Since the pandemic, the current employment market globally has been ever-changing and dynamic. Statistics show that employers are sourcing skilled employees often remotely. At BrightPath, we offer regional solutions for immigration, corporate, and banking services that support your business. When requesting work permits; BrightPath Caribbean can support your Human Resources department, saving your company time and money.

Work Permits in Sint Maarten

Work permits in Sint Maarten are requested by the prospective employer and require a two-part process with the labor and immigration departments. Read this article below on five things you must know before applying for a work permit in St. Maarten.

A work permit is given for a specific period and is usually not given for more than one year. According to local labor and immigration policy in St. Maarten, all employers, whether local or foreign, who hire a non-resident must apply for a work permit, except for certain cases.

What are the cases exempt from needing a work permit on SXM?

• Dutch citizens and United States citizens who have obtained legal residency in St Maarten
• Persons having a residence permit for an indefinite period (commonly referred to as “permanent residency”)
• A person married to a Dutch citizen with legal residency in Sint Maarten.

1. Verifiable Documents must be Readily Available

The team at BrightPath can support your company when sourcing the right candidate BEFORE you have extended a formal offer of employment.

This is important because for work permits in St Maarten, diplomas and relevant skill certificates should be presented in their original form when applying for the employment permit.

Further, the documents must be validated by the issuing educational institution and a letter from the institution confirming that the diploma is authentic must also be obtained. If presenting copies, these must be notarized by a licensed notary in the country of origin.

Oftentimes, candidates have difficulties understanding and managing these complexities when obtaining these requirements. For this reason, many human resource specialists trust BrightPath to guide them in the work permit and residency permit process relying on the suite of services offered by our team of experts.

2. Work Experience must be substantiated

When applying for a work permit in St. Maarten, the petition to employ a foreign national and seek a work permit in connection to the same must justify to the Department of Labor that the non-national employee possesses a skillset that cannot be found on the island.

To substantiate the request, BrightPath recommends that the applicant provide employment reference letters from previous employers. These professional employment reference letters must be notarized in the country of origin and are provided to verify the period of previous employment and work-related experience in support of what will be the applicant’s new role and responsibilities under this proposed employment in St Maarten.

3. Stay Abroad During the Application Process

Unless the prospective employee holds Dutch or American (USA) citizenship, the applicant must await the decision for both work and residency permits while remaining abroad. For planning purposes, aside from the time allotted to source the documentation, the process starts once all documents have been received by BrightPath.

Usually, a mandatory five-week waiting period must be observed, during which time the position must be advertised in local traditional media outlets, and a reasonable timeframe is given for suitable candidates within the local labor pool to apply.

In some instances, with a written petition prepared and submitted, our firm can obtain consideration for the waiver of this waiting period if the role is essential and it can be substantiated that no suitable candidates can be sourced from within the local labor market. In addition to the five weeks, a maximum six-week waiting period is allocated to the adjudication process at the Labor Department.

4. Employers (not employees) are the Petitioner

Employers are responsible for requesting work permits. In St. Maarten, it’s the law that the employer initiates the work permit application. Furthermore, employers must show proof of tax compliance when applying for a work permit for a foreign employee.

It’s important to clarify that our firm doesn’t offer recruitment services for individuals looking for jobs in St. Maarten. Our immigration services are exclusively for employers, not employees.

5. Health Insurance is Mandatory

For application purposes, health insurance is now a pre-requisite for the work and residency permit process. Therefore, employers must verify that their foreign employees hold a valid health insurance policy. This health insurance policy must be accepted by the Sint Maarten Medical Center.

For more information on medical insurance related to work and residency permits, rely on the team at BrightPath to provide you with accurate information.

 

FAQ’s

1. What are the essential documents required for applying for a work permit in St. Maarten, and how can BrightPath assist employers in sourcing the right candidates with validated credentials?

To apply for a work permit in St. Maarten, employers must ensure that verifiable documents such as original diplomas and skill certificates are readily available, validated by the issuing institution, and accompanied by a confirmation letter. BrightPath can support employers in sourcing candidates with validated credentials before extending formal offers of employment, ensuring compliance with work permit requirements.

2. How can applicants substantiate their work experience when applying for a work permit in St. Maarten, and why are employment reference letters crucial in this process?

Applicants seeking a work permit in St. Maarten must justify their skillset by providing employment reference letters from previous employers, notarized in the country of origin. These letters verify previous employment and work-related experience, supporting the applicant’s suitability for the proposed role. BrightPath advises applicants on the importance of substantiating their work experience to meet the Department of Labor’s requirements.

3. What is the process for obtaining work and residency permits in St. Maarten for foreign nationals, and why is it necessary for applicants to remain abroad during the application process?

Prospective employees seeking work and residency permits in St. Maarten, unless Dutch or American citizens, must await permit decisions while remaining abroad. The process begins once all required documents are received by BrightPath, including a mandatory waiting period for labor market advertising. Employers can petition for a waiver of this waiting period under certain circumstances. BrightPath outlines the process and advises applicants to remain abroad during the application process to ensure compliance and facilitate a smooth transition.

Do you have additional questions?

To learn more about how BrightPath Caribbean can support your business in successfully obtaining work and residency permits for key personnel, schedule your free consultation today.

 

You require financial security during retirement more than ever before. However, studies suggest that less than half of Americans are prepared for their retirement life, and even lesser have ever spoken to retirement consultants to plan their old age.

According to estimates, one needs approximately 70 to 90 percent of their income to maintain their lifestyle during retirement. Luckily, with a low housing cost and tax exemptions, moving to the Caribbean is often considered a sensible decision for retirees.

So what do you need to do if you plan to retire and settle in the Caribbean? Well, here’s a basic guide to planning a comfortable retirement with specifics to help you find the perfect home in one of the 23 Caribbean countries.

Start Saving

Ideally, one should start saving at 45 years of age to retire after 60. However, if you have not done so already, you can opt for a 10-year retirement saving plan to save 15 percent of your gross annual income. And no matter what happens, do not touch your retirement fund at all!

Pick a Location

Depending on your current lifestyle and preferred choice of retirement life, find a location in the Caribbean that you love the most. While St. Maarten is known to have one of the lowest crime rates globally, Belize offers a 29% lower cost of living than the US. So make a pick according to your needs and preferences.

Plan for Medical Coverage

Since Medicare does not offer coverage to Americans living outside of the US, you can either opt for a medical insurance plan to obtain private healthcare services or have substantial funds to fly out to Mexico or the US for your medical needs.

Set Your Goals

Retirement goals consist of various things you can or want to do in your retirement life. You can either start a business in St. Maarten, or set up an off-shore company in Anguilla right away. Whatever you picture yourself doing when you retire, start working towards it. Moreover, some Caribbean countries like Belize require you to put in funds to benefit from their retirement funds. Speak to your consultant and look into every aspect of it.

Get Professional Help

Get in touch with a retirement consultant to get started with the process. A retirement consultant in the Caribbean can walk you through the legality of the process and help you in acquiring a residency permit, setting up a bank account, and buying property.

If you are looking for a retirement consultant in the Caribbean that offers you transparent services with dedication, reach out to us at BrightPath Caribbean. We have helped thousands of clients immigrate to the Caribbean and start businesses, acquire residence and even earn citizenship. Schedule a free Zoom consultation with us today to begin the process.

The Caribbean is made up of more than 700 islands, reefs, and islets. And out of all those amazing places, St. Maarten is definitely one you won’t want to miss! With its unique blend of cultures, stunning beaches, and delicious food, it’s no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with this Caribbean gem. If you’re thinking of visiting or even moving to St. Maarten, here are some fun facts you might not have heard about yet.

One Island, Two Governments

St. Maarten and Saint Martin are two halves of the island jointly owned by the Dutch and the French. The south half, St. Maarten, is an independent territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, whereas France owns the northern half and it is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic.

Smallest Co-Shared Land

St. Maarten is the smallest area in the world that’s co-shared by two countries. With a total covered area of 87 kilometers square, St. Maarten is the smallest populated island as well as the only one of this size to have two different governing bodies, making it a fascinating place to visit.

Oldest Open Border

Ever since the treaty of Concordia in 1648, the Dutch and French have kept open borders in St. Maarten, thus making it the oldest open border in the world. Tourists may notice border monuments on both sides of the island but can freely move from one part to the other. This makes Sint Maarten a very special place where you can live and spend time, go to the beach, do groceries or go to restaurants in a different country any time you wish.

Capital with a Beach

Phillipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten, it was founded by a Scottish captain employed in the Dutch navy named John Philips in 1763, and it has its own beach called Great Bay! With pristine, warm, and inviting waters, it is simply spectacular. If you are visiting the Island, you should spend one day in Philipsburg, walk around, have a drink, do some shopping, and enjoy a sunny day at the beach.

Beach with an Airport

Maho Beach is a must-visit for travelers and a fun activity for residents, it is unique due to The Princess Juliana International Airport having its runway right there, just a few meters away from the beach, making Maho Beach very famous for its plane-spotting experience, where incoming planes fly just meters above visitors’ heads. It is the world’s most famous beach for this spectacle. It’s the perfect place to capture an Instagram-worthy shot of a jumbo jet passing overhead.

Hundred Cultures

According to St. Maarten’s government, the country hosts over a hundred different nationalities and cultures in a population of less than a hundred thousand. This makes St. Maarten one of the smallest yet richest multicultural populations in the world. Due to this reason, you can enjoy a huge range of cuisines in the country.

Strong Sea Hold

Due to its unique geographic location and strong ties to the European and North American countries, St. Maarten is the hub of sea transport and home to many cargo companies in the eastern Caribbean. Sint Maarten has the most important cargo and cruise ship port in the region.

Make St. Maarten your Home

If you’re looking for a vibrant, ethnically rich country with great opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest, consider making St. Maarten your home with the services of BrightPath Caribbean. Sint Maarten offers different immigration programs for those looking to start a business, invest, or retire and enjoy life.

Do you have any questions?

Contact us today to begin your journey to residency!

Clear blue waters, warm and shiny white beaches, and a slow-paced life that’s far stretched from the hustle and bustle of metropolitans are what all retirees long for, and the Caribbean offers it. If retiring in the Caribbean is your true calling, then this is the blog you should be reading today.

Whether you’re far from the retirement stage and like to plan ahead, or you have come to the point where a decision has to be taken immediately, we’ll help you find the land of your dreams. With over 700 islands spread across the region, you too can find a home in the Caribbean where you can spend the retirement life you’ve always imagined.

Belize

Home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a small country with a population of less than half a million. The country’s biggest tourist destination in Belize City, which is also a great place to settle for retirees. Tax exemptions, business opportunities, and multiculturalism of Belize make it a great place for people who want to enjoy a beachy life but want to hold on to the urban lifestyle.

St. Maarten

Part Dutch and part French, St. Maarten is the smallest inhabitant island in the world. Duty-free shopping, upscale neighborhoods, and booming tourism are some of the best features of St. Maarten. If you’re a retiree who wants to enjoy a cultural and social hub in the Caribbean, then head over to St. Maarten to enjoy exotic cuisine, buzzing nightlife, and an array of investment opportunities.

Anguilla

Just across St. Maarten’s is Anguilla Island. Offering tax exemptions on capital gains and personal income, the country is another one of the British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Restaurants, resorts, and the year-long warm temperature of Anguilla make it another favorite retirement destination in the Caribbean.

St. Kitts and Nevis

If you want to immigrate to the Caribbean and want to enjoy a rustic, slow-paced, and town-like vibe, then St. Kitts and Nevis is the place to be. The island offers tax exemption on inheritance and foreign income as well the oldest Citizen by Investment Program for as low as $150,000.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and its sister island Barbuda are two of the most affordable places to live in the Caribbean. Not only can you obtain extended stay permits, but you can also apply for citizenship through investment. The island also offers a second passport to its permanent residents and tax exemptions.

Dominica

Marketed as the ‘Nature Island’ of the Caribbean, Dominica is one of the most forested lands located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. So for retirees who want to enjoy beaches, rains, forests, and mountains altogether, Dominica offers everything.

Retire in the Caribbean

If you are looking for a reliable retirement consultant in the Caribbean, then get in touch with us at BrightPath Caribbean. We offer immigration consultancy, relocation services, and retirement services in the Caribbean.

 

Buzzing nightlife, upscale neighborhoods, and home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, St. Maarten is the perfect choice to relocate or invest in. The 37 square mile island is the smallest known island in the world, and immigration to St. Maarten is comparatively easier than in other Caribbean countries.

In case you have been looking to relocate to St. Maarten or want to invest in one of the best islands in the Caribbean, this blog is your ultimate guide. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about buying property in St. Maarten right here.

St. Maarten or Saint Martin?

If you go online and look up St. Maarten, you’ll find what you’ll assume to be two spellings of the same place: St. Maarten and Saint Martin. Interestingly, these two spellings denote the two halves of St. Maarten island, the northern and the southern, owned by the Netherlands and France, respectively.

Both the islands have different governing bodies and somewhat variance in rules. What’s similar is the serenity, public security, and investment returns in both the halves co-owned by the Dutch and the French.

In this blog, we’ll guide you about buying property in St. Maarten – the Dutch-owned territory.

Benefits of Buying Land in St. Maarten

Here are some of the benefits of investing in St. Maarten:

1. Lucrative and booming real estate sector
2. Numerous posh neighborhoods and luxurious villas, condos, etc.
3. No annual property tax
4. Duty-free shopping all across the southern part of the island
5. Business opportunities with small capital investment
6. Safe quality of life and hub of international sea transport
7. Major Caribbean tourist destination
8. Not overcrowded hence serene and abundant in resources

How to Buy Land in St. Maarten

Here’s what you need to do to buy land in St. Maarten as a foreigner:

Find a Consultant

An immigration, business, or relocation agency can help you in many matters when you set foot in St. Maarten. Albeit the processes to acquire land in the region are easier, there is some paperwork and permits involved for which you’ll need the help of a consultant.

Begin the Search

Your consultant or a reliable realtor can help you find the right property to buy on the island. If you’re moving to St. Maarten, look for a villa or condo that’s best for your family’s needs. Size, location, budget, and amenities are some of the key factors in finding the right property. For investment, your realtor will tell you about the lucrative opportunities.

Seal the Deal

Once you have finalized the property, your consultant will fulfill the necessary paperwork requirements of the local government. You can then seal the deal and enjoy the life St. Maarten has to offer.

Settle in St. Maarten

If you plan to live in St. Maarten for the rest of your life, you can obtain a residency permit with the help of an immigration consultant like BrightPath Caribbean. Get in touch with us today to get started.

TOP 10 CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS FOR TOURISM AND INVESTMENT

If you’re ready for your next tropical getaway, but aren’t sure which island is right for you, this blog post can help you choose your next Caribbean destination – whether it’s for business or pleasure. There are many islands to visit in the Caribbean, but St. Maarten is the top Caribbean destination for investment and tourism!

The list below was put together by Ben Souza for CruiseFever and showcases the top Caribbean destinations as decided by travelers.

Top 10 Caribbean Destinations for Tourism and Investment:

 

10. Roatán: This is an island located on the coast of Honduras, it’s a great tropical getaway with its sandy white beaches. The mild climate and friendly people will make your experience feel simply delightful. Also, Roatán is known for having the second largest coral reef system in the world.

9. Ocho Rios: Located on the coast of Jamaica, known for its world-class resorts and impressive beach clubs. If you are looking to propose, here you will find a wide selection of precious jewelry and gems. You will feel comfortable all-season round, Jamaican style.

8. Oranjestad: This city is the capital of Aruba. It has a combination of antique and modern which makes this island unique. It has accessible beaches that will have you enjoying this small city all day long.

7. St. Kitts: If you enjoy trees and being outdoors, this island located in the West Indies is great for you. It has a wild rainforest that expands all over the island instead of shrinking. It’s also known for its diving and scuba areas if you’re looking for more adventure.

6. San Juan: This popular city is the capital of Puerto Rico. Take a tour in this city and explore every known and historic corner. And you will not have visited San Juan without making a stop at Finca Cialitos, known to be a coffee house where the owner cultivates and roasts his own coffee beans.

5. Grand Turk: The island located in the Caribbean is known for its famous port that has nearly 18 acres of landscape grounds. From blue waters to one of the largest swimming pools of the Caribbean, you will be enjoying nothing but fun.

4. Grand Cayman: The largest of the three Cayman Islands. Discover the beauty of these beaches when looking for relaxation. If you are looking for something more adventurous take a visit to Stingray City, where you will get the play with friendly Southern Stingrays.

3. Cozumel: One of the most visited ports in the Caribbean, will have you in activity once you arrive. This Mexican island has an incredible culture, they don’t think that hospitality it’s just a practice, and they consider it a belief.

2. St. Thomas: Second one on the list is known for its shopping and its Cosmopolitan style. It has the prettiest beaches, stunning panoramic views and exciting nightlife. Take the Skyride 700 feet tall and have an incredible view of the city from above.

1. St. Maarten: And we’ve arrived to the number one top Caribbean destination for tourism and investment! What can’t you do on this island with its architecture and exotic beaches? St Maarten has been voted as the best cruise port in the world for two years in a row. Since cruises arrive daily, the tourism is one of the financial motors of this island. Its cultural and natural wealth makes this island perfect not only to take short vacations but to live here. This island is also called the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, so looking for good restaurants here will be no problem. St Maarten has a stable growing economy, making it the highest income per capita island on the Caribbean.

At BrightPath Caribbean, we believe in the growing success of this island, so we are here to help you set up your business in St. Maarten. We only handle quality investments that will yield a financial impact both for the investor and the island. Now is the perfect time to initiate your business and stay in St. Maarten with all the advantages this island can provide you.

Do you have any questions?

CONTACT US

Learn More About Work and Residency Permits for St. Maarten

If you are a business owner, human resource manager, or employer in Sint Maarten, rely on BrightPath to provide you with advice, consultation, and immigration services for a successful work permit request.

Starting the work permit process in Sint Maarten

The first step taken by the team at BrightPath is to determine the chances of success. Work permit requests can often be timely and costly, the employer has to consider government fees and relocation expenses.

When applying for a work permit, the employee needs to stay abroad during the decision-making process. This is because the labor agreement with the non-national employee needs to be signed while they are still abroad.

Rely on the expertise of the BrightPath team to set clear, achievable goals for both the employer and the employee regarding timeframes, costs, and expectations.

Tax advisory and Real Estate for Employees

Our referral partners at CaribTax and BrightFuture Realty are at your full disposal to address matters regarding taxation and housing, each respectively, making the work permit process a seamless and integrated one that will save you time, and money. A Group of companies providing full support will increase the likelihood of a positive employee relocation experience. No other firm in Sint Maarten offers this suite of services under one roof.

Sint Maarten offers tax benefits for some employees, like the expat regime, particularly for the management level. This tax exemption allows employers to offer net salaries without grossing up. To qualify, employees must show proof of specific knowledge of the position they will fill out, years of experience, and a minimum income, among other requirements.

Employees Relocating with Family

If your employee will relocate to Sint Maarten with immediate family, they too may qualify for temporary residency under the employee’s work and residency permit in St Maarten.

BrightPath can assist with the immigration process that must be undertaken at both the Department of Labor Affairs for the work permit and the Immigration Border Protection Services Department for the respective residency permits for the employee and the immediate family members.

Time frame for Work permits

Work permits must first be petitioned and registered as a vacancy at the Department of Labor, to announce the details, requirements, and compensation of the role and to allow for suitable candidates to be sourced from within the local labor pool.

A mandatory minimum five-week waiting period is allotted for local applicants to submit their interest in writing with documentation to support their qualifications. During this time, an advertisement for the vacancy in mention must be placed in the local newspapers announcing the open vacancy.

 

The importance of knowing the process for work permits

Why do we elaborate with so much detail on what the work permit process entails? Because work permits in Sint Maarten are for qualified candidates who truly meet the criteria of an employment position. Work permits on SXM are requested by the employer, and the initial costs are the responsibility of the employer.

Relying on the right service provider, such as BrightPath, will help you determine if your candidate has a high (or low) probability of success before we start services. Work permit application fees alone can go up to USD 1,700 payable directly to the Government of Sint Maarten, so ensuring that your candidate has documented qualifications is essential before engaging our services.

A free consultation with a representative from BrightPath can assist in determining that and a detailed cost estimate from BrightPath can determine the costs, timeframes, and documentation required to move forward with us in processing your work permit request.

Who does not qualify for a Work Permit?

In Sint Maarten, work permits are granted to candidates between the ages of 25 and 58 years. In some instances, if an applicant is over 58 but has completed post-graduate studies, an exception to this standard may apply.

Consider that if you are a citizen of the United States of America, the work permit process detailed herein will not apply to you. To learn more about the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and what benefits for employment and residency in St Maarten this may grant you as a U.S. passport holder, read this article.

Retirees do not qualify for work permits because the retiree immigration program allows for residency only and is not requested at the Department of Labor Affairs, but instead, only at the Sint Maarten Immigration and Border Protection Services Department. If you would like to learn more about retiring in St Maarten, read here, or schedule your consultation if you would like to explore changing your residency status from retiree to employment permit.

FAQ’s 

1. What are the key steps involved in obtaining a work permit for non-nationals in Sint Maarten?Obtaining a work permit in Sint Maarten involves petitioning and registering the position with the Department of Labor, advertising the vacancy locally, and allowing a five-week period for local applicants to apply. BrightPath Caribbean assists employers in determining candidates’ eligibility, managing the application process.
2. How does BrightPath Caribbean support employers in navigating the complexities and costs associated with work permit applications in Sint Maarten?
   BrightPath Caribbean provides essential support to employers by offering consultation services, assessing candidates’ qualifications, and estimating costs and timeframes associated with work permit applications. Additionally, they guide employers through the process of fulfilling legal requirements, such as advertising job vacancies locally and coordinating with government departments.
3. What are the eligibility criteria and age restrictions for obtaining a work permit in Sint Maarten?
   Work permits in St. Maarten are generally granted to candidates aged between 25 and 58 years. However, exceptions may apply for individuals over 58 who have completed post-graduate studies. BrightPath Caribbean assists employers in navigating these eligibility criteria and exceptions, ensuring a smooth application process for work permits.

 

Do you have additional questions?

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you throughout the process!

 

Business Registration and Business License in Sint Maarten

Are you thinking about registering or incorporating a business in St. Maarten? Before you start, there are several things to consider. The requirements for business registration and obtaining a business license in Sint Maarten may vary depending on many factors.

We suggest foreign investors looking to start a business in St. Maarten work with BrightPath Caribbean. They can help with corporate services and provide valuable assistance throughout the process. At BrightPath Caribbean you can request a free first-time consultation.

You can choose to meet virtually or in person. This lets you understand how BrightPath’s services and experienced professionals can help your business in the Caribbean. They aim to make your venture smooth and sustainable.

 

Key things to consider when registering a business in Sint Maarten

 

Duration of work to be performed

In some cases, foreign companies come to Sint Maarten to work for a short period of time. If the work will be completed within 12 months, it is recommended that the foreign business registers in Sint Maarten and obtains a local business license for the duration of its operations.

On the other hand, if the work will span for years, incorporating a subsidiary or a new entity may be best to support the business activities for compliance purposes.

Before starting the business incorporation, you can request a consultation here to determine if the scope of work will require any specialized licensing or has barriers to entry. For example, gaming, telecommunications, and healthcare sectors may have applicable restrictions.

 

Business taxes in St. Maarten

Depending on the type of business, several taxes may apply to your limited company in Sint Maarten. The government generally taxes your revenues, profits, dividends, and employees on your payroll.

Revenues

In general, revenues from services and products are subject to a 5% turnover tax. However, certain revenues are exempt due to their nature, such as those related to healthcare and basic needs. Other types of revenues are taxed differently; for example, hotels and Airbnb rentals are subject to a 5% room tax. For real estate transactions, a transfer tax of 4% applies.

Profit tax and dividends

The profit tax rate in Sint Maarten is currently 34.5%, which is relatively high compared to neighboring countries. Recent political campaigns have called for a big cut in this rate to help business growth. However, the current rate stays the same.

However, several fiscal incentives are available, such as an investment allowance (8% to 12% for two years), accelerated depreciation, and the ability to record fiscal provisions. Additionally, businesses can explore fiscal strategies like creating fiscal unities to reduce profit taxes.

Regarding dividends, while there is a withholding tax rate, it does not always apply to foreign investors.

Employee taxes

Employee taxes in Sint Maarten are largely based on Dutch law, resulting in a significant portion of taxes being allocated to social security. As an employer, you are generally required to provide government health insurance, participate in the government old age pension scheme, and contribute to accident insurance and premiums for widows and orphans.

Income tax in Sint Maarten operates on a progressive bracket system, meaning the higher the income, the higher the tax rate. These income taxes, which are deducted from gross salaries on a monthly basis, range from 12.5% to 47.5%.

While the initial impression may be that the taxes are significant, available exemptions and fiscal optimization can reduce these taxes. For advice on which taxes apply to your company and how to optimize your tax structure, please consult our advisors.

 

Labor Laws and Work Permits

St. Maarten has specific labor laws that govern employment practices, including minimum wage, working hours, and employee benefits. We recommend to familiarize yourself with these laws to ensure your business operates legally and ethically.

As a business owner, having a strong team that meets your standards is crucial. In many cases, this means hiring a qualified employee from another country. Depending on their nationality, they will need a work permit.

The process involves several steps and requires various documents from both the employer and the prospective employee. The team at BrightPath can assist you with the process and will ensure that you meet all legal requirements for a successful outcome.

 

Registered Address and Commercial Real Estate

For a business to be legally incorporated in Sint Maarten, an address is required. This address will be used for official correspondence and must be a physical location rather than a P.O. Box.

If you decide to open a business in Sint Maarten, using a registered address with BrightPath is a smart choice. A registered address service serves as the official address for your company. Your address is the main contact point with government agencies like the Tax Department and the Chamber of Commerce.

This way, you can ensure that you receive all your important letters and legal notices. If you have your registered address with BrightPath, we will receive them in our office, store them in your designated space, and notify your company for pickup.

Locating the right commercial property can be a daunting endeavor. Whether you need office space, retail locations, or industrial sites, it’s important to consider location, access, and cost. Working with a representative from BrightFuture Realty can help you find the right property for your business needs. They will also ensure it follows zoning laws.

If you are a foreigner starting a business on sxm, you may not know much about the island. In this case, having help from a trusted real estate agency is very important. Depending on the type of business, some factors can be very important. These factors include ease of access, foot traffic, the neighborhood, and the allowance of the business in that location.

 

FAQ’s

1. What are the key factors to consider when incorporating a business in Sint Maarten?

You need to consider the duration of work, business taxes, labor laws, work permits, and a registered address. If the work will be short-term, registering an existing foreign business might be best. For long-term operations, We recommend creating a subsidiary or new entity. Additionally, businesses must comply with Sint Maarten’s tax system and labor regulations.

1. What types of taxes will my business be subject to in Sint Maarten?

Taxes include a 5% turnover tax on sales, a 34.5% profit tax, room and transfer taxes, and employee taxes based on Dutch law. Certain exemptions and fiscal incentives can help optimize the tax structure for businesses.

1. Do I need a work permit for foreign employees in Sint Maarten?

Yes, foreign employees need work permits, depending on their nationality. The process involves documentation from both the employer and the employee. BrightPath can assist with obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with local labor laws.

 

Do you have additional questions?

Contact us today for a free consultation!