ABOUT SINT MAARTEN
Sint Maarten has a lot to offer with an increased amount of tourism from all over the world, it has become a premier tourism destination in the Caribbean. Here are important facts about the island and the Lagune Bay project.
TOP REASONS TO INVEST IN SINT MAARTEN
With an open economy, Sint Maarten allows investors to establish businesses without mandatory local partners. An investment in Sint Maarten may allow you legal residency on the island. Sint Maarten imposes zero customs duties on imported goods, so you can easily bring your car, boat or wine cellar.
“ Sint Maarten’s investor friendly climate offers various incentives for investors.”
“ Buying and selling of real estate only incurs a 4% Transfer Tax along civil notary fees. Sint Maarten does not impose property taxes, capital gains taxes, goods or services taxes.”
TOP REASONS TO INVEST IN SINT MAARTEN
“Real estate investments on Sint Maarten retain their value and increase overtime compared to investments in U.S. and European markets.”
“ Sint Maarten’s telecommunication infrastructure, with a fiber optic backbone, will keep you connected to the world. Banking centers provide all facilities for offshore investment and banking.”
CONNECTED WORLDWIDE
Daily flights to North America, South America and Europe via award winning Princess Juliana International Airport. Princess Juliana International Airport offers first class service to commercial and private aircrafts entering Sint Maarten.
Aside from the previously mentioned reasons, Sint Maarten is a naturally striking place for real estate investment. Sint Maarten offers warm weather, the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, sailing and boating options, exciting recreational opportunities, access to regional and international travel, gourmet dining and a unique charm. Sint Maarten is a very attractive place to invest in real estate for many of the obvious reasons mentioned above: the weather, gorgeous Caribbean Sea, sailing/boating, great airport, recreational opportunities, regional and European travel possibilities, gourmet dining, interesting character of the bifurcated nation.
FACTS ABOUT SINT MAARTEN
The Caribbean Sea is home to over 700 islands, reefs, and islets. In it all, St. Maarten undoubtedly stands as one of the top places in the region. With its offerings such as multiculturalism, a wide array of beaches, and exotic cuisine, it has become one of the most visited Caribbean countries in recent years.
The 37-square-mile island of Sint Maarten was first settled by the Arawaks prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Upon sighting the island on November 11th, the holy day of St. Martin of Tours. Columbus claimed the island for the Spanish crown, naming it St. Martin in honor of the holy day. For the next 150 years, the island was fought over by the Spanish, English, Dutch and French until the island was peacefully divided between the Netherlands and France on March 23rd 1648 by the Treaty of Concordia. To this day, Fort Amsterdam guards the island’s inlets and serves as a reminder of the St. Martin’s past.
350 years since the signing of the Treaty of Concordia, Sint Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared peacefully by two sovereign nations. Neatly positioned in the Northeast Caribbean, Sint Maarten can be considered the crossroads of the Caribbean. Investing on Sint Maarten is an investment in one of the most historical and unique countries in the world.
Sint Maarten is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a constitutional monarchy represented locally by the Governor. Executive powers lie within the Government, led by the Prime Minister. The Legislative powers lie within the Parliament of Sint Maarten which the Judiciary is independent of both the Executive and Legislative Branches.
With a legal system based on Dutch Civil Law, Sint Maarten’s main body of civil law is the Civil Code. Most laws and regulations related to doing business can be found in the Civil Code. In contractual agreements, the principles of reasonableness and fairness are vital factors in civil relations between parties. Contracts can be enforced in writing of by verbal agreement. The Civil Code offers protection mechanisms for relatively vulnerable parties in contractual relations, such as employees in labour law and consumers when buying goods or acquiring services from professional providers.
Contractual disputes can be taken to the Court of First Instance. Appeals can be taken to the Join Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, St, Eustatius and Saba. Appeals to decisions by the Joint Court of Justice can be taken to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, the highest court within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The cobblestone streets of Philipsburg offer duty-free access to luxury goods from Rolex® Patek Philippe®, Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Michael Kors® and a number of other high-end goods. Easy access to Sint Maarten from neighboring islands such as Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and St. Eustatius adds thousands of new potential consumers to the existing market, offering faster returns on investments. For visitors, Sint Maarten offers pristine beaches, magnificent diving and the best nightlife in the Northeastern Caribbean. With bars, lounges and nightclubs, Sint Maarten’s nightlife includes open air bars, street side salsa dancers and rustic beach bars
The official languages of Sint Maarten are Dutch and English. The official language of St. Martin is French, though English is widely spoken throughout. With a multicultural population, several languages such as Spanish, Italian, Papiamento, Creole and Patua can be heard, making Sint Maarten one of the most multilingual countries in the region.
The official currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin (NAF). The official exchange rate is NAF 1.8 for $1.00 U.S. dollar. The United States dollar & Euro is widely used and accepted throughout the island for doing business and conducting financial transactions.
As the “Gastronomical Capital of the Caribbean” Sint Maarten has a high concentration of top-notch restaurants. Ignite your palate with island specialties as crabe farci (stuffed crab) or accras (cod fritters). Wash them down with local juices such as mango, guava, papaya or less familiar flavors such as tangy tamarind. Mix with the locals for hearty and delicious helpings of barbecued ribs, lobster, chicken or fish grilled on split metal drums to summon up the gastronomy of the Caribbean.
Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is a non-profit foundation that manages and carries out the hospital functions of Dutch Sint Maarten. The staff if a mix of European and American trained doctors, nurses and allied medical administrative personnel. The hospital is located just five minutes outside of Philipsburg.
Dutch Sint Maarten is part of the North American number plan which makes calling the island very easy especially from the United States. Telephone calls to Sint Maarten require the country code +1 721.
Sint Maarten’s electricity voltage is 110-volt AC, 60 cycles, as is in the United States and Canada. French St. Martin uses 220-volt AC, 60 cycles which requires the use of adapters and transformers from 110-volt.
Driving on Sint Maarten is on the right hand side, as in the United States. As stipulated by law, the legal driving age is 18. Right turns at red lights are prohibited, and traffic conditions may require careful driving. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Children under 4 years of age should be in child safety seats and children under 12 should ride in the back seat.
- As a buyer, you don’t have to be physically present, and the local notary will act as your attorney.
- You can import your belongings or other furnishings with zero taxes.
- You don’t have to hire an attorney because the local notary will look after all your legal matters.
- The local banks in St. Maarten offer great financing options to foreigners. Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in St Maarten real estate or St Martin real estate to apply for a mortgage.
- There is a higher demand for rental properties, so you can turn your property into a vacation rental to earn profits.
On the Dutch side of St Maarten, visitors can generally stay in St Maarten for up to 30 days without a visa. Citizens of Canada, the EU, Australia, New Zealand and Japan may stay in St Maarten for up to 3 months (90 days) without a visa. Dutch and American citizens may stay in St Maarten for up to 6 months (180 days) without a visa.
Non-citizens wishing to live on the Dutch side of St Maarten are required to apply to the Immigration and Border Protection Service for a Residence Permit.
If you would like to become a resident of the Dutch side of St Maarten you can apply to the Immigration and Border Protection Service for a Residence Permit. Permits are issued to various categories of applicants, including investors and pensioners.
In the case of investors, applicants are required to make a minimum investment of NAF 900,000 in a business or real estate in St Maarten.
In the case of pensioners, applicants must be able to demonstrate proof of sufficient income.
If you have lived continuously in St Maarten for 5 years with a valid residence permit and have a good understanding of Dutch you may apply for Dutch citizenship by naturalization.
Find out more: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Ministry of Justice and Security.
St. Maarten Real estate transactions are always closed using the European system where the Civil Law Notary (appointed by the queen) is responsible, by law, to both parties and is obligated to do a proper title search to insure a clear title transfer. The responsibility of clear title is with the Notary, thus title insurance is not needed. All Notaries are lawyers; a personal attorney is not necessary. St. Maarten real estate closings are in English within the time frame set by the purchase agreement . Closing costs are minimal and are the buyer’s responsibility. Closing costs include a one-time government transfer tax, plus the Notary’s fee with the total of both amounting to approximately 5-6% of the sale price.
There are three basic types of deed transfers for St. Maarten real estate transactions:
- fee simple (Same as in the US)
- Government long lease
- Private long lease.
You may purchase property in your own name or in the name of a business. Personal or business accounts can be opened at local banks. All in all, the process of purchasing St. Maarten real estate is quite simple.
The two official websites to learn more about Sint Maarten are:
And
History
The 37-square-mile island of Sint Maarten was first settled by the Arawaks prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. Upon sighting the island on November 11th, the holy day of St. Martin of Tours. Columbus claimed the island for the Spanish crown, naming it St. Martin in honor of the holy day. For the next 150 years, the island was fought over by the Spanish, English, Dutch and French until the island was peacefully divided between the Netherlands and France on March 23rd 1648 by the Treaty of Concordia. To this day, Fort Amsterdam guards the island’s inlets and serves as a reminder of the St. Martin’s past.
350 years since the signing of the Treaty of Concordia, Sint Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest landmass in the worl to be shared peacefully by two sovereign nations. Neatly positioned in the Northeast Caribbean, Sint Maarten can be considered the crossroads of the Caribbean. Investing on Sint Maarten is an investment in one of the most historical and unique countries in the world.
LEGAL SYSTEM STRUCTURE
Sint Maarten is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a constitutional monarchy represented locally by the Governor. Executive powers lie within the Government, led by the Prime Minister. The Legislative powers lie within the Parliament of Sint Maarten which the Judiciary is independent of both the Executive and Legislative Branches.
With a legal system based on Dutch Civil Law, Sint Maarten’s main body of civil law is the Civil Code. Most laws and regulations related to doing business can be found in the Civil Code. In contractual agreements, the principles of reasonableness and fairness are vital factors in civil relations between parties. Contracts can be enforced in writing of by verbal agreement. The Civil Code offers protection mechanisms for relatively vulnerable parties in contractual relations, such as employees in labour law and consumers when buying goods or acquiring services from professional providers.
Contractual disputes can be taken to the Court of First Instance. Appeals can be taken to the Join Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, St, Eustatius and Saba. Appeals to decisions by the Joint Court of Justice can be taken to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, the highest court within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
LUXURIOUS LIVING
The cobblestone streets of Philipsburg offer duty-free access to luxury goods from Rolex® Patek Philippe®, Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Michael Kors® and a number of other high-end goods. Easy access to Sint Maarten from neighboring islands such as Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and St. Eustatius adds thousands of new potential consumers to the existing market, offering faster returns on investments. For visitors, Sint Maarten offers pristine beaches, magnificent diving and the best nightlife in the Northeastern Caribbean. With bars, lounges and nightclubs, Sint Maarten’s nightlife includes open air bars, street side salsa dancers and rustic beach bars.
LANGUAGE
The official languages of Sint Maarten are Dutch and English. The official language of St. Martin is French, though English is widely spoken throughout. With a multicultural population, several languages such as Spanish, Italian, Papiamento, Creole and Patua can be heard, making Sint Maarten one of the most multilingual countries in the region.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin (NAF). The official exchange rate is NAF 1.79 for $1.00 U.S. dollar. The United States dollar is widely used and accepted throughout the island for doing business and conducting financial transactions.
RESTAURANTS AND DINING
As the “Gastronomical Capital of the Caribbean” Sint Maarten has a high concentration of top-notch restaurants. Ignite your palate with island specialties as crabe farci (stuffed crab) or accras (cod fritters). Wash them down with local juices such as mango, guava, papaya or less familiar flavors such as tangy tamarind. Mix with the locals for hearty and delicious helpings of barbecued ribs, lobster, chicken or fish grilled on split metal drums to summon up the gastronomy of the Caribbean.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is a non-profit foundation that manages and carries out the hospital functions of Dutch Sint Maarten. The staff if a mix of European and American trained doctors, nurses and allied medical administrative personnel. The hospital is located just five minutes outside of Philipsburg.
CALLING SINT MAARTEN
Dutch Sint Maarten is part of the North American number plan which makes calling the island very easy especially from the United States. Telephone calls to Sint Maarten require the country code +1 721.
ELECTRICITY
Sint Maarten’s electricity voltage is 110-volt AC, 60 cycles, as is in the United States and Canada. French St. Martin uses 220-volt AC, 60 cycles which requires the use of adapters and transformers from 110-volt.
DRIVING
Driving on Sint Maarten is on the right hand side, as in the United States. As stipulated by law, the legal driving age is 18. Right turns at red lights are prohibited, and traffic conditions may require careful driving. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Children under 4 years of age should be in child safety seats and children under 12 should ride in the back seat.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As a buyer, you don’t have to be physically present, and the local notary will act as your attorney
You can import your belongings or other furnishings with zero taxes
You don’t have to hire an attorney because the local notary will look after all your legal matters
The local banks in St. Maarten offer great financing options to foreigners. Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in St Maarten real estate or St Martin real estate to apply for a mortgage.
There is a higher demand for rental properties, so you can turn your property into a vacation rental to earn profits
HOW LONG CAN A FOREIGN CITIZEN STAY IN ST MAARTEN
On the Dutch side of St Maarten, visitors can generally stay in St Maarten for up to 30 days without a visa. Citizens of Canada, the EU, Australia, New Zealand and Japan may stay in St Maarten for up to 3 months (90 days) without a visa. Dutch and American citizens may stay in St Maarten for up to 6 months (180 days) without a visa.
DO I NEED A VISA TO LIVE IN ST MAARTEN
Non-citizens wishing to live on the Dutch side of St Maarten are required to apply to the Immigration and Border Protection Service for a Residence Permit.
HOW DO I BECOME A RESIDENT OF ST MAARTEN
If you would like to become a resident of the Dutch side of St Maarten you can apply to the Immigration and Border Protection Service for a Residence Permit. Permits are issued to various categories of applicants, including investors and pensioners.
In the case of investors, applicants are required to make a minimum investment of NAF 900,000 in a business or real estate in St Maarten.
In the case of pensioners, applicants must be able to demonstrate proof of sufficient income.
HOW DO I BECOME A CITIZEN OF ST MAARTEN
If you have lived continuously in St Maarten for 5 years with a valid residence permit and have a good understanding of Dutch you may apply for Dutch citizenship by naturalization.
Find out more: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Ministry of Justice and Security
DESCRIPTION PROCESS TO BUY A PROPERTY IN ST. MAARTEN
St. Maarten Real estate transactions are always closed using the European system where the Civil Law Notary (appointed by the queen) is responsible, by law, to both parties and is obligated to do a proper title search to insure a clear title transfer. The responsibility of clear title is with the Notary, thus title insurance is not needed. All Notaries are lawyers; a personal attorney is not necessary. St. Maarten real estate closings are in English within the time frame set by the purchase agreement . Closing costs are minimal and are the buyer’s responsibility. Closing costs include a one-time government transfer tax, plus the Notary’s fee with the total of both amounting to approximately 5-6% of the sale price.
There are three basic types of deed transfers for St. Maarten real estate transactions:
fee simple (Same as in the US)
Government long lease
Private long lease.
You may purchase property in your own name or in the name of a business. Personal or business accounts can be opened at local banks. All in all, the process of purchasing St. Maarten real estate is quite simple.
Official Sint Maarten Websites
The two official websites to learn more about Sint Maarten are:
And