Top 5 reasons why you should consider moving to Sint Maarten as a US National
If you are a US National who wants to relocate abroad, here are the main reasons why relocating to Sint Maarten could be a good plan
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The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty is an agreement between the United States and the Netherlands signed into law at The Hague on March 27, 1956.
This Alliance between Sint Maarten and The Former Netherlands Antilles benefits US nationals, giving them equal privileges as Dutch citizens born outside the island. If you can prove no criminal background and have sufficient verifiable funds, BrightPath Caribbean can assist you with your immigration process to get you legal residency. When obtaining residency in Sint Maarten, you acquire the right to live, work, retire, or even start your business. With BrightPath, you can start your residency process from the comfort of your home. We will handle all the aspects of your immigration process, from ordering your documents in the US to submitting and monitoring your file. Find out more on how can BrightPath work for you here.
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Tax Benefits
Sint Maarten has no property taxes. That means you can purchase real estate here and do not have to worry about annual property taxes, making Sint Maarten a very attractive location to purchase real estate for investment or for your retirement years and protect your assets with a Private Fund Foundation.
In addition, there are no taxes on goods or services, and no capital gains tax. You can import all your personal belongings free of any taxes because there are no customs duties on imported goods. Shopping at your favorite stores in the US and bringing your purchases with just extra shipping or handling fees is something that US Nationals love. You can live and enjoy the sunny Caribbean while still having the ease of purchasing goods with some extra steps.
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Real Estate and Banking
Sint Maarten continues to have a high demand for real estate because the island offers property options with amazing views, modern construction, and amenities, at prices generally lower than the United States, Europe, and Canada and with retained values on property. With brand new projects to invest in or wonderful Villas built in prime locations, Sint Maarten has something for everybody.
Sint Maarten offers a stable banking system, with little to no sign of change in the unexpected future. While the Antillean Guilder or Florin (to be replaced by the new Caribbean Guilder in 2025) is the official currency in St. Maarten, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted, and transactions can be conducted using this currency.
Always keep in mind that purchasing property abroad requires a high level of trust and a team of professionals that can address seamlessly and transparently questions regarding banking and mortgage options, ownership rights and structure, tax, and succession planning matters.
Our team at BrightPath Caribbean and BrightFuture Realty can help you turn your dreams of owning property and enjoying a different pace of everyday life into a reality.
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Relaxed Living
The island lifestyle encourages relaxation and well-being, whether you’re enjoying yourself along the beach, sipping a cocktail at a beachside bar, or simply unrolling in a hammock with a good book.
Without the stress and pressure of a fast-paced environment, social media, and the news, you’ll discover yourself more disconnected from the world around you.
Sint Maarten offers a high quality of life that US Citizens can quickly notice when they reach the island for the first time, usually as tourists. The locals are friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious, and there’s a relaxed pace of life that’s infectious. You’ll find yourself enjoying life’s simple pleasures, like a stroll on the beach or a sunset dinner by the sea.
When relocating to Sint Maarten, you can enjoy everything this Paradise offers.
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Beauty, Culture, Weather, and Quality of Life
Sint Maarten is simply breathtaking, and most people fall in love with the island just from the views they get when landing at the airport. Sunny weather year-round, friendly people, and quality of life, are very attractive reasons to consider relocation in a peaceful place.
With a vibrant diversity of cultures, traditions, and languages, making new friends in Sint Maarten is very easy! You can create your little community with people from all over the world, your neighbor could be Asian, the bartender in your favorite bar might be European and the bar owner could be local. Sint Maarten is a beautiful mix and an example of how so many cultures and nationalities can live together and work together. Join volunteering groups and cultural activities such as Carnival, go to sports events like the Regatta, and get ready to enjoy Sint Maarten to the fullest.
Inland and underwater flora and fauna bring out the true beauty of Sint Maarten and enable people to experience two separate worlds in one. Flora and fauna contribute to a well-balanced ecosystem, making it natural and beautiful. In Sint Maarten, there are non-profit foundations, for instance, “Les Fruits de Mer” located on the French side of the island, that assist in preserving and fostering regional conservation connections and protect Caribbean biodiversity, and the “Nature Foundation Sint Maarten” that take steps to safeguard and enhance the natural environment of St. Maarten in the present moment and for generations to come through a variety of education, preservation, and research initiatives.
Also, if you’re a sports lover, whether you’re into hiking, snorkeling, or simply lying on the beach, there’s always something beautiful to see and experience.
Have you fallen in love with Sint Maarten and would like to reside here legally?
BrightPath Caribbean can help you achieve your dreams, relocate to Sint Maarten, and start a new life full of beautiful sunsets and paradisiac beaches with our assistance. Book your consultation today and find out how to make your island vision a reality.
Contact BrightPath Caribbean and get ready to pack your suitcase for an unforgettable adventure!
FAQ’s
1. What are the benefits of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty for US nationals moving to Sint Maarten? The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty provides US nationals with equal privileges as Dutch citizens born outside the island. This means they can obtain legal residency, allowing them to live, work, retire, or start a business in Sint Maarten without affecting their legal status in the USA.
2. Are there any tax benefits for US nationals relocating to Sint Maarten? Yes, Sint Maarten offers several tax benefits, including no property taxes, no taxes on goods or services, and no capital gains tax. Additionally, personal belongings can be imported free of any customs duties.
3. What is the quality of life like in Sint Maarten for US nationals? Sint Maarten offers a high quality of life with its relaxed island lifestyle, friendly locals, delicious food, and beautiful weather year-round. The island’s vibrant culture and diverse community, combined with the natural beauty and various recreational activities, make it an attractive destination for those seeking a slower, more fulfilling pace of life.
Do you have additional questions?
Contact us today for a free consultation!