Making it easier to do business.
The Business Facilitation Unit is dedicated to fostering a climate that simplifies commercial activity, encouraging local entrepreneurship and external investment. The Unit maintains active partnerships with industry stakeholders to identify and resolve the obstacles that hinder a flourishing economic landscape.
Through consistent dialogue with private enterprises, the Unit uncovers administrative and regulatory hurdles affecting growth, then works with state authorities to refine procedures and implement structural improvements so that operating a venture in Saint Lucia becomes increasingly efficient and seamless.
The Unit functions as a link between government and the business sector, advocating for industry interests while developing pathways that bolster investor trust and promote long-term prosperity.
How the unit can help.
Process guidance
Understand which agency, requirement or sequence applies to your business activity.
Barrier identification
Share recurring administrative issues that affect business growth and investment.
Stakeholder engagement
Connect business concerns with the relevant public-sector authorities.
Business feedback
Help inform improvements to the business environment through structured engagement, such as the Ease of Doing Business Forum.
Working with business associations.
Fees and cost estimator.
See the published costs of registering, licensing and importing, estimate an MSME grant, or prepare a duty-concession item list.
Start and grow a business in Saint Lucia.
The usual sequence for a new business, with the Department page that covers each step. Not every step applies to every business.
- 01Register your business name
Register within 28 days of starting, online through digiGov. The certificate is needed to open a bank account, register for tax and trade in the business name.
Registration steps - 02Incorporate a company, if you choose to
The Legal Unit prepares incorporation and post-incorporation documents free of charge. You pay only the prescribed Registry fees.
Company incorporation - 03Register for tax, NIC and banking
Take your registration certificate to the Inland Revenue Department for a Tax Account Number, to the National Insurance Corporation for employer registration, and to your bank.
- 04Get a trade licence, if you are not a national
Non-national individuals and majority foreign-owned companies need a trade licence under the Trade Licence Act.
Trade licence guidance - 05Check fiscal incentives and concessions
Registered companies in approved sectors may qualify for relief from import duties, excise tax and, for manufacturers, income tax.
Fiscal incentives - 06Import goods and equipment
Goods on the restricted list need an import licence through ASYCUDA World before they arrive.
Import licensing - 07Get support to grow
The SBDC offers free business advice, training, market development and help preparing for finance.
SBDC support
Questions businesses often ask.
Do I need a trade licence?
Only non-national individuals and companies that are majority foreign-owned (non-CARICOM controlled). Saint Lucian citizens are exempt and CARICOM nationals are generally exempt. Trade licence guidance
How do I register a business name?
Online through digiGov: create an account, request a name search, apply for registration, then submit the notarised statutory declaration and pay the Registry fee. Full registration steps
What does company incorporation cost?
The Department’s incorporation and post-incorporation services are free. You pay only the prescribed fees under the Companies Act to the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property. Legal Services
Who can apply for fiscal incentives?
Companies incorporated and registered in Saint Lucia in approved sectors. Sole traders and unregistered businesses are not eligible. Fiscal incentives
How long does an import licence take?
Applications handled by the Department of Commerce are processed within 24 hours. Items referred to the Ministry of Agriculture may take longer. Import Monitoring
Are SBDC services free?
Regular SBDC services are free. Specialised workshops, courses or events may carry a fee. SBDC and MSME support
Agencies you may need.
Business facilitation documents.
Items marked “From the previous website” are kept for reference. Confirm current requirements with the unit before relying on them.
