For travelers and expats looking to understand St Lucia immigration policy, this guide offers details on the new Electronic Immigration Form requirements and options for relocating there as a foreigner.
St Lucia New Electronic Entry Form Requirements
The Immigration Department of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force issues non-immigrant visas to foreign nationals to enter the country. Citizens of specific countries, including CARICOM nations, the European Union, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and its territories, and other countries in the British Commonwealth do not require non-immigrant visas to enter St Lucia for up to 42 days (six weeks).
The following table lists key visa information for Americans and other foreign nationals who don’t need a visa:
Electronic Immigration Form
The St Lucia government introduced a new electronic immigration form requiring all air passengers to register their impending arrival on the St Lucia Online Immigration & Customs Platform.
A benefit of the electronic form is there are no time restraints for submission; travelers arriving in St Lucia can submit the St Lucia online form prior to departure, on board flights that offer internet services, or after arriving in Saint Lucia using the airport’s internet services.
After the electronic form is completed, visitors receive a receipt with a QR code by email, which they must present to St Lucia Immigration and Customs at the airport along with their travel documents.
Requirements for citizens of countries that require visas
Foreign nationals who are not eligible for the St Lucia Electronic Entry Form must apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry Non-Immigrant Visa through their nearest St Lucia Embassy or Consulate. The requirements vary depending on the applicant, but typically include completing a St Lucia immigration form, providing details on the purpose of travel, financial documentation, and paying visa fees.
St Lucia Immigration Requirements for Residency
There are three options to emigrate to St Lucia:
- Right to reside
- Permanent residence
- Citizenship
Right to reside
The right to reside in St Lucia is granted with the following visas:
- Work Visa: A one-year work permit available to foreign workers filling labor shortages in St Lucia.
- Student Visa: A visa providing residency to students enrolled in a St Lucia educational institution.
- Family reunification: Applies to qualifying family members of legal residents.
Permanent residence
Permanent residence is granted after five years of continuous residence in St Lucia. St Lucia permanent residents receive a permanent residence stamp, eliminating the requirement to renew a residence permit of fill out a St Lucia electronic immigration form online prior to travel or at the airport after arrival.
Citizenship by investment
Expats can obtain a St Lucia passport and the right to permanently reside their through the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program (CBI). The program requires investing in the country through one of the following options:
- $240,000 contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
- $300,000 approved St Lucia real estate purchase
- $250,000 approved enterprise investment
- $300,000 St Lucia government bonds acquisition
Family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents, also qualify for St Lucia’s CBI program. Citizenship grants a Caribbean passport and the right to permanently migrate to St Lucia without restrictions.
Passport requirements
- Passport application form
- Original birth certificate
- Certified copy of passport bio data page
- Two passport-sized photos (2 inch x 2 inch) with one certified
- Affidavit of Name Difference or Deed Poll (if applicable)
- Marriage (for married women only)
- Divorce certificate (for divorced women only)
- Death certificate (for widowed women only)
St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Process
Applying for the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment program is relatively straightforward.
- Choose an Authorized Agent to process your application: Your licensed St Lucia Citizenship by Investment lawyer or agent will provide a personal service, walking you through all the necessary paperwork and visa requirements for a successful citizenship application.
- Complete all the application forms as provided by your Authorized Agent: Ensure all the documents are legalized according to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit’s (CIU) standards. The Government of St Lucia Immigration Department assesses the application and conducts background checks on each applicant.
- The CIU approves your application: A letter of approval will be issued, with detailed instructions on making the required investment.
- Choose your preferred investment within 60 days of receiving notice from the CIU: Submit proof of purchase of your qualifying investment, as well as the government application fees.
- Become a citizen: Upon receiving proof of payment, the CIU issues the certificate of citizenship registration. Applicants must then submit the passport documents and passport application. You are then granted citizenship of St Lucia and access to St Lucia passport visa free countries.
St Lucia Immigration for OECS Citizens
Thanks to the Free Movement of Persons Regime in the Eastern Caribbean established by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), OECS citizens enjoy freedom of movement between member states, including St Lucia. Additionally, OECS citizens can visit Saint Lucia without a valid passport using their national photo ID card. This means when considering Grenada vs St Lucia citizenship benefits for visa free travel, both are equal for free movement.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain St Lucia citizenship?
- Authorized International Marketing Agent. Global Citizen Solutions have official certification by the Government of St Lucia to promote and market their Citizenship by Investment program. You can find a copy of our certificate by clicking the image on the right
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.