Moving to Virgin Islands

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence requirements for the Virgin Islands depends significantly on your nationality. For citizens of the European Union, the process is generally more streamlined, often allowing for initial entry with less stringent visa requirements. However, for non-EU citizens, a visa is almost always a prerequisite for entry, and a specific residence permit will be needed for any long-term stay.

Typical routes for obtaining residence include:

• Work Permits: If you have secured employment with a Virgin Islands-based company, your employer will usually sponsor your work permit application. This is a common pathway for skilled professionals.
• Family Reunification: If you have immediate family members who are already residents or citizens of the Virgin Islands, you may be eligible for a family-based residence permit.
• Study Visas: For those planning to enroll in educational institutions within the Virgin Islands, a student visa and subsequent residence permit will be required for the duration of your studies.
• Independent Means/Retirement: Some options may exist for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working, often appealing to retirees or those seeking a lifestyle change.

It is crucial to verify the most current and accurate information directly with the official immigration authorities of the specific Virgin Island territory you intend to move to. Requirements, documentation, and processing times can vary and are subject to change. Do not rely on outdated information; always consult official government websites or embassies/consulates.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in the Virgin Islands can be an exciting but sometimes challenging process. The market can be competitive, especially in popular areas or during peak seasons. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:

• Online Portals & Local Listings: Start your search on local real estate websites and online classifieds that cater specifically to the Virgin Islands. Social media groups focused on housing or expatriates in the region can also be valuable resources.
• Real Estate Agents: Engaging a local real estate agent is highly recommended, especially if you are not physically present. They have in-depth knowledge of the market, can provide virtual tours, and assist with negotiations and paperwork.
• Networking: Word-of-mouth is surprisingly effective. Connect with other expatriates or locals once you arrive; they might know of available properties that aren't publicly listed.
• Temporary Accommodation: Consider booking temporary accommodation (hotel, guesthouse, short-term rental) for your first few weeks. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods, view properties in person, and make a more informed decision about your long-term rental.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Either in person or via virtual tour.
• Application: Completing a rental application, which may include providing references, proof of income, and identification.
• Lease Agreement: Signing a formal lease agreement outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Always read this carefully.
• Deposits: It is standard practice to pay a security deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent. This deposit is held against potential damages and is usually refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition. Some landlords may also require the first and last month's rent upfront.

Rental prices vary significantly based on location, size, amenities, and whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. Be prepared for potentially higher rental costs compared to some mainland locations, especially for properties with ocean views or in prime tourist areas.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to the Virgin Islands is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Shipping costs are often calculated based on the volume (cubic feet or meters) or weight of your belongings. A full household will naturally cost more than a few boxes.
• Distance: The geographical distance from your origin to your specific destination in the Virgin Islands is a primary cost driver. Longer distances incur higher transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, holidays) can sometimes result in higher prices due to increased demand for shipping and relocation services. Off-peak moves might offer more competitive rates.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination plays a role. If your current home or your new home in the Virgin Islands has difficult access (e.g., narrow roads, no elevator, remote location), it may require specialized equipment or additional labor, increasing costs.
• Type of Transportation: Air freight is significantly faster but also substantially more expensive than sea freight. For most household goods, sea freight is the most common and cost-effective option, though it takes longer.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized crating for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions (at origin or destination), customs clearance assistance, and comprehensive insurance will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a professional relocation service. They will assess your unique situation and provide a detailed breakdown of costs.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation to the Virgin Islands. Here’s a general checklist, typically spanning 4-8 weeks:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter & Inventory: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to move.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching relocation companies and request free quotes for your move. Compare services and prices.
• Documents: Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, school records, financial statements, visa/residence permit paperwork). Ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Medical & Dental: Schedule final check-ups for all family members. Obtain copies of medical and dental records. Arrange for prescription refills to last until you can establish new healthcare providers.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Relocation Services: Confirm your chosen relocation company and finalize your moving date.
• Travel Arrangements: Book flights and temporary accommodation for your arrival in the Virgin Islands.
• School & Pet Arrangements: If applicable, enroll children in new schools and begin the process for pet relocation (veterinary checks, vaccinations, permits).
• Notifications: Inform your landlord (if renting), employer, and any clubs or organizations of your impending move.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Packing Supplies: Start gathering packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers).
• Begin Packing (Non-Essentials): Start packing items you won't need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
• Utilities & Services: Notify current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Research and arrange for new utility connections at your destination.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding with your postal service.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Valuables & Essentials Box: Pack a separate box or suitcase with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items). Keep this with you.
• Financials: Notify your bank and credit card companies of your move. Arrange for international banking if necessary.
• Vehicle Shipping: If shipping a vehicle, ensure all necessary paperwork is in order and arrange for its transport.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Final Packing: Finish packing all remaining items, except for those you'll use on your last day.
• Confirm Details: Reconfirm all arrangements with your relocation company, airlines, and temporary accommodation.
• Clean Out: Empty the refrigerator and freezer. Plan for final cleaning of your current home.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the movers.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

For a detailed and personalized cost estimate for your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Virgin Islands: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to the Virgin Islands is an exciting adventure! To ensure a smooth transition, understanding the customs and import regulations for your belongings is crucial. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your household effects to the Virgin Islands can be duty-free if the items are used and have been in your possession for at least one year. These items must continue to be used by you in your new home. New items, or foreign-made items used for less than a year, will incur US Customs Duties of 3.5% to 6% of their value.

What you'll need

• Detailed inventory of all shipment contents in English.
• Copy of your Passport, Driver's License, or Permanent Residence Card.
• Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) or Air Waybill (AWB).
• Processed Excise Form 721 VI.
• Sales invoices for new items, showing item, price, date, place of purchase, and origin.

Good to know

• Your Air Waybills and Ocean Bills of Lading should be consigned directly to you, the property owner, not a destination agent.
• Consignment instructions should include your full name, address, city, postal code, and country in the shipper box. The consignee box should also list your full name, address, city, state (2-letter code), and postal code. If your new home address isn't available, use your employer's or an agent's address.
• The "Notify Party" should be the forwarder's name, address, city, state, postal code, telephone, and fax number.
• Antiques must be at least 100 years old to be admitted duty-free.
• Works of art are duty-free if they are part of your household goods, owned for at least a year, and not intended for resale.
• Silverware and ornaments are duty-free when imported as part of normal household goods.
• Jewellery should accompany you on arrival and not be included with household goods shipments.
• Computers should be placed within the shipment for easy Customs access. Specify the make, model, serial number, value, country of manufacture, and location within the shipment on your inventory. Computers are not subject to duty or confiscation if shipped with household goods and not purchased abroad within the last 12 months.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

All vehicles imported into the Virgin Islands are subject to customs duties and a local road tax. For foreign-made vehicles, the dutiable charge is 3.5% to 6% of the value assessed by customs or provided on the Bill of Sale, regardless of the vehicle's age. US-made vehicles are exempt from duty charges.

What you'll need

• Copy of the vehicle's Title.
• Copy of the vehicle's Registration.
• Copy of your Passport or Driver's License.
• Bill of Sale (if owned for less than one year, including VIN #, model, and year of manufacture).
• Form 750-USVI Road Tax.
• Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL).

Good to know

• A USVI Road Tax is calculated based on the vehicle's curb weight multiplied by 0.16 cents, which must be processed before customs evaluation.
• If you are a returning importer shipping a vehicle previously owned and shipped from the USA, the ownership names on the vehicle's Title and Registration must match the consignee of the shipment.
• It is strongly recommended not to import non-complying vehicles. If you choose to attempt to import one, it should be sent separately from your household goods to avoid delays.

Pets

Importing pets is subject to health, quarantine, agriculture, and wildlife requirements. Pets will be examined at the first port of arrival for any signs of disease.

What you'll need

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate (for dogs from rabies-affected areas).
• Veterinary Health Record.

Good to know

• The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival.
• Dogs arriving from areas not free from rabies require a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
• Domestic cats do not require a rabies certificate.
• Most turtles and monkeys are not permitted entry.
• You should provide the common and scientific name of the animal along with its country of origin to ensure all appropriate government agencies can be contacted for specific admission requirements.

Restricted & prohibited items

Some items are restricted and require permits or are subject to duties, while others are entirely prohibited.

Prohibited items (do not import):

• Dangerous goods and liquids.
• Drugs and narcotics.
• Explosives and firearms (unless specific permits are obtained for firearms).
• Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, tortoise shell).
• Live plants.
• Blank tapes and CDs from Iran.
• Flavored cigarettes (including cloves), Cuban cigars.
• Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using federally registered trademarks.
• Products made from dog and cat fur.

Restricted items (may require permits or incur duties):

• Alcohol.
• Weapons/Firearms.
• Endangered Species products (e.g., ivory, tortoise shell) - many require CITES permits or are prohibited.
• Food items.
• Textiles and clothing.
• Plants and seeds (require an Import Permit).
• Soil (requires an Import Permit).
• Meats and meat by-products (e.g., bouillon soups).
• Medications.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Game and hunting trophies.
• Gold.
• Merchandise from embargoed countries (requires a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control).

Good to know about restricted items:

• Weapons: Ammunition should not be shipped as it is a hazardous good. Guns previously owned and shipped from the USA can normally be imported by military or government personnel if they can establish to Customs' satisfaction that the items originated from the USA. Registering weapons with Customs prior to export from the USA is the best method. For weapons purchased overseas, a Federal Firearms permit holder is usually required for import, though some exceptions allow non-resident individuals to apply for a permit directly with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The ATF permit application should be filed at least 6 weeks in advance of shipment arrival and must name the Customs broker handling the entry. It's crucial to consult with your agent regarding all facts about weapon acquisition, as not all types can be imported.
• Fish / Wildlife: Items like ivory, skins, feathers, and shells are regulated by Fish and Wildlife. Many require special CITES Permits or are prohibited. Permits cannot be issued once the shipment has left the origin country. Your agent will need the common and scientific names and country of origin to determine permit requirements.
• Food Items: It is generally better not to ship food items. If you do, a detailed inventory is required for food and drug filings and duty payment.

Alcohol & tobacco

The importation of alcohol is governed by both Federal and state laws. A reasonable amount of alcohol is generally allowed in a household goods shipment. If Customs deems the quantity excessive, you may be required to hire a licensed alcohol importer to file a commercial entry.

Good to know

• Only persons 21 years and older may enter with alcohol.
• Domestic importers must comply with the residence state laws, which vary. Some states prohibit alcohol imports, others require permits and fees, and some allow a reasonable amount. Consult state regulations before shipping.
• A detailed inventory of alcohol must be made at the time of packing for proper filings and duty payment.
• Flavored cigarettes (including cloves) and Cuban cigars are prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

Are my used household goods duty-free?
Yes, if they are used household effects that have been in your possession and use abroad for at least one year, and you intend to continue using them in your new residence.

What if I have new items in my shipment?
New items, or foreign-made items used for less than a year, will be subject to US Customs Duties, typically ranging from 3.5% to 6% of their value.

Do I need to declare computers?
Yes, computers should be listed on your inventory with make, model, serial number, value, country of manufacture, and location within the shipment. They are not subject to duty or confiscation if shipped with household goods and not purchased abroad in the last 12 months.

Can I include jewellery with my household goods?
No, jewellery should not be included with household goods but should accompany you personally upon arrival.

What documents are essential for all shipments?
A detailed inventory in English, a copy of your passport/driver's license, and the Ocean Bill of Lading or Air Waybill are always required.

Are antiques always duty-free?
Antiques are duty-free if they are at least 100 years old. Works of art are also duty-free if part of your household goods, owned for at least a year, and not for resale.

For personalized assistance with your move to the Virgin Islands and detailed guidance on customs procedures, please contact relocation123.com.

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