The popular Caribbean island is favorably distinguished by a stunning clean natural environment. Residents can relax year-round on sea beaches, attend music festivals, carnivals. In Saint Lucia there is a wide variety of options for active recreation.
Individuals can obtain Caribbean citizenship by investing in the development of the country. This allows you to support the local economy and easily pass the immigration procedure. The authorities of the state of Saint Lucia provide a passport to people who have bought approved real estate properties. It is possible to acquire citizenship for a donation to the state fund.
Next we will describe in detail the features of living in Saint Lucia. We will tell about the pros and cons of the island state, the cost of living, the conditions for obtaining citizenship. We will answer popular questions that arise before immigration from us.
About St. Lucia
The population of the country is 182 thousand inhabitants. The size of the Caribbean island is 617 square kilometers. People move to live in Saint Lucia to enjoy the beauty and developed infrastructure.
Castries is the capital of the state. Many expats choose this city for living in St. Lucia. It is the cultural center of the country with a large number of international schools and a developed foreign community. Some residents moving to St. Lucia, stay in towns such as Soufriere, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay. They prefer a measured vacation, walks in national parks, relaxation by the water.
The country is a former British colony. For many years England and France argued for possession of the country. English is recognized as the official language, but the majority of the population speaks French. The currency used on the island is the Eastern Caribbean dollar or XCD. The island government offers a favorable tax environment for residents. The country has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The wind season starts in December and the rainy season begins in June.
Pros and cons of living in St. Lucia
Some of the major pros of living in St. Lucia for expats include the following points:
- One can enjoy lush nature, mesmerizing sea views. The weather is constantly warm and comfortable for life. The island has clean water and air, organized beach areas.
- Calm rhythm of life. The country is not a large metropolis, it is a cozy tourist island in the Caribbean Sea.
- Affordability of life. To be in the state, you do not need to spend a large amount of money. Expenses on the island are much lower than in the States.
- It is possible to get official status in the country by investing in housing. To apply for a visa, immigrants only need to contribute $300,000 to an approved property.
- It is possible to significantly reduce the amount of tax deductions, including taxes on inheritance, wealth.
- Close proximity to the United States. Residents of the island can at any time purchase a ticket for a direct flight to Atlanta, Miami, New York. Airplanes to America fly every day. If necessary, you can fly to the UK, Canada, France without interchanges.
- Active cultural life. A variety of street carnivals, festivals are constantly organized here. For music lovers, an annual festival of arts and jazz is held.
- Ubiquitous knowledge and use of English. You can easily find a common language with the locals. There is no language barrier for expats. All banks, government offices, hospitals and other public services are conducted in English.
- There is a high level of security for citizens and tourists. The island has a very low crime rate.
- Developed culture and hospitable atmosphere. Locals are characterized by great friendliness.
Among the main cons of moving to St. Lucia that should be mentioned are:
- Limited transportation network. Developed infrastructure is available only in the main cities of the island.
- Hurricane danger. The island is located in the Caribbean hurricane belt. Periodically, the weather deteriorates. There is a risk of natural disasters in certain months.
- Limited education system. There are several international schools open in the country. However, some American expats note that the level of training of children does not meet current requirements.
- The small size of the territory. It is an island nation with limited resources.
- Relaxed lifestyle of the population. Foreigners need to get used to the measured behavior of locals, protracted bureaucratic moments. All business on the island proceeds without haste.
Why St. Lucia?
Back to the main benefits – many US residents and other foreigners choose to move to St. Lucia for reasons such as:
- Safety. The country’s authorities have reduced crime rates in order to boost tourism and improve the living standards of the local population. The government is constantly taking and improving measures to protect citizens, expats.
- High level of healthcare. The country provides quality medical care. Everyone can take out private insurance.
- Developed sphere of education. The degree of literacy of the local population is constantly improving. At the moment this indicator has reached 90% in the age category up to 16 years old. Several schools, colleges and universities are open in the state.
- The use of English speech. There is a local dialect on the island, but most people understand English and French. Teaching in schools is conducted according to international standards.
- Ease of obtaining a visa. To obtain official status it is enough to make an investment. The government provides a large list of tax benefits, and does not collect taxes on capital, wealth.
- A large number of places for outdoor recreation. Life in St.Lucia includes visiting white sand beaches, natural parks, tropical forests, ancient settlements, and mountain valleys.
- Comfortable conditions for relocating American retirees. Many seniors prefer moving to St. Lucia. They like the relaxed rhythm of life, small expenses for food, transportation, medical services.
Pensioners with physical limitations can settle in Victoria Hospital. This is a modern medical facility where people receive treatment, care and attention. The government has implemented a special pension visa. The federal program allows American retirees to become full citizens of the Caribbean.
Cost of living
Living in St. Lucia is not very expensive. The Caribbean country has lower prices than America. The country is quite affordable for tourists and expats. If a citizen immigrates alone he will need about $1500 to live comfortably for a month. A family of 4 needs about $3000.
St. Lucia living does not require high costs. Wages on the island are lower than in the United States. If a person works remotely in an American company, he can easily afford to move. Consider the average prices in the island nation. A month’s rent for a small apartment will cost $500.
Renting a place outside the capital will cost about $330. For living in an apartment with good repair in the central part of the city you can give $900. Local food can be bought at a good discount. The most favorable purchases are made at local markets, where you can buy meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, and bread.
Lifestyle
The island nation’s way of life has been shaped by years of struggle with colonial powers. As a result, the country began to regularly organize festivals and parades that highlighted its cultural heritage.
Living in St. Lucia often means relaxed tranquility. It is an ideal choice for people who do not like noisy metropolises. The island offers a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes. Examples include:
- Wedding and holiday celebrations. You can go on a romantic trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.
- Sailing. The Caribbean Sea has optimal weather conditions for this activity. The season lasts from November to May. The country has a developed service of renting different types of boats.
- Diving. Living in St. Lucia will allow you to appreciate such a mesmerizing activity as diving in the clearest sea water. Explorers will be able to enjoy views of marine life, meet moray eels, parrot fish, stingrays, turtles. Those who wish can choose different dive programs. There are options with deep water exploration.
- Golf. Residents and guests of the island visit the popular Sandals Golf and Country Club with lush greens and hypnotic views. Living in St. Lucia allows you to play a round of golf against the backdrop of the boundless ocean.
Citizenship by investment
Since 2015, foreigners have been given opportunities of living on the island for investments in economic growth. Those wishing to settle in the Caribbean country can bring their children and other relatives with them. The period of obtaining a Caribbean passport is from 3 to 6 months. After the visa is issued, citizens will be able to rent and buy housing, work, enjoy tax benefits.
- There are several options to acquire legal status:
- Transfer $240,000 to the NEF.
- Buy real estate at a price from $300,000. The object is pre-approved by the authorities before purchase.
- Invest from $3.5 million as a sole investor or $250,000 as a partner ($6 million total investment) in a new venture.
- Purchase country government bonds valued at $300,000 or more.
Real estate
The real estate market is constantly growing. Foreign investments allow for the rapid construction of new objects. On the island you can buy an apartment, a villa. There are many interesting options in the central part of the city and beyond.
FAQ
Yes, American residents can take a direct flight from Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and other cities.
Yes, Living in St Lucia is available to US citizens. This destination is very popular among Americans of different ages and backgrounds.
You will need between $1500 and $2500 per person.
The country is not a part of the EU, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. Visa is not required for most passports. In case of permanent residence, you must obtain residency or passport.
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