Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesResidence

St Vincent and the Grenadines temporary residence permit

Temporary residence permit

In short

Anyone who wants to live in St Vincent and the Grenadines for an extended period can apply to the Office of the Prime Minister for temporary residence. The file includes two certified photos, a police certificate, a bank statement or letter of support, a medical certificate and a passport copy, with a non-refundable EC$200 application fee. Cabinet decides, usually within six to eight weeks, and an annual fee is due on approval.

Apply on Office of the Prime Minister – Forms checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Fees are charged per year (per annum)
Fee
EC$2,400Annual fee for nationals outside CARICOM and the Commonwealth (CARICOM EC$800, Commonwealth EC$1,600) per the schedule as at 1 March 2016, payable on approval; plus EC$200 non-refundable application fee.
Processing time
Six to eight weeks on average
Work
Only with a work permit; a residence permit is required for work beyond six months
Path to permanent residence
Permanent residence after seven or more consecutive years of temporary residence
Where to apply
From abroad or in the country, by mail, courier or through a representative

Who can apply

Temporary residence is open to anyone who wishes to reside in St Vincent and the Grenadines for an extended period. It is also the route for people who will work for more than six months, because a work permit alone covers only one period of up to six months. Since 1 August 2011, OECS nationals have not needed to submit residence applications.

Documents

File the residence application form in duplicate with two certified passport-size photos, a police certificate of character from the country where you most recently lived for more than six months before arriving, a recent bank statement or other evidence of your financial resources, and a medical certificate. Add a copy of the passport bio page, a contact telephone number and, where applicable, birth and marriage certificates including a decree absolute. Documents not in English need an official translation.

Required documents

Identity

  • Two certified passport photos and a copy of the passport bio page

Money

  • Recent bank statement, or a letter of support from an individual or employer
  • EC$200 non-refundable application fee

Other

  • Residence application form in duplicate
  • Police certificate from the country of last residence over six months
  • Medical certificate (doctor's report)

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Birth and marriage certificates, decree absolute where applicable

Financial support

Instead of personal bank records, the applicant may submit a letter of support from an individual. An applicant who will be employed locally can submit a letter from the employer that explains why a non-national is being recruited for the post and accepts financial responsibility for the applicant as sponsor. The office's requirement sheet also asks for a letter giving the reasons for requiring residence.

Fees

The application fee is EC$200 and is not refunded. Fees for an approved permit are charged per year. In the schedule as at 1 March 2016, which the Office of the Prime Minister still publishes and marks as subject to change, CARICOM nationals pay EC$800, Commonwealth nationals EC$1,600 and all others EC$2,400 per annum. Replacing a lost permit or certificate costs EC$100.

Where to apply and decision

Applications go to the residency department of the Office of the Prime Minister, 4th floor, Administrative Centre, Bay Street, Kingstown (telephone (784) 456-1703). You do not have to be in the country: the file can be mailed, sent by courier or delivered by a representative. It is forwarded to Cabinet for approval, and processing averages six to eight weeks.

  1. Download the residence application form from the Office of the Prime Minister's forms page.
  2. Obtain a police certificate and a medical certificate, and translate any non-English documents.
  3. Prepare a bank statement or a letter of support, and a letter explaining why you need residence.
  4. Submit the form in duplicate with the documents and EC$200 to the Office of the Prime Minister.
  5. After Cabinet approval, pay the annual permit fee.

Forms

Towards permanent status

Seven or more consecutive years of temporary residence make a holder eligible to apply for permanent residence. The same period, or permanent residence status, also allows an application for citizenship by registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply from abroad?

Yes. The Office of the Prime Minister accepts applications by mail or courier, or delivered by a representative; you do not need to be in the country.

How long does a residence permit take?

Six to eight weeks on average.

What is the annual fee for non-Commonwealth nationals?

EC$2,400 per year under the schedule as at 1 March 2016, after a non-refundable EC$200 application fee.

Who decides the application?

Cabinet approves residence applications.

Can an employer sponsor me?

Yes. An employer can write a letter explaining the recruitment and accepting financial responsibility for you.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Six months on arrival for CARICOM, UK, Schengen and US nationals; normally three months for other nationalities

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: A work permit only: once, for up to six months; longer employment together with a residence permit

Residence

Online travel permits

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines visa guide