the BVI

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: High

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (Tortola Bus Service, relatively safe)

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, is a British overseas territory. Comprising 4 larger islands and many smaller ones, it's known for its reef-lined beaches and as a yachting destination. The largest island, Tortola, is home to the capital, Road Town, and rainforest-filled Sage Mountain National Park. On Tortola, there are also ruins of colonial plantations and the Baths, a labyrinth of beachside boulders. The islands are noted for their inviting subtropical climate and white sandy beaches. The topography is quite varied, with the land rising from the beaches to rugged mountain peaks, the highest being Mount Sage on Tortola at 521 meters (1,710 feet). The economy of the BVI is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, largely due to its tourism sector and financial services industry. The culture of the BVI is a blend of African, European, and American influences, which can be seen in its music, dance, and festivals. Despite its small size, the BVI has a significant international presence due to its status as a popular offshore financial center. The population is diverse, with a mix of Afro-Caribbean, white, and a small number of people of Indian and Middle Eastern descent. English is the official language, and the currency used is the US dollar. The BVI holds a strong allure for adventurers and travelers seeking a beautiful, secluded getaway.

B

Expat Lifestyle

B-

Private Schools

A-

Family Friendly

B

Single Friendly

B+

Senior Friendly

C+

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B+

Weather

B

Healthcare

C

Cost of Living

B

Recreation

B

Nightlife

B

Restaurants

A-

Crime

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the British Virgin Islands is considered high, especially due to the cost of imported goods and services, as well as housing and transportation expenses.

Weather

The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical rainforest climate with consistent temperatures year-round. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). The wet season runs from September to November, and the dry season from February to April. Hurricanes can occur from June to November.

Educational System Brit. Virgin Isl.

The educational system in the British Virgin Islands is structured to provide students with a comprehensive and balanced education. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 17. The system is modeled after the British educational framework and includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Primary education begins with kindergarten, followed by six years of primary school. Secondary education is divided into two cycles: the lower secondary, which lasts for three years, and the upper secondary, which lasts for two years. Students take the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams at the end of their secondary education. The BVI educational system emphasizes a broad curriculum, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education, as well as vocational subjects at the secondary level. Schools in the BVI are a mix of public and private institutions, with the government providing free education at public schools. The quality of education is considered good, with a literacy rate of over 98%. The school year typically begins in September and ends in June, with students graduating from secondary school around the age of 17 or 18. For families moving to the BVI, it's important to note that while the primary language of instruction is English, the local culture and community values are also integrated into the educational experience

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Temporary Residence Permit, Work Permit

Popular Nomad Visa/s: There is no specific digital nomad visa for the British Virgin Islands, but expats often use the Temporary Residence Permit which allows them to live in the territory for up to one year and can be renewed.

Obtaining a residency visa in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) involves several steps and can be considered an average challenge compared to other countries. The most common types of visas for expats are the Temporary Residence Permit and the Work Permit. To apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, an individual must provide proof of income or means to support themselves, a clean police record, and a medical certificate proving good health. This permit is usually granted for one year and can be renewed annually. For those seeking employment in the BVI, a Work Permit is required. The process involves finding a job with a BVI employer who will then apply for a work permit on the employee's behalf. The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled locally and that the expat is the best candidate for the job. The applicant will need to submit various documents, including a police record, a medical certificate, and proof of qualifications. The processing time for work permits can take several weeks, and the cost varies depending on the category of work. It is important to note that the BVI government prioritizes local employment, so the process of obtaining a work permit can be competitive and stringent. Additionally, the cost of living in the BVI is relatively high, which is something to consider when planning to move there. Overall, while the process to obtain residency in the BVI is quite structured and involves several bureaucratic steps, it is manageable with the proper preparation and documentation. Expats should be prepared for a thorough application process and ensure they meet all the requirements before applying.

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Homeschooling in the British Virgin Islands

How to Enroll Your Children in School in the British Virgin Islands

Educational System in the British Virgin Islands

10 Things to Know Before Moving to the British Virgin Islands

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How to Rent a Home in the British Virgin Islands

Guide to Residency in the British Virgin Islands

Expats Talk about Moving to Brit. Virgin Isl.

Living in Brit. Virgin Isl.

Movies Set: The Old Man and the Sea, Maidentrip

Popular Foods: The British Virgin Islands' cuisine is a blend of Caribbean flavors and seafood is a staple, with dishes like grilled fish, lobster, and conch being very popular. Another favorite is the pâté, a fried or baked pastry filled with spiced meat or saltfish. For dessert, locals enjoy sweet treats such as Johnny cakes and coconut tart.

Unusual Eats: Iguana stew is considered a traditional dish in the British Virgin Islands, which some visitors might find unusual. It is made from the meat of the green iguana and is said to have a taste similar to chicken.

Popular Sports: sailing, cricket, football (soccer)

Popular Teams: British Virgin Islands national football team, British Virgin Islands national cricket team

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in the British Virgin Islands, it is important to dress modestly when not on the beach, as overly revealing clothing can be frowned upon, especially in town and public areas. It's also considered impolite to take photographs of locals without their permission, as privacy is highly valued.

Brit. Virgin Isl. Guide

"Considering a move from Scotland to BVI with my wife and young family. Would like a frank discussion with anyone else who has done this to learn of tehir thoughts an experiences. What was good or bad? Recommendations etc. Many thanks" - HarryCorey

Connect with Others on the Brit. Virgin Isl. Community

Healthcare in Brit. Virgin Isl.

The healthcare system in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) consists of both public and private healthcare facilities. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides services to residents at a lower cost, while private healthcare offers more personalized care with higher fees. The quality of healthcare in the BVI is generally considered to be good, especially in the private sector, which caters to the expat community and tourists. Public healthcare facilities may have limited resources and equipment compared to private ones, but they are capable of handling routine medical care and emergencies. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have established legal residency and have contributed to the territory's National Health Insurance system. However, many expats and digital nomads choose to have private health insurance to cover more extensive healthcare services.

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Essential Guide to the Health System in the British Virgin Islands