International Removals UK to St. Lucia

I’ll take 13 days for an international move to St. Lucia from the UK. This is the time it takes from Portsmouth to the port of Castries in St. Lucia. This doesn’t include the time it takes to pack or for final delivery.

Returning residents of St. Lucia who have lived out of the country for over 10 years can import personal effects and household items for free if they are used and imported either 6 months before or after arrival. New residents moving to St. Lucia usually qualify for reduced rates and sometimes duty-free customs if they can be proven to be used items. There is an average customs duties charge of 15% to 25% for new items, with some luxury items being charged at 45%. There is also a 12.5% VAT charge to pay on top of this.

Visit the St Lucia Customs & Excise Department for more information.

You’ll need to have your documentation in order before we can ship your items to St. Lucia. We will work with you to ensure you’re prepared for customs with the correct forms and residency permits. You will need:

• A copy of your passport including the visa page
• Proof of residency or new resident permit
• A Bill of Lading which is issued by 1st Move International and highlights the contents of the shipment
• Customs Declaration Form C82
• An inventory list

UK citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 6 weeks in St. Lucia and can apply for an extension for longer stays up to 6 months. Past this, you will need to apply for the relevant visa, whether that’s temporary or permanent residence.

Work Visa

You’ll need to apply for a work permit if you plan to work in St. Lucia. This type of visa will be valid for the duration that you are employed. You can either have a Temporary Work Permit or Long-Term Work Permit depending on the known duration of the job.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months beyond your stay
• A valid job offer or employment contract from a company in St. Lucia
• A completed Work Permit application form from the St. Lucia Labour Department
• Proof of qualifications
• A police clearance certificate from the UK
• A medical certificate

View further information on the St. Lucia Work Visa .

Permanent Residency

You can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa in St. Lucia through multiple categories. If you’ve worked in the country on a Work Permit for usually 2-5 years you can apply. Those married to a St. Lucia resident, those who plan to retire or those who can invest in St. Lucia can also apply.

Key Requirements:

• A valid UK passport
• A completed Permanent Residency Visa application form from the Immigration Department
• Applying through employment: Proof of working and residing in St. Lucia for a minimum amount
• Applying through investment: There are multiple options but the most common is to show proof of a real estate investment of at least $200,000
• Applying through marriage: A copy of your marriage certificate and proof you have lived there for 2 years
• Applying through retirement: You will need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself
• A UK police clearance certificate

View more details on the St. Lucia Permanent Residency Visa .

Yes, you can ship your pet to St. Lucia provided you follow the specific requirements from St. Lucia. You’ll need to be prepared with all the processes and documents that are required.

Import Permit:

Your pet will need a valid import permit from the St. Lucia Ministry of Agriculture

Microchip:

You must ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip

Rabies Vaccination:

Your pet must have their rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel but not longer than 12 months

Health Certificate:

You must get a health certificate no more than 7 days before travel

Tapeworm and Tick Treatment:

Your pet must be treated for tapeworm and ticks 1 to 5 days before travel

Yes, you can live-track your shipment from the UK to St. Lucia with our free shipping container tracking tool. We send you a tracking code once your shipment has left the UK so you can watch its movements.

The cost of living in St. Lucia is generally lower than in the UK but can vary depending on where you live. In 2024, rent prices in St. Lucia are 62.7% lower than in the UK, with a 3-bedroom city centre apartment costing $2,409.87 (£723) per month. Restaurant prices are lower but grocery costs are higher in St. Lucia. Average monthly salaries are around $2,425 (£727.50) per month, which is lower than in the UK.

Public healthcare in St. Lucia is funded mainly by the government and taxation to provide free or low-cost services to citizens and residents. The main hospital in St. Lucia, Victoria Hospital, is in Castries and along with General Hospital and community health clinics, is accessible for all. Many residents pay health insurance so they can access private healthcare facilities if needed. This isn’t mandatory, but the care is often more personalised due to the higher costs. You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 (£60 and £150) a month for individual cover.

Compulsory education in St. Lucia begins in primary school at age 6. At age 11, children must take the Common Entrance Examination to determine placement in secondary schools. Students typically attend secondary school from ages 12 to 16 where they then take the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate. The International School of St. Lucia, St. Lucia's School of Excellence and The British School are notable British schools in St. Lucia and follow the British curriculum or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Like many Caribbean countries, St. Lucia’s primary job sector is tourism, which makes up a large part of the economy. Locals and ex-pats can find roles in hospitality, travel agencies, tour guides, hotels and restaurants. Agriculture, manufacturing and finance are other notable industries in St. Lucia. There are current job opportunities in the tourism, education and healthcare sectors and for those with skilled trades. Those planning on gaining work in St. Lucia can look at current openings on websites like Caribbean Jobs and Hired Caribbean .