Month: November 2021

WANT TO OPEN A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT IN ST. MAARTEN?

Are you ready to open a business bank account in St. Maarten for your local business? There are many different ways BrightPath Caribbean can assist you with opening a bank account here on the island. We have relationships with all major banks in St. Maarten and can assist you with opening a business account from start to finish, making the process completely stress-free. Each bank has its own specific requirements, which we always consider when opening a new bank account in St. Maarten for our clients. We are also able to assist you with opening multiple bank accounts in various currencies.

Opening a Business Bank Account in St. Maarten

You can open a business bank account in St. Maarten at any of the several international banks located on the Dutch side. Whether you’re from Canada, USA or Europe, BrightPath Caribbean has all the knowledge, experience and resources to help you open a bank account in St. Maarten in just three simple steps.

To open a business bank account in St. Maarten, your business must be active, and you should have all required documents, which are outlined below. Most banks have the same general requirements, but some banks may have their own specific requirements.

Documents needed to open a business bank account in St. Maarten:

• Articles of Incorporation of your business.
• Excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce.
• Shareholder’s registry.
• Business license.
• Director’s license.
• Bank reference letter.
• 2 forms of valid photo ID.
• Proof of address (two utility bills).
• Financial statements and/or business plan.
• More documents may be required.

After you have gathered all of the documents above, BrightPath Caribbean can help you open a business bank account in St. Maarten quickly and easily! There is a waiting period to process your new business bank account, but once approved, you can begin using your St. Maarten business bank account right away!

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INVEST IN ST. MAARTEN WITH BRIGHTPATH CARIBBEAN TODAY!

If you are looking to explore the possibility of starting or expanding your business abroad, choose to invest in St. Maarten! Our beautiful island has the highest per capita income of the Dutch Antilles, and a robust, thriving economy – among other benefits. With professional guidance and advice, St. Maarten is an ideal place in the Caribbean for you to guarantee a consistent and secure return on your investment.

Whether you’d like to start or expand your own business or purchase an existing business on the island, BrightPath Caribbean can help you invest in St. Maarten! We are trusted professionals who are experts in investing in St. Maarten. Since we are also the island’s leading immigration service, BrightPath Caribbean can help you get residency in St. Maarten through your investment.

Besides the beautiful scenery, lovely people, and warmer climate, there are many other reasons why you should invest in St. Maarten and we’ve included some of them here.

Why you should invest in St. Maarten:

1. The possibility of earnings in US dollars or euros.
2. Duty-free imports and exports, and no property taxes.
3. A growing economy, with new opportunities for investment.
4. More than 2.5 million tourists to visit your business throughout the year.

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WE CAN HELP YOU GET RESIDENCY IN ST. MAARTEN!

BrightPath Caribbean are experts in immigration to St. Maarten, so before you move to the island, get in touch with us to find out how we can simplify your move to St. Maarten. Immigrating to St. Maarten can be a complicated process, but if you have the necessary documents in order and can pay the associated fees, you should be able to obtain residency in a few months!

The list of documents needed to apply for residency in St. Maarten below is a generalized, comprehensive overview of documents required for most residency permit applications in order to legally reside in St. Maarten. Requirements may vary depending on how the applicant chooses to obtain residency (e.g., investment, business start-up, local employer, etc.). For more information about how BrightPath Caribbean can assist you in your move and help you obtain temporary or permanent residency in St. Maarten.

Required Documents for St. Maarten Residency Application:

1-A copy of your valid passport.

• All pages of the passport must be copied.
• The information page must be copied in full color.
• No cut-offs are allowed on the copies.
• The copies should preferably have been scaled to size.
• The validity of the passport must be at least six-months out, from the date of application.

2-An original birth certificate.

• This document has to be legalized by a Dutch Embassy or bearing an apostille stamp from the country of issuance.
• This document cannot be older than 3 years.
• If issued in a language other than English or Dutch, a certified translation of the document is required. This translation must also be legalized.

3-An original police record.

• This document cannot be older than 6 months.
• A legalization by a Dutch Embassy or an apostille stamp from the country of issuance is not a formal requirement, but we encourage obtaining one when possible.
• BrightPath Caribbean reserves the right to refuse police records that are not in original format, such as a downloaded version of an internet report or one that cannot be readily verified by our staff.

4-If married, an original marriage certificate.

• This document has to be legalized by a Dutch Embassy or bearing an apostille stamp from the country of issuance.
• This document cannot be older than 6 months.
• If issued in a language other than English or Dutch, a certified translation of the document is required. This translation must also be legalized.

5-If divorced, an original divorce decree.

• This document has to be legalized by a Dutch Embassy or bearing an apostille stamp from the country of issuance.
• This document cannot be older than 3 years.
• If issued in a language other than English or Dutch, a certified translation of the document is required. This translation must also be legalized.

6. If widowed, an original death certificate of spouse.

• This document has to be legalized by a Dutch Embassy or bearing an apostille stamp from the country of issuance.
• This document cannot be older than 3 years.
• If issued in a language other than English or Dutch, a certified translation of the document is required. This translation must also be legalized.

Additional Requirements for St. Maarten Residency Application

1-If applying for your spouse.

• Items 1 through 3 apply for the spouse.
• Evidence of sufficient income from the petitioning applicant to support the request, and to stand as guarantor for the same may also be required.

2-If applying for your minor children.

• Items 1 through 2 apply for the children.
• Evidence of school registration in St. Maarten must be provided. This is applicable for each child over 4 years of age.
• If one of the parents of the minor child is remaining abroad, an original, notarized letter of consent along with a valid passport identification of that parent is also required.

3-Proof of sufficient income.

• Letter of foreign financial institution stating the financial position (assets, liabilities, equity) addressed to St Maarten Immigration & Border Protection Services – an amount must be explicitly stated in United States dollars or its equivalent.

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5 TIPS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

If you need to apply for a residency permit or a work permit in St. Maarten, you’ll have to visit local government offices and you’ll want your government appointments in St. Maarten to go smoothly. Before attending any government appointment, it is essential to prepare and to have all your documents completed. It’s not enough to just have your documents ready though, you also need to understand the process of the permit you are applying for, among several other things.

To ensure your government appointment in St. Maarten goes smoothly, BrightPath Caribbean has put together five tips we think will help you

5 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Government Appointment in St. Maarten:

Be patient: When attending an appointment at a government office, oftentimes, depending on the time of your appointment, it may be quite busy and hectic. Be prepared to wait a while in a long lineup, so bring a book or a magazine and a fully charged phone to keep yourself occupied while waiting.

Prepare your documents: This is very important. If all your documents are not prepared, filled in, available, or in order, it will make your government appointment much longer and inconvenient. If you are unprepared for your government appointment, you risk losing the appointment slot and having time-sensitive documents expire. Make sure that you know which documents need to be legalized, translated, apostilled copied and signed. Find out as much as possible about the documents that are required for your work permit request or residency application.

Do your due diligence: Similar to the previous point, make sure you know everything about where, when and how you are supposed to make an appointment with the appropriate departments. When you adequately prepare – or do due diligence – for your government appointment in St. Maarten, it is more likely to go smoothly. Simply “showing up” to government offices in St. Maarten is not usually helpful and may take longer than if you had made an appointment. To make your government appointment in St. Maarten go smoothly, find out where the office you need is located, who you will need to speak with and what time you need to be at the office. We recommend arriving at government offices in St. Maarten 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment time. Also, check out the office’s Facebook page, website, Instagram, and/or Twitter account for any important updates.

Dress appropriately: In addition to being well prepared, it is important to look neat, clean, and decent. Comb your hair, brush your teeth, make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, and do not have any stains, holes or tears. Unfortunately, you are less likely to be taken seriously if your appearance is less than presentable at the government offices in St. Maarten.

Be polite: After waiting for a long period of time at a government office in St. Maarten, you are likely to be annoyed or frustrated. Despite your frustration, it is important to remain respectful of other people and staff at the government office. Also understand that government personnel are likely frustrated, maybe because they have had to deal with a never-ending lineup, or people are unprepared and arguing. It is therefore important to remain rational, cool, calm and collected. Losing your temper in a government office in St. Maarten will not benefit you in any way and will prevent any hope of the appointment going smoothly.

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HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD COME TO ST. MAARTEN!

More than 2 million tourists visit St. Maarten every year! Ever wanted to know why so many people from around the world love visiting St. Maarten? For your next island getaway, you should definitely visit St. Maarten and below, you’ll find several reasons why!

Not only does Grammy Award winner Drake love visiting St. Maarten, it was also Anthony Bourdain’s favorite place to relax and unwind. Every year, from mid-November to January, a whole host of celebrities spend their Christmas vacation either on or transiting through the island. There are yachts galore, Michelin-star quality restaurants and endless nightlife options all year round!

If you need any more reasons to visit St. Maarten, read what Metro has put together below.

Facts About St. Maarten

Close to millionaires’ playground St Barts, Saint Martin is home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, rugged mountains and a deliciously warm tropical climate – average temperature 26 degrees.

At 37 square miles and with a population of around 75,000, it’s smaller than well-trodden holiday destinations such as Barbados and Saint Lucia, but is rich in history, culture and food.

Holidaymakers may be surprised to find the island is part French and part Dutch and locals were keen to share the legend behind the country’s borders.

Named originally by Christopher Columbus, who sighted it on St. Martin’s day, French signage calls the island Saint Martin, while the Dutch call it Sint Maarten but locals call it ‘the friendly island’. The two European cultures are really evident, but there’s a strong Caribbean vibe too – plenty of reggae and BBQ chicken! In fact, what sets Saint Martin apart from its neighbors is its gourmet food culture. Over 110 different nationalities call the island home, so if you’re looking for Indian, Asian, Italian or something more obscure, you’re likely to find it here.

What to do

Hit the beach! Perfect soft white sand and bright turquoise water make trips to the beach in Saint Martin pretty special. From the moon-shaped Mullet Bay to the ‘clothing optional’ Orient Bay, you’ll definitely want to get out and about to find your favorite.

Plane spotting on Maho Beach! Princess Juliana Airport is metres from Maho Beach, meaning jets skim over your head as they come into land. Grab a seat at Sunset Bar (which posts the daily landing schedule on a surfboard outside) and enjoy the view as daredevils stand directly in the flight path.

Take a boat trip! One of the best ways to experience Saint Martin is out on the water.

Coconut Reef offers one of the island’s best trips, jetting off on a powerboat, snorkelling with colourful tropical fish and turtles before relaxing on stunning Pinel Island – home to tortoises and iguanas.

Visit Marigot! The French capital oozes charm. There’s a daily market where you can buy everything from spices and jewellery to loud shirts. After shopping, climb up to Fort Louis for one of the best views of the island.

Visit Loterie Farm! Not just home to SXMusic Festival’s most glamorous party, but also an adrenaline lover’s dream. With zip-lines high over the jungle, it’s a great change of scene from the beach.

Do some shopping! Head to the Dutch capital Philipsburg and check out duty free designer stores on Front Street. With everything from Apple to Tiffany’s, you’re bound to pick up a bargain.The Dutch side is also home to several glitzy casinos if you want to splash the cash in other ways.

Visit Anguilla! Frequently voted as having the world’s best beaches, Anguilla is only 25 minutes by ferry. It’s a British territory, so if you’re missing home you can nip over and drive on the left!

Enjoy watersports! Plenty of companies offer jet ski and stand up paddleboard rental. If you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at flyboarding.

Where to eat, drink and party

There are hundreds of great restaurants, lounges and bars in St. Maarten! Some popular places for food in St. Maarten include:

Pizza & Co (Italian)

Pizza del Sol (Italian)

Old Tree Chinese Restaurant (Chinese)

Spices of India (Indian)

Al Pasha (Lebanese)

Bandidos Locos (Mexican)

Newa Chopstix (Chinese/Indian)

Tao Garden (Thai)

Yami Sushi (Japanese)

Alina Restaurant (Japanese)

Distric 721 (open-air lounge)

Cynthia’s Talk of the Town (Caribbean BBQ)

Fat Tony’s (American steakhouse bar)

How to get around

During daylight hours there are public buses between Marigot and Philipsburg, and Maho Beach and Philipsburg. They are a great way to see the island at only USD $2 per journey.

Taxis are readily available at the airport, hotels and in the main towns. Most journeys will cost a maximum of $30 and drivers are usually very friendly and keen to tell you stories about island life.

During SXMusic Festival, organizers put on a fleet of shuttle buses, moving partygoers from beach clubs to nightclubs.

Good to know

The island has three currencies in circulation: US dollars, Euros and Dutch guilders. Often US dollars and Euros are exchanged 1:1.

Dutch and French are both official languages on the island, but nearly everyone speaks perfect English.

Saint Martin is on the route for several cruise ships. They dock in Philipsburg so the city may be particularly crowded (and best avoided) on certain days.

Source: Metro

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GET TO KNOW VIVIAN CHAMAS

BrightPath Caribbean is St. Maarten’s leading immigration service. We are trusted professionals who are experienced in getting residency permits, economic licenses and work permits in St. Maarten. Back in 2016, BrightPath Caribbean’s founder and CEO Vivian Chamas sat down with The Daily Herald for an interview to help readers learn more about her and her successful immigration service in St. Maarten.

In this week’s Hot Seat, BrightPath Caribbean Lead Consultant Vivian Chamas-Touzé gives insight into who she is, what she does and what makes her tick.

Who is Vivian Chamas?

I’m a complex thinker who implements simple execution. I believe in clean, concise plans regardless of how sophisticated the idea or concept may be. I’m a big believer in the phrase “Potential is interesting, but performance is everything.” I’m also a capitalist idealist…

Where were you born and how did you end up here?

I was born in Miami, Florida, and I was raised in Belize. I’d been in banking for 17 years and it was with Scotiabank that I came to St. Maarten in 2012.

Education?

I attended high school at an American private school in Honduras and subsequently attended college in California. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2001 from Notre Dame de Namur University. I chose business because I was only 15 when I entered college, and very uncertain as to the career I wanted to forge for myself, so business seemed broad enough to not limit myself to a specific field from early on.

How long have you been in the business field? What do you like about it?

All my life! My family owns businesses in Belize and I grew up in that environment. I love that business comes with equal parts risk and reward. It’s just a matter of where in the circle you stand at that given time.

What is BrightPath Caribbean? How did you get involved?

BrightPath Caribbean is an idea on a sheet of paper that almost didn’t come to fruition. During my first six months in St. Maarten, I got to observe the local business sector from a commercial banker’s perspective. Before being assigned to St. Maarten, I had worked in banking in both the USA and other Eastern Caribbean countries. In comparison to other islands in the region, it seemed evident to me that St. Maarten had a lot to offer from an investor’s point of view – it was just a matter of showing it to the rest of the world – and that’s what BrightPath Caribbean is all about.

We market St. Maarten as an investment hub, and offer turnkey integrated business solutions. Our core product is an investment package comprising feasibility and market study, business strategy and incorporation, related banking services, and residency via the investment where required. Additionally, we outsource the design and construction of the business, shipping and receipt of inventory, and staffing the business once operational.

If you, via BrightPath Caribbean, can establish businesses for anyone in the world, who would you want to set up for and why?

Carlos Slim Helú and Grupo Carso are on the top of our list. Professionally, I have a lot of admiration for his investment choices and the diverse nature of the group’s business holdings. Personally, I hold profound admiration for the philanthropic contributions and actions he and his team have made in the arts, education and healthcare sectors.

How can the business climate here be improved for entities such as BrightPath Caribbean?

I think we as a community need to embrace globalisation as a modern-day reality. The definition of a local St. Maartener is becoming broader and broader as more nationalities and cultures are integrating into our society. As a country looking to attract more investment, our ability to speak different languages and welcome different cultures makes us unique in comparison to many of our regional peers. We need to keep fostering an environment of integration and promote these cultural exchanges in order to maintain a more favourable climate for foreign investments.

Future goals?

Professionally, I made a commitment to myself that this would be the year I start my master’s degree. Law is a structured and defined practice that compliments my field, so it’s where I have my goal set for 2016. Personally, I have a profound aversion for airplanes, and it has resulted in limitations with regard to being able to travel. I landed in St. Maarten and never got off the rock since then. So, tackling this fear and getting on that jet-plane is on the to-do list for the near future.

What do you do outside of BrightPath Caribbean?

I’m a mom! I have two absolutely wonderful kids: Saeed who is 12 and Sophia who is 4. They are a hoot and I genuinely enjoy hanging out with them all over the place.

Special talents?

I’m not much of a singer, but I can hum the heck out of any song.

Dream holiday venue?

Uninterrupted sleep is a holiday in itself! Between the kids, and having clients in different time-zones, it’s about as much as I can ask for at this stage.

If you were to be stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you take?

A developer, a banker and a marketing major. We’d subdivide it, finance the buyers and market it as an emerging real-estate investment destination. Sounds like I’m preparing for BrightPath Caribbean, the sequel.

Hobbies?

Reading – and lots of it! Without good literature and verifiable information, you’re only a puppet of others opinions.

Pet peeve?

Fine print. I still like to practice business the old school way – on a handshake and let’s get it done – no fine print needed. Things shouldn’t be more complicated than they already are and I find that oftentimes the new generation of businesspersons spend more time mulling over the fine print than just getting the job done.

Favourite quote?

Ronald Reagan: “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”

What’s your favourite type of music?

Absolutely, hands down, The Rolling Stones. There must be a Stones song for every situation in life.

If you could ask any three persons (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you cook for them?

As an American and an actively registered voter, I can’t help but take a stab at the current political issues in the US today. I’d have to say the Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump; former Mexican president Vicente Fox and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. I’d give anything to see the first two thrash out their positions over the famous wall and of course, like anything newsworthy today, it definitely belongs on Facebook. On the menu? Tacos, of course!

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HOW TO REGISTER A VESSEL

Over the past years at BrightPath, our core service and what we are most known for is immigration and relocation to the Caribbean.  Additionally, if you wish to invest or start a business in one of the Eastern Caribbean islands, we can assist with the incorporation and licensing process.

However, did you know that if you are you a vessel owner, have some ties to Sint Maarten and wish to register your vessel for private use in Sint Maarten, BrightPath can best assist you too!

To register a foreign vessel in St. Maarten, you’ll need to pay a visit to the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs. There, you will submit the required documents and pay any associated fees.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST IN COLLABORATION WITH @ISLAND92SXM

The “work permit process” in Sint Maarten has so many variables, that it can be a daunting task for anyone, at BrightPath we pay special attention to detail when it comes to work permits, we know it has to be a perfectly executed maneuver between paperwork for the Labor and the Immigration department.

You can find our Island92SXM friends on social media in the links below.

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ARE YOU LOOKING TO INCORPORATE A BUSINESS IN ST. MAARTEN?

Are you ready to invest in ‘the friendly island’ but want to know the cost to incorporate a business in St. Maarten? Keep reading to learn about business incorporation costs in St. Maarten!

There are many benefits to incorporating a business on Sint Maarten. Some benefits include personal asset protection, enhanced credibility, brand protection and deductible expenses.

Incorporating a business in St. Maarten can be costly, so some of the estimated costs (in USD) of business incorporation in Sint Maarten can be found below.

Costs to incorporate a business in St. Maarten:

• Service Fees: $3,000
• Notary Fees: $1,500 – $3,000
• Business and Director License Fees: $2,000
• Operational License Fee (if applicable): $2,000
• Labor Registration Fee: $142

If you’re thinking about the costs to incorporate a business in St. Maarten, you should have a minimum budget of USD $6,800 for one business and one director license. Depending on the type of business, such as a restaurant or lounge, you may need an extra operational license, which increases your costs by at least $2000.

If you wish to have more than one managing director, additional fees will apply. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind what type of investment or company you wish to incorporate in St. Maarten and the costs associated with each type of business. BrightPath Caribbean recommends having a budget of USD $6,800 – $10,000 that when incorporating a business in St. Maarten, depending on the type of business being incorporated and the number of managing directors that are to be established.

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LEARN HOW TO APPLY FOR A CARIBBEAN VISA

Many tourists who need a visa to visit St. Maarten wonder how to request a Caribbean visa for St. Maarten. As St. Maarten’s leading immigration specialists, BrightPath Caribbean would like to help make your next visit to St. Maarten simple, so you can find the Caribbean visa information you need here!

According to The Kingdom of the Netherlands’ official website, “If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for 90 days or less, you may need a short-stay visa. This depends on your nationality. You may also need a short-stay visa if you are transiting through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.”

What is a Caribbean short-stay visa?

A Caribbean short-stay visa is generally valid for 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa, which means that you can use it more than once. The visa lets you stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

It also lets you travel between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten).

You cannot use a Caribbean visa to travel to the European part of the Netherlands or another Schengen country.

Do I need to request a Caribbean visa to visit St. Maarten?

Most tourists will be exempted from the Caribbean visa requirement but check the list below to make sure. This includes visitors from the United States or European Union countries.

In most cases, you will not need a Caribbean visa if you are transiting or if you are a passenger on a cruise ship.

Countries whose nationals are exempt from requesting a Caribbean visa for St. Maarten:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana (visa required for St Maarten)
• Honduras
• Hong Kong – holders of British National Overseas passports
• Hong Kong – holders of Special Administrative Region passports
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica (Curaçao only. Visa required for Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten)
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao – holders of Special Administrative Region passports
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru (visa required for St Maarten)
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• St Christopher and Nevis (St Kitts)
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan – holders of a passport bearing their identity card number
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Vatican City

How to apply for a short-stay Caribbean visa

How and where you apply for a visa depends on your nationality. Please visit the Dutch Consulate or Embassy nearest to you before visiting St. Maarten.

Can I work with a short-stay Caribbean visa?

During your stay you may not carry out paid work. If you want to work, you must obtain a work permit. For more information, contact the local authorities and BrightPath Caribbean.

Can I extend my short-stay Caribbean visa?

You cannot extend a short-stay Caribbean visa. If you wish to stay in St. Maarten longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit.

Source: Netherlands WorldWide

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