How to Obtain Legal Residency in St. Maarten by Purchasing Real Estate

For most persons who have been smitten by the blue waters and white sands of the Caribbean, the opportunity to own property to enjoy a different pace of everyday life becomes a reality with the assistance of the team at BrightPath Caribbean and BrightFuture Realty.

Purchasing property abroad requires a high level of trust and a team of professionals that can address seamlessly and transparently questions regarding banking and mortgage options, ownership rights and structure, tax, and succession planning matters, as well as immigration topics for legal residency and citizenship in jurisdictions where the latter may be applicable.

Sint Maarten continues to have a high demand for real estate because the island offers real estate options with amazing views, modern construction, and amenities, at prices generally lower than United States, Europe, and Canada.  The gastronomy, nightlife, and access to European and North American products are widespread throughout the island, which is also exempt from duties on imports, making it an attractive destination to relocate.  Many real estate buyers are excited to learn that when they relocate to St. Maarten, they can import all their personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, equipment, and vehicles free of any import duties.

 

 

Banking and Mortgages

Clients of BrightPath Caribbean can enjoy direct access to banking services in St. Maarten.  Our firm maintains strong ties within the local banking and business community, allowing our clients who are purchasing real estate with our affiliate BrightFuture Realty, access to business and/or personal bank accounts (if qualified), as well as opportunities for financing of mortgages to purchase your property.  Sint Maarten banks, in general, offer mortgage financing to non-resident buyers for up to sixty-five percent (65%) of the purchase price or appraisal value, whichever is less.  A standard credit report from Experian is typically required, as well as proof of downpayment, and verification of continued income to confirm loan repayment and total debt-to-income ratio.  Legal residency is not a mandatory requirement for mortgage financing, however, obtaining residency may allow you access to mortgage financing with local banks with a smaller downpayment toward your purchase.

Interest rates remain competitive on the island and will vary contingent on economic factors such as the cost of funds.  In general, interest rates available remain accessible and without strong fluctuations due to a comparatively stable cost of funds on the island.  Also important to mention is that banking in United States currency is allowed for residents and businesses alike, which makes banking and mortgage options easier to fund and maintain for foreign nationals who want to invest in real estate in Sint Maarten or altogether relocate to the island.

 

Tax and succession planning

Our referral partners at Haven SXM specialize in taxation, accounting, and administrative services.

Penshonado regime

If you have reached the age of 50 and you have moved to, or are planning to move to Sint Maarten, you might qualify for the ‘Penshonado Regime’ which features an attractive Income Tax rate on certain qualifying foreign income. If the applicable requirements are met, an advantageous 10% Personal Income Tax rate could apply to most foreign income items.

The most important requirements are:
– the taxpayer must have lived outside of Sint Maarten for a consecutive period of at least 60 months before moving to Sint Maarten.
– the taxpayer has reached the age of 50 at the time of registration in the census registry. BrightPath can assist with the registration process.
– within two months after registration in the population register, the taxpayer has registered with the competent Tax Inspector as a taxpayer who wishes to qualify for the application of the Penshonado regime. Haven SXM can assist with this.
– the taxpayer is living in a home in Sint Maarten within 18 months after being registered in the census registry.
Especially when it comes to registering at the Census, it is important to rely on the integrated services that the team at BrightPath Caribbean offers, to make your transition into the island lifestyle a smooth one.

Private Fund Foundation (PFF)

The PFF is a useful instrument for investing and protecting your capital and/or assets as well as to facilitate estate planning. It may also be interesting to invest your capital in a tax-friendly manner by using a PFF. Investing through a PFF can be advantageous, because of the following reasons:

• Contrary to a regular Foundation, a Private Fund Foundation can make distributions to its founders and/or beneficiaries;
• Income derived by a PFF is in principle exempt from Profit Tax, except when the profit arises from conducting a business;
• The PFF is a safe instrument to keep the family wealth intact for future generations.
• Please note that a single distribution, as well as periodical distributions by a PFF to a Sint Maarten resident individual, shall be subject to Sint Maarten Personal Income Tax. However, if the beneficiaries are non-residents of Sint Maarten, they will not be liable for income tax in Sint Maarten on distributions received from the PFF. However, this income might be subject to taxation in the recipient’s country of residence.

Succession Tax

If assets are inherited, received by legacy, or gifted, a succession (inheritance) tax is in principle due on Sint Maarten according to the current legislation.

To this, we would like to underscore that the PFF is a suitable option for estate planning, as it significantly reduces succession tax. Assets owned by the PFF will not be subject to transfer of ownership in case of inheritance, legacy, or gift. When it comes to distributions to beneficiaries by the PFF, succession tax is due in Sint Maarten based on the current legislation. However, if the beneficiaries reside outside of Sint Maarten, the distributions received from a PFF will not be subject to taxation in Sint Maarten. As said before, please note that such distributions might be subject to tax in the recipient’s country of residence. If a tax resident of Sint Maarten transfers assets to a PFF through inheritance, legacy, or gift, the PFF is subject to a succession (inheritance) tax at a special rate of 25%. However, if assets are received from a non-resident through inheritance, legacy, or gift, the PFF is not subject to Sint Maarten succession (inheritance) tax.

Please note that the above is how it works in theory. Practically, even though the legislation is in place, Sint Maarten does not levy a succession tax.

Other than BrightPath Caribbean, no other firm in Sint Maarten offers such an integrated suite of services, essential to a relocation including immigration, tax, and real estate all in one.  As mentioned earlier, estate planning for foreign nationals who are looking to move to the Caribbean is also a critical factor in the decision-making process.

Immigration and residency permits

As Sint Maarten’s most established immigration services provider, choose BrightPath to provide you with the reliable immigration services you need to obtain legal residency through your real estate purchase.  We recommend that our clients in collaboration with our affiliate BrightFuture Realty, to ensure that matters regarding estate planning, ownership structure, and banking have been addressed beforehand and your real estate transaction is tailored from the onset to meet the goals you have in place toward legal residency and even retirement, estate, and tax planning if applicable.

Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about immigration requirements when purchasing real estate.  Important to consider is the fact that in St Maarten United States citizens and Dutch nationals do not require a real estate purchase on the island to qualify for legal residency.  Because of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, the United States and Dutch nationals alike, qualify for permanent residency in Sint Maarten once they can satisfy general criteria based primarily on the following factors conditional to the approval of the local immigration authorities:

• Acceptable health insurance
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Acceptable certificate of good conduct

For the context of this article, to obtain legal residency through real estate in Sint Maarten, all other nationalities will be required to invest in real estate to apply for residency.  With BrightPath, retirees can apply for legal residency before making their real estate purchase.

All things considered, when making such an important decision as investing in real estate and obtaining legal residency in Sint Maarten, relying on a team or professionals all under one roof is available only with BrightPath Caribbean.

FAQ’s

1. Can I obtain a mortgage as a non-resident to purchase real estate in St. Maarten? Yes, non-resident buyers in St. Maarten can typically access mortgage financing for up to 65% of the property’s purchase price or appraisal value, whichever is lower. While legal residency is not mandatory for mortgage financing, obtaining residency may allow access to mortgages with a smaller downpayment.
2. What are the benefits associated with the ‘Penshonado Regime’ in St. Maarten? The ‘Penshonado Regime’ or Retiree Status offers an attractive 10% Personal Income Tax rate on qualifying foreign income for individuals aged 50 and above who meet specific criteria, including residing outside St. Maarten for at least 60 consecutive months before relocation. The regime requires registration with the Tax Inspector within two months of census registry registration and living in St. Maarten within 18 months thereafter.
3. How can a Private Fund Foundation (PFF) in St. Maarten benefit estate planning and asset protection? A Private Fund Foundation (PFF) provides avenues for capital investment and asset protection, facilitating estate planning in a tax-friendly manner. Benefits include exemption from Profit Tax on income (except business-related profits) and the ability to distribute funds to founders/beneficiaries. Moreover, assets owned by a PFF are not subject to transfer of ownership taxation upon inheritance, legacy, or gifting, potentially reducing succession tax liabilities.

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

 

THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO THE CARIBBEAN?

Moving is tough – all of us who have made that big jump and relocated to another country can confirm it’s not the easiest experience. Change is often difficult. Do you know what’s even more difficult? From our experience at BrightPath, we would say that finding the right advisors to guide you in the decision-making process is often like finding a needle in a haystack. So, if you’re considering emigrating to the Caribbean, here are some tips to take into consideration if St Maarten is on your relocation radar:

1-No office, no thank you! – Needless to say, if you’re considering entrusting someone with your immigration process, you should definitely adopt this policy. The days of handing over your most private and confidential documents to someone who’s not licensed and doesn’t have a storefront (and reputable) business operation are a “no-no”. Save yourself a horror story and rely on this one as a rule of thumb.

2-Check for references – check, check, and check some more. Just because your friends took the big leap and did it themselves, doesn’t mean you should too. COVID-19 has caused changes to procedures, requirements, and timeframes. Make sure that you do your research, manage your expectations, and look online for reviews and credible feedback on available immigration services providers.

3-Rely on a team of experts – It’s important to sort out the best in their industry and rely on their specialty only. What does this mean? It means your real estate agent is your real estate specialist (period). Your banker is your banking specialist (period). Your tax advisor… well, you get the point. So, guess what? Your immigration specialist, is your immigration specialist (PERIOD).

4-Do it right and do it once – If you’re a US national obtaining legal residency on the island, in most cases it’s usually a one-time matter when applied for properly. Although other islands in the Caribbean may be actively promoting “live and work here” immigration programs targeting US nationals, St Maarten is unique in that The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty streamlines the residency process for Americans. What does this mean? That in most cases, your residency permit, once approved is for an indefinite period of time – no annual renewals and no additional fees. Once and it’s done. Even better is the fact that you get to keep your US passport and your rights as a US citizen. Applying for legal residency on the island of St Maarten does not have an impact on your US passport holding status.

Do you have any questions?

CONTACT US

BrightPath specializes in immigration services for persons who wish to relocate to Sint Maarten and the English Caribbean.  Along with our affiliate, BrightFuture Realty, we offer integrated relocation services, and our head office is based in St Maarten. Our network expands throughout the English Caribbean region. BrightPath’s immigration and relocation services are also available on the islands of Dominica, St. Kitts, and Antigua, and the country of Belize.

Minimum Investment to Become a Resident

St Maarten has remained throughout the years one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for American, Canadian, and European nationals alike.  The French flair of Saint Martin and the variety of nightlife and entertainment of the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) offer many an island appeal, filled with activities, the safety of a low crime rate, and dazzling properties with ocean views that remain comparatively low in price to other locations.

Because of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, Americans require proof of a minimum amount of funds of only US$ 20,000 United States dollars.  These can be in a retirement account, money market, investment or trading account, current account, or savings account, and can remain in the country of origin.  The proof of funds is supported with recent statements in the name of the applicant and if further required, a bank reference letter confirming the tenure and average balances on the account.  This makes real estate investments for Americans particularly attractive on Sint Maarten (Dutch side), because to qualify for permanent residency, Americans do not need to make one particular investment for a pre-determined amount.  Instead, Americans can invest in real estate freely from ocean-view studios starting in the mid US$100,000 range to spectacular ocean-front villas starting at US$1,000,000 with our recommended real estate agency, BrightFuture Realty.

The collaboration with BrightPath Caribbean and BrightFuture Realty makes available to persons relocating to Sint Maarten a synchronized team offering you specialized services such as tax advisory and estate planning, immigration services, mortgage and bank account opening, and real estate sale-purchase transactions with a systematic, organized, and transparent approach.  Our experience spans over a decade and is growing rapidly in demand for persons who want to transition into island life with a team of professionals who understand the dynamics of emotions as well as the necessary steps that all form a part of this change.

For persons who do not have American citizenship, having access to a transparent immigration process and temporary residency is also of great importance. On the Caribbean island of St Maarten, BrightPath can facilitate immigration programs to cater to investors and retirees alike of all nationalities.

A Property

For persons seeking to obtain legal residency through real estate as investors on Sint Maarten, a real estate purchase of a minimum amount of US$ 510,000 United States dollars is required before applying for residency under the Investor program. If you are a passport holder of the United States of America, under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, we may request legal residency before making the real estate purchase. For more information on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty read here, and consider scheduling a free consultation with a representative of BrightPath that can provide you tailored solutions, integrating all aspects of the residency process, including real estate.

For retirees, BrightPath can provide you with tax advisory services, including an introduction to the “penshonado regime” which offers tax incentives for retirees age 50 and over who become legal residents of Sint Maarten.  For persons who are not American citizens, a real estate purchase of a minimum of US$ 255,000 United States dollars is required to secure your temporary residency which will be required to be renewed annually, without interruptions, for a minimum period of five (5) years before a request for permanent residency can be filed.  The professionalism and vast knowledge of the team at BrightPath Caribbean and BrightFuture Realty, ensure that the real estate investment and required timeframes and documentation related to your pursuit of permanent residency are a seamless and efficient process.

 

Working

For American citizens that wish to relocate to Sint Maarten, under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, regardless of age, once the criteria have been met, the residency permit secured by BrightPath and granted by the Immigration and Border Protection Services bears no end date (the same is permanent) and allows the person to live and work freely on the island without required sponsorship from a particular employer.  Residency permits granted to American citizens do not require renewals or extensions.

If you are not an American citizen, a separate work permit must be obtained to secure employment in Sint Maarten. To learn more about work permits, click here.  Both the investor and retiree residency programs do not allow for employment on the island and in the case of the retiree program, employment is definitively restricted for immigration purposes.

Retirement

Thinking of retiring in the Caribbean? If your answer is yes, Sint Maarten has a lot to offer American citizens and our team of experts at BrightPath Caribbean and BrightFuture Realty are at your availability.  You can schedule your free, no-obligation, consultation here.

If you have already made an investment in St Maarten and you wish to explore legalizing your stay, contact the experts at info@brightpathcaribbean.com As the Caribbean region’s most recognized and trusted immigration services provider – with complete solutions all under one roof – rely on BrightPath to make your dream of living in the Caribbean a reality.

Whether you want to obtain more information about tax incentives in Sint Maarten for retirees, or asset protection and estate planning through private fund foundations, BrightPath Caribbean has the resources, knowledge, and experience to make your retirement in the Caribbean a breeze.

 

FAQ’s

1. What are the minimum investment requirements for obtaining legal residency in Sint Maarten, particularly for American citizens, retirees, and investors?

For American citizens, residency in Sint Maarten can be obtained with proof of funds of as low as $20,000 USD, while investors are required to make a real estate purchase of at least $510,000 USD. Retirees need to invest a minimum of $255,000 USD in real estate to secure temporary residency.

2. How does the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty impact residency requirements for American citizens relocating to Sint Maarten?

Under the treaty, American citizens do not need to make a specific investment to qualify for permanent residency. They can freely invest in real estate, with options ranging from ocean-view studios to ocean-front villas, making the process particularly attractive for American investors.

3. What are the specific tax incentives available for retirees in Sint Maarten, and how does one qualify for them?

Retirees aged 50 and over can benefit from tax incentives under the “penshonado regime” by becoming legal residents of Sint Maarten. To qualify, retirees need to meet certain criteria outlined by the program, which can include minimum investment requirements and residency duration.

4. Can you explain the process of obtaining legal residency through real estate investment for non-American citizens in Sint Maarten?

Non-American citizens seeking residency through real estate investment in Sint Maarten must purchase property with a minimum value of $255,000 USD. Temporary residency is granted initially and must be renewed annually without interruptions for at least five years before applying for permanent residency.

5. What services does BrightPath Caribbean offer to individuals interested in relocating to Sint Maarten, and how can they assist in the residency process?

BrightPath Caribbean offers a range of services, including immigration assistance, tax advisory, real estate transactions, and more. Their team of professionals provides tailored solutions to individuals seeking residency in Sint Maarten, guiding them through each step of the process to ensure a seamless and efficient transition to island life.

 

Do you have additional questions?

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

 

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, the 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 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!

Do you have any questions?

CONTACT US

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.

Do you have any questions?

CONTACT US

MOVING TO ST. MAARTEN

With warm weather, a relaxed style of living, and beautiful nature everywhere you look, there is no doubt why living in Sint Maarten is a dream for many.

Moving to any place implies several steps and things you need to consider before taking the next step. Relocation always means a real estate search, gathering personal documents for your immigration process, finding the proper school if you have kids, getting your pets ready to travel by meeting the requirements of the new country, and sometimes means opening a new business or starting a new job. All these things are exciting and overwhelming at the same time, this is why having the right assistance around is of great value.

Sint Maarten is a multi-cultural island, making it a very highly attractive location for anyone looking to relocate here. One of the great facts about St, Maarten is its international connectivity, with direct flights from Europe, the USA, and most of the surrounding islands, Sint Maarten also has the biggest port in the region with no import-export taxes, meaning you can move and bring your personal belongings and even your vehicle with ease, and no property taxes for your real estate investment.

GET READY TO ENJOY LIFE IN FLIP-FLOPS!

Adapting to St. Maarten won’t be an issue when you love the Caribbean style of living. Small changes will always take place, like a change in your wardrobe, so, get ready to live life in flip-flops!

Once you become a resident, you will integrate easily, opening a bank account won’t be an issue, and finding a property, purchasing, and getting a loan with a local bank if you wish, will be easier as a resident.

It is important to have professional assistance throughout the process, accurate information and experience will make a difference in any relocation process. BrightPath Caribbean has handled more than 1,800 files, we believe in clear information, and we know the importance of time frames for any person moving and making a lifestyle change, our team will support you during the first application and will follow-up and send you reminders for your residency renewals (if it applies to you).

WE CAN HELP YOU GET RESIDENCY IN ST. MAARTEN

At BrightPath Caribbean we are experts in immigration to St. Maarten, with over 10 years of experience, we have become the point of reference for trusted immigration and corporate services, 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!

Residing legally in Sint Maarten will depend on how the applicant chooses to obtain residency. It could be as an investor, or a business start-up, maybe a local employer wants to offer an employment opportunity to a prospective team member abroad or you have decided to retire in St Maarten and enjoy the warm weather.

SO, WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY?

The list of documents needed to apply for residency in St. Maarten is quite similar to the immigration requirements in most countries. The local authorities will need to know your personal information in documents such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and sometimes death or divorce certificates. The applicant will have to show financial documentation, the approval of a work permit from the labor department in Sint Maarten, or the purchase of real estate. It will all depend on what program you will be applying for residency.

BrightPath Caribbean can assist you with your document ordering and save you all the turmoil that comes with it and all the additional steps involved, from following up on the ordered documents to the legalization or the apostilled requirements, and receiving them in our office, saving you valuable time and minimizing any stress. *

Every case is different, this is why booking a consultation with our team should be your next step. You will receive tailored information to your needs and discuss in detail the requirements for the program that works best for you.

*Service subject to applicant’s nationality

 

FAQ’s

1. What are some key considerations for individuals planning to relocate to St. Maarten, and how can professional assistance simplify the process?

Relocating to St. Maarten involves several steps such as real estate search, immigration documentation, schooling for children, and pet travel preparations. Professional assistance, like that provided by BrightPath Caribbean, can streamline the process by offering accurate information and guidance tailored to individual needs.

2. What are the advantages of residing in St. Maarten, particularly in terms of lifestyle, banking, and property ownership?

St. Maarten offers a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle with international connectivity, making it attractive for residents. Becoming a resident facilitates easy integration, including opening bank accounts and purchasing property with local bank loans. Moreover, the absence of property taxes and import-export taxes further enhances the appeal of residing in St. Maarten.

3. What are the typical document requirements for applying for residency in St. Maarten, and how can BrightPath Caribbean assist applicants in navigating this process?

Document requirements for residency in St. Maarten include personal identification documents, financial documentation, and proof of work permit approval or real estate purchase. BrightPath Caribbean offers assistance in document ordering, legalization, and follow-up, tailored to individual needs, thereby saving applicants time and minimizing stress in the application process.

Do you have additional questions?

Contact us today to begin your journey to residency!

 

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.

Do you have any questions?

CONTACT US

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

Do you have any questions?

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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!

Do you have any questions?

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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.