Every way into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Citizens of most countries enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines visa-free for tourism, visiting or short business, receiving an entry permit at the port of arrival. The stay granted is tiered: CARICOM nationals (other than OECS) and citizens of the EU (except Ireland), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago receive up to six months, while citizens of most other countries receive up to three months. The permit does not authorise work and does not lead to residence; it can be extended at the Immigration Department for a fee. A valid passport, onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds and accommodation are expected on entry.

Government fee

EC$0

Max stay

180 days

Validity

180 days

Nationals of the visa-required list (including Afghanistan, Cameroon, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Palestine and Syria, with Bangladesh, Nepal and others appearing on the Foreign Affairs criteria) must obtain an entry visa before travelling to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Applications are made to the Ministry of National Security in Kingstown (or a consulate), supported by a local sponsor, a sponsor letter, police character certificate and financial evidence; a sponsor interview is held before a decision. The local visa fee is EC$200. The visa is for short visits (tourism, family, business) and does not authorise work. Stays beyond the granted period can be extended at the Immigration Department for a fee.

Government fee

EC$200

Max stay

90 days

Visa-required nationals may, as an alternative to a consular stamped visa, apply online for an electronic entry visa, submitting passport and travel details and paying the fee before receiving the e-document by email. The published government fee for an entry visa is EC$200, and approval is reported within a few working days. The eVisa serves the same short-visit purpose as the consular entry visa and does not authorise work or lead to residence. Applicants who are not eligible for the online channel must apply through the Ministry of National Security or a consulate. As an online process, exact validity and entry conditions follow the underlying entry-visa rules.

Government fee

EC$200

Processing time

4 days

Max stay

90 days

Visitors who wish to remain beyond the period stamped on arrival may apply to extend their stay at the Immigration Head Office in Kingstown or at the ports in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan or Union Island. The extension fee is EC$75 in cash per month or part of a month. Tourists may extend up to a combined total of about twelve months, presenting their passport, proof of self-support and an address of accommodation. The extension keeps the holder in visitor status only; it does not grant the right to work and is not a residence permit. Those intending to stay longer or to work must apply for a residence or work permit through the Prime Minister's Office.

Government fee

EC$75

Max stay

365 days

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines hosts offshore medical schools, and medical elective students who hold a letter of acceptance from a recognised hospital or institution are expressly exempt from the work-permit requirement for the clinical placement. Students enter on a visitor permit (or entry visa if their nationality requires one) and present the hospital acceptance letter. There is no dedicated student visa class; longer enrolment is regularised through the visitor-extension or residence-permit routes. The exemption covers the elective only and does not by itself confer work rights outside the placement or a path to settlement.

• Study: Clinical elective at the accepting hospital/medical school.

Non-nationals who intend to work on their own account for occupation, reward or profit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines must hold a self-employed work permit, applied for through the Office of the Prime Minister and approved by Cabinet. The procedure mirrors the employee work permit but uses the self-employed application form and requires evidence of the planned business activity. The non-refundable application fee is EC$200, with the permit fee scaled by duration up to EC$2,400 for periods over 90 days and up to 12 months. As with the employee permit, periods over six months require a residence permit in addition. Processing typically takes six to eight weeks.

• Work: Authorises the declared self-employed activity for the permit period.
• Residency after 7 years

Government fee

EC$200

Processing time

49 days

Validity

365 days

Non-nationals (other than OECS and CARICOM skilled nationals) employed by a local company need a work permit, applied for through the Office of the Prime Minister (Work Permit Department) and approved by Cabinet. The employer must show the position was advertised and provide a letter of employment. A work permit alone is issued on a one-time basis for not more than six months; applicants needing longer must also apply for a residence permit. The non-refundable application fee is EC$200, with the permit fee scaled by duration (EC$700 up to 30 days, EC$1,400 up to 60 days, EC$2,100 up to 90 days, and EC$2,400 for over 90 days up to 12 months); CARICOM nationals pay a flat EC$960 per annum. Processing typically takes six to eight weeks.

• Work: Authorises work for the named employer for the permit period.
• Residency after 7 years

Government fee

EC$200

Processing time

49 days

Validity

365 days

Under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas), CARICOM nationals in approved skill categories may live and work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines indefinitely without a work permit by obtaining a Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification. Eligible categories include university graduates, artistes, musicians, media workers, sportspersons, nurses, teachers, artisans, holders of associate degrees, domestic workers and agricultural workers. Holders are exempt from work-permit requirements, may be employed without special approval, and may bring their spouse and dependent relatives, who are also entitled to move. The certificate is valid indefinitely. The processing fee in Saint Vincent is EC$250, and applications are processed by the Ministry of National Security.

• Work: Exempt from work-permit requirement; may be employed without special approval, indefinitely.
• Study: May study on near-equal terms as a CARICOM national.
• Residency after 7 years
• Family: Spouse and dependent relatives are entitled to move with the skilled national.

Government fee

EC$250

Foreign nationals (including, since recent changes, Commonwealth citizens) who wish to acquire land or property in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines must first obtain an Alien's Land Holding Licence, applied for through the Prime Minister's Office and registered by a local attorney, subject to Cabinet approval. This is a property-ownership licence, not a residence permit, but it exempts the holder from the annual residence fees and supports a residence/permanent-residence application. The application carries a non-refundable fee of EC$2,500, with the licence fee and stamp duty assessed on the market value of the property. There is no fixed minimum investment threshold; the cost scales with the property purchased.

• Residency: Holding land via an ALHL supports residence/permanent-residence applications and exempts the holder from annual residence fees.

Government fee

EC$2,500

A foreign spouse of a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines may apply for citizenship by registration on the basis of the marriage, subject to verification that the union is genuine. Unlike the seven-year residence route, the spousal route does not impose a fixed minimum residence period, though Cabinet assesses each case. The non-refundable application fee is EC$150, with a registration fee of EC$1,500 to EC$2,200 payable on approval. Required documents include the marriage certificate, both parties' birth certificates and passports, and police and medical certificates; originals must be submitted and are returned on completion. Saint Vincent recognises dual citizenship. Processing commonly takes about six months to a year.

• Work: On registration the spouse becomes a citizen with full work rights.
• Study: Full access to education as a citizen.
• Residency: Direct citizenship route; dual citizenship recognised.
• Family: Route is for the spouse of a citizen; minor children may be registered separately.

Government fee

EC$150

Processing time

270 days

Non-nationals who have lawfully resided in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (or been employed by the government) for seven or more consecutive years may apply to be registered or naturalised as citizens, provided they are of good character, have a sufficient knowledge of English and intend to reside in the country. Commonwealth citizens with seven years' ordinary residence may register on similar terms. The non-refundable application fee is EC$150 (some schedules cite EC$125), with a registration fee of EC$1,500 to EC$2,200 payable on approval. Processing commonly takes from about six months to a year or more given the required investigations. Saint Vincent recognises dual citizenship, and successful applicants gain full citizen rights.

• Work: Citizens have unrestricted work rights.
• Study: Full access to education as a citizen.
• Residency: This is the citizenship step; dual citizenship is recognised.
• Family: Spouses use the marriage registration route; minor children may be included/registered.

Government fee

EC$150

Processing time

270 days

Non-nationals wishing to reside in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines apply for a temporary residence permit through the Office of the Prime Minister, with applications sent to Cabinet for approval. It is required alongside a work permit for any stay exceeding six months. The annual fee is tiered by status: CARICOM nationals EC$600, Commonwealth nationals EC$1,200 and all others EC$1,800 per annum, plus a non-refundable EC$125 application fee. Applicants must show a police certificate of character, a medical certificate and a bank statement or a letter of support from an individual or employer accepting financial responsibility. Processing typically takes six to eight weeks. Holders who maintain temporary residence for seven or more consecutive years may upgrade to permanent residence.

• Study: Lawful residence permits study.
• Residency after 7 years

Government fee

EC$1,800

Processing time

49 days

Validity

365 days

Under the OECS Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the Protocol on free movement, nationals of the OECS member states (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, plus Montserrat and the associate members) may enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and stay indefinitely, with the right to live and work without a work or residence permit. Since 1 August 2011 OECS nationals are not required to submit work or residence applications. On arrival they are granted an indefinite entry stamp on production of a valid passport or OECS travel document. The status is open-ended and confers near-equal treatment with citizens in employment and establishment.

• Work: May live and work without a work permit; exempt from work/residence applications since 2011.
• Study: May enrol and study on near-equal terms.
• Residency: Indefinite right of residence; onward naturalisation possible after seven years' residence.
• Family: Family members of OECS nationals may accompany under free movement.

Government fee

EC$0

Permanent residence is granted to non-nationals who have held temporary residence in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for seven or more consecutive years, on application to the Office of the Prime Minister and approval by Cabinet. Fees are tiered by status: CARICOM nationals EC$1,800 (one-time), Commonwealth nationals EC$1,800 per annum and all others EC$2,400 per annum, plus a non-refundable EC$125 application fee; non-CARICOM citizens holding an interest in land pay EC$6,000. Annual fees are not payable by CARICOM citizens or by holders of an Alien's Land-Holding Licence. The application requires a police certificate, medical certificate and proof of financial resources. Permanent residents may live in the country long-term and progress toward citizenship by registration.

• Work: Permanent residents may live and work in the country long-term.
• Study: May study on equal terms with residents.
• Residency: This is permanent residence; citizenship by registration follows after seven years' qualifying residence.

Government fee

EC$2,400

Processing time

49 days