Saint Lucia digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

Launched March 2021, the programme issues a multiple-entry non-immigrant visa valid for up to 12 months, renewable on continuing eligibility. Applications are submitted to the Immigration Department via [email protected] or through the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority portal at stlucia.org/en/liveit/.

Open to all nationalities. Qualifying applicants include employees of foreign companies working remotely, self-employed freelancers with clients outside Saint Lucia, and students enrolled in remote/distance-learning programmes. Local employment is strictly prohibited under the visa conditions.

There is no fixed minimum income threshold; applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds via 3–6 months of bank statements, employment contracts or freelance agreements, and tax returns. Visa fee is XCD 125 (~USD 47) single-entry or XCD 190 (~USD 70) multiple-entry; processing takes 5–7 business days.

Saint Lucia applies a territorial tax system; income earned from sources outside the country is generally not subject to Saint Lucia income tax for non-resident visa holders, making the programme financially attractive for remote earners.

The official CIP (cipsaintlucia.com) offers citizenship without any prior residency requirement via four routes: National Economic Fund donation (USD 240,000 for applicant + up to 3 dependents), government bonds (USD 300,000 + USD 50,000 admin fee, held 5 years), approved real estate (USD 300,000 minimum, held 5 years), or enterprise project (USD 250,000 minimum). A 30-day minimum residency requirement has been agreed in principle among CARICOM CBI nations but enabling legislation had not been enacted as of early 2026.

Saint Lucia does not offer a standalone long-stay permanent residency (PR) permit separate from the CIP. Long-term stay beyond the Live It visa year must be managed through visa renewal, CIP citizenship, or qualifying work-permit pathways under the Immigration Act.