Launched in March 2021, the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa joins Curaçao, Dominica, and Anguilla as one of the Caribbean islands offering remote working visas. Known as the “Live It” program, the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work on the Caribbean island for up to one year. The program offers nomads a tailor-made experience from approved Live it Island Specialists to make the 12-month period a truly unique stay.

The quintessential island paradise has long been popular with tourists visiting the Caribbean, boasting tall mountain peaks, lush rainforest, and idyllic turquoise waters.

However, the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa isn’t open to all and there are requirements that must be satisfied by applying remote workers. From the minimum income criteria to the application process itself—find out everything you need to know about the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa in our guide to remote working in the country. 

What is the Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa?

The Saint Lucia digital nomad visa, known as Saint Lucia “Live It” program, offers digital nomads the chance to live and work on the island for up to one year. The island nation joins a number of other Caribbean countries offering a long-term visas for remote workers in wake of the global pandemic. Following the drastic drop in tourism, these countries turned to long-term guests to revitalize the local economy with digital nomads as the solution. The digital nomad visa allows remote workers, and their families, to live and work in the country for a maximum period of one year. 

Why is the Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa Better Than a Tourist Visa?

One of the main benefits of the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa is the length of time it allows you to stay. A traditional tourist visa is not required for a stay in Saint Lucia, although remote workers will only be able to spend six weeks in the Eastern Caribbean island nation. With the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa, remote workers are able to spend up to one full year exploring the island. 

The Saint Lucia digital nomad visa offers an immersive, tailored program from approved Live it Island Specialists (Barefoot Holidays, Serenity Vacations & Tours, and St James Travel & Tours). From hiking the Pitons and exploring the rainforest to learning creole cooking and finding the hidden gems that tourists just won’t see. The island specialists transform the traditional nomad experience, amplifying it to showcase the best of island life. 

Flights, accommodation, island transport, and activities can all be taken care of by the island specialists. It’s the stress-free way to work from paradise and reconnect with nature.

Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 

The Saint Lucia digital nomad visa does come with a short list of requirements that all applicants must satisfy for a successful campaign:

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for a minimum of six months upon application. 
• Sufficient Funds: All applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds when applying for the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa. There is not currently an exact figure of the minimum value. 
• Remote Worker: Applicant’s must provide proof of remote work in the form of a job letter or similar. Students applying for the nomad visa must provide a letter of enrollment from their school, college, or university.

How to Apply 

The application process for the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa is one of the easiest to complete. Our step-by-step guide to applying for the remote working visa is designed to walk applicants through the process. 

Step 1: Collect All Necessary Documents

The first step when applying for any digital nomad visa is to collect all of the necessary documents ready for the application process. The Saint Lucia digital nomad is very clear in the list of required documents with the following documentation required from all applicants: 

• Valid passport (six-month validity) 
• Two passport-size photographs
• A return ticket
• Copy of the travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• Letter of invitation (if invited by friend/relative—must also provide telephone number and address)
• Letter of enrollment from school, college, or university (for students applying for the visa)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of employment

All documents must be either provided in or translated into English. 

Step 2: Complete the Digital Nomad Visa Application

The form can be found online and must be completed and submitted to the Immigration Department for review at least two weeks before the planned arrival to Saint Lucia. 

Step 3: Await Application Approval

The current waiting time for the verdict of the Saint Lucia digital nomad visa sits at five days, although it is recommended that the visa is applied for at least two weeks prior to travel. 

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Similar to other digital nomad visas offered in the Caribbean, remote workers are required to pay an initial application fee to secure the visa. The application fee is priced at either $125 XCD ($46.25 USD) for a single-entry visa or $190 XCD ($70.30 USD) for a multiple-entry visa. 

Why Choose Saint Lucia for Your Next Remote Working Trip?

If it’s the island lifestyle synonymous with the Caribbean that makes you smile when planning a remote working trip, it’s hard to beat Saint Lucia for a long-term stay. Known as one of the most affordable countries in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia has everything you could ever wish for in an island paradise—from the tallest of mountains to the lush rainforest, turquoise water, and stunning beaches. The island’s unique culture, comprised of Caribbean, African, English, and French influences, offers an experience that you’ll never forget. The friendly people and the fantastic weather make Saint Lucia a bucket list destination for any remote worker.

Remote Work Culture in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia lacks some variety when it comes to coworking spaces and cafes, but you will find great spots Cafe Ole, on the North of the island, to Cafe en Ville in the South. There is limited choice, but quality options on the island. Internet speeds in Saint Lucia are of good quality with an average download speed of over 60 Mbps and average upload speeds of approximately 14 Mbps. Ultimately, Saint Lucia makes a fantastic destination for remote workers and, with the recently introduced digital nomad visa, we’re expecting to see many more nomads flock to the island. 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life in Saint Lucia 

Saint Lucia is known as one of the less expensive Caribbean islands, although the general cost of living is comparable with the United States. The country uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). The rental prices in Saint Lucia are reportedly 73% lower than equivalent properties in the United States. This is complemented by the restaurant prices which are reportedly 33% lower than in the U.S.

Healthcare in Saint Lucia

Despite the small size of the island nation, the healthcare systems are rated as good with the majority of locals receiving public healthcare. Although not a requirement to qualify for the digital nomad visa, we would recommend that all remote workers invest in health insurance with coverage in Saint Lucia. Specialist digital nomad insurance is often the best policy for remote working globetrotters, although traditional health insurance can offer adequate coverage. 

Conclusion 

Known as one of the less expensive Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia is expected to be a popular destination for full-time digital nomads, in no small part thanks to the digital nomad visa. There’s no strict minimum income requirement, although applicants will be required to prove that they have sufficient income to live and work in the island nation. The application process is quick, simple, and easy to complete with a processing time of just five days.The low application fee for a single-entry visa for a multiple-entry visa rivals the high fees of neighboring Barbados. At $3,000 per person, the low processing fees alone make for a highly attractive alternative.