Saint Lucia is home to breathtakingly beautiful lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the infamous Pitons (two must-visit mountainous volcanic spires). In terms of culture, the island marries French, African, and British influences, meaning there is something to suit all tastes and styles.
Aside from the numerous must-try recreational activities, welcoming, homely atmosphere, and local festivities, Saint Lucia is fast becoming one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after digital nomad visa options. As well as being cost-effective, applicants are privy to multiple entries – an asset to those who want to see other parts of the world without having to reapply for a visa on their return.
In this article, we learn more about why St Lucia is a popular destination for remote workers and what you must do to embrace this laidback lifestyle.
Why St Lucia?
This lush, tropical paradise adds an enriching dimension to the digital nomad experience. It allows you to continue your day job, only from an entirely new location – immersing yourself in local festivals, traditions, and an array of taste-tantalizing culinary delights whilst securing an income.
As well as the many cultural aspects, St Lucia boasts various handy amenities, meaning this island has everything you need to thrive. The many available resources are tailored to both independent travelers and remote workers.
From cozy cafes that double up as remote offices to comfortable co-working spaces with trustworthy WiFi. With an average download speed of 85.59 Mbit/second for fixed-network broadband internet, Saint Lucia ranks 52nd in an international comparison for internet speed. There are a variety of places you can park and work efficiently. The best part? You get to work in the backdrop of the island’s breathtaking nature.
Then there are the many employment opportunities to consider; Saint Lucia visa free countries welcome travelers willing to contribute to the local economy. The tourism industry has grown dramatically over the past few years, which has opened doors to various job roles suited to multiple skill sets.
An Overview of the Digital Nomad Visa
In March 2021, the “Live it Program” came into effect in Saint Lucia – a government-backed decision embracing the concept of remote work. What does this scheme entail? It now grants tourists access to a visa that allows them to reside on the island for a 12-month period. The cherry on the cake? Those who choose to live and work in this country are also privy to a multiple-entry visa.
The visa supports individuals wishing to embrace the Saint Lucia lifestyle while studying, working remotely, or simply exploring as a long-term tourist.
At present, this program necessitates no specific income requirement. There is one condition: you must declare your fund source for the trip when you initially apply for the visa.
This digital nomad visa is suited to you if you wish to reside in Saint Lucia long-term or you’re keen to visit the country several times over 12 months – potentially combining it with other countries offering similar visas.
Visa Requirements
Before applying for this Visa, be sure to have the following documents. This will make the process much quicker and smoother. All of these documents need to be submitted in English:
- A passport with a minimum validity of six months.
- Two professional passport photos.
- A return ticket (this should be back to your original location or your place of residence).
- A letter from friends or family if staying with them or evidence of private accommodation or a hotel.
- An enrollment letter from your college or university if you are using this time to study abroad.
- A letter confirming your employment.
- Proof of adequate financial resources.
Living in St Lucia
Whether for a few months or a year, one of the biggest appeals to living on this island (aside from the breathtaking scenery) is that it won’t cost you the earth.
Compared to Canada or the USA, both rent and food are a lot more affordable here. Saint Lucia also offers several accommodation options, including short-term and long-term rentals, ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxury, high-end villas. This means there is something for all tastes and budgets.
Traveling with Family
Saint Lucia is also a perfect work location to choose if you have family, as the visa is open to them, too.
This English-speaking island is home to various activities, many suited to kids and adults. These include epic hiking trails, action-packed water sports, and cultural excursions. The result? You and your family get to embrace the perfect work-life balance.
The warm climate is another top attraction. In St Lucia, you can expect to enjoy the sunshine year round. Many who move here can find the pleasant climate and the azure blue waters help them escape the stresses of daily life – especially if they’re used to working in a fast-paced city environment.
In between working hours, remote workers can embrace this island and everything it offers. Some must-visit tourist spots include the stunning beaches, Pidgeon National Park, UNESCO heritage sites, the Old Fort, botanical gardens, volcanoes, diving, and snorkeling. One thing is for sure: you’ll never be bored here!
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to embrace new cultures and lifestyles while pursuing professional goals, St Lucia is a top destination. It’s here you can enjoy living like a traveler while also working and earning an income. Saint Lucia provides a serene, inspiring environment for creatives to flourish in, and the local coffee comes highly recommended (should you need a pick-me-up in between meetings).
On top of this, it’s one of the most cost-effective and versatile digital nomad visas available, allowing you to stay in the country for a year. Or visit multiple times within the 12 months, which makes it versatile too.
