Author: BrightPath Caribbean
Guide to the Best Caribbean Beaches
If you’ve ever lived in St. Maarten for a long time and want to relax in quiet location, head to Tintamarreon on the French side of the Island.
Retirement Plan 101: Here’s How You Can Retire in the Caribbean
For a major part of our lives, we continue to work, spend, and save for others. Spouses, children, family, and friends are always the center of all our financial decisions. We work, earn, and then spend without thinking about what we want in life. Amidst this, we hold off our retirement planning, and when the time comes, we find ourselves in underprepared and confused.
But at the back of our minds, we all wish for peaceful retirement life. As we imagine relocating to the Caribbean to spend the rest of our life soaking in the sun, sipping Pina Coladas, and enjoying the beach, we wonder if it’s actually doable.
The answer is: Yes!
It’s possible for almost every American – even those without substantial savings – to enjoy a comfortable retirement in the Caribbean at $24,000 a year. However, you’ll need to start acting on your dreams right away!
To help you find your way to the Caribbean wonders, we have compiled this retirement planning guide. Take a look and find out your best course of action to move to the Caribbean.
Start Saving
Despite many reports suggesting that the cost of living in the Caribbean is lower than in the U.S, one cannot overlook the importance of saving. You need some financial stability to be able to buy a property in the Caribbean, acquire a residency permit, and lead a comfortable life. You may also want to start a business in the Caribbean, so having a small egg nest will be good.
Hire a Retirement Consultant
The next step is to hire a retirement consultant in the Caribbean. Here’s how the consultant will help you:
- Help you find the best possible retirement destination in the Caribbean for you
- Assist you regarding the application process, compiling documents, and local laws
- Facilitate you to buy a propertyor start a business as you live in the Caribbean
Pick a Location
With the help of your retirement consultant and a little research, you can find the best place for you in the Caribbean to make a home. You can move to St. Maarten for cultural diversity and economic stability, Anguilla or St. Kitts and Nevis for a laidback and quiet life, or Belize to enjoy the Caribbean life in the full-swing.
Acquire Residency Permit and Settle
Acquiring a residency permit in the Caribbean is a bit complex owing to the varying laws of all the Caribbean countries. However, with the help of an expert consultant, you’ll be able to easily apply and get successful in the quest. Another way to retire in the Caribbean is via residency by investment program. It will fast-track your process and help you settle in the Caribbean quicker than other routes.
What Can We Do?
We at BrightPath Caribbean have helped numerous ex-pats retire in the Caribbean. As an experienced and competent retirement consultant, immigration agency, and business incorporation service, we offer end-to-end relocation services to our clients in the Caribbean. You can get in touch with us to kn
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Caribbean Beaches in 2022
Some of the best beaches in the world are found in the Caribbean. Spread across over 700 islands, reefs, bays, and breathtaking scenery, the Caribbean is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
So if you’re thinking of relocating to the Caribbean or visiting for a short, recreational trip, you want to make the most of your stay on this earth’s heaven. But considering the exuberant number of beaches, it’s hard to pick one or even a handful. We know the struggle and are happy to offer some help in this blog.
Below are the most mesmerizing beaches that you can enjoy while visiting the Caribbean in 2022. You can opt for a secluded spot, a nude beach, or one that’s brimming with partygoers. The choice is yours to have fun in the Caribbean as you want to! We have just shortlisted the place you must visit in 2022.
Antigua and Barbuda
If you are on the lookout for a new beach every day of the year, visit Antigua and Barbuda. This twin-island has 365 beaches, and each one is more exotic than the other. From Half Moon Bay to Dickenson Bay, there are a number of beaches with different waters, shorelines, and footfall.
St. Maarten
You may have seen the picture of a plane flying low over a beach as the beachgoers continue to have fun. That popular internet picture is from St. Maarten’s Maho Beach. Located in Philipsburg’s capital city on the Dutch-owned island, Maho Beach is one of the most fun places to visit in 2022.
However, if you’ve been living in St. Maarten for a while now and want to enjoy a secluded spot, go to the Ile Tintamarreon on the French side of the island.
St. Kitts and Nevis
An independent British territory, St. Kitts and Nevis is another wonderful twin island in the Caribbean. Offering a wide range of beaches, including Oualie Beach, Cockleshell Bay, Bustling Frigate Bay, and Pinney’s Beach, where you can trek, surf, or just soak in the sun, St. Kitts and Nevis is one of our favorites too.
Anguilla
Stretched merely over 16 miles, Anguilla is a nature’s wonder as it offers 33 beaches on its shores. Secluded, crowded, with blue waters, white sand, and plenty of coconuts, Anguilla is a small island with a lot to offer to its visitors. In fact, many people looking to retire in the Caribbean choose Anguilla due to its quiet and serene environment.
Visit, Retire, or Move to the Caribbean with Us
You may have lived a long life in the fast-paced urban culture and now want to enjoy the brighter side of life in the Caribbean. If you are among those who wish to restart their life under the sun and on the beach, then reach out to us at BrightPath Caribbean.
We are a Caribbean immigration consultancy and business incorporation service. We help our clients retire, relocate, and move to the Caribbean.
Five Things You Should Know About the St. Maarten Economy Before You Start a Business
For many years, St. Maarten was known for its high tourist footfall and as a leading vacation destination in the Caribbean. While the country still enjoys its rank among the top tourist attractions in Central America, recently St. Maarten has also developed one of the highest GDPs in the region.
For this reason and many more, foreign nationals like Americans, Canadians, and Europeans are keen to set up an offshore company or start a business in St. Maarten. Many have moved to this Dutch-French-owned Caribbean island to enjoy the sunny side of life.
If you’re looking to start a business in St. Maarten, then you’re reading the right blog on the internet. We’ll tell you five key factors that everyone should know before starting a business on the ‘Friendly Island.’
The Leading Industry – Tourism
St. Maarten’s economy is heavily influenced by tourism. After all the scenic beaches, the diverse cultures, and the exotic cuisine makes it one of the most amazing places for recreational trips. This is why St. Maarten’s tourism industry accounts for 80 percent of the country’s total revenues.
If you’re looking to start a profitable business in St. Maarten, consider opening a hotel, restaurant, photography business, tour guide, or any tourism-related entertainment business.
The Up and Coming Opportunities
Historically, St. Maarten was known for its sugar and salt exports. Then came the era of tourism, which is still dominant. However, with technological infrastructure, e-commerce, and freelancing becoming a norm, St. Maarten is also pacing up in the IT business sector.
The Taxes and Benefits
St. Maarten has territorial taxes on the income. This means that whatever you’re earning within St. Maarten will be taxable up to 20 percent. Additionally, there are no taxes on capital gains, property, exchange of personal assets, and imports other than petrol.
This makes St. Maarten a duty-free Caribbean country and one where having an offshore company will be highly profitable.
The Economy
The latest per capita GDP of St. Maarten was reported at US$29,495 in 2021. The Caribbean country is known for one of the highest GDPs in the Caribbean region and is expected to improve its business climate further. Tourism-related businesses contribute almost 45 percent of the St. Maarten’s GDP.
The Currency, Banking, and Permits
Albeit Euro is the central currency of St. Maarten; US dollars are also usable. So if you’re an American setting up a bank account in St. Maarten, you will not need to worry about exchange rates. Further, getting a work permit in St. Maartenis fairly easy, and an expert business consultant like BrightPath Caribbean can help you through it through.
If you wish to know more about starting a business in St. Maarten or relocating to any other Caribbean country, reach out to us at BrightPath Caribbean. We also offer a free Zoom consultation for an initial assessment of your case.
Here’s How You Can Acquire a Work Permit in the Caribbean
Over the last few years, the Caribbean has become a top destination for tourists and foreigners looking to work abroad. Offering a laid-back life, numerous economic opportunities, and a whole lot of political stability, many people have relocated to the Caribbean to start a new life.
So it’s only natural if you are also tempted to try and find a job in the Caribbean that lets you enjoy an unmatched work-life balance. But before you start, let us tell you that having a work permit in the Caribbean is mandatory for anyone looking to work in any of the 30 Caribbean countries.
Confused about this information? Let us break it down and simplify it for you.
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit is a legal document that allows employers in Caribbean countries to hire foreign nationals. In the case of a self-employed individual or someone looking to start a business in the Caribbean, a work permit is the first step to starting your company in the Caribbean.
Varying from one country to another, a work permit can be granted from three months to three years. You’ll need the help of a local Caribbean consultant to guide you regarding your options.
How to Acquire a Work Permit in the Caribbean?
Now that you know what a work permit is, let’s talk about how you can acquire one:
Learn About the Petitioner
The first step is to find out who will be the petitioner for your work permit application in the Department of Labor Affairs. For example, if you’re acquiring a work permit in St. Maarten, your employer will have to file the application on your behalf. For other countries and self-employed individuals, the applicant can themselves become the petitioner.
Understand the Laws
Despite Caribbean countries having similar cultures and lifestyles, the laws are very different. So if you’re moving to St. Maarten to work, you’re required to stay abroad during the application process. If you’re seeking to acquire a work permit or residency in St. Kitts and Nevis, you have to abide by different laws. Hiring a competent immigration consultant is always wise to navigate through Caribbean immigration laws.
Compile the Documents
Most Caribbean countries will require employers or applicants to attach passport copies, passport size photographs, birth certificates, employment certificates, and proof of exceptional skills that are locally unavailable. Further, a consultant can guide better regarding additional documents required by each sovereign Caribbean state.
Apply and Wait
Depending on the country you’re seeking a work permit for, the application and approval process takes about a few weeks. From one week to six weeks, different Caribbean countries have different processing times for work permit applicants. Once you have applied, all you got to do is wait.
Start With Us Today!
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire a foreign national or a self-employed individual, talk to us at BrightPath Caribbean for immigration consultancy. We can help you acquire a work permit, a residency permit, and relocate to the Caribbean with ease.
Seven Foods to Try On Your Next Visit to St. Maarten
The part Dutch and part French Caribbean island St. Maarten or Saint Martin has many claims to fame. From being the smallest co-habited landmass to boasting an airport on the beach, St. Maarten is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
Even for a few days, life in St. Maarten is full of wonderful and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cultural diversity, exotic beaches, shopping sprees, and great food are all offered in this gourmet capital of the Caribbean.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor to St. Maarten or have witnessed the beautiful side of life there before, take a note of this blog. Here we’ll tell you seven foods you can absolutely not miss on your next trip to St. Maarten!
Let’s start watering our mouths!
Callaloo
Call-Aloo, a local delicacy, is a popular dish in St. Maarten. Made with greens like soy, spinach, kale, and callaloo (a spinach-like vegetable); this soup can warm you up. Seasoned with local herbs, pepper, onion, and topped with pork, you can’t miss this soup at all!
Johnny Cakes
Also called journey cakes, Johnny cakes are the local version of pancakes made with corn. Slightly sweet, very light, and puffy, these cakes are a day snack, breakfast dish, and a side for dinner. Fortunately, Johnny cakes are the easiest to find in St. Maarten, as most popular restaurants have them on their menu.
Conch and Dumplings
If you want to redefine your seafood experience in the Caribbean, try conch and dumplings in St. Maarten. Made of snail broth coupled with corn dumplings and seasoned with local spices, this gravy will make you want to move to St. Maarten for good!
Chiquetaille De Morue
Seafood is the star ingredient in St. Maarten, and one way to find that out is by trying this codfish-based entree. Shredded codfish mixed with hot pepper vinaigrette, Chiquetaille De Moruemay be complicated to pronounce but easily devoured.
Crab Backs
Or, if you’re not into snails and codfish, St. Maarten has crabs for you. Deshelled crabs seasoned with jalapenos, local peppers, and spices then filled into the shell to be breaded and fried, crab backs are a favorite amongst locals and tourists.
Locri
And if you want a hearty dish that tantalizes your tastebuds, try locri. Locri is made of rice, vegetables, and meat like seafood or chicken. Cooked together in a steaming hot pot, locri is sure to fill your stomach and heart!
Codfish Fritters
You may have had various types of fritters, but none would beat codfish fritters! A simple dish that has been embraced by locals and those who immigrated to St. Maarten, codfish fritters are common on both sides of the island.
Visit, Relocate, or Retire in St. Maarten!
Has this food list tempted you to visit St. Maarten? Luckily for you, we at BrightPath Caribbean can help. Whether you want to start a business, set up a bank account, or relocate to St. Maarten, contact us. You can also schedule a free Zoom consultation by clicking here.
Caribbean Immigration: Six Ways to Save Yourself from Scams!
Immigration to the Caribbean, like all other relocations, is an overwhelming and complex process. As you sort through your immigration documents, prepare for the application, and anxiously try to know more about the Caribbean, having a competent consultant by your side is crucial.
The good news is that there are several credible Caribbean immigration consultants who have paved the way for Americans and Canadians to relocate to this region. Unfortunately, there are some who try to cash in on the opportunity and scam people of their hard-earned money.
So if you’re looking to move to St. Maarten or relocate anywhere else in the Caribbean, read this blog first. This will help you protect yourself from scams and fake immigration consultants.
Tips to Identify Fake Caribbean Immigration Consultants
Here are some ways you can determine the legitimacy of an agency and spot fake Caribbean immigration consultants.
Be Wary of Phony Email Addresses
A scammer immigration consultant or agency is much more likely to have a weird or phony email address. Moreover, credible immigration agencies use their company as a domain name and will always have professional email IDs.
Take a Look at the Website
Before you finalize an immigration consultant, always check their website thoroughly. Unprofessional content, fake websites, copycat websites, and language mistakes are some of the red flags that you should look out for. A credible immigration agency will have a professional website that has the complete address and contact details of the agency’s office.
Don’t Agree to Full-Cash Payments
A legit immigration consultancy will never demand a full cash payment, and that too upfront. Most agencies will first sign a retainer with you and only accept a cheque. Furthermore, a credible immigration agency will wait for your process to be complete and then expect payment for their services. So if an agent or a consultancy is after you for money, don’t give any to them!
Never Pay Via Chatting Apps
While immigration consultants do conduct correspondence via chat apps like WhatsApp, it’s unlikely for them to engage in official financial discussions over it. Never pay any immigration consultant after a WhatsApp conversation, wait for an official email entailing the fee and billing details.
Always Ask for References and Credentials
Caribbean immigration consultants are registered with authorities and relevant communities. Make sure to ask them about their registration credentials, past references, and all such relevant questions that help you recognize their credibility.
Don’t Hesitate to Double-Check
Lastly, never be shy to double-check and ask questions. Verify the information your immigration agency has provided you with other sources to ensure that you have the right consultant by your side.
If you wish to learn more about us at BrightPath Caribbean, reach out to us for free Zoom consultation. We have helped numerous clients relocate to the Caribbean, start a business, and retire in the Caribbean. Go through our website to read out clients’ testimonials and learn more about our services.
How to Start a Business in St. Maarten
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.
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.
Reasons to move to the Caribbean
If you want to lead a peaceful life, Caribbean Islands are just where you should straightaway head to.
