Expat Community > Saint Lucia

luckylinton
Joined 2018
Posts: 2

Spouse Work Permit/Renting/Medical Insurance

6 years ago

Hi everyone,
I've been reading this forum for a few months, as I am looking at a March arrival for work through a work permit.

I have countless questions but I will keep it brief as I can.

I am going to be coming for work in March on a work visa through my employer. I have a spouse and a 2 year old son. We are all Canadian. The tentative plan is for me to go down for a month or so, get a feel for the place (renting) and confirm it is a good fit for all of us (spouses work contract/our lease ends in May up here in Canada and they could come down then)
We know that she will be unable to work without a work visa, but she was curious about the option of a real estate agent and what the process for that avenue was down there. I was wondering if because I will have a work visa, if that changes her situation at all.

I've read online that for my family to stay, they will have to keep extending their visit by paying $$ every couple months. I was curious if they can have an indefinite stay under this condition, or what the best option is for us to all stay and avoid them having to jet back to Canada all the time. I read about island hoping for the day to extend as well.

As far as renting, I'll be looking for something in Rodney Bay for the family, as it will be close to work. I've noticed there isn't much for postings online and assumed that it was more of a word of mouth/local knowledge situation.
Just curious if there are quite a few options or if it is limited and what one can expect ranging from $500 to 3000EC a month.

One more question before I write a novel..
As far as medical insurance down there, I'm curious what everyone uses and what is the best choice for a single child family. We've never lived abroad and as new parents I'd like to have as much info as I can.

I appreciate anyone taking the time to read/answer my post and look forward to hearing back

Cheers
Eric

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