Incorporate a new business in Sint Maarten
HOW TO START A NEW BUSINESS IN ST. MAARTEN
Are you looking to open a business in St. Maarten? BrightPath Caribbean handles every aspect of opening a new business in St. Maarten, regardless of nationality. We will guide you through the entire process, from drafting your company articles to submitting and obtaining all required business certificates and licenses.
St. Maarten is the ideal Caribbean island on which to open a new business, since it carries a duty-free status and has no foreign-exchange controls. With help from BrightPath Caribbean, we can help you open a new business in St. Maarten in as little as 6 weeks (conditions may apply)!
The following individuals require a business license in St. Maarten:
- Dutch Nationals NOT born on St. Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.
- Foreign Nationals (Americans may qualify for our Express Service).
- A Limited Liability Company (N.V. / B.V.) or other.
BrightPath Caribbean can make it easy to start a business in beautiful St. Maarten! We have the experience to guide you every step of the way; we will send you document checklists, obtain licenses on your behalf at government offices and even open your business bank account for you. We know that starting a new business requires a lot of time and hard work, which is why we handle all the paperwork for you, from drafting your first company articles to submitting and obtaining all St. Maarten government business licenses.
To start a business in St. Maarten, the following documents are required:
New business application form (completed and signed).
- Original police check (no older than 6 months).
- 2 proofs of address (utility bill, cell phone bill, etc.).
- 2 government-issued IDs.
- Color copy of passport.
Are you planning to open a limited liability company or partnership in St. Maarten? If so, you’ll need to send a letter to the Executive Council of the Island of St. Maarten.
What a limited liability company or partnership request letter must include:
- The name of the business.
- The name of the business owner.
- The nature and objectives of the business.
- The investment capital available.
- The place of establishment.
After opening a business in St. Maarten, you will need to visit the Department of Economic Licenses to obtain a business license, an operational license (if applicable) and any director licenses needed.
Submit the following documents to the Department of Economic Licenses:
- A letter (in Dutch) addressed to the Executive Council requesting a business license.
- A copy of the director’s(s) passport.
- A copy of the director’s curriculum vitae.
- A copy of your diploma(s) certificate(s) of director (s) (only needed to show certain expertise).
- A copy of your police record of director (s) with foreign nationality. (not valid after six months).
- The exact address of the business.
- Your present home or mailing address.
- Your current telephone number.
Please note, that once your new St. Maarten business license is issued, a residency permit is required for all individuals planning on living in St. Maarten for longer than their travel visa allows. This must be done by requesting a residence permit at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Service, which BrightPath Caribbean can help you set-up after the St. Maarten business license is approved.
Unlike other Caribbean countries – with the right professional help – it is very easy to open a new business in St. Maarten. There are no large investment requirements, and the process isn’t incredibly lengthy, especially for American citizens.
Do you have any questions?