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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: RatmansWife]
#49714
04/08/2015 05:37 PM
04/08/2015 05:37 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
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Welcome to TTOL! I just sent you a PM (private message). Click on the blinking letter picture to open it.
Rob
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: SeaSeaRider]
#49715
04/08/2015 06:03 PM
04/08/2015 06:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213 GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
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A U.S citizen can not live full time in BVI, ask Manpot, although British he'll have more knowledge then most in this area. Working in BVI is an entirely different matter. Let's put it this way you better have deep pockets, real estate is not cheap.
Last edited by sail2wind; 04/08/2015 06:58 PM.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: sail2wind]
#49716
04/08/2015 06:34 PM
04/08/2015 06:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711
Memphis, BVI, CT
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If you own your home and can prove you're financially independent, you can get residency. (Or so people who have done so say.) Alternatively, you can get a work visa; there are lots of conditions, but many are issued.
Alien landholders have the right to stay for six months, so leaving and returning is also an option.
What is not encouraged is folks of modest means and no special skills moving to the BVIs to seek work.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: theKurp]
#49718
04/08/2015 08:24 PM
04/08/2015 08:24 PM
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,103 Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,103
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
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So much mixed info..if you buy you can live in the BVI's for six months a year ( how that six months is split is open to discussion..and not here!). If you are not working you can get residency.."Permission to reside"..twelve months a year..it took us three months to get it and we renew each year for $45...but with that you cannot work..unless you work off island and are paid elsewhere..There are some reasonably priced long term rentals BTW..you need to come down and check for yourself and , if you have a talent seriously needed here, work permits are quite doable..
Last edited by Manpot; 04/08/2015 08:26 PM.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: theKurp]
#49719
04/08/2015 08:31 PM
04/08/2015 08:31 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,429 Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
mdoyle9999
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,429
Villa Euphoria Leverick Bay, P...
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Mal is the expert on this. But, with his assistance, here is what I think are the rules of the road. If by permanent residency you mean gaining "Belonger Status" you will be disappointed as it takes about twenty years before you can even apply. We are officially "Non-Belongers" and have a government card to prove it. Non- Belonger status is granted to people who own property in the BVI. With a Non-Belonger Land Holding License you are allowed to stay for six months without going back every 30 days to C&I to extend your visa. I am advised that after six months, you are not supose to be allowed back into the territory until six months have passed. In theory, going to St. Thomas for a few nights doesn't allow you to skirt that provision. But, I 'm pretty sure that it is skirted frequently. The right way to do it is the way Mal has done it, which is to apply for a Right to Reside Permit. He was able to get through that process relatively painlessly, by island standards. I think it involved a number of trips to C&I in addition to the paperwork. But, I envy you. We still haven't figured out a way to extend our stays beyond three weeks. Best of luck!
Mike "The journey is the thing." Homer
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: mdoyle9999]
#49720
04/08/2015 09:18 PM
04/08/2015 09:18 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711
Memphis, BVI, CT
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No argument with anything that has been said here. Of course an immigration attorney is the only one who can advise you on your specific situation.
My understanding is that, after twenty years, folks on work visas can apply for residency, which, if granted, eliminates the need for a visa. That is the case for many workers from "down island". Eventually they can apply for citizenship.
The key, as Manpot says, is that you have to choose between the residency granted because you are financially independent and having the ability to work in the BVI. We have several neighbors who own homes and live year-round (non-working). We have several who got work permits and then bought homes with alien landholders licenses. And we have a couple who have achieved Belonger status.
There may also be a category for people who start essential businesses, but that is a whole 'nother topic.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: xandralaw]
#49721
04/08/2015 10:12 PM
04/08/2015 10:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884 St. Thomas, USVI
Nutmeg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,884
St. Thomas, USVI
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If you are a U.S. citizen and you need to work to live, you might consider living/working in the USVI and spending your spare time "over there". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
[color:"red"]NUTMEG[/color] Today is the tomorrow you talked about yesterday.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: LocalSailor]
#49723
04/09/2015 07:37 AM
04/09/2015 07:37 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,175 Rincón PR
casailor53
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,175
Rincón PR
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You will find that living in the BVI is far different than vacationing in the BVI (even if it was 30 times). Be prepared for no current (power), no water, no internet, no cable, drastically inferior cell service, long lines in banks, paying to have mail, paying for each package on top of that, seriously sh!tty customer service (and I'm not talking about waitstaff), etc, etc. Working is paradise is still working. If you can get through all that, it's great. Read the blog "Women Who Live On Rocks" (whether or not you are female) for a humourous account of the trials and tribulations of island living.
Although I recently left Tortola, I lived there for almost 20 years.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: Manpot]
#49725
04/09/2015 09:22 AM
04/09/2015 09:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,175 Rincón PR
casailor53
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,175
Rincón PR
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Yes, the DMV, definitely was getting more efficient the last few years. Since I left in August, following BVI Community Board in facebook, it seems as if BVIEC (power) and LIME internet have been very, very bad; with LIME, not only the service itself, but the customer service as well. YMMV with both, based on where you live on the island. Not having a local bank is a good idea, especially if one is not a year-long resident.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: xandralaw]
#49729
04/09/2015 05:35 PM
04/09/2015 05:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,711
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Sounds like you have a plan and it's coming together nicely. What a great experience for your family.
In terms of salaries, my impression is that government officials and consultants are extremely well paid, relative to similarly-sized places. Health-care workers and teachers seem less well paid. Your comparative pay probably depends a lot on your field.
Maybe it would be easier to focus on your take-home pay and expenses. The BVI has no income tax, but there is a social security tax and a new national health tax. You will still have to pay US taxes, but with the foreign income exclusion.
Your mom's household running expenses should be a good guide. We find insurance in the BVI is expensive, especially with only liability on our car and boat. We have an account with the same bank for many decades, but they now charge $35 - a month! - because we are American.
Importing furniture and household goods always costs more than I expect, more because of duty and fees than the actual shipping charges. Food is a lot more expensive, as you no doubt know. I would add 50% to your US food budget. While gas is more expensive, you won't be driving as far.
Cedar is a nice school, and a lot cheaper than private schools, particularly in Fairfield County.
We have neighbors, full-time residents, who were able to live (frugally) on US social security and limited investment income. It can be done.
Please keep us posted.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: xandralaw]
#49730
04/09/2015 06:06 PM
04/09/2015 06:06 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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Thanks for posting the additional info. I have to ask though, why does it matter how much less the salary is on island than in the US?? You have an offer for employment, which requires you getting a work permit. Do you get any impression that the salary is negotiable at all?? Often, they will offer what they will offer, period..
Carol Hill
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#49731
04/09/2015 06:33 PM
04/09/2015 06:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
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Anything above $4 an hour is good(some employers think $4 is fine <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />). And I know way too many folks that have been getting paid only that for many years.
Last edited by HillsideView; 04/09/2015 07:16 PM.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#49732
04/09/2015 08:38 PM
04/09/2015 08:38 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7 Connecticut, USA
xandralaw
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7
Connecticut, USA
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Carol_Hill said: Thanks for posting the additional info. I have to ask though, why does it matter how much less the salary is on island than in the US?? You have an offer for employment, which requires you getting a work permit. Do you get any impression that the salary is negotiable at all?? Often, they will offer what they will offer, period.. Actually I know for a fact that it is negotiable. It says so in the employment letter itself and that was reinforced to me both in person, in emails and on the phone. The reason I ask is the salary they are offering me is 40% less than I am making right now. That feels a bit extreme is all. I certainly am willing to accept what is appropriate and reasonable but I also don't want to leave myself high and dry.
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: xandralaw]
#49733
04/09/2015 08:48 PM
04/09/2015 08:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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OK, I just don't think anyone on a TRAVEL bulletin board could give you good advice on what a reasonable salary would be, especially when we don't even know what the position is--which may or may not even help. You certainly could come back to them with a counter offer on the salary and see what the response is.
Carol Hill
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: xandralaw]
#49736
04/09/2015 09:46 PM
04/09/2015 09:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90 Soper's Hole, Tortola
islanddoc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 90
Soper's Hole, Tortola
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Carol, I don't think your question makes sense. I feel it hugely matters how much less the salary will be. In my first few years here, I grossly underestimated my overall living and business expenses. Couple that with a much smaller salary than in Georgia, things got "interesting" for a while. A lot of ex-pats (and locals, too!) are just barely making it here right now. I love what I do, I am blessed to be where I am--life is good, today......But, I'd be lyin' if I said it's been easy.
To Xandralaw, Carol's probably right--this may not be the perfect forum for your inquiry....please feel free to email me (howardbergdc@gmail.com) with any other questions I may be able to help you with....welcome to the 'hood!
Sometimes we live no particular way but our own...
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: islanddoc]
#49737
04/10/2015 07:46 AM
04/10/2015 07:46 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,552
Central Florida!
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Sorry, my comment was phrased very badly. What I meant to say is that it doesn't really matter what the difference is between where you are now and what you get paid there, it only matters what you get paid there, and whether you can live on that money.
Carol Hill
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Re: Moving to Tortola..!?
[Re: sleepychef]
#49743
04/10/2015 04:13 PM
04/10/2015 04:13 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7 Connecticut, USA
xandralaw
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7
Connecticut, USA
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sleepychef said: If you plan to pay $2000 a month for rent then your salary must be over $60,000.00 to be comfortable as the electric for that size of house with AC alongside water rates and internet, phone line, cable or satelite and car expences will run your bills to around $3000 a month including rent. It's what level of comfort and life style you are looking for, but remember even in paradise if your working its just another place to live. If you plan to eat out and enjoy life then a salary of $80,000+ would be much better So here are my rough numbers - please feel free to edit or add. Rent $2000 Internet/home phone $110 Cable $46 Khoys $11 (based off annual fee of $125) Groceries $600 (family of three - 2 adults one toddler) Gas $300 Cell ph $100 (my job includes one so this is husband only) Car Ins $200 (this is a total guess) Electricity $150 Savings for 2 work permit renewals $167 TOTAL - $3677 Missing expenses - rental insurance, personal savings and debt, variable incidentals (school supplies, medical exp, home furnishings, sunscreen lol, entertainment)... what else? Am calculating take home pay as less 8% taxes + 4% SS and health insurance. Also - I will have a two income household with my husband working...
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