Saint Lucia is undoubtedly one of the best islands for retirement in the Caribbean due to its breath-taking beauty and incredible quality of life. Home to the impressive Piton mountains, the island has also plenty of first-class white sandy beaches, refreshing waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and scenic views to enjoy.
From golfing, boating, shopping, eating and drinking out, to relaxing, going to the beach, hiking, and attending festivals, whatever you like doing, retirement in Saint Lucia sounds ideal.
If you are looking for animation, and bustling activities, retire in Castries or Rodney Bay. If you are seeking relaxation and immersion in nature, retire in Soufriere or Marigot Bay, whatever better fits into your retirement plans.
Saint Lucia has everything Americans need to enjoy a quality retirement. There are several ways to relocate to Saint Lucia in the later years of your life.
A few residency options are available to Americans planning to move to Saint Lucia:
Single Entry Visa | Allows foreigners to stay up to three months in Saint Lucia |
Multiple Entry Visa | Allows foreigners to live up to a year in Saint Lucia |
Permanent residency | After two years of renewing your Multiple Entry Visa or Single-Entry Visa, it is possible to apply for Saint Lucia permanent residency |
Citizenship | After seven years of permanent residency on the island, you can apply for Saint Lucia citizenship |
Also Read: Saint Lucia fast becoming ideal Citizenship by Investment location
Launched in 2016, the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme allows investors and their families to obtain Saint Lucia citizenship providing that an investment is made into one of the below options:
A contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF) | Single applicant: US$100,000 |
Pre-Approved Real Estate Option | Minimum investment: US$300,000 |
Government Bonds Option | Single applicant US$250,000 (to be held for five years) |
Enterprise Option | Minimum independent investment: US$3,500,000 and creating three permanent jobs, or minimum joint investment: US$1,000,000 per investor (resulting in a joint investment worth US$6,000,000 and creating six permanent jobs) |
Saint Lucia’s cost of living is affordable and globally cheaper than in the USA.
Here are some calculations:
Note: Rent, utility, and food averages will decrease as you migrate away from the city centre. However, those prices could rise even higher than in the city centre of Castries in certain tourist-heavy resort destinations.
Saint Lucia is a small Caribbean Island of 184,961 inhabitants covering an area of 238 square miles, or 616 kilometres. The main language is English, and the currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. With international flights to the US, Canada, and Europe, Saint Lucia is very well-connected to the rest of the world.
In Saint Lucia, you will find incredible beaches, pristine waters, refreshing waterfalls, and lush rainforests which allow for exciting sports activities. For those who prefer a cosmopolitan life, you will find plenty of restaurants, shopping places, and cultural events – such as jazz festivals and carnival – to go to.
Government | Sovereign island country with a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy |
Size | 238 sq mi (617 km2). The island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide |
Population | According to the 2022 estimate, 184,961 inhabitants |
Language | Official language is English. Creole and French are also spoken |
Geography | Saint Lucia is a volcanic island and one of the most mountainous in the Caribbean. The Piton Mountains, rising on the west coast, are readily recognizable and have become the island’s most famous landmark. There are also beautiful beaches along the coast |
Climate | Tropical climate moderated by cooling trade winds |
Economy | The offshore banking and tourism sectors are the island’s main source of revenue |
Currency | East Caribbean dollar |
Air travel | More than a dozen airlines from many international and local destinations service Saint Lucia’s two airports Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport. There are direct flights from the USA, Canada, and Europe |
Ports | The main seaport of Saint Lucia is Castries. Cruise ships anchor at Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage |
Roads | Many of the major roads have been repaved but local roads may be in poor condition |
Public transport | Minibuses are the primary means for getting around the island, but there are no fixed schedules. Taxis are also available |
Medical facilities | The island has five hospitals offering fairly good quality health care. However, some medical problems require air evacuation to a larger hospital in another country. For this reason, health insurance that covers air evacuation is recommended for people who decide to retire in Saint Lucia |