Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Month: April 2022

How to Start a Business in St. Maarten

Posted on by BrightPath Caribbean

St. Maarten is one of the most sought-after Caribbean islands for investment. Many foreign businesses, retirees, and entrepreneurs looking to setup offshore companies are keen to start a business in St. Maarten. With a stable economy, bustling tourism, and law and order, St. Maarten is a prime destination if you’re looking to start a business in the Caribbean.

Additionally, acquiring a business license in St. Maarten is relatively easier too. The Dutch-owned foreign territory is very welcoming of foreign investors. The local governing authorities fully facilitate those looking to start a business in St. Maarten, however, a legal process is to be diligently followed.

In case you’ve been tempted by the white beaches and crystal blue water and make St. Maarten your home, starting a business is a good way to earn residency too.

Here’s some help for those looking to start a business in the Caribbean island.

Decide on a Business Plan

If you’re already running a business in the U.S. or Canada, you may want to move it offshore to the Caribbean. However, if you’re an entrepreneur or retiree looking to move to St. Maarten, you need a business plan. St. Maarten is ideal to start low-cost businesses and most people opt for restaurants, tourism, photography, and beach-related businesses on the island.

Hire a Business Consultant

The next step is to hire a reputable business consultant in St. Maarten. Albeit the process to acquire a business license is easy on the island, it’s best to have expert guidance. A business consultant will guide you regarding the process, help in sorting the documents, and apply for a business license based on the Estigingsregeling Voor Bedrijven Ordinance.

Pick a Business Entity

In St. Maarten, you can enter into a sole proprietorship, a B.V. (private limited liability company), or N.V. (public limited liability company). These legal entities are registered with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) of St. Maarten and provide liabilities and tax protection.

A cropped image of a person holding pen and paper

Apply for License

With the help of your business consultant, you will then apply for a business license. Non-Antilleans (including Dutch nationals), foreign nationals, and foreign businesses have to apply for a license in St. Maarten. Additionally, at least one of the directors of the business must be a resident of St. Maarten. The license is acquired from the Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs whereas locals can directly register their business entities with CoC.

Get the Residency Permit

Once the business license is approved, a residency permit is required to live in St. Maarten. The applicant can seek help from an immigration consultant to apply for residency at the Department of Immigration, Border Protection Services.

Talk to Us and Get Started

BrightPath Caribbean is a leading business consultant and immigration service in St. Maarten. We have helped numerous clients acquire work permits, residency permits, and start a business in the Caribbean. If you’re looking forward to living in St. Maarten, reach out to us for a free consultation.

Four Reasons to Retire in St. Maarten

Posted on by BrightPath Caribbean

There are many reasons to retire in St. Maarten, from the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts to the low cost of living and friendly locals. For starters, St. Maarten is a tax-free jurisdiction, which means that retirees can keep more money in their pockets. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it easy for retirees to get by on a fixed budget. And thanks to the excellent infrastructure, a retiree can get by without a car or driver’s license.

If you want to retire in the Caribbean, get in touch with BrightPath Caribbean.

There are many perks of retiring in St. Maarten, from the island’s natural beauty and temperate climate to its relaxed lifestyle and world-class health care system. Here are some more:

1.     The Weather

The weather is the number one reason people move to St. Maarten. The temperatures are always comfortable, the sun is shining, and the breeze is blowing. There’s never a need for a coat, and you can always find a spot in the sun to relax.

In addition to the perfect weather, St. Maarten offers various activities to keep you busy. You can go sailing, windsurfing, diving, or snorkeling any day of the week. And if you want to explore the island, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from.

2.     The People

One of the best reasons to retire in the Caribbean is the people. They are warm, friendly, and welcoming, always going out of their way to make you feel at home. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like one of the family.

The locals are always happy to share a bit of their culture and history with you, and they take great pride in their island paradise. You’re sure to make some lifelong friends during your time here.

3.     The Lifestyle

One of the biggest reasons to retire in St. Maarten is the incredible quality of life you can enjoy here. St. Maarten is a small, Dutch-speaking island nation located in the northeast corner of the Caribbean Sea. It shares an island with the French territory of Saint-Martin, and together they make up the smallest country in the world by land area. St. Maarten is a vibrant, modern country with a diverse economy and rich culture despite its small size.

4.     The Healthcare

The healthcare system in St. Maarten is one of the main reasons people retire here. The island has a modern, well-equipped hospital and a wide range of excellent doctors, specialists, and nurses. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a full range of services, from routine checkups to major surgery.

There are also several private clinics on the island offering excellent care. And if you need specialized care that is not available in St. Maarten, the hospital has excellent working relationships with hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Europe

An older man with a phone in hand trying to contact a retirement consultant.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful place to retire, look no further than St. Maarten! This island has a lot to offer retirees, from stunning beaches and crystal-clear water to a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. Plus, St. Maarten is a great place to do business, with a strong economy and a welcoming business climate. If you’re interested in living in St Maarten, contact us today for more information about our relocation to Caribbean services. We can help you with your process of immigration to St. Maarten.

BrightPath Caribbean