from your school verifying your online studies.
- Proof of accommodation, either a hotel reservation or rental agreement, depending on your situation.
- Proof of financial means, such as recent bank statements, payment slips, or pension funds, proving that you have enough money to stay in Saint Lucia.
- An invitation letter if you will stay with a friend or relative in Saint Lucia.
- A return ticket showing the dates of your entrance and departure.
- A travel itinerary outlining your travel plans.
These documents must be in English or translated into English. You will send them via email along with the application form. See below.
Step 2: Complete and Download the Application Form
Download the application form and complete it truthfully and accurately. After you complete the application, sign it, and then scan it so you can attach it electronically to the email.
Step 3: Email Your Application to the Immigration Department
Next, you have to email your application form and the required documents to [email protected] or [email protected].
Submit the application at least two weeks before traveling to Saint Lucia.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
After you email your application to the Immigration Department, you do not need to do anything except wait for it to be processed. The processing time is around five days, and you will be notified as soon as a decision is made.
Step 5: Complete the Electronic Immigration Form
Once your visa application is processed, you have to complete the electronic immigration form before arrival. You have to complete one form per family, and you will receive a QR code by email, which you will need to show to customs and immigration.
Complete and submit your form up to three days before your trip to Saint Lucia.
Step 6: Travel to Saint Lucia And Pay the Visa Fee
Once you have your visa and electronic immigration code, you can travel to Saint Lucia. When you arrive at the airport, you have to pay the visa fee and show the QR code of the electronic immigration form. The visa fee depends on whether you hold a single-entry (USD 47) or multiple-entry (USD 70) visa.
If you are traveling through the United Kingdom, you may also need to apply for a UK visa if you are from a country requiring one.
How Long Is the Visa Valid?
The Saint Lucia digital nomad visa (“Don’t Just Visit, Live It” program) is valid for one year. You can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa; with a multiple-entry visa, you can travel in and out of the country during this one year.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Saint Lucia?
As a digital nomad in Saint Lucia, you are not required to pay income taxes in the country as long as your income comes from outside Lucia, and you do not take local employment.
How Much Does the St Lucia Digital Nomad Visa Visa Cost?
The digital nomad visa fee for St Lucia depends on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa:
- A single-entry visa fee is XCD 125 (approx. USD 47).
- A multiple-entry visa fee is XCD 190 (approx. USD 70).
You will pay the visa fee after you enter Saint Lucia at the airport.
Cost of Living in Saint Lucia
As a single person in St Lucia, you can live comfortably with around $1,500 to $2,500 per month, while a family of four needs between $2,500 and $4,000. Of course, the specific living costs will largely depend on your lifestyle. As you may be able to make do with less, or you might need much more.
Other prices you will find in Saint Lucia are as follows:
| Accommodation | Price |
| One-bedroom apartment in the city center | $508.36 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $373.77 |
| Three-bedroom apartment in the city center | $891.70 |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center | $653.17 |
| Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment | $115.63 |
| Food | Price |
| One bottle of water | $1.21 |
| Loaf of white bread | $1.47 |
| 1l milk | $2.12 |
| 1kg local cheese | $10.44 |
| Transportation | Price |
| A one-way ticket for local transport | $1.11 |
| One liter gasoline | $1.51 |
| Taxi start | $9.25 |
Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in Saint Lucia
There are more pros to living in St Lucia as a digital nomad, than there are cons. Here is a quick side by side overview:
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple visa application process | Limited healthcare |
| Low visa fee | Prone to natural disasters and heavy rainfall |
| Tax exemption | Lack of public transportation |
| Reasonable cost of living | |
| Reliable electricity | |
| Good internet connection | |
| Various outdoor activities | |
| Warm climate | |
| English is the official language |
Top Cities in St Lucia for Digital Nomads
Some of the best cities in Saint Lucia for digital nomads include:
- Cap Estate
- Gros Islet
- Marigot Bay
- Rodney Bay
If you are looking for places to stay in these cities, such as cabins, cottages, villas, and houses, you can find from these online resources:
FAQs
What Is the Processing Time?
The processing time for a Saint Lucia digital nomad visa (“Don’t Just Visit, Live It” program) is around five business days, but depending on workload, it can take longer.
Can I Travel in and Out of Saint Lucia With a Digital Nomad Visa?
You can travel in and out of Saint Lucia with a digital nomad visa only if you obtain a multiple-entry visa. With this visa, you can leave and re-enter the country without needing a new visa, but you have to make sure you are within the visa’s validity period.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Work I Can Do With a Digital Nomad Visa?
There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do with a digital nomad visa in Saint Lucia. But, still, you have to maintain your remote status, and your income must originate from outside of Saint Lucia. In addition, with the digital nomad visa, you cannot take on local employment or establish a business in Saint Lucia.
How Does the Healthcare System Work for Digital Nomads in Saint Lucia?
As a digital nomad in Saint Lucia, under the “Don’t Just Visit, Live It” program, you cannot access the country’s public healthcare system; therefore, we recommend purchasing private health insurance. A health insurance plan specially designed for digital nomads will cover all your medical expenses.