Category: Uncategorized

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.

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MINIMUM INVESTMENT TO BECOME A RESIDENT

BrightPath specializes in immigration services for persons who are wishing to relocate to the Caribbean. Our head office is based in St Maarten and our network expands throughout the Eastern Caribbean region. BrightPath’s immigration and relocation services are also available on the islands of Dominica, St. Kitts, and Antigua.

For most of our clients wishing to invest abroad, having access by way of citizenship or residency is of great importance. In the Caribbean island of St Maarten, for residency by way of investment, it is important to consider the following:

A property

A real estate purchase of a minimum amount of USD 510,000 is required prior to 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 prior to making the real estate purchase. For more information on the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and how you BrightPath may be able to obtain legal residency for you under the program.

Working

Work with a licensed, experienced, and recognized real estate broker that will be able to ensure that your purchase is done in a way that is duly registered and recorded so that you can advance to request your legal stay in St Maarten through your new investment. We recommend our affiliate BrightFuture Realty Group to properly guide you along the way and secure your property in a manner that benefits you and your long-term goals.

Retirement

Thinking of retiring on the island of St Maarten? If your answer is yes, it’s important to consider that under the Pensioner program you are allowed to request temporary residency on the island for up to a one-year period without having to purchase real estate up front. It is a requirement, however, that for the renewal of your temporary residency permit under the Pensioner program that you purchase property for a minimum amount of USD 225,000 within that first year.

If you’re interested in relocating to the Caribbean island of St Maarten, or if you have 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.

If you wish to have more than one managing director, additional fees will apply. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind what type of investment or company you wish to incorporate in St. Maarten and the costs associated with each type of business. BrightPath Caribbean recommends having a budget of USD $6,800 – $10,000 that when incorporating a business in St. Maarten, depending on the type of business being incorporated and the number of managing directors that are to be established.

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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, 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 own 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!

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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.

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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

 

Do you have any 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.

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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

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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!

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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.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST IN COLLABORATION WITH @ISLAND92SXM

The “work permit process” in Sint Maarten has so many variables, that it can be a daunting task for anyone, at BrightPath we pay special attention to detail when it comes to work permits, we know it has to be a perfectly executed maneuver between paperwork for the Labor and the Immigration department.

You can find our Island92SXM friends on social media in the links below.

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