St Lucia Immigration: An Overview for Travelers and Expats

For travelers who wish to learn about St Lucia immigration processes, this guide offers essential details on the requirements to visit St Lucia or move there permanently.

St Lucia Visitor Requirements

The Immigration Department of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force issues non-immigrant visas to foreign nationals to enter the country. Citizens of specific countries, including CARICOM nations, the European Union, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and its territories, and other countries in the British Commonwealth do not require non-immigrant visas to enter St Lucia for up to 42 days (six weeks).

The following table lists key visa information for Americans and other foreign nationals who don’t need a visa:

New Electronic Entry Form

The St Lucia government introduced a new electronic immigration form requiring all air passengers to register their impending arrival on the St Lucia Online Immigration & Customs Platform.

A benefit of the electronic form is there are no time restraints for submission; travelers arriving in St Lucia can submit the St Lucia online form prior to departure, on board flights that offer internet services, or after arriving in Saint Lucia using the airport’s internet services.

After the electronic form is completed, visitors receive a receipt with a QR code by email, which they must present to St Lucia Immigration and Customs at the airport along with their travel documents.

Requirements for citizens of countries that require visas

Foreign nationals who are not eligible for the St Lucia Electronic Entry Form must apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa through their nearest St Lucia Embassy or Consulate. The requirements vary depending on the applicant, but typically include completing a St Lucia immigration form, providing details on the purpose of travel, financial documentation, and paying visa fees.

St Lucia Immigration Requirements for Residency

There are three options to emigrate to St Lucia:

• Right to reside
• Permanent residence
• Citizenship

Right to reside

The right to reside in St Lucia is granted for the following purposes:

• Work: Eligible if filling a labor shortage
• Study: Requires enrolment in an educational institution
• Family reunification: Applies to qualifying family members of legal residents

Permanent residence

Permanent residence is granted after five years of continuous residence in St Lucia. St Lucia permanent residents receive a permanent residence stamp, eliminating the requirement to renew a residence permit of fill out a St Lucia electronic immigration form online prior to travel or at the airport after arrival.

Citizenship by investment

Expats can obtain a St Lucia passport and the right to permanently reside their through the St Lucia citizenship by investment program (CBI). The program requires investing in the country through one of the following options:

• $240,000 contribution to the National Economic Fund (NEF)
• $300,000 approved St Lucia real estate purchase
• $250,000 approved enterprise investment
• $300,000 government bonds acquisition

Family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents, also qualify for St Lucia’s CBI program. Citizenship grants a Caribbean passport and the right to permanently migrate to St Lucia without restrictions.

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Immigration Process

St Lucia permanent residence

Permanent residence is granted after five years of continuous residence in St Lucia. St Lucia permanent residents receive a permanent residence stamp, waiving the requirement to fill out a St Lucia electronic immigration form online prior to travel or at the airport.

St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Process

Applying for the St Lucia citizenship by investment program is relatively straightforward.

1. Choose an Authorized Agent to process your application: Your Licensed Authorized Agent will provide a personal service, walking you through all the necessary paperwork and visa requirements for a successful citizenship application.
2. Complete all the application forms as provided by your Authorized Agent: Ensure all the documents are legalized according to the St Lucia Citizenship by Investment Unit’s (CIU) standards. The Government of St Lucia Immigration Department assesses the application and conducts background checks on each applicant.
3. The CIU approves your application: A letter of approval will be issued, with detailed instructions on making the required investment.
4. Choose your preferred investment within 60 days of receiving notice from the CIU: Submit proof of purchase of your qualifying investment, as well as the government application fees.
5. Become a citizen: Upon receiving proof of payment, the CIU issues the certificate of citizenship registration. Applicants must then submit the passport documents and passport application. You are then granted citizenship of St Lucia and can get a St Lucian passport.

St Lucia Immigration for OECS Citizens

Thanks to the Free Movement of Persons Regime in the Eastern Caribbean established by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), OECS citizens enjoy freedom of movement between member states, including St Lucia. Additionally, OECS citizens can visit Saint Lucia without a valid passport using their national photo ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrating to St Lucia

Can I Immigrate to St Lucia?

Yes, immigration to St Lucia is possible. St Lucia acknowledges three types of residency: Citizenship, permanent residence, and the right to reside.

How do you become a citizen of St Lucia?

There are several paths to Saint Lucia citizenship. A person born in St Lucia will obtain citizenship by birth. A person with at least one St Lucian parent obtains citizenship by descent. Spouses of St Lucia citizens are eligible for citizenship by marriage. Alternatively, a person can invest in St Lucia and obtain St Lucia citizenship by investing at least $240,000 in the country’s economy.

How can I move to St Lucia?

To move to St Lucia as a non-national, you can either apply for St Lucia’s citizenship by investment program by making a qualifying investment starting from $240,000 or obtain a St Lucian work permit.

How long can a foreigner stay in St Lucia?

Foreigners from countries that qualify for the Electronic Entry Form can stay in St Lucia for 42 days visa free. Citizens of CARICOM countries can stay in St Lucia for up to six months. Citizens of other OECS members can stay in St Lucia indefinitely, provided they register their stay with the St Lucia immigration office.

Do you need an immigration form for St Lucia?

All travelers arriving by air must complete a St Lucia electronic immigration form and present the receipt with the QR code to Saint Lucia customs upon arrival. The online form should ideally be completed three days prior to arrival; however, travelers can also complete the on board flights that offer internet services or at an airport in St Lucia.

What is the pre-arrival registration form for St Lucia?

The St Lucia pre-arrival registration form is an electronic form that must be submitted by travelers from visa free countries when visiting the country. Travelers must complete the online immigration form online prior to entering Saint Lucia. Travelers must enter details of their trip, their age, and contact number, as well as answer personal questions, such as their health status.