Moving to St Lucia

A sovereign island state in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean, St Lucia is part of the Lesser Antilles, and located northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique.

Expats moving to St Lucia will discover an island paradise characterised by gorgeous Caribbean beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, volcanoes and sulphur hot springs. St Lucia is a vibrant, colourful and charming location and each year more and more expats from the USA, Canada, the UK and France arrive on the island. 

While the main drivers of the St Lucian economy are tourism and offshore banking, most foreigners don't come here to work. Having said that, St Lucia ranks 93rd out of 190 countries in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business 2020 survey. Generally, expats living in St Lucia are retirees or investors, and property is relatively cheap, especially when compared to prices in Europe or North America. The low cost of living also serves to make this a popular expat destination.

English is the official language of St Lucia, but most locals also speak French Creole. Expats who speak either English or French therefore won’t have too much trouble settling in, especially as Saint Lucians are known for their friendly, warm and welcoming nature.

There is plenty to keep expats occupied in St Lucia. Popular activities include sailing, water sports, hiking and mountain biking. There are also lots of annual festivals and street carnivals which give expats an opportunity to experience the colourful St Lucian culture and mingle with the locals.

Medical facilities in St Lucia are adequate and expats are strongly advised to invest in a fully comprehensive health insurance policy that covers them for treatment abroad. In serious situations, expats are transported to neighbouring Barbados for treatment.

Safety and security aren't big concerns for expats living in St Lucia, as the island is relatively safe. Those who take the necessary precautions such as walking in well-lit areas and keeping valuables out of sight should be fine.

St Lucia offers expats a taste of paradise with its great climate and scenic beauty, with the added bonus of affordable property and welcoming local hospitality. St Lucia is sure to provide a great expat experience for those that enjoy the great outdoors and a laid-back lifestyle.

Fast facts

Population: Around 180,000

Major religions: Catholicism, Christianity, Rastafari

Capital city: Castries (and largest city)

Legal system: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy

Main languages: English, French patois

Time: GMT-4

Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz. 

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

International dialling code: +1758

Emergency numbers: 911

Internet domain: .lc

Drives on the: Left