Saint Lucia

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (No specific names, generally referred to as "minibuses", relatively safe)

Saint Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts, and fishing villages. Trails in the interior rainforest lead to waterfalls like the 15m-high Toraille, which pours over a cliff into a garden. The capital, Castries, is a popular cruise port. Saint Lucia is known for its mix of French and English heritage, reflected in the official language, English, and the Creole spoken by the locals. The island's culture is vibrant, with a strong tradition of music and dance, especially during the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, banana production, and light manufacturing. Saint Lucia's natural beauty, including the Sulphur Springs, the Caribbean's only drive-in volcano, and the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens, make it a popular destination for eco-tourists and those seeking adventure or relaxation in a tropical paradise. The island's cuisine is a delicious blend of Creole, East Indian, and French influences, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices. Saint Lucia's history is rich with colonial battles between the French and British, with the island changing hands several times before finally gaining independence in 1979. Today, Saint Lucia is a member of the Commonwealth, with a parliamentary democracy and a legal system based on British common law. The island's education system is also modeled after the British system, providing education to its citizens from primary to tertiary levels. Saint Lucia celebrates its cultural heritage through festivals like Carnival and Jounen Kwéyòl, showcasing the island's music, dance, and Creole language. The island's biodiversity is notable, with a range of ecosystems from coastal mangroves to rainforest-covered hills, supporting a variety of wildlife, including endemic and endangered species. Saint Lucia's commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection is evident in its numerous protected areas and the establishment of the Saint Lucia National Trust. Overall, Saint Lucia is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, making it a unique and enchanting destination in the Caribbean.

B

Expat Lifestyle

B

Private Schools

B+

Family Friendly

B

Single Friendly

B

Senior Friendly

B-

Crime

C+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B

Weather

B

Healthcare

C+

Cost of Living

B

Recreation

B

Nightlife

B

Restaurants

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Saint Lucia is considered moderate. While some goods and services can be expensive due to importation costs, overall, the cost of living is manageable for locals and expatriates alike.

Weather

Saint Lucia has a tropical climate with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The island experiences warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F). Humidity can be high, especially during the wet season, and the island is also subject to the Atlantic hurricane season.

Educational System Saint Lucia

The educational system in Saint Lucia is modeled after the British system and is known for providing a structured and comprehensive education to its students. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 15. The system is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education starts at the age of 5 and lasts for seven years, culminating in the Common Entrance Examination, which determines placement into secondary schools. Secondary education lasts for five years and is divided into two cycles: lower secondary, which leads to the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, and upper secondary, where students can pursue the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The school year typically runs from September to July, with breaks in December and April. Saint Lucia also has a few special education schools and vocational training centers that cater to the diverse needs of its student population. The government of Saint Lucia places a strong emphasis on education, with a significant portion of the national budget allocated to this sector. This investment has resulted in a high literacy rate and a well-educated populace. Parents moving to Saint Lucia can expect a supportive environment for their children's education, with a variety of public and private schools to choose from.

"Ive lived and worked in the Middle East for around 20 years of my life and I miss the sunshine. Now that I have retired, St Lucia seems attractive particularly during the UK winter months. I would be interested in buying something on the island -perhaps a letting property so would like advice from those with experience. The4 management fees seem high on some for example." - frederickjones

Connect with Others on the Saint Lucia Community

Best Places to Live in Saint Lucia

Discover the top-ranked towns in Saint Lucia. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

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Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Saint Lucia (Plus, Itineraries)

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"Ive lived and worked in the Middle East for around 20 years of my life and I miss the sunshine. Now that I have retired, St Lucia seems attractive particularly during the UK winter months. I would be interested in buying something on the island -perhaps a letting property so would like advice from those with experience. The4 management fees seem high on some for example." - frederickjones

Connect with Others on the Saint Lucia Community

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Saint Lucia Permanent Residence Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Saint Lucia does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa, but expats often use tourist visas or apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to live in for up to one year and can be renewed.

Obtaining a residency visa in Saint Lucia involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. The most common type of residency visa for expats is the Saint Lucia Permanent Residence Permit. To apply for this permit, an individual must have resided in Saint Lucia for a minimum of five years. The application process requires submitting various documents, including a police record, a health certificate, proof of income or employment, and a passport valid for at least six months. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of their contribution to the local economy, which can be in the form of investment or consistent income streams. The process begins with the submission of the application form and supporting documents to the Immigration Department. The application is then reviewed, which can take several months. During this time, applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be required to pay a fee before receiving their Permanent Residence Permit. For those not eligible for permanent residency, such as digital nomads or those who have not yet met the five-year threshold, a temporary residence permit is an alternative. This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. The application process is similar to that of the Permanent Residence Permit, requiring documentation such as a police record, health certificate, and proof of income. It is important to note that Saint Lucia does not currently offer a specific visa for digital nomads, so many remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for the temporary residence permit if they plan to stay longer. The tourist visa typically allows a stay of up to six weeks, but this can vary depending on the individual's nationality and other factors. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and can be time-consuming, it is generally manageable with the proper preparation and documentation. Expats are advised to begin the application process well in advance of their intended move date to account for any delays.

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Living in Saint Lucia

Movies Set: Dr. Doolittle (1967), Firepower (1979), Water (1985)

Popular Foods: Saint Lucian cuisine is a blend of West African, European, and East Indian influences, featuring dishes such as green figs and saltfish, which is the national dish. Stews and curries with a variety of meats and seafood are common, often accompanied by breadfruit, plantains, and other root vegetables. Roti, a type of flatbread filled with curried meat or vegetables, is also popular. For dessert, sweet treats like coconut turnovers and banana fritters are enjoyed by locals.

Unusual Eats: Black pudding, a type of blood sausage, is a local delicacy that might be off-putting to some visitors due to its main ingredient of blood mixed with local spices and fillings.

Popular Sports: cricket, football (soccer), basketball, netball

Popular Teams: Saint Lucia Kings (cricket), Saint Lucia Zouks (cricket)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered impolite to visit someone's home without giving advance notice. Additionally, dressing inappropriately, such as wearing beachwear in town or at religious sites, is frowned upon. Visitors should also be aware that loud and boisterous behavior in public is not appreciated.

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Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Saint Lucia on our Saint Lucia forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

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Healthcare in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private healthcare facilities. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and legal residents, including expats who have established residency. It is funded by the government and provides a range of services from primary to tertiary care, though facilities may be limited compared to more developed countries. Private healthcare is also available and offers higher quality services with shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have legal residency status, which typically involves contributing to the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). However, many expats and digital nomads choose to have private health insurance to cover the costs of private care or medical treatment abroad. The quality of healthcare can vary, with the main hospital being Victoria Hospital in Castries, and there are health centers distributed throughout the island. The cost of public healthcare is generally low, but private healthcare can be expensive, especially for specialized treatments or complex procedures.

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Saint Lucia

Visa & Residency

Living in Saint Lucia

Healthcare in Saint Lucia