Comprehensive guide to investing, registering, and operating a business in the Eastern Caribbean's most dynamic island economy.
Everything you need to know about doing business in Saint Lucia
Geography, government, economy, infrastructure, and everything you need to understand St. Lucia as a business destination.
Step-by-step guide to registering and setting up your business, from company types to required documents.
Tax rates, labor laws, property regulations, work permits, and the full regulatory landscape.
Tourism, agriculture, creative industries, renewable energy, BPO, and emerging opportunities.
Interactive map, district profiles, key locations, ports, airports, and business zones.
Second passport through investment. 4 routes from $240K. Visa-free access to 145+ countries.
Housing, food, utilities, transport, healthcare costs, and practical relocation advice.
Public holidays, festivals, business events, seasonal patterns, and cultural etiquette.
Real business listings: law firms, accountants, banks, real estate agents, IBC agents, and more.
Quick answers to common questions about business registration, taxes, property, immigration, and daily life.
Trade agreements, CARICOM single market access, export opportunities, and using St. Lucia as a Caribbean hub.
Step-by-step action plan for registering and launching your business in Saint Lucia.
Official government websites, international organizations, databases, and useful external links.
Political leadership, cabinet, parliament structure, election results, judiciary, and regulatory bodies.
Work permits, residency options, visa requirements, stay extensions & permanent residence pathways.
Property investment, Alien Landholding License, buying process & development projects
Business incubators, funding sources, MSME support programs & co-working spaces
Relocation, remote work, banking, healthcare, shipping & daily life for foreigners
Essential facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Saint Lucia |
| Capital | Castries |
| Population | ~184,000 |
| Area | 617 km² (238 sq mi) |
| Language | English (official), Saint Lucian Creole French |
| Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) — pegged to USD at XCD 2.70 = USD 1 |
| Time Zone | AST (UTC-4), no daylight saving |
| Government | Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (Commonwealth realm) |
| Legal System | English common law, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court |
| GDP (2025 est.) | USD $2.66 billion |
| GDP per Capita | ~USD $14,650 |
| Main Industries | Tourism (65% GDP), Agriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services |
| Corporate Tax | 30% (standard), 0% for IBCs on foreign income |
| VAT | 12.5% standard, 7% tourism accommodation, 10% hotel F&B, 0% on exports/basics |
| Company Registration | 48-72 hours |
| International Memberships | CARICOM, OECS, Commonwealth, UN, OAS, Caribbean Development Bank |
Gateway between North and South America. Direct flights from major US, Canadian, and European cities.
Up to 15-year income tax waivers. IBCs pay 0% tax on foreign-sourced income. No exchange controls for IBCs.
Register a company in 48-72 hours. No minimum capital requirement for IBCs. Only 1 director and 1 shareholder needed.
English is the official language. Common law legal system familiar to US/UK/Canadian investors.
Member of Caribbean single market. Free movement of goods, services, and skilled persons across 15 member states.
CBI program starting at USD $240,000 donation or $300,000 real estate. Visa-free travel to 145+ countries.