# Moving to Saint Lucia 2026 Step by Step

> Secure immigration, tax, and banking steps for Saint Lucia residency in 2026.
- Title: Moving to Saint Lucia 2026 Step by Step · The Rio Times
- Summary: Secure immigration, tax, and banking steps for Saint Lucia residency in 2026. Expats need a passport, police clearance, and proof of funds to move to Saint…
- Keywords: saint lucia, immigration, tax account number, bank account, citizenship by investment, residency, expats, eastern caribbean, news, world, politics, Moving
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/moving-to-saint-lucia-2026
- Author: Gabriela Vargas
- Published: 2026-10-04T10:41:27+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: saint lucia, immigration, tax account number, bank account, citizenship by investment, residency, expats, eastern caribbean, news, world, politics
## Who it is for
Remote workers, retirees, investors and families need a lawful route to live, work or study in Saint Lucia.
## What you need
A passport, police clearance, proof of funds or employment, and the correct immigration or work authorisation before arrival.
## What it costs
Citizenship by investment starts at US$240,000 plus due-diligence and processing fees.
## How long it takes
Allow 30 to 90 days for most residence, work-permit and bank-account steps; citizenship by investment can take several months.
## Where to apply
Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Inland Revenue Department, and licensed banks in Saint Lucia.
## Biggest trap
Assuming a visitor entry or property purchase gives you the right to work, study or stay indefinitely in Saint Lucia.
## Choose Correct Immigration Route
Your first decision is not where to live but under which legal basis you may enter and remain.
## Step 1: Check if you need a visitor visa
The Government of Saint Lucia lists a non-immigrant visa fee of EC$125 (about US$46) for a single entry valid for three months and EC$190 (about US$70) for multiple entry over one year.
## Step 2: Secure a work permit if you will be employed
A foreign national who intends to work needs a job offer and a work permit processed through the Ministry responsible for Labour and the Department of Immigration.
## Step 3: Consider citizenship by investment only if you need nationality
Citizenship by investment is a citizenship route, not a residence visa. The National Economic Fund contribution is US$240,000 for the main applicant, plus US$10,000 for each additional dependent under 18 and US$20,000 for each additional dependent over 18.
## Step 4: Retirees and self-supporting residents
Saint Lucia does not offer a single universal retirement visa equivalent to some Caribbean programmes. A retiree or financially independent person should ask the Department of Immigration which category applies.
## Get Your Tax Account Number and Local Identification
Once you have lawful immigration status and a local address, register for a Tax Account Number, known as a TAN.
## Step 1: Apply for the TAN
Apply through the Inland Revenue Department after you have a local address. Keep the registration confirmation.
## Step 2: Register with the National Insurance Corporation
If you are employed or otherwise required, register with the National Insurance Corporation for social security.
## Do not conflate your identifiers
Keep your passport number, immigration reference, Tax Account Number, National Insurance number, National ID number and driver’s-licence number separate.
## Open a Bank Account
Saint Lucia’s local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). The banking system operates within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union under the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
## Step 1: Prepare the standard documents
Banks commonly require a passport, immigration status or work permit, proof of address, tax-identification information, employment contract or source-of-funds evidence, a bank reference, a utility bill or landlord letter, and an initial deposit.
## Step 2: Expect due diligence
Approval is subject to each bank’s customer-due-diligence and anti-money-laundering procedures. A bank may decline an application even when you hold a valid visa.
## Find and Rent Housing
Rent before you buy. Inspect the property in person or use an independently verified representative.
## Step 1: Verify the landlord and property
Confirm the landlord’s identity and authority to lease. Inspect for mould, leaks, termites, security issues and water pressure.
## Key takeaway

Expats need a passport, police clearance, and proof of funds to move to Saint Lucia by 2026, with citizenship by investment starting at US$240,000.