Seeking to relocate from the US to live under the sun in one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands? St Lucia could just be your place. With its stunning natural beauty — think of first-class white sandy beaches, national parks, lush rainforests, and mesmerizing Piton mountains — St Lucia is an incredible island where you can enjoy a fantastic quality of life.
This article presents you with detailed information about living in St Lucia as an American.
About St Lucia
St Lucia is a small Caribbean island with an estimated 180,000 inhabitants as of 2024, covering an area of 616 kilometers. Famous for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, Saint Lucia is home to the mesmerizing Piton mountains. The primary language is English; the official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
With Hewanorra International Airport offering international flights to the US, Canada, and Europe, St Lucia is well-connected to the rest of the world.
For things to do in St Lucia, you will find incredible beaches, pristine waters, refreshing waterfalls, and lush rainforests, allowing exciting sports activities. For those who prefer a cosmopolitan life, the island nation has high-end and mid-range restaurants, shopping places, and cultural events to attend, such as the St Lucia Jazz Festival and carnival.
Since 2015, St Lucia has operated its own Citizenship by Investment Program, allowing individuals who contribute significantly to the country’s economy to obtain St Lucia citizenship. The program has been very successful and allowed for the relocation of many American families to St Lucia.
Why are Americans relocating to St Lucia?
Americans are moving to St Lucia for a combination of lifestyle and economic reasons. The island offers a favorable climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life that appeals to those seeking a change from the hustle and bustle of urban environments in the United States.
Additionally, St. Lucia provides attractive incentives for foreign investment, such as the Citizenship by Investment Program, which grants citizenship to individuals who make significant economic contributions to the country. This program not only allows for easier international travel but also offers tax benefits. The relatively low cost of living, quality healthcare, and safety further enhance its appeal.
Moreover, the island’s English-speaking population and established expatriate communities make the transition smoother for Americans looking for a new home abroad.
Below is a list of the top benefits of living in St Lucia.
Benefits of living in St Lucia as a US expat
Beautiful Caribbean island with a tropical climate, offering a relaxed pace of life
Proximity to the USA with frequent international flights
Tax exemptions, including no worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance tax
Low cost of living compared to the United States
Invest and get the St Lucia passport in three to six months
Top quality of life among friendly locals and a growing expat community
Living Costs for Americans in St Lucia
St Lucia’s cost of living is cheaper than in the US. Rents and utilities are more affordable than in the United States. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Castries for $510 per month compared to $1,755 in the US and a three-bedroom apartment for $890 per month compared to an average US price of $2,950.
Basic utilities – electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection – for an 85m2 apartment amount to $115 per month.
Rice, loaves of fresh white bread, and local fresh fruits and vegetables are also cheap. Like most people living in Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia residents pay more for imported products such as milk, meat, and gasoline than in the US.
Although the cost of living in St Lucia is relatively low, making it attractive for expats looking to stretch their budgets, the cons include a lack of infrastructure and public transportation, making it difficult to get around.
Retire in St Lucia as an American
St Lucia has all it takes for Americans to spend a quality retirement. There are plenty of activities to do in St Lucia. If you enjoy sports, go for unforgettable hikes in St Lucia’s rainforest trails like the Enbas Saut Falls trail, play in well-maintained golf clubs like Sandals Golf and Country Club, or go sailing in the Caribbean Sea.
Shops, malls, and restaurants are available for those who prefer city life or a break from the laid-back lifestyle. If you seek relaxation, the 14-time winner of the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards offers numerous gorgeous Caribbean beaches.
In St Lucia, three public hospitals and one private hospital offer quality healthcare. However, evacuation might be needed in very serious cases, which is why it is highly recommended to get a comprehensive health insurance policy before obtaining permanent residency or St Lucia citizenship.
Private healthcare schemes are available for Americans relocating to St Lucia from companies like MSH International, Pacific Prime, and Sagicor Life.
Relocate to St Lucia from the US
Obtain St Lucia residency
Several residency options are available to Americans to live in St Lucia:
- Single Entry Visa: The Single-Entry Visa allows foreigners to stay up to three months in St Lucia.
- Multiple Entry Visa: The Multiple Entry Visa enables American expats to live up to a year in St Lucia. However, expats seeking work in St Lucia will need to apply for a work permit.
- Permanent residency: After two years of renewing your Multiple Entry Visa or Single-Entry Visa, it is possible to apply for St Lucia permanent residency.
- Citizenship: After seven years of permanent residency on the island, you can apply for St Lucia citizenship.
- Citizenship by investment: The St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program allows qualifying investors to get the St Lucia passport for a minimum investment of $240,000. Multiple St Lucia investment routes are available to foreign nationals.
Get a St Lucia passport
Launched in 2015, the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program allows investors and their families to get St Lucia citizenship by investing at least $240,000. Investment options include donating to the National Economic Fund, buying pre-approved real estate, enterprise investment, or acquiring government bonds.
Being one of the cheapest ways to get a second passport, the St Lucia passport allows visa free access to over 140 countries, including European Union countries, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Take a look at our St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
American Expats Living in St Lucia
Due to the high St Lucia living standard, being one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean, St Lucia has seen an increase in expats and retirees moving to the island, especially those coming from the US and Canada.
Expats in St Lucia comprise a diverse population, including expat families, retirees, and digital nomads, and are known for being very friendly like Saint Lucians. You will find plenty of like-minded individuals to connect with in some of St Lucia’s best cities to live, as well as at cultural events like street carnivals and the St Lucia Arts Festival.
You can also take a look at companies specialized in bringing expat communities in the Eastern Caribbean States and around the world together, such as InterNations and MeetUp.
Taxes for Expats Living in St Lucia
Besides being a popular tourist destination, Saint Lucia is a popular destination for residency due to its tax benefits. You become a Saint Lucian tax resident if you live in the country for 183 days of the year.
As a St Lucia tax resident, you are not subject to income tax on foreign earnings, capital gains, inheritance, or wealth tax. Saint Lucia property owners must pay an annual St Lucia property tax of 0.25 percent of the property’s value.
Americans living in St Lucia should remember that US citizenship-based taxation requires all Americans to file annual US tax returns with the IRS even if they permanently live in St Lucia.
St Lucia Real Estate
St Lucia’s real estate market is flourishing and offers quality housing for American expats living in St Lucia. Depending on your needs and budgets, you can find different types of properties to buy or rent in St Lucia. Starting from $200,000, you can buy a beautiful local home. Centrally located modern condos and bungalows in the best cities in St Lucia are available for $200,000 to $300,000, while beachfront villas cost about $1 million.
Some of the best places to buy property in St Lucia are located in the northwest part of the island, including Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Castries.
Find the best St Lucia Properties for living in the Caribbean
St Lucian Culture
St Lucia’s vibrant culture and diversity are apparent to anyone living in St Lucia, with African, Indigenous, and European influences reflecting the island nation’s complex history and heritage. While the official language is English, most Saint Lucians speak French Creole, adding to the island’s Caribbean charm.
Cultural events like the annual St Lucia Carnival and Jazz Festival showcase the island’s passion for music, dance, and community spirit. Religion also plays a significant role in shaping the country’s culture, with Christianity being the dominant faith, alongside smaller communities’ religions such as Hinduism and Rastafarianism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in St Lucia
Can I travel to St Lucia from the US?
It is very easy to travel to St Lucia from the US. There are various flights to St Lucia from Atlanta, New York, Miami, and Chicago. American Airlines will add a new flight option from New York’s JFK airport to St Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport in December 2024. Americans can enter St Lucia without a visa.
How can I get a St Lucia passport as a US citizen?
As a US citizen, you can get a St Lucia passport through the St Lucia citizenship program if you have legally resided in St Lucia for at least seven years.
Can I buy St Lucia property as an American?
Yes, you can buy St Lucia property as an American. To buy St Lucia real estate, you must apply for an Alien Landholding License (ALHL). You can also buy a pre-approved property through the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program without the license.
Can I retire in St Lucia as an American expat?
Yes, you can retire in St Lucia as an American expat. You can choose various visa options to retire in St Lucia as an American, including obtaining a multi-entry visa, permanent residency, citizenship by naturalization, or citizenship by investment.
What is St Lucia’s currency?
St Lucia’s official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar.
Can US citizens live in St Lucia?
US citizens can live in St Lucia, provided they acquire the necessary residency permits. The St Lucia government welcomes Americans and other foreign nationals to obtain citizenship and reside in the country through its citizenship program, granting St Lucia citizenship to foreign nationals who invest in its economy.
Where do most Expats live in St Lucia?
Most expats living in St Lucia reside in the capital city of Castries and other popular towns on the island, including Rodney Bay, Soufriere, and Marigot Bay.
How safe is it to live in Saint Lucia, and what are the common security considerations?
Saint Lucia is one of the safest Caribbean countries to live in, with a reputation for stable governance and a low crime rate. However, like any country, St Lucia residents and Americans considering moving to St Lucia should be mindful of property crimes, such as burglary, particularly in tourist hotspots and densely populated areas.
