St Lucia is one of the best islands to retire to in the Caribbean. Famous for its particular landscapes, its top quality of life, and plethora of activities to do, the island has seen an exponential increase in its expat community. This guide presents you with the many advantages of retiring in St Lucia.
Why should you retire in St Lucia
Beautiful Caribbean island
Tax exemptions
Direct flights to the US, Europe, and Canada
Affordable private health insurance
Low cost of living
Invest and get the St Lucia passport in 3 months
Best place to retire for an outstanding life
St Lucia is undoubtedly one of the best islands for retirement in the Caribbean due to its breathtaking beauty and incredible quality of life. Home to the impressive Piton mountains, the island has plenty of first-class white sandy beaches, refreshing waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and scenic views to enjoy.
From golfing, boating, shopping, eating and drinking out, to relaxing, going to the beach, hiking, and attending festivals, whatever you like doing, you will find it in St Lucia.
Retire in one of the best cities to live in St Lucia and enjoy an outstanding life in the Caribbean.
If you are looking for animation, and bustling activities, retire in Castries or Rodney Bay. If you are seeking relaxation and immersion in nature, retire in Soufriere or Marigot Bay.
Due to an increase in expats relocating to St Lucia, St Lucia’s real estate market is booming and provides for fantastic housing opportunities.
Cost of living in St Lucia is low
The cost of groceries in St Lucia
The cost of living in St Lucia is relatively low-cost. Locally produced food is relatively cheap and you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables – such as oranges, onions, tomatoes, potatoes – in all St Lucia’s local markets. For those enjoying refreshments, wines, domestic and imported beers, beverages are low-cost and cheaper than in the US.
Imported products – such as milk, meat, cars, and gasoline – are however more expensive than average.
Eating out in St Lucia
St Lucia is famous for its excellent international cuisine. You can find dishes from all over the world on the island. Cosmopolitan cities such as Castries and Rodney Bay have for example French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese high-quality restaurants. The local cuisine – a combination of French, East Indian, and British dishes – is also very tasty and can be eaten anywhere in St Lucia.
On average, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant amounts to $5, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant amounts to $29.
Rent in St Lucia
Rent in St Lucia is affordable and certainly cheaper than in the US or the UK. You can for example, rent a one-bedroom apartment in Castries’s city center for $480 per month and a three-bedroom apartment for $1,000 per month. Prices outside the city center are cheaper: A one-bedroom apartment will cost around $250 and a three-bedroom apartment $480.
Favorable tax regime in St Lucia
St Lucia has a great tax regime. There are no capital gains, inheritance tax, wealth tax on worldwide income or assets in St Lucia.
Health care in St Lucia
Health care is crucial to take into account when retiring. Fortunately, St Lucia has a good healthcare system. There are health and wellness centers in all St Lucia towns and villages, providing free medical treatments to all St Lucia citizens and residents.
In total, there are 36 health and wellness centers, three public hospitals, one private hospital, and one psychiatric hospital in St Lucia.
However, health care is privately funded. You can find a number of insurance companies providing affordable health insurance in St Lucia.
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program
Launched in 2015, the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program gives investors the fantastic opportunity to obtain the St Lucia passport in exchange for making an investment of at least $100,000 in the country’s economy.
The scheme is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get a second passport and allows visa-free travel to more than 140 countries. Investments can be made in the National Economic Fund, in pre-approved property, in an enterprise investment, or in government bonds.
St Lucia immigration options
If you do not wish to make an investment, other St Lucia visa options are available:
- Single Entry Visa: The Single Entry Visa allows foreigners to stay up to 3 months in St Lucia.
- Multiple Entry Visa: The Multiple Entry Visa allows expats to live up to a year in St Lucia.
- Permanent residency: After 2 years of renewing your Multiple Entry Visa or Single Entry Visa, it is possible to apply for St Lucia permanent residency.
- Citizenship: After 7 years of permanent residency on the island, you can apply for St Lucia citizenship.
Expat communities in St Lucia
In recent years, there’s been an increase in the number of expats and retirees coming to St Lucia – mostly from the US and Canada. A successful Citizenship by Investment Program, coupled with a fantastic quality of life make St Lucia one of the most attractive Caribbean nations to retire to.
The St Lucia expat community is considered one of the most friendly of the world and there is no doubt that you will meet like-minded individuals in no time. Activities such as golfing and sailing are especially famous among the St Lucia expat community.
FAQs:
Is it cheap to retire in St Lucia?
The cost of living in St Lucia is relatively cheap compared to the US and the UK. The costs of groceries, eating out, and rents are particularly affordable.
Is there a St Lucia retirement visa?
There is no St Lucia retirement visa per se. However, you can apply for a single entry visa, multiple entry visa, permanent residency or citizenship. The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program is also a fantastic option for individuals seeking to get the St Lucia passport in 3 months.
What are the best places to live in St Lucia?
Some of the best cities to live in St Lucia are Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Soufriere.
How can I get the St Lucia passport?
You can get the St Lucia passport by applying to the Citizenship by Investment program. Make an investment of at least $100,000 and get St Lucia citizenship in 3 months’ time.
Is it safe to retire in St Lucia?
St Lucia is a very safe place to retire as there is a low rate of criminality.
