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St. Maarten Residency by Investment – 5 Things you must know before you make the move

Despite the horrific hurricane in 2017 and the ongoing pandemic that has had a socio-economic impact on a global scale, St Maarten remains an attractive destination for investors and tourists alike.  If you are considering leaving everything behind and immigrating to St. Maarten’s, here are five valuable tips to consider before making the move.

 

Rent or Buy a Property?

Relocating will inevitably involve a property transaction.  Our affiliate Bright Future Realty can offer you options to suit by neighborhood, budget, and lifestyle.

For people seeking residency by investment, at BrightPath we often recommend obtaining residency first and then purchasing a property.  This often makes the transition more stable and opens up banking options more readily for most prospective buyers.  However, if you find a great deal on a property (click here for an exclusive property on discounted sale), our partners at BrightFuture Realty can support you in your real estate ventures.

 

Rely on Reputation and Experience

Advice, structure, and execution related to immigration services is a highly specialized field.  Rely on experts with verifiable experience and reputation.  At BrightPath, we can provide you with dedicated advice, as well as added services such as obtaining required documents, apostilles, and legalizations from your country of origin.  This way, your documentation is acquired in the right manner and with no added effort on your part – easy and hassle-free.

With the most experienced team in the local immigration services market, a regional network throughout the Caribbean, and relationships for document services within USA and Canada, trust BrightPath for your immigration needs.

 

Immigration consultancy

 

Retirement or Self-Employment? What Suits you Best?

Early retirement by way of immigration is possible for everyone as currently there is no age limit.  However, tax advisors will remind you that for tax purposes, the minimum age for retirement benefits is 50 years.  So, what does this mean for you?

Before making the move, define your intended lifestyle whether it’s semi or full retirement or a new business venture altogether.  We can support your immigration, business set-up, or banking services depending on what your plans are in the next stage of life.

 

Consult with your Tax Attorney

Cross-border taxes can become a costly (if not, messy) mistake to clean up if you don’t get your researched and verified facts in line before executing a plan.  We recommend a paid, tailored consultation with an independent tax attorney.

There are several knowledgeable and experienced tax professionals to choose from that will take various factors into consideration before helping you devise a plan. Some of the key factors to consider include recommended tax and corporate structure to support your current asset base and manage your tax exposure.

 

Remember to Enjoy Life!

With the right support from dedicated professionals and help from experienced immigration consultancy, you can begin a new chapter of your life in St. Maarten’s immediately. If you want to know more about starting a business or moving to St. Maarten, schedule a free Zoom consultation today with BrightPath Caribbean.

 

Do you have any questions?

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

 


 

 

Five Things Nobody Tells You About Starting Business in Belize

Located in the south of Mexico and America, in the Central American region, Belize is a small country that gained independence forty years ago. Home to a multicultural population, Belize is the only English-speaking country occupied by Spanish-speaking nations in the Caribbean.

For Americans and Canadians looking to start a business in the Caribbean, Belize is the perfect place with ample opportunities for virtual and brick-n-mortar ventures. Here are things about starting a business in Belize that you may not have known until now.

Foreigners are Fully Facilitated

Although Belize is a rapidly developing country with a decent per capita income, the economy is still in its infancy. Therefore, the government is keen on welcoming and facilitating foreign investors who help develop the country’s infrastructure or offer jobs to the Belizeans.

This is why if you are a foreigner wanting to set up a business in the country, not only will the government help you through the process but also ensure that the obstacles are removed from your path.

Off-Shore Business Exemptions

One of the best parts about starting a business in this country of over 400,000 population is that you don’t have to be physically present in the country. Belize allows foreign nationals to establish remote businesses from anywhere in the world. So if you want to open up a media agency, writing service, or a call center in Belize, you can do so easily.

Small Businesses are Ruling

Over 90 percent of businesses in the country are small businesses started with minimum capital. However, as a foreigner, you need to have a bank account in Belize and a stay record of up to six months. It will be a good idea to set up a bank account in the country right away to initiate the process.

Belize business opportunity

Enjoy Tax-Free Income

Americans can earn up to half a million dollars of tax-free income in Belize, and nationals of other countries can earn even more. As per the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) privilege, foreign nationals can enjoy profits in the country and save tax money too!

Investment Leads to Residence

If you invest in Belize or start a business, the country offers you a residency permit in exchange. So if you plan to enjoy retirement life in Belize or want to make it a second home, starting a business is a suitable and easy way to do so. It’s also one of the only Central American countries that’s part of both the Caribbean and Central America, therefore, enjoys trade in both regions.

Start Business in Belize Today

If you want to immigrate to the Caribbean and Belize is your choice of destination, then reach out to us at BrightPath Caribbean for all kinds of immigration and business services. We offer business consultancy and help with setting up off-shore companies, opening banks accounts, and relocating to Belize and other Caribbean countries. Enjoy the vast business opportunities the Caribbean has to offer!

BrightPath Caribbean