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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Do you have any questions?

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

 

ARE YOU LOOKING TO INCORPORATE A BUSINESS IN ST. MAARTEN?

Are you ready to invest in ‘the friendly island’ but want to know the cost to incorporate a business in St. Maarten? Keep reading to learn about business incorporation costs in St. Maarten!

There are many benefits to incorporating a business on Sint Maarten. Some benefits include personal asset protection, enhanced credibility, brand protection and deductible expenses.

Incorporating a business in St. Maarten can be costly, so some of the estimated costs (in USD) of business incorporation in Sint Maarten can be found below.

Costs to incorporate a business in St. Maarten:

• Service Fees: $3,000
• Notary Fees: $1,500 – $3,000
• Business and Director License Fees: $2,000
• Operational License Fee (if applicable): $2,000
• Labor Registration Fee: $142

If you’re thinking about the costs to incorporate a business in St. Maarten, you should have a minimum budget of USD $6,800 for one business and one director license. Depending on the type of business, such as a restaurant or lounge, you may need an extra operational license, which increases your costs by at least $2000.

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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LEARN HOW TO APPLY FOR A CARIBBEAN VISA

Many tourists who need a visa to visit St. Maarten wonder how to request a Caribbean visa for St. Maarten. As St. Maarten’s leading immigration specialists, BrightPath Caribbean would like to help make your next visit to St. Maarten simple, so you can find the Caribbean visa information you need here!

According to The Kingdom of the Netherlands’ official website, “If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for 90 days or less, you may need a short-stay visa. This depends on your nationality. You may also need a short-stay visa if you are transiting through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.”

What is a Caribbean short-stay visa?

A Caribbean short-stay visa is generally valid for 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa, which means that you can use it more than once. The visa lets you stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

It also lets you travel between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten).

You cannot use a Caribbean visa to travel to the European part of the Netherlands or another Schengen country.

Do I need to request a Caribbean visa to visit St. Maarten?

Most tourists will be exempted from the Caribbean visa requirement but check the list below to make sure. This includes visitors from the United States or European Union countries.

In most cases, you will not need a Caribbean visa if you are transiting or if you are a passenger on a cruise ship.

Countries whose nationals are exempt from requesting a Caribbean visa for St. Maarten:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana (visa required for St Maarten)
• Honduras
• Hong Kong – holders of British National Overseas passports
• Hong Kong – holders of Special Administrative Region passports
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica (Curaçao only. Visa required for Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten)
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao – holders of Special Administrative Region passports
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru (visa required for St Maarten)
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• St Christopher and Nevis (St Kitts)
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan – holders of a passport bearing their identity card number
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Vatican City

How to apply for a short-stay Caribbean visa

How and where you apply for a visa depends on your nationality. Please visit the Dutch Consulate or Embassy nearest to you before visiting St. Maarten.

Can I work with a short-stay Caribbean visa?

During your stay you may not carry out paid work. If you want to work, you must obtain a work permit. For more information, contact the local authorities and BrightPath Caribbean.

Can I extend my short-stay Caribbean visa?

You cannot extend a short-stay Caribbean visa. If you wish to stay in St. Maarten longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit.

Source: Netherlands WorldWide

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Why You Should Retire in St. Maarten

Are you looking for a slice of paradise to enjoy living in while retired? Do you want to retire to the Caribbean, but can’t decide on an island? If you keep reading, you might find the oasis you have been dreaming of in St. Maarten.

For many retirees, St. Maarten is the best place to go in the Caribbean. Once you visit the island, you will immediately be captivated by the beautiful scenery and the amazing weather that stays warm throughout all seasons. The island boasts white-sand beaches, lush green hills, a diverse population, a growing economy, friendly people, and a wide variety of delicious food options! No need to hang up any tropical artwork when the view outside of your windows is so breathtaking.

With so many great things, you could say that Sint Maarten is the perfect Caribbean destination for retirement. Let’s break down some of the main reasons.

 

Culture and History

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as part of the Leeward Islands, Sint Maarten had been conquered by Spaniards, British, and Danes, before finally the French and Dutch agreed to divide the island into two parts. Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint Martin (French side) share a rich history of sugar cane and salt production, this brought sailors, adventurers, slaves, and migrants from Europe, Africa, neighboring islands, and some countries in Asia. All these nationalities with their cultural heritage have been influencing the island for over 500 years.

Nowadays, Sint Maarten is one of the most multicultural islands in the region, making it an enriching experience every day. You will meet people from all over the world, taste their culinary traditions, become part of celebrations, and perhaps why not, adopt some things from their culture.

 

It’s all About Food

Whether your retirement plan is to have the kitchen of your dreams and cook amazing homemade meals or become a restaurant foodie trying out new things all the time (or something in between like most residents), Sint Maarten has everything for you!

Doing groceries in Sint Maarten is a whole experience, from the attractive gourmet supermarkets with high-end products to the big distributors or mini markets. Being able to stock your pantry with things from the French or Dutch side, and finding great quality, variety, and fresh produce every week, is something that you don’t find easy in the Caribbean. Now, on the other hand, the restaurant scene in St. Maarten is from another level and you won’t be disappointed. All over the island, you will find barbeque shacks with ribs, grilled lobster, and Johnny cakes like the famous “Lolos” in Grand Case, Amazing Asian restaurants with their own twist, great Italian food from Pizza to Gelatos, Caribbean cuisine, Indian, Fusion cuisine restaurants, super delicious French bakeries for breakfast or a sweet treat, Mexican, Nepalese, Peruvian, spectacular bars with renowned mixologists and their unique cocktails. The options are so many and with such great quality, that we can proudly say that Sint Maarten is the culinary capital of the Eastern Caribbean

No Property Taxes

Starting with the construction quality and the great locations, Sint Maarten (Dutch side) has no annual property taxes, and this is a great advantage, especially when you are ready to retire. If you are purchasing a property as an investment and are planning on renting it as a source of extra income while you are ready to retire, you need to take into consideration that although there are no property taxes in Sint Maarten, income tax and turnover tax/room tax might be due when renting out the property. Sint Maarten’s real estate market offers options for every budget and taste. Depending on what you are looking for, with the assistance of a trusted realtor, you can find waterfront properties or apartment complexes with private marinas, giving you the option to dock your boat just a few steps away, you can also find spectacular villas with breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea with all the shades of blue the ocean can give you, or get ready and invest for your retirement days in one of the many new luxury developments in construction. Protecting your real estate assets with a Private Fund Foundation is also something to consider.

 

Tax-Free Imports

In this online shopping modern world, it is quite nice when you can order something from anywhere and receive it in your house by only paying the shipping fee, and this is exactly what happens in Sint Maarten, there are no taxes on imports or exports, making it very convenient, particularly when you have decided to relocate and are moving. This advantage will allow you to bring your personal belongings, furniture for your property, and even your vehicle.  When you live in Sint Maarten, it is very common to shop online in any of the well-known stores in the US or Europe and receive in just a few days.

 

Warm sunny weather all year long

Having a wardrobe that looks similar (if not the same) all year long is something that for many gives peace of mind. Not having to worry about the seasons and living a life in flip-flops is relaxing and convenient. Sint Maarten’s climate stays about the same all year long, usually around 27-28°C (81-82°F), it is breezy, sunny, and warm. For those escaping from harsh winters, this is the place to be.

Tax incentives

Sint Maarten offers retirees over 50 who meet the requirements, a low tax bracket of 10% on global income, this is called Peshonado Regime, and here are the most important requirements:

•  The taxpayer must have lived outside of Sint Maarten for a consecutive period of at least 60 months (5 years) prior to moving to Sint Maarten.
• The taxpayer has reached the age of 50 at the time of registration in the census registry.
• 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.
• The taxpayer is living in a home in Sint Maarten within 18 months after being registered in the census registry.

It is crucial to ensure that your immigration process, registration at the Census Office, and application for pensioner status are completed seamlessly and on time. You can rely on the integrated services provided by the team at BrightPath Caribbean, along with HaVen, to ensure a smooth transition to your retirement years.

 

Would you like to know more about how to start the process?

Retiring in St. Maarten is a simple process when you do it with the team at BrightPath. To retire as a pensioner the applicant must be at a minimum of 50 years old, among other basic documentation such as birth certificate and police record, the applicant must present sufficient savings, and show proof of a real estate purchase of a minimum of USD 255,000 within the first year of residency. Note, if you are a US Citizen, the real estate purchase nor the age requirement may necessarily apply for retirement purposes in Sint Maarten.

Contact us today and Get Started! At BrightPath Caribbean our goal is to help you make your dream retirement a reality, making it easy for you while we handle all the paperwork. Our team of professionals can assist you with every step. By booking a free consultation via Zoom, we can answer all your questions and start your residency request while you are abroad, our team can order your personal documents and will follow up and keep you updated on every detail.

The retirement life that you have always pictured is possible, and we are here to help. Book your free 30-minute consultation to start your Caribbean dream!

FAQ’s

1. What are some compelling reasons for retirees to choose St. Maarten as their retirement destination, particularly in terms of climate, culture, and culinary offerings?

St. Maarten offers retirees a captivating blend of warm weather year-round, rich multicultural heritage, and a diverse culinary scene, making it an attractive retirement destination for those seeking a slice of paradise with vibrant cultural experiences and delicious food options.

2. What are the advantages of retiring in St. Maarten in terms of property ownership, tax incentives, and tax-free imports, and how do these factors contribute to a comfortable retirement lifestyle?

St. Maarten’s real estate market offers options without annual property taxes, and retirees can benefit from tax incentives such as a low tax bracket of 10% on global income for those over 50. Additionally, tax-free imports make relocating and shopping for personal belongings, furniture, and vehicles convenient and cost-effective for retirees.

3. What is the process for retiring in St. Maarten, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and assistance available from BrightPath Caribbean?

Retiring in St. Maarten involves meeting basic eligibility criteria such as purchasing real estate for a minimum of USD 255,000  providing essential documentation like a birth certificate and police record, and showing proof of sufficient savings. BrightPath Caribbean offers assistance throughout the process, including free consultations, document ordering, and residency requests, simplifying the retirement process for individuals dreaming of a Caribbean retirement.

 

Do you have additional questions?
Contact us today to begin your journey to residency!

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

BrightPath continues to be the most trusted and reliable source for immigration and relocation services in St Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean region. If you are considering making St Maarten your home and obtaining legal residency on the island, congratulations on making it this far!

Here are some brief points we put together on what you need to know about obtaining legal residency in St Maarten:

1. Source all of your documentation in an organized and timely manner. Although immigration residency programs vary in their respective list of requirements, some items are standard throughout, namely,

• Birth certificate which must be presented in original and its respective issue date must be within three years. A legalization by a Dutch Embassy or an apostille stamp from the issuing country is a requirement.
• Police clearance certificate (Certificate of good conduct) is also a requirement for every applicant 16 years of age or older. This document must be in original form and dated within 6 months from date of submission of application.
• Valid health insurance from a locally licensed insurance agent. If issued from an insurance carrier abroad, evidence of coverage in St Maarten must be substantiated.

2. Moving with family? Consider that if you are relocating with your family, aside from the items above, it is important to include

• Locally issued school letter confirming school enrollment. This is applicable to children ages 4 and over.
• Marriage certificate as well as Divorce/Death certificates from any and all previous marriage(s). These too must be presented in original and its respective issue date must be within three years. A legalization by a Dutch Embassy or an apostille stamp from the issuing country is a requirement.

3. Ensure to have sufficient reserves: verifiable by way of bank letter addressed to “St Maarten Immigration & Border Protection Services.” The document must be in original format and an amount must be explicitly stated and dated within 90 days from submission of your immigration request.

4. Hire a trusted and licensed firm: to guide you along the way. At BrightPath, we specialize in dedicated immigration advice and services. It is important to have the right guidance and expertise in order to successfully apply for your legal stay under the right immigration programs and to ensure that you match the required criteria.

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WONDERING ABOUT SCHOOLS AND THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN ST MAARTEN

If you’ve decided to move to St. Maarten with your family, you may be wondering about schools in St. Maarten. It is very important to understand the education system in St. Maarten and which schools would best suit the needs of your child or children. Keep reading to learn about the primary, secondary and post-secondary schools in St. Maarten.

Is school mandatory in St. Maarten?

Education on the Dutch Side of St. Maarten is compulsory between ages of 4 and 18.

Are there public schools in St. Maarten?

On the island of St. Maarten, there are 16 public primary schools. Some examples of public schools include Methodist Agogic Center (M.A.C) and Sint Dominic Primary School. These schools enable your child/children to reach their full academic potential as well as meet their social and spiritual needs. You will be required to pay approximately NAF 400 per year per child for them to attend a public school in St. Maarten.

Are there private schools in St. Maarten?

On the island of St. Maarten, there are two private primary schools – Caribbean International Academy (CIA) and Learning Unlimited Preparatory School (LU). These schools teach children from kindergarten age to Grade 12 and stress learning decision-making, time management, creative and critical thinking skills. You will be required to pay approximately USD $1000 per month per year per child for them to attend a private school in St. Maarten.

Are there any special education schools in St. Maarten?

On the island of St. Maarten, there is one public elementary school that provides special education for students with a range of disabilities. The Prins Willem-Alexander School is dedicated to educating students living with learning disabilities, neurological disorders, ADHD, Down syndrome, autism or any other disabilities that would impact education in other primary and secondary schools on the island.

Are there high schools in St. Maarten?

There are nine high schools in St. Maarten including one Dutch secondary school and two faith-based secondary schools that promote Christian ideals and values.

Is there a performing arts school in St. Maarten?

St. Maarten has one performing arts school called The Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performance Arts, offering both academic and artistic education. Talent showcases are common for these students and they often have opportunities to travel abroad. You will be required to pay approximately NAF 900 per year per child for them to attend St. Maarten’s performing arts school.

Are there any vocational or technical schools in St. Maarten?

The National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) is the only government recognized for advance vocational technical education in St. Maarten. NIPA offers advanced vocational education for students who want to further their education after secondary schools and adults already in the workforce. Their programs are tailored to the needs and interests of the labor market and the wider St. Maarten community. The price you pay to attend St. Maarten’s vocational school depends on the course taken.

Are there any universities in St. Maarten?

There are two universities in St. Maarten. The University of Sint Maarten is committed to offering quality academic education that will provide students with a solid foundation to start their career. The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine St. Maarten’s only medical school and tuition is approximately USD $22,000 per semester.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING

Congratulations! You’ve decided you want to move to St. Maarten! Whether you need to get a work permit, start a business, or obtain a residency permit, BrightPath Caribbean can help make your move to St. Maarten easy!

Moving to another country is an exciting opportunity, but there’s a lot to consider since it does present some unique challenges. Often moving to a new country involves navigating new languages, new climates, and new people. It can be intimidating and overwhelming but working with immigration and business start-up professionals can make the process simpler.

Before moving to St. Maarten, read our guide below to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when moving to the Caribbean.

5 Mistakes people make when moving to St. Maarten:

1. Not doing enough research: If you choose to move to St. Maarten with or without a company, you need to do your own research to learn about St. Maarten’s immigration process.

There are also several questions you need to ask yourself before moving to St. Maarten:

• How much money should I have for the first 6 months? One year?
• What are the fees to apply for residency/immigration?
• What documents do I need to apply for immigration in St. Maarten?
• How long does the immigration process take?
• Am I allowed to be in the country while my residency application is being processed?
• Are work permits different than residency papers?
• How long am I allowed to stay in St. Maarten?

There are many questions that you need to ask yourself before you before deciding to move to St. Maarten. Do your research so that you can make an informed decision about moving to St. Maarten.

2. Getting too much advice: When you decide to move to St. Maarten, you’ll notice how many people suddenly have moving advice for you. Just because a friend moved to the Caribbean in the 70s or your aunt moved to St. Maarten 10 years ago, it does not mean that their information is still valid. Each country of origin has different requirements so the advice might be about another country and might not be the requirements for your country of origin. You can get overwhelmed quickly by stories of easy immigration and nightmares of deportation.

For up-to-date and reliable information about moving to St. Maarten check reliable websites like:

www.netherlandsworldwide.nl

www.sintmaartengov.org

www.brightpathcaribbean.com

3. Not completing St. Maarten’s immigration application correctly: Once you have begun the process of moving to St. Maarten, having the necessary documents and meeting the immigration requirements are very important. The number one reason for not getting approved is incorrect or incomplete applications. Having all of your documents in order and completely filled out is crucial. One incomplete form or missing document can mean having to start the immigration process all over again. For help with immigration to St. Maarten, contact BrightPath Caribbean today!

4. Assuming the process will be quick and easy: Moving to St. Maarten – much like other countries around the world – is not a simple, straightforward process. There are forms to fill out, documents to order, fees to pay and a lot of waiting involved. Be patient, stay focused and know that your dream of moving to St. Maarten will soon be a reality!

5. Applying for immigration to St. Maarten alone: The easiest way to avoid the mistakes found above is to hire immigration specialists – like BrightPath Caribbean – for your move to St. Maarten. While it is an additional expense, having immigration specialists handling your move to St. Maarten is highly recommended and worth it! BrightPath Caribbean keeps open and clear lines of communication and will help you every step of the way. BrightPath Caribbean specializes in immigration to St. Maarten so we will fill out the forms, provide you with document checklists and wait in line at the office of Immigration and Border Protection Service (IBP) for you.

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