If you want to renew your work or residency permit in St. Maarten, it means you are already enjoying life on The Friendly Island. Congratulations!
Renewing residency in St. Maarten can be complicated. This process is also known as extending a residency or work permit. It can be just as challenging as the initial application process.
Why? Because several components such as tax and banking compliance from the employer or the natural person will come into consideration. In a few words, this means that the Labor and Immigration Department will request information on the business and the person. Taxes need to be paid, income needs to be substantiated with bank statements, business licenses, and chamber and labor registrations need to be up to date.
One more requirement to keep in mind, just like for the first-time application is valid health insurance. In case of being under the work permit program, proof of valid SZV insurance is required by law. In other cases, private health insurance that covers you in St. Maarten is necessary.
The complexity of the work permit process is the reason why many people and employers trust the expertise and reliable immigration services at BrightPath Caribbean.
If you are an existing temporary resident of St. Maarten, you can choose to renew or change your residency status. Unless you are a Dutch national or a citizen of the United States of America, you will likely be required to renew your temporary residency permit on an annual basis.
This is because, in Sint Maarten, only Dutch and American citizens may successfully request and obtain permanent residency from the onset. Read here to learn more about the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and how it can help you secure permanent residency in St. Maarten.
Temporary residency programs that can be conditionally extended are the following:
The process to renew residency on SXM will depend on the program and its renewal criteria.
Family Reunion / Family Formation
This form of temporary residency permit can be extended annually and applies to persons who are being petitioned by a guarantor. The guarantor must be a legal resident of St. Maarten or a Dutch national registered on the island.
How can we define the guarantor figure for a residency permit? If you act as a guarantor, this means you are responsible for your family. Acting as a guarantor means that you’ll have to provide for your family, show proof of income, comply with taxes, and any other request depending on the case.
The guarantor must also have a direct relationship to the applicant, for example, the guarantor must be a parent or legal guardian, or the spouse of the applicant. Once the applicant can substantiate five years of uninterrupted legal residency on the island, a change request can be filed to change the status of the permit from temporary to indefinite (also referred to as “permanent”).
The process does involve coordinating documentation and verifying sources and sufficient means of income. Verification of the relationship at the civil registry by way of a recent extract may also apply. Interested in learning about how BrightPath can file for the renewal of a residency permit under this program? Schedule your free consultation today and request a comprehensive service estimate.
Investor / Retiree Immigration Program
The investor program and the retiree program are similar in that they both involve a real estate purchase. BrightPath offers fully integrated immigration services in teamwork with BrightFuture Realty. Many persons seeking to obtain residency under the investor or the retiree program may also qualify for tax concessions. Consult with our referral partners at CaribTax Advisory & Accounting Services and schedule your free meeting here.
For the renewal of residency permits under the investor program, tax compliance is a requirement, and in the case of the investor program, an appraisal of the property is also a firm requirement. The appraisal substantiates that the property purchased initially is still owned by the applicant and supports a value above USD 500,000 (NAF 900,000).
The retiree program does not require the purchase of real estate upfront, but it is an essential part of the renewal process. This means that the first residency permit granted to the applicant did not have to involve a real estate transaction, but the extension of the permit will. The minimum amount required for the real estate purchase is USD 250,000 (NAF 450,000).
If you haven’t made your real estate purchase, contact our referral partners at BrightFuture Realty to support you in a manner that fits your budget, meets the immigration requirements, and the timeframes to ensure your residency permit is renewed without interruptions.
Work Permit Renewal
Work permit renewals in St. Maarten, just like for the first application process, the permit must be requested by the employer. Evidence of tax compliance is a requirement for both the employer and the employee. Also, as a part of the renewal process, the applicant must show proof that the salary is being deposited into their personal bank account and is equivalent to the amount declared in the initial work permit.
With work permit renewal on SXM, the process involves the same paperwork initially presented for the first-time request. We cannot substitute original diplomas or notarized copies in the renewal process. Advertising the vacancy in the local newspaper will also be required.
If permanent residency is your goal, rely on the expertise of the team at BrighPath Caribbean. Our role is to assist you throughout the process and ensure that you meet all the requirements for a successful outcome.
Please take note of the following information:
This article summarizes the most common immigration programs for temporary residency permits that can be extended. It’s important to note that every situation is unique.
Read more about the immigration programs available in Sint Maarten and the services from BrightPath Caribbean in our blog.
FAQ’s
1. What are the requirements for renewing a work permit in St. Maarten?
To renew a work permit in St. Maarten, the employer must request the renewal and provide evidence of tax compliance for both the employer and the employee. Employees must prove that their salary is being deposited into their personal bank account and matches the amount declared in the original work permit when applying for an extension. The renewal process involves the same paperwork as the initial application, including original diplomas or notarized copies, and advertising the vacancy locally.
2. How can temporary residency be renewed under the Family Reunion/Family Formation program?
Temporary residency under the Family Reunion/Family Formation program can be renewed annually. The guarantor must be a legal resident of St. Maarten. Also, the guarantor must have a direct relationship with the applicant (e.g., parent, legal guardian, or spouse).
The process involves coordinating documentation, verifying income sources, and possibly verifying the relationship at the civil registry. After five years of uninterrupted legal residency, a change request can be filed to change the status from temporary to indefinite.
3. What are the specific requirements for renewing residency under the Investor/Retiree Immigration Program?
For the Investor Immigration Program, tax compliance and an appraisal confirming the property value above USD 500,000 (NAF 900,000) are required.
For the Retiree Immigration Program, while the initial residency permit does not require a real estate purchase, the renewal does, with a minimum property purchase amount of USD 250,000 (NAF 450,000). Applicants must make sure they meet these financial criteria and have the necessary property investments to qualify for renewal.
Do you have additional questions?
Contact us today for a free consultation!
