Quick facts about Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a small island country located in the southeastern Caribbean. It's a British Overseas Territory and is known as one of the most beautiful islands to visit in the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia has quickly grown into one of the most sought-after destinations for many travelers in the last couple of years. It is full of breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and an easy-going lifestyle. Definitely, a place to keep in mind for your next trip!
Capital
Castries
Form of Government
Constitutional monarchy
Population
183,629 (2020)
Climate
Hot and tropical climate
Language
English
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) - Need Help Converting?
Living in Saint Lucia as a digital nomad
Living in Saint Lucia as a digital nomad is a delightful experience. The lifestyle on this country island is perfect for those looking for a tropical climate and a relaxing atmosphere.
The local cuisine is exquisite, being a fusion of French, native and African cultures. It is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers who get to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people.
The island has plenty of comfortable accommodations, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and the island has many direct flights from the US, the UK, and Canada!
Attractions and best places to visit
There are many attractions in Saint Lucia. You’ll find small fishing villages, rainforests, crescent-shaped beaches, coral reefs, waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes…and many more things. It truly is a Caribbean paradise!
If you want a taste of adventure, head towards the Pitons. The Pitons are Saint Lucia’s twin towering peaks, and one of the signature sights of the island. The Gros Piton (the largest one) is on the south, and it’s 798 meters high. The Petit Piton (the small one) is 750 meters high. Both of them are considered challenging climbs, so be prepared for a good hike. If you’re a diver, you can explore them as underwater cliffs.
You can also visit Soufrière, a village guarded by the towering Pitons. This village is about an hour away from Castries, the capital city of Saint Lucia. Soufrière is the perfect location to settle yourself for a few days while visiting the nearby attractions.
Saint Lucia has many beaches and bays that are worth visiting. The best one is Rodney Bay, which is sought after by many tourists. And for a good reason! This bay is a man-made crescent-shaped beach. Around the area, you’ll find many resorts, restaurants, and shops. The best part, Rodney Bay Village is also a hot spot for nightlife!
If you’re looking to go diving and explore the coral reefs, head towards the Anse Chastanet Marine National Park. In this plateau of two to eight meters, you can explore a paradise of sea life. Divers will see colored sponges, corals, frogfish, and a variety of fish. Plus, above the surface, Anse Chastanet is a protected beach with a stunning view of the Pitons.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
Definitely, the best spot for digital nomads and remote workers is the capital city Castries. It has all the essentials you need, from comfortable accommodations to a good internet connection. The city is a good central point for visiting everything else the island has to offer. You can base yourself from Castries and easily take day trips to other places.
Cost of Living
Saint Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) as its currency. 1XCD = 0.37USD.
Saint Lucia is one of the cheaper islands in the Caribbean. The costs are slightly lower than in the United States, but the difference isn’t too much.
You can rent a furnished studio apartment for $648/month. In the city center, studio apartments may cost $1,018/month.
A basic lunchtime menu costs around $18, with a drink included. There are many restaurants around, but be careful of all the tourist traps. Try shopping at local markets and eating where the locals do to avoid higher prices.
There is no metro or railways in Saint Lucia. The main form of public transport on the island is minibusses. They run regular routes between popular places such as Castries and Soufrière.
Digital Nomad Essentials
Saint Lucia has a decent internet connection. You can purchase a monthly package with an internet speed of 75Mbps, for just $60. Buying a SIM card is also easy. You can get a 4G package with 10GB of mobile data for $35/month.
Sadly, there aren’t any co-working spaces in Saint Lucia. However, many local businesses offer free Wi-Fi, but many digital nomads prefer to just work from their homes.
Thankfully, plenty of coffee shops offer good food and even better coffee. We recommend you visit these:
Visa Overview
Many islands in the Caribbean have created a digital nomad visa to attract remote workers into their territory. Saint Lucia is joining them by creating a similar program.
At the beginning of 2021, Saint Lucia introduced the Live It program. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows tourists an extended stay of 6 weeks and the ability to work remotely. The program was highly successful, and now the program has been extended to enable visitors to stay on the island with a 12-month multiple entry visa.
The Live It program is more than just a visa; it’s also a tailored program that helps visitors enjoy Saint Lucia to the fullest. Live It Island Specialists that will curate an immersive experience so you can safely explore the wonders of Saint Lucia while living like a local. Learn more about this tailored program here!
It’s important to stay up to date with the COVID-19 restrictions. The entry requirements may change, so check this website for all the updates!
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Saint Lucia
This non-immigrant visa is aimed toward foreign nationals and digital nomads intending to visit Saint Lucia for business, pleasure, or study. All you require is a valid passport from your country to obtain the Saint Lucia visa.
At the moment, there are no minimum income requirements. However, the application form does ask what amount of money you will bring to Saint Lucia. It is unknown if the amount you put down in the application form will impact the decision if you’re accepted or not.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Saint Lucia
The application process is easy.
First of all, you must complete the application form and submit it to the Immigration Department. You must complete this at least two weeks before your travel date.
Once the application is approved, you must pay the fee at the airport upon your arrival. You need to print out your approval letter and keep it with you for customs clearance.
With this visa, you can stay for 12 months and work remotely from Saint Lucia. Plus, it is a multiple-entry visa.
Documents required to apply for the digital nomad visa for Saint Lucia
Two certified passport size photographs
A valid passport for up to six months
A return ticket to port of origin
Copy of travel itinerary
Proof of hotel/private accommodation
Letter of invitation (if invited by a friend or relative)
How much does it cost?
The cost of the visa depends on what type you want to get.
For a single-entry visa, you must pay $46.25 (125XCD). For a multiple-entry visa, you must pay $70.30 (190XCD)
Timeline for Applying
Fill out the application form two weeks before your travel dates. The application process will take around five days.
Curious about other digital nomad visas that you may be eligible for? Enter your details in our Visa Wizard to get a list of all the options available to you.
