English is the national language and this opens up many employment opportunities for expats, despite the fact that most employers prefer to fill these positions with local residents of Saint Lucia.

The main areas for expats looking to work abroad in Saint Lucia are teaching, service (bars and restaurants), tourism (guiding) or outdoor sports instructor (sailing, diving, hiking).

Work Visa to Saint Lucia

Government policy on foreign workers requires a Non-Immigrant Visa to enter the country and a work permit for legal employment. A Non-Immigrant Visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry. Single-entry visas allow owners to enter the country once within three months. Multiple-entry visas allow multiple entries within one year.

Work permits allow non-citizens to work under an employment contract in the country. Permit owners must apply for this status each year until they become citizens. People who have resident status are not exempt from the need to obtain a work permit.

Saint Lucia work visa requirements

Foreigners wishing to work in the country must have some required documents to obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa and obtain a work permit in Saint Lucia.

To obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa, individuals must provide:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months from the planned day of departure)
• Two passport size photos
• Return ticket to the country of origin
• Proof of residence
• Invitation letter from the employer

Required documents for obtaining a work permit include:

• Certified proof of qualification
• Police report from the applicant's last place of residence
• Information about the vacancy and working conditions
• A written offer of employment is usually a letter from the employer confirming the role of the employee and accepting responsibility for them
• One passport size photo
• Proof of financial capability
• Marriage certificate, if required
• Medical reference
• Receipt confirming payment of the application fee

Foreign workers must apply for an entry visa online or at the nearest consulate before entering the country. They must submit the above listed documents along with the completed application. The Immigration Department will review and process the application within five days. It is recommended to apply two weeks before travelers intend to enter the country.

Non-citizens must also apply for a work permit before entering the country. Applicants must pay a non-refundable 100 Euro fee to the Chief Accountant of the Government Treasury. The applicant then submits the above listed documents along with the completed application to the Work Permit Officer located at the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and Labor.