Dominica

Dominica also known as nature island is a sovereign island country. Originally ruled by the French untill 1963 and then Great Briainn. At which time English was established as the official language. The island gained it's independence in 1978. In a 2011 census this 290 Sq mile island had a population of about 71,000 people. 

Places of Interest 

 Morneau Trois Nation Park is home to Boiling Lake. This 200 ft lake is filled with boiling grayish water. Boiling Lake is the second largest hot lake in the world. It's shoreline  temperatures range from 180 to 197 degrees F. There are no direct roads to this natural wonder but if your feeling adventurous its only an 8 mile hike to Boiling Lake from Laudat.

 Emerald Pool is another beautiful attraction in Morneau Trois National Park. This one you can swim in. A short 1/4 mile hike on a groomed trail through the rainforest will lead you back to this must see waterfall and emerald colored pool.

 Titou gorge is a popular narrow gorge and swimming destination on Dominica. This sun streaked, high walled gorge is also a filming spot for Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man'said Chest.  

 This island is jam packed with hot springs,nature reserves, botanical gardens, waterfalls and pools. 

Cost of Living on Dominica 

As far as Caribbean islands go the cost of living on Dominica is on the lower side, but don't let that fool you. There is quite a hefty import tax on most items.  Dominica is a poorer island. They don't have as much of a tourism industry as some of the easier to get to islands in the Caribbean do. If you idea of paradise is natural beauty and you don't mind putting in the hard work to grow your own fruits and vegetables in this hearty volcanic soil than this island just might be what your looking for. 

Buying a Home on Dominica 

 If you a foreigner looking to buy land on Dominica and want to purchase more than 1 acre for private residency or 3 acres for Comercial use you will need to apply for an Alien Landholding License. There is a fee equal to 10 percent of the property cost when applying for the land holding license. You will also be responsible for a 4 percent stamp duty and any fees occurred from the realtors and lawyers. It usually takes between 60 and 90 days for the paperwork. 

 You can get a reasonable amont of home for under $300,000 here.  The price per square foot is cheaper than most U.S. cities but the condition of the homes aren't as good. You may need to do a little fixing up on some of the cheaper homes. Keep in mind that having items shipped in to renovate can become very costly and take longer than your used to where you live currently.  You can't just run down to the Home Depot and pick up a new sink. 

Working on Dominica 

 You must apply for a work permit before starting employment. A work permit with a term of employment for six months or longer automatically equals residency,  however residency doesn't  exempt you from the Alien Landholding License act.  Work permits have to be reneyed  annually and can be done so through the Dominica Labor division.  If you have reservations about Dominica and want to stay for a set period of time before you make a final decision you can do so visa free. You must have proof of funds to cover your stay, a return ticket home and a valid passport.  

 To sum it all up. If you love nature and you value peace and quit over hustle and bustle you could live happily ever after on Dominica for a reasonable amount of money. The handier and more resourceful you are the easier your new life will be. I can see this being an exceptional island for off the grid living.

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Martinique

 Martinique is an overseas French Region, its mix of French and West Indies culture reminds me a little of New Orleans. Martinique is a very mountainous island, making for awesome views to be had from just about anywhere.


In Fort de France, Martinique's capital lies a stunning garden. Balata Garden is a magical place full of wonder and beautiful flora. Owner Jean-Philippe Thoz brought his love of botany to his grandparents Creole home and created this wonderland for all to enjoy. Once you've taken in all the gardens have to offer from the ground you can climb into the trees and get a birds eye view of the gardens from the tree top walk. Weather your moving to the island or planning a vacation on the island it's an absolute must see!

Stuff to do on the island
 Night life and nature lovers, come one and all. La Savonet is centrally located in Fort de France. This bar and restaurant lined garden park has much to offer. Imagine taking a romantic stroll through the park after dinner with your sweetheart, sitting on a park bench and snuggling up close to each other as the sun fades off in the distance and the music from the local bars fills the air. Just across baie de Fort de France (Fort de France bay) lies Anse Noire, a beautiful black sand beach known for its excellent snorkeling and fishing. If all that's not enough to make you want to pack your bags and move to Martinique than maybe its adventures and thrills your looking for and Mount Pelee has you covered. This semi active volcano is ready for you to come explore. Don't worry the last major eruption was way back in 1902.

Cost of living
Martinique prices run a little higher than other Caribbean islands when it comes to cost of living. What you will find on Martinique that you won't find on most of the other islands is it's availability of high end French imports. If luxury is what your looking for Martinique is your island. You can have it all here! Fine French imports and tropical weather. Life doesn't get much better than this.

Property for sale on Martinique 
 Martinique doesn't limit the amount of property foreigners are able to buy however finding a larger piece of property will come with a large price tag. There are oodles of 2 bedroom apartments for sale under $300,000 usd but if your looking for a single family home plan on paying closers to $600,000 usd. That's a little to rich for my blood but if you've got the cash this island is amazing.  French meets Caribbean, two lavish lifestyles smashed into one with a price tag to match.

Language 
The primary language spoken is French.  It would be a good idea to brush up on your on the language of love before moving to Martinique.

Working on Martinique 
 If your coming from Europe getting a job shouldn't be a problem, however finding a job will be tricky.  The unemployment rate is high and unless you work in the medical field it may be tough to find a job. If your coming from the U.S. or somewhere outside of Europe you will need to apply for a work permit.  Because Martinique is an overseas region of France all work permits will need to be applied for through the French consulate.

Staying longer than 90 days.
 If your planing a short trip your current passport will allow you to stay up to 90 days. If your planning to make a permanent move to the island you will need to apply  for a visa through the French consulate in your place of residence. If you plan to retire in Martinique  you will need to show a source of income along with your standard paperwork,  such as photo identification and letters of upstanding citizenship from local authorities when applying for the visa.

Martinique in a Nut Shell
 This sometimes overlooked island is one of the Caribbean's hidden secrets. It's a jewel to be found. The French and Creole heritage blend wonderfully together enriching everything from the food to the luxurious way of life on the island. Nature lovers, Food lovers, Adventurers and Life lovers will be constantly in awe of this gem.

If this sounds like a place for you to call home, why not share this post with your family and friends. Let them know why Martinique is the place for you.

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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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St. Vincent and the Grenadines

 If the thought of living on a volcanic island excites you than St. Vincent and the Grenadines might be your paradise. With an active volcano  (last eruption in 1979) you could spend your days searching though lava rocks and exploring St. Vincent, the largest island of the country St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This would make a great band name, don't you think?

 Coincidence or not, St. Vincent and the Grenadines also gained it's independence from the British that same year. 1979 was a big year for them. It's population of 100,000 (2012) is a mix between African American,  East Indian,  Carib People, Mixed Race and White. The population is spread out over its six main towns, Kingstown being it's largest with a population of about 25,500.

Fun Facts
 95 percent of St. Vincent's beaches have black sand while the Grenadines have white sandy beaches.
 Pirates of the Caribbean:  The curse of the black Pearl used St. Vincent as one of its filming locations.

Real Estate 
 There are some very unique and beautiful styled homes for sale under $200,000 usd in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  If you have a bit more to spend on a home there is a bed and breakfast/smaller hotel for sale priced at $970,000 usd. It's not bad for that price. It would be a great investment property.

Living and Working on St. Vincent and the Grenadines 
 The process is simpler here than on some of the other islands in the Caribbean.  You simply pay a fee and submit a request for the permits along with some basic proofs of ID and statements from your bank and local police departments back home. If you are applying for a work permit longer than the standard 6 month permits issued, you must also apply for a residency permit. The process is even simpler if your coming from a British Commonwealth.

 Fitting in, working and living on St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be less of a headache. Keeping with the laid back lifestyles of the Caribbean islands S.V. and the G's (even better band name) have it all. They've managed to protect most of their heritage while growing with the times.

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