How to renew a work or residency permit in St. Maarten?
If you’re considering renewing your work or residency permit in St. Maarten this means that you’re already enjoying life on The Friendly Island – congratulations!
Renewing, or as formally referred to, “extending”, a work or residency permit can be just as complex if not more than the initial application. Why? Because several components such as tax and banking compliance will come into consideration. That’s the reason why many people trust the expertise and reliable immigration services at BrightPath Caribbean.
If you are an existing temporary resident of St. Maarten, you can choose to renew or change your residency status. Unless you are a Dutch national or a citizen of the United States of America, you will likely be required to renew your temporary residency permit on an annual basis. This is because, in Sint Maarten, only Dutch and American citizens may successfully request and obtain permanent residency from the onset. Read here to learn more about the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and how it can benefit you in securing permanent residency in St. Maarten.
Temporary residency programs that can be conditionally extended are the following:
Family Reunion / Family Formation
This form of temporary residency permit can be extended annually and applies to persons who are being petitioned by a guarantor. The guarantor must be a legal resident of St. Maarten or a Dutch national that is registered on the island. The guarantor must also have a direct relationship to the applicant, for example, the guarantor must be a parent or legal guardian, or the spouse of the applicant. Once the applicant can substantiate five years of uninterrupted legal residency on the island, a change request can be filed to change the status of the permit from temporary to indefinite (also referred to as “permanent”).
The process does involve coordinating documentation and verifying sources and sufficient means of income. Verification of the relationship at the civil registry by way of a recent extract may also apply. Interested in learning about how BrightPath can file for the renewal of a residency permit under this program? Schedule your free consultation today and request a comprehensive service estimate.
Investor / Retiree Immigration Program
The investor program and the retiree program are similar in that they both involve a real estate purchase. BrightPath offers fully integrated immigration services in teamwork with BrightFuture Realty. Many persons seeking to obtain residency under the investor or the retiree program may also qualify for tax concessions. Consult with our referral partners at CaribTax Advisory & Accounting Services and schedule your free meeting here.
For the renewal of residency permits under this program, tax compliance is a requirement, and in the case of the investor program, an appraisal is also a firm requirement. The appraisal substantiates that the property purchased initially is still owned by the applicant and supports a value above USD 500,000 (NAF 900,000).
The retiree program does not require the purchase of real estate upfront, but it is an essential part of the renewal process. This means that the first residency permit granted to the applicant did not have to involve a real estate transaction, but the extension of the permit will. The minimum amount required for the real estate purchase is USD 250,000 (NAF 450,000). If you haven’t made your real estate purchase, contact our referral partners at BrightFuture Realty to support you in a manner that fits your budget, meets the immigration requirements, and the timeframes to ensure your residency permit is renewed without interruptions.
Work Permit Renewal
Work permit renewals, as is the case with the first application, must be requested by the employer. Evidence of tax compliance is a requirement for both the employer and the employee. Also, as a part of the renewal process, the applicant must substantiate that the salary is being deposited into their personal bank account and is equivalent to the amount declared in the initial work permit.
With work permits, the renewal process involves the same paperwork initially presented for the first-time request. We cannot substitute original diplomas or notarized copies in the renewal process. Advertising the vacancy locally will also be required. Rely on the knowledge and expertise that the team can offer you for work permit renewal services to ensure that you’re well on your way to permanent residency if that is your goal.
The information herein is provided in the form of a summary of the most common immigration programs in the context of temporary residency permits that can be extended. In generalizing, please consider that every circumstance is different. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about how BrightPath can assist you with immigration, tax and accounting, and real estate services to support you in the renewal of your legal residency in St. Maarten.
FAQ’s
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What are the requirements for renewing a work permit in St. Maarten?
To renew a work permit in St. Maarten, the employer must request the renewal and provide evidence of tax compliance for both the employer and employee. The employee must substantiate that their salary is being deposited into their personal bank account and is equivalent to the amount declared in the initial work permit being extended. The renewal process involves the same paperwork as the initial application, including original diplomas or notarized copies, and advertising the vacancy locally.
- How can temporary residency be renewed under the Family Reunion/Family Formation program?
Temporary residency under the Family Reunion/Family Formation program can be renewed annually. The guarantor, who must be a legal resident of St. Maarten or a Dutch national registered on the island, must have a direct relationship to the applicant (e.g., parent, legal guardian, or spouse). The process involves coordinating documentation, verifying income sources, and possibly verifying the relationship at the civil registry. After five years of uninterrupted legal residency, a change request can be filed to change the status from temporary to indefinite.
- What are the specific requirements for renewing residency under the Investor/Retiree Immigration Program?
For the Investor Immigration Program, tax compliance and an appraisal confirming the property value above USD 500,000 (NAF 900,000) are required. For the Retiree Immigration Program, while the initial residency permit does not require a real estate purchase, the renewal does, with a minimum property purchase amount of USD 250,000 (NAF 450,000). Applicants must ensure they meet these financial criteria and have the necessary property investments to qualify for renewal.
Do you have additional questions?
Contact us today for a free consultation!