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Saint Lucia is one of several Caribbean countries where digital nomads have the opportunity to spend up to one year living in the country. Saint Lucia is located in the Southeastern Caribbean, to the Northwest of Barbados, and has a population of 183,000. Saint Lucia has won many awards for its tourism industry, including the Caribbean's best honeymoon destination for the thirteenth consecutive time. Saint Lucia has multiple natural outdoor attractions, including marine national parks and the Saint Lucia volcano. Saint Lucia is also one of the Caribbean's most convenient digital nomad visa options, as applicants receive a multiple-entry visa and pay a much lower visa cost. This digital nomad visa is one of the cheapest and most flexible options in the Caribbean.
Digital nomads should consider Saint Lucia as a top destination for their work and travel endeavors. This Caribbean island boasts a plethora of enticing places, from picturesque beaches to lush rainforests and majestic mountains. The vibrant culture of Saint Lucia adds an enriching dimension to the digital nomad experience, allowing workers to immerse themselves in local traditions, festivals, and culinary delights.
Saint Lucia has everything a digital nomad needs to thrive. The island offers a significant amount of amenities and resources tailored to remote workers and independent travelers. From co-working spaces with reliable internet connections to cozy cafes perfect for laptop sessions, there is no shortage of places where digital nomads can work efficiently while enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Digital nomads should consider Saint Lucia as a top destination for their work and travel endeavors
In March 2021, the Saint Lucia government decided to create the “Live it Program,” which allowed tourists to stay an additional six weeks and to work remotely. The program was so successful that the government decided to change this process and allow digital nomads to receive a 12-month multiple-entry visa. The visa supports applicants interested in living in Saint Lucia while working remotely, studying, or living there as a long-term tourists. At the moment, there is currently no income requirement for this program, but you do need to list your source of funds for the trip when you apply. While other programs, such as Barbados and Bermuda, have been in the spotlight, Saint Lucia has remained somewhat under the radar of many digital nomads.
This digital nomad visa is a popular option if you want to live in Saint Lucia long-term. However, digital nomads who only plan to visit the country several times yearly can also use this visa. If you want 2-3 options lined up as a digital nomad, then Saint Lucia is a very flexible option. Unlike other Caribbean digital nomad visa programs, the application fee is very cheap, and the application is not very time-consuming. Furthermore, you will not be a tax resident while on his visa, so you will not have to worry about paying taxes on your global income.
In terms of employment opportunities, Saint Lucia welcomes visitors who contribute to the local economy. The island's growing tourism industry provides avenues for digital nomads to engage in various roles and projects. Additionally, the affordable cost of living and favorable tax environment make it an attractive destination for those seeking financial flexibility while pursuing their professional goals.
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Saint Lucia welcomes visitors who contribute to the local economy
Saint Lucia is one of the cheapest Caribbean Islands to live on, and most digital nomads should find the cost of living much lower than in countries like the United States or Canada. The country’s income per capita is only around $8,790 USD. You can find an apartment in the country for $250 USD/month or more, depending on whether you live in the city center. Most people choose to live in Castries, which only has a population of around 20,000. Locally produced food and beverages are much cheaper, but imported items can be much more expensive. Saint Lucia is ranked 47th globally for its internet speed, and the country also has several coworking spaces in the larger cities.
Saint Lucia is not only a great destination for individual digital nomads but also for families. The island offers a range of family-friendly activities, including water sports, hiking trails, and cultural excursions, ensuring that both work and leisure are catered to. With its warm climate, abundant sunshine, and crystal-clear waves, Saint Lucia truly embodies the idea of a tropical paradise where work and relaxation seamlessly blend together.
Saint Lucia has no shortage of activities for adventurers and people interested in the outdoors. Multiple hiking options are available, including the most popular Pidgeon National Park, which offers a view of the beaches and Old Fort. Saint Lucia has various tourism activities, including exploring volcanoes, botanical gardens, diving and snorkelling, and other sightseeing tours. Another attractive site in Saint Lucia is the Pitons, a UNESCO heritage site formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Saint Lucia’s economy strongly depends on tourism, so it is easy to arrange sightseeing tour packages if you can't arrange transportation.
In between work sessions, digital nomads can take advantage of the island's stunning beaches to soak up the sun and recharge. Whether it's sipping a cup of local coffee while watching the waves roll in or taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, Saint Lucia provides a serene and inspiring environment for productivity and creativity to flourish.
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Saint Lucia has no shortage of activities for adventurers and people interested in the outdoors
The application process is very simple for digital nomads, who will only need to provide information verifying that they perform remote work and other personal supporting documentation. When you apply for this visa, you will need to submit the following supporting information:
You can submit this application online and do not need to travel to an embassy or consulate. A single entry visa costs 125 XCD ($46 USD), and a multiple entry visa costs 190 XCD ($70 USD), which you pay upon arrival at the airport. You must complete the application several weeks before you travel to Saint Lucia, and the government will process your visa within five working days. The official government also mentions that this application can be completed on arrival in some circumstances, although this is not guaranteed and is not an ideal option. Although there are no official income requirements, you should provide as much supporting financial information as possible, including bank statements, payslips, and other documents from your employer or clients.
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Saint Lucia provides a serene and inspiring environment for productivity and creativity to flourish
Saint Lucia has abundant offerings for people who decide they want to be long-term residents or even citizens after they visit the island. Saint Lucia launched a Citizenship by Investment Program in 2016, which provides citizenship to Saint Lucia in as little as 3-4 months. Applicants can be eligible through a $100,000 USD donation, a $300,000 USD real estate investment, or a $250,000 USD investment in a government bond. This visa could be an exciting way to spend time in the country and perform due diligence on real estate options while you consider this as a potential option. Saint Lucia’s passport is surprisingly strong, as you can travel visa-free to over 150 countries with this passport.
Saint Lucia truly embodies the idea of a tropical paradise
Other Caribbean digital nomad visa programs charge much higher fees and often have higher income requirements. On the other hand, Saint Lucia has a simple and cheap application process that allows you to be eligible if you are a digital nomad and have sufficient funds for travel. Saint Lucia is a beautiful and affordable destination for digital nomads and an excellent place to spend all or part of the year. Saint Lucia is probably one of your best bets if you are interested in the Caribbean and looking for the cheapest and simplest digital nomad visa program.
In conclusion, Saint Lucia offers a compelling proposition for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and a fulfilling lifestyle. Its diverse range of places, welcoming atmosphere, rich culture, and abundance of amenities make it an ideal destination for independent workers and travelers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful laptop session with a view or an adventure-filled break exploring the island's natural wonders, Saint Lucia provides a captivating backdrop for digital nomads to thrive and create lasting memories.
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Written by Mikkel Thorup
Mikkel Thorup is the world’s most sought-after expat consultant. He focuses on helping high-net-worth private clients to legally mitigate tax liabilities, obtain a second residency and citizenship, and assemble a portfolio of foreign investments including international real estate, timber plantations, agricultural land and other hard-money tangible assets. Mikkel is the Founder and CEO at Expat Money®, a private consulting firm started in 2017. He hosts the popular weekly podcast, the Expat Money Show, and wrote the definitive #1-Best Selling book Expat Secrets - How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas And Make Giant Piles Of Money, and his second book: Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico.
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