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What You Need to Know About Starting a Business in Sint Maarten!

There’s a lot of information about starting a business in Sint Maarten. You may be overwhelmed by all the legal jargon. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most important things you need to know as an entrepreneur looking to start a business here.

Sint Maarten is considered one of the best places in the world to start a business.

Why? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons:

  • One of the main reasons why Sint Maarten is such an attractive place for entrepreneurs is because it has a stable economy, which you can learn more about below.
  • Another reason this Caribbean island is so good for starting your own business is because its legal system ranks among the most reliable and efficient systems in Latin America and Europe.
  • The infrastructure here is also excellent, and plenty of opportunities are available for new businesses. Plus, there are plenty of modern transportation options available so that anyone who wants to travel around will have no problem doing so either by car or public transport system.

There are several important factors to consider before starting a business in Sint Maarten.

Before you begin your business, there are several important factors to consider.

  • Location: Location is one of the most critical factors for your business. If you want to start a business in Sint Maarten, you must choose the proper location for your company. You should also determine how much space is necessary and whether or not there are any restrictions on what kind of businesses can operate at a particular location.
  • Market research: Before starting any enterprise, you must do quality market research to understand how customers and clients will receive your product or service.  As such, we highly recommend hiring professionals specializing in this area before making any drastic changes; otherwise, things could get messy quickly!

You must consider that starting a business in Sint Maarten will require obtaining permits, licenses, and other forms of authorization.

You must consider that starting a business in Sint Maarten will require obtaining permits, licenses, and other forms of authorization. Exemptions may apply under certain circumstances.

Once you have determined the legal form of your business and obtained all the necessary permits, you can contact banks to start setting up your business bank account and get financing for your project.

The next step is to set up a business bank account and get financing for your project. You can contact Bright Path to help with these things. We have strong relationships with banks in Sint Maarten, and we will be able to assist you in getting the best possible rate on your business loan.

Once you have determined the legal form of your business and obtained all the necessary permits, you can contact banks to start setting up your business bank account and get financing for your project. 

Bright Path offers services that can help you through each step of starting a business in Sint Maarten.

Bright Path is a leading provider of business services in Sint Maarten, providing a wide range of services to help you start and grow your business quickly and easily. If you’re looking for help with any aspect of starting or running your company in Sint Maarten, we can assist you from start to finish.

  • We have an extensive network of trusted local experts who can assist you with the following:
    • Setting up your legal entity
    • Finding the right office space for your new venture
    • Advising on matters related to taxation and HR law

Starting a business in Sint Maarten is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to create a venture. You must do your research and plan before starting your project.

Bright Path can help you with the legal aspects of setting up your business, including obtaining all necessary permits or licenses from government authorities. We also offer financing options so you can get financing for your project from banks worldwide. Contact us now!

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.

Air plane flying over Maho Beach

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.

A guavaberry emporium

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.

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!

Dumpling soup in a ceramic boul

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.

Four Reasons to Retire in St. Maarten

There are many reasons to retire in St. Maarten, from the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts to the low cost of living and friendly locals. For starters, St. Maarten is a tax-free jurisdiction, which means that retirees can keep more money in their pockets. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it easy for retirees to get by on a fixed budget. And thanks to the excellent infrastructure, a retiree can get by without a car or driver’s license.

If you want to retire in the Caribbean, get in touch with BrightPath Caribbean.

There are many perks of retiring in St. Maarten, from the island’s natural beauty and temperate climate to its relaxed lifestyle and world-class health care system. Here are some more:

1.     The Weather

The weather is the number one reason people move to St. Maarten. The temperatures are always comfortable, the sun is shining, and the breeze is blowing. There’s never a need for a coat, and you can always find a spot in the sun to relax.

In addition to the perfect weather, St. Maarten offers various activities to keep you busy. You can go sailing, windsurfing, diving, or snorkeling any day of the week. And if you want to explore the island, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from.

2.     The People

One of the best reasons to retire in the Caribbean is the people. They are warm, friendly, and welcoming, always going out of their way to make you feel at home. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like one of the family.

The locals are always happy to share a bit of their culture and history with you, and they take great pride in their island paradise. You’re sure to make some lifelong friends during your time here.

3.     The Lifestyle

One of the biggest reasons to retire in St. Maarten is the incredible quality of life you can enjoy here. St. Maarten is a small, Dutch-speaking island nation located in the northeast corner of the Caribbean Sea. It shares an island with the French territory of Saint-Martin, and together they make up the smallest country in the world by land area. St. Maarten is a vibrant, modern country with a diverse economy and rich culture despite its small size.

4.     The Healthcare

The healthcare system in St. Maarten is one of the main reasons people retire here. The island has a modern, well-equipped hospital and a wide range of excellent doctors, specialists, and nurses. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers a full range of services, from routine checkups to major surgery.

There are also several private clinics on the island offering excellent care. And if you need specialized care that is not available in St. Maarten, the hospital has excellent working relationships with hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Europe

An older man with a phone in hand trying to contact a retirement consultant.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful place to retire, look no further than St. Maarten! This island has a lot to offer retirees, from stunning beaches and crystal-clear water to a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. Plus, St. Maarten is a great place to do business, with a strong economy and a welcoming business climate. If you’re interested in living in St Maarten, contact us today for more information about our relocation to Caribbean services. We can help you with your process of immigration to St. Maarten.

St. Maarten or St. Martin’s: Where Should You Settle?

St. Maarten and St. Martin are two islands located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The two islands share a name but are divided into two different countries: St. Maarten is a territory of the Netherlands, while St. Martin belongs to France. Although they share the same name, the cultures of the two islands are quite different. This can be seen in the food, music, and architecture on each island. So which island should you settle on?

That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an island with lots of things to do, then St. Maarten is the better choice. But if you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxed environment, St. Martin is your best bet.

If you’re planning to move to Sint Maarten, get in touch with Bright Path Caribbean.

Let’s take a look at the details of each island to help you decide which one is right for you!

1.     The pros and cons of each island

There are two sides to every story, which is certainly the case for the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to some of the best shopping in the Caribbean. St. Martin is more low-key and less commercialized than its sister island, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy its natural beauty.

On the other hand, St. Maarten is a very expensive destination, and prices for food, accommodations, and other services are among the highest in the Caribbean. St. Martin has seen increased crime recently; however, it remains relatively safe compared to many other Caribbean islands.

St. Martin

St. Martin has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. There are miles and miles of white sand beaches with powdery, fine sand that you can walk on for hours without ever having to turn around. And while there are a few larger resorts along the island’s coasts, there are also several smaller, family-run resorts and hotels as well.

However, St. Martin is an island with two halves. The French side is where the international airport is located and has most of the best hotels and restaurants. However, St. Martin has only one decent road connecting the French side to the Dutch side, which means that if you are staying on the Dutch side, you have to take a ferry or a water taxi to get around (unless you want to drive yourself).

2.     How to choose the right island for you

If you’re looking for a Caribbean Island to call your home, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before deciding on relocating to the Caribbean. For example, are you looking for a bustling nightlife scene, or would you prefer to relax on a secluded beach? Language, culture, and location are key factors to consider when choosing between St. Maarten and St. Martin.

A beach view for people planning to move to Sint Maarten.

Are you thinking about retiring in the Caribbean? Or maybe moving to the Caribbean? You’ll need to choose between St. Maarten and St. Martin. Both islands are wonderful places to retire or do business, but each has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Contact us today to find out more about the pros and cons of each island, and we’ll help you make the right decision for your immigration needs.

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.

BrightPath Caribbean