While many American expats flock to the various Caribbean islands, two islands that are sometimes overlooked are St. Vincent and Grenadines. However, for those expats that visit these islands, beauty, sun and sand are easily found. Here is some more information on living in this Eastern Caribbean paradise.
Climate
The Climate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is tropical with steady temperatures year round. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are mainly rocky islands with a mountainous area on the north part of the island of St. Vincent. Most of the rain during the year falls on the north, mountainous part of the island leaving the southern area quite dry. Temperatures range from the high 60’s to the high 80′. The rainy season usually lasts from July to November and the mountainous areas on St. Vincent are usually cloudy during this time, however as you move to the shore there is plenty of sunshine. It should be noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines lie in the hurricane belt and can be hit with hurricanes or strong tropical storms from time to time. St. Vincent includes an active volcano which can impact life and climate on the mountain.
Government
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are part of the Commonwealth of Nations which has a history with the British Crown. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are large in size compared to other Caribbean islands and have a large population. You can visit these islands for up to 6 months without a visa, only a US passport is required. When leaving the island, there is a departure tax. You can find out more information on visas and residency requirements at the Official website of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Tax System
The tax system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is considered to be low to moderate. Income tax on individuals is in effect for those with an income of EC $12K or more per year. The rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent. Regarding corporate income tax, rates vary from about 10% to 35%, however there is no capital gains tax. For employees, of the island, contributions to the national insurance plan (social security) must be made; usually contributions are about 5% of income per year with the employer picking up 3% of the tab.
Besides the above taxes, there are property taxes and royalty taxes. Some foreign businesses may receive incentives from the government to relocate, however for foreigners residing on the island, the same taxes as citizens are in place.
Medical Care
Medical care on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is adequate at best. Medical facilities for the most part are limited and if you are on many of the remote islands within this nation, medical care will usually be hard to find or non existent. For most expats that suffer serious illnesses or injuries, it is necessary to be evacuated to the United States or another island for treatment. For those that are treated in the hospitals on St. Vincent or the Grenadines, a cash payment is usually expected at the time of service. There is private insurance available, however many expats usually purchase travel insurance that includes a medical component. Make sure that the medical component includes medical evacuation.
Real Estate
For the most part, purchasing or investing in real estate in St. Vincent or the Grenadines is straight forward and contracts are secure. However, there are several guidelines that must be followed by foreigners that would like to purchase property. It is best to consult with a real estate attorney on the island. When buying property in St. Vincent or the Grenadines, you must first apply for an Alien Land Holding License, this usually takes up to 14 weeks to be processed by the government. Besides this application, you must also submit to a background check.
Real estate on the island is usually affordable to moderate in price. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are not as popular as other Caribbean islands, but can be just as beautiful. If you would like to rent or lease an apartment, condo or house, expect prices to start at about $600 per month to several thousand per month for beach front property. One consideration to make when purchasing property on the islands is the active volcano and that the islands lie within the hurricane belt. Destruction to property does occur on a frequent basis.
Shopping
Shopping on St. Vincent and the Grenadines is adequate. Obviously all items must be shipped in making it difficult for many to find all their favorite products, but necessities are usually easy to find. Since a major industry of these islands is tourism, there are plenty of markets and shops that cater to tourists and expats alike. You can easily find certain luxury goods such as jewelry and watches, there are also boutiques that cater to well heeled tourists and expats.
For those that love the sea, there are many water activities abound. You can easily enjoy scuba diving, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, etc. Entertainment on certain parts of the islands is above average as well, with many restaurants, pubs and night clubs available to tourists and expats.
Cost of Living
The cost of living on St. Vincent and the Grenadines is usually characterized as affordable to moderate. For housing, you can pay as much as the states or more depending on property and location. Food usually does cost more since it is mostly imported and most goods are more expensive than in the United States. However for those looking to live on a small budget, there are bargains to be found and necessities for the most part are very affordable making St. Vincent and the Grenadines a great place to become an expat.
Extradition from St Vincent and the Grenadines
The Extradition treaty between Grenadines and the US was signed with the US as a part of a collective treaty signed by six other Caribbean countries on August 15, 1996
Map of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
