DwayneT

I am looking into moving to Caribbean , possibly Turks and Caicos. I am continuing my work in canada and work a 3 wk and 2 wk off schedule. How hard is it to get residency permit? I know it wouldn't affect me since I would be leaving the country every few weeks but concerned about my wife and son.

RoamsAround

I can't give you specifics about the T&C's since I live on a different island - (perhaps blamona - one of the regular contributors here and a T&C "expert" will see your post chime in) - but you can find out the immigration/residency requirements for just about every island by visiting the OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE(S) for the island nations you are interested in and/or by doing a google search using such topics as: "Residency Requirements, NAME OF ISLAND", Immigration Laws, NAME OF ISLAND.

Most islands require you obtain an Alien Landholder's License and make a substantial investment in Real Estate You'll also have to submit proof of financial independence (since you are not allowed to work on the island without a Work Permit), proof of good health and you'll have to pass a criminal Background Check.

FYI - living in the Caribbean has it's own set of challenges and is far different then being there on vacation so do your research. Lastly, living expenses are high, expect to pay 35% to 50% more for your everyday living expenses then you do back in Canada.

Lastly, go to the USVI Relocation Website (www.vimovingcenter.com) and read EVERYTHING there - you'll find tons of useful information as well as a very active forum with 10,000's of threads covering every conceivable topic.. While it's geared toward living/working in the USVI's much of what you'll find there is applicable to the entire Caribbean.

blamona

I must ask-- how does your family feel about living in TCI without you? Both of you must want it for it to work

I've seen tons of families move down because one or other needs island living, and the spouse ends up moving back because they can't hack it-- stats aren't good in that respect

Does your wife plan to work at all? She'll have to get work permit and renew it annually ($1000 of dollars and slow process)

Residency is actually kinda easy but expensive. Usually you get the "family plan" pay most for husband and allowed to add family members for less

Residency basically means you don't have to leave every 90 days, but doesn't get much more. You must renew it annually and say it's without right to work.

Have you been there yet? If no, I highly recommend it , or visit anywhere you decide to live

Forgive me for being curious, but what is wife going to do the 3 weeks you're off island? How old are the kids?

Sassafrass

Have you spent a lot of time on the island? Only curious because island life is perfect for some people, not so much for others.

My DD lives on St Kitts, and it is perfect for her. She rarely leaves even for her vacations.The first time I went there, I thought I had died and gone to heaven, couldn't stand the thought of ever leaving, and thought about moving there. Second trip, I thought about visiting there a few weeks of the year. Enjoyed third trip, but ready for home after a few days. Fourth trip - would have preferred to go someplace else - San Juan perhaps. Hoping I can convince her to meet me someplace else for a few days for my next visit.

So, if you can, try renting for awhile before making it permanent.

DwayneT

Thanks for the replies. We have travelled a lot in the past and have spent a lot of time in Provo. We absolutely love the island life. Our goal is to eventually gain permanent residency at which time I probably give up my job in Canada. Our son is 8 years old and has travelled all over the world with us since he was 6 months old.