Saint Lucia

Live It Extended Stay Program

The Live It Extended Stay Program, officially branded as "Don't Just Visit, Live It," is Saint Lucia's initiative enabling foreign nationals to live on the island for up to one year while working remotely. Launched in April 2021 by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the program allows remote workers, freelancers, students, and self-employed individuals with income sourced from outside Saint Lucia to obtain a one-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa. Notably, Saint Lucia does not impose a minimum income threshold, making it one of the most accessible digital nomad programs in the Caribbean. The visa fee of USD 75 for a full year is also among the lowest in the region.

• Foreign national working remotely for employers or clients outside Saint Lucia
• Sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependants during your stay (no minimum income amount specified)
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Proof of health insurance covering the full duration of stay
• Proof of accommodation in Saint Lucia (hotel reservation or rental agreement)
• Proof of employment or enrollment from outside Saint Lucia (employment letter, contract, or enrollment confirmation)
• Must not engage in local employment in Saint Lucia
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed Saint Lucia Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Two certified passport-size photographs
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or rental agreement with dates and address)
• Return ticket or travel itinerary
• Proof of employment or enrollment from outside Saint Lucia
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, or pension fund statements)
• Proof of health insurance

The visa is issued for up to one year with multiple-entry capability, allowing holders to leave and re-enter Saint Lucia freely throughout the validity period. There is no minimum stay requirement or maximum absence rule. Upon expiry, a new application must be submitted. Visa-exempt nationals (including from the US, Canada, UK, and CARICOM states) who enter without the Live It visa are initially admitted for 6 weeks and may extend their stay through 30-day extensions at XCD 200 each.

Spouse and children may accompany the main applicant by each submitting separate non-immigrant visa applications to the Immigration Department. Each dependant must provide their own supporting documents and is subject to the same USD 75 visa fee. The main applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support all accompanying family members.

Non-residents (present fewer than 183 days in a tax year) are taxed only on Saint Lucia-sourced income. Those present for 183 days or more who are not "ordinarily resident" are taxed on local income plus any foreign income remitted to Saint Lucia. Foreign-sourced income that is not remitted to the country is not taxed.

Applications are submitted via email to the Immigration Department at visaoffice@police.govt.lc or visaofficeslu@gmail.com at least two weeks before the intended travel date. The process works as follows:

1. Complete the Saint Lucia Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form
2. Gather all required supporting documents
3. Email the completed application and documents to the Immigration Department
4. The Immigration Department processes the application within 5 working days
5. Upon approval, receive a temporary approval letter by email
6. Pay the visa fee of USD 75 at the airport upon arrival in Saint Lucia
7. Present the approval letter to a customs officer at the border

Alternatively, applicants may apply through SLTA-approved Island Specialists (Barefoot Holidays, Serenity Vacations & Tours, or St. James Travel & Tours), who arrange accommodation and facilitate the visa process. All travellers must also complete an electronic entry form via the online Immigration & Customs Portal (travelslu.govt.lc) up to 3 days before arrival.

Visa holders may only work remotely for employers, clients, or businesses located outside Saint Lucia. Working for any employer or business based in Saint Lucia is strictly prohibited and would require a separate work permit. The visa does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Links

• https://www.govt.lc/services/apply-for-saint-lucia-non-immigrant-visa
• https://www.stlucia.org/en/press/dont-just-visit-live-it-saint-lucia-launches-immersive-extended-stay-program/
• https://stluciaconsulate.ca/news/dont-just-visit-live-it-2-options-for-visitors-to-embrace-life-in-saint-lucia-for-up-to-1-year/

Other Digital Nomad Visas in North America