St Lucia is one of the best islands to retire to in the Caribbean. Famous for its particular landscapes, top quality of life, and a plethora of activities to do, the island has seen an exponential increase in its expat community. This guide presents you with the retirement process and the many advantages of retiring in St Lucia.
About St Lucia
St Lucia is a beautiful Caribbean island with 180,000 inhabitants, according to the World Bank, covering an area of 616 kilometers. Internationally recognized for its scenic landscapes and excellent quality of life, St Lucia has seen an increase in expat families and high net-worth foreigners relocating to the island. With the main language being English and the international airport of Hewanorra International Airport connecting St Lucia to the US, Europe, and Canada, St Lucia is a convenient place to live.
Most of St Lucia’s population lives in the northwest part of the island, while the southern part remains relatively underdeveloped. This setting allows nature enthusiasts to live in quiet places with gorgeous beaches, such as Soufriere and Marigot Bay, while those seeking more lively places will find plenty to do in Castries and Rodney Bay.
Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches, pristine waters, refreshing waterfalls, and lush rainforests. At the same time, those favoring city life will find plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural events to attend – such as the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, or the La Margeurite Flower Festival.
Why should you retire in St Lucia?
Beautiful Caribbean island to live a relaxed lifestyle
Tax exemptions, including no worldwide income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes
Direct flights to the US, Europe, and Canada
Affordable private health insurance for senior citizens
One of the lowest costs of living in the Caribbean
Invest in the country and get a St Lucia passport in 10 to 12 months
Best Place to Retire for an Outstanding Life
St Lucia is undoubtedly one of the best islands for retirement in the Caribbean due to its breathtaking beauty and incredible quality of life. Home to the impressive Piton mountains, the island stands out among other Caribbean islands and has plenty of first-class white sandy beaches, refreshing waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and scenic views to enjoy.
From golfing, boating, shopping, drinking, and eating out to relaxing, going to beautiful beaches, hiking the Piton mountains, and attending festivals, whatever you like doing, you will find it in St Lucia. Retire in one of the best cities to live in St Lucia and enjoy an outstanding life in the Caribbean.
Retire in Castries or Rodney Bay if you are looking for animation and bustling activities. If you are seeking relaxation and immersion in nature, retire in Soufriere or Marigot Bay.
Due to an increase in expats relocating to St Lucia and acquiring citizenship or obtaining an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) to invest in the St Lucia real estate market, it has become increasing popular and provides fantastic housing opportunities.
The Cost of Living in St Lucia
The cost of groceries in St Lucia
The cost of living in St Lucia is low compared to the United States. Locally produced food is relatively cheap, and you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables – such as oranges, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes – in all St Lucia’s local markets. For those enjoying refreshments, wines, domestic and imported beers, beverages are low-cost and cheaper than in the US. However, imported products – such as milk and meat – are more expensive than average.
Item | St Lucia | United States |
Milk (1 liter) | $2.02 | $1.06 |
Fresh white bread (500g) | $1.37 | $3.56 |
Rice (1kg) | $1.81 | $4.56 |
Eggs (12) | $3.63 | $3.70 |
Chicken (1kg) | $10.36 | $12.12 |
Apples (1kg) | $7.30 | $5.30 |
Bananas (1kg) | $1.54 | $1.68 |
Onions (1kg) | $2.45 | $3.04 |
Eating out in St Lucia
St Lucia is famous for its excellent international cuisine. You can find dishes from all over the world on the island. Cosmopolitan cities such as Castries and Rodney Bay have high-quality French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese restaurants. The local cuisine – a combination of French, East Indian, and British dishes – is very tasty and can be eaten anywhere in St Lucia.
On average, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant amounts to $7 to $8, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant amounts to about $55.
Rent in St Lucia
Rent in St Lucia is affordable and certainly cheaper than in the US or the UK. On average, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Castries’s city center for $510 per month and a three-bedroom apartment for $890 per month. Prices outside the city center are cheaper: A one-bedroom apartment will cost around $340, and a three-bedroom apartment will cost $650. Here is a comparison of the average rent prices compared to the United States and the UK.
Property Type | St Lucia | United States | United Kingdom |
One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $510 | $1,770 | $1,310 |
Three-bedroom apartment (city center) | $890 | $2,970 | $2,180 |
One-bedroom apartment (outside the city center) | $340 | $1,450 | $1,090 |
Three-bedroom apartment (outside the city center) | $650 | $650 | $1,680 |
Find the best St Lucia Properties for retirement in the Caribbean
St Lucia Taxes for Retirees
The St Lucia tax regime favors retirees, making it a popular retirement destination. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, or taxes on worldwide income or assets in St Lucia.
Healthcare in St Lucia
Healthcare is crucial to take into account if you plan to retire in St Lucia. Fortunately, St Lucia has a good healthcare system. All St Lucia towns have health and wellness centers, including Victoria Hospital in Castries and St. Jude Hospital in Vieux Fort, providing free medical treatments to all St Lucia citizens and residents.
There are 36 health and wellness centers, three public hospitals, one private hospital, and one psychiatric hospital in St Lucia. However, health care is privately funded. You can find several insurance companies providing affordable health insurance in St Lucia. Seniors can purchase a private policy that covers air evacuation with healthcare providers like Pacific Prime and Sagicor Life for $200 to $300 per month.
St Lucia Immigration Options for Retirees
St Lucia citizenship by investment
Launched in 2015, the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program gives retirees the fantastic opportunity to obtain a St Lucia passport in exchange for investing at least $240,000 in the country’s economy.
The small Caribbean island offers one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get a second passport, allowing visa free travel to more than 140 countries. Investments can be made in the National Economic Fund, pre-approved property, enterprises, or government bonds.
Take a look at our St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Alternative options for residency in Saint Lucia
If you do not wish to make an investment, other St Lucia visa options are available:
- Single Entry Visa: The Single Entry Visa allows foreigners to stay up to 3 months in St Lucia.
- Multiple Entry Visa: The Multiple Entry Visa allows expats to live up to a year in St Lucia.
- 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 by naturalization: After seven years of permanent residence on the island, you can apply for St Lucia citizenship.
Expat Communities in St Lucia
In recent years, there’s been an increase in the number of expats and retirees coming to St Lucia – mostly from the US and Canada. A successful Citizenship by Investment Program and and the safety of St Lucia make it one of the most attractive Caribbean nations to retire to.
The St Lucia expat community is considered one of the most friendly in the world, and there is no doubt that you will meet like-minded individuals in no time. Activities such as golfing and sailing are particularly popular among the St Lucia expat community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Retiring in St Lucia
Is it cheap to retire in St Lucia?
The cost of living in St Lucia is relatively cheap compared to the US and the UK, with a significantly lower average cost of living. The costs of groceries, eating out, and rent are particularly affordable.
Is there a St Lucia retirement visa?
There is no St Lucia retirement visa. However, you can apply for a single entry visa, multiple entry visa, permanent residency, or citizenship. The St Lucia real estate citizenship by investment program is also a fantastic option for individuals seeking to get a St Lucia passport and retire on the island.
What are the best places to live in St Lucia?
Some of the best cities to live in St Lucia are Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, and Soufriere.
How can I get the St Lucia passport?
You can get the St Lucia Caribbean passport by applying to the Citizenship by Investment program. Make an investment of at least $240,000 and get St Lucia citizenship in 10 to 12 months.
Is it safe to retire in St Lucia?
St Lucia is a safe place to retire as there is a low rate of criminality and a stable government and economy.
Is St Lucia good for retirement?
Many expats and retirees consider St Lucia the best Caribbean island to retire for its stunning natural beauty, welcoming expat community, and vibrant cultural scene, including cultural events like one of the world’s most famous jazz festivals. The country’s official currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, is stable.
Living costs are cheap, with affordable property prices and local fresh fruits. Additionally, the country has two international airports, Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport, offering international flights to the US, Canada, and European destinations.
What are the disadvantages of retiring in St Lucia?
While you can find incredible beaches, lush rainforests, a tropical climate, and affordable living costs in St Lucia, if you’re a retiree with specific dietary needs, St Lucia may present some challenges due to the lack of availability of specialized or niche food items and high prices of imported goods. Another disadvantage of retiring in Saint Lucia is that advanced medical care and wellness centers are limited on the island, leading some residents to seek treatment abroad.
Can I St Lucia?
Foreigners are welcome to retire in Saint Lucia through the island’s citizenship by investment program, allowing foreign nationals to gain citizenship and permanently live on the island by investing in its economy. The official retirement age in St Lucia is 65.
