Finding shangri-la: St. Lucia

St. Lucia, is known as the "Helen of the West Indies" because of its constant change in rule between the French and the British during their many wars. Eventually in 1814 the British would win the island and hold there rule on it. In 1979 St. Lucia became an independent state of the Commonwealth of Nations. Due to all its "flip flopping" in rule it has a mixed up legal system, meaning it's part English common-law and part civil law. So what does this mean for anyone wanting to move there? Let's find out.

Living on St. Lucia
St. Lucia has everything from dramatic mountains and waterfalls to lush gardens and beautiful sandy beaches. It's an outdoor lovers paradise. With snorkeling, sailing, hiking, swimming and climbing your adventures would be never ending on this island.
If your a night life lover they've got that too. Being a cruse ship port Castries (the Capitol) has plenty to offer in dinning and drinks.

Moving to St.Lucia
When first entering the island your given six weeks to stay, if you plan to stay longer you must apply for an extension with the immigration department. After two years of living on the island you can apply for permanent residency and after seven years you can apply for citizenship.
Here is a list of documents you will need.
1. A completed application on prescribed form.
2. A bank statement.
3. A police certificate of character.
4. An original birth certificate.
5. A medical certificate from a registered practitioner.
6. Four (4) passport size photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace.
7. A reference letter from a reputable person from the country of origin.
8. A letter stating date of arrival, purpose of visit, and the activities to be
engaged in. *Invest Saint Lucia

Fun Facts
St. Lucia is named after a female saint, Saint Lucy of Syracuse. You go girl!

Housing
You will need to apply for an Alien Landholding License. The same paperwork is required here as it is with the permanent residency application. As always it's recommended to have a lawyer to help you through the paperwork when buying foreign land. While I was doing my research I came across many instances of people saying property is very cheap on St. Lucia. When I actually searched Realtors listing service I came to a different conclusion. To me the property is priced about average. I found 1 empty lot overlooking the beach for $169,000 usd. Anything right on the water was priced well above $500,000 usd. There are many homes inland for under $200,000 usd but they seem to be smaller, only two bedrooms.

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