Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, is a captivating blend of Caribbean charm and European sophistication. This enchanting destination boasts pristine beaches with powdery sands and crystal-clear waters that beckon sun-seekers from around the globe. Beyond its natural beauty, Sint Maarten offers a vibrant mixed culture, an island with over 114 different nationalities.
The island is renowned for its duty-free shopping, world-class dining, the FOOD CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN, and a lively nightlife and entertainment scene centered around the bustling capital, Philipsburg. With a warm tropical climate year-round and an array of recreational activities, Sint Maarten is not just a vacation spot but a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a unique fusion of cultures, savor delicious cuisine, and create unforgettable memories that you can make your home away from home.
1. CLOSING PROCEDURES
When purchasing property in St. Maarten, a civil law notary will handle the purchase documents and title search. Buyers are required to pay the purchase amount, as well as transfer tax and notary stamp costs, which amount to 6% of the total purchase price. Unlike in many other countries, there are no extra capital gain or property taxes for real estate in St. Maarten.
Once the purchase documents are signed, ownership and title transfer are completed, making the process straightforward and hassle-free. You can assign power of attorney to the notary who can represent and sign on your behalf.
The St. Maarten property market is known for its simplicity, making it an attractive destination for buyers seeking a streamlined buying experience!
2. BUYING AS A COMPANY
In the Dutch side you can buy the property in the name of your local company or offshore corporation.
3. THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF DEEDS IN DUTCH ST MAARTEN
- Fee simple
- Government long lease
- Private long lease
4. NON-RESIDENT BUYERS
Anyone, regardless of their location, can purchase real estate properties in St. Maarten. The island’s real estate market is open to buyers from around the world, making it an accessible destination for those seeking to invest in property.
5. DOCUMENTS FOR PURCHASING IN ST MAARTEN
If you are buying the property in your name, then you must produce your passport and other pictured identification. If the property is bought in your company’s name, then you should produce article of incorporation and supporting documents to show that your company is in good standing.
6. FINANCING FOR FOREIGN BUYERS
Whether you’re a local or an international buyer, most banks in Sint Maarten offer financing options for real estate purchases. Typically, these loans cover around 50 to 70% of the transaction amount, making it easier for buyers to invest in the property of their choice.
7. CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATES
Sint Maarten accepts both the Euro and Netherlands Antilles Guilder as official currencies, but the U.S. Dollar is also widely accepted. Visitors and residents alike can easily exchange currency at local exchange desks, banks, and hotels, making it convenient to conduct financial transactions on the island.
8. OBTAINING RESIDENCY AS A FOREIGN INVESTOR
Investors seeking to obtain a residence permit in the picturesque Caribbean island of St. Maarten, can do so by making a minimum real estate investment of ANG 900,000 (approximately EUR 445,000 or USD $550,000) and paying the associated closing costs, which typically total 6% of the transaction amount and cover transfer fees, notary fees, and other costs.
To apply for a residency permit, investors must submit the following documents:
• A completed and signed application form (Model I).
• A colored copy of a valid passport (all pages and the page with the photo).
• An original birth certificate, legalized or apostilled within the last 3 years. If the document is not in Dutch or English, it must be translated by a certified translator and legalized.
• An original police record issued within the last 6 months, translated into English or Dutch if not issued in Sint Maarten, and legalized.
• An original marriage certificate, legalized or apostilled within the last 3 years, translated into Dutch or English if not already in one of those languages. Alternatively, a detailed registration form from the Census Office is acceptable if the marriage has been registered there.
• A school registration letter for any children.
• If one parent is not present in St. Maarten, a letter of consent and proof of custody for any children.
• Bank references from two international banks, one of which must be located in the investor’s country of origin, issued within the last 3 months.
• A statement from a local bank confirming the investor’s intention to make a business investment and/or acquire real estate in St. Maarten with a total value of ANG 900,000,00 (approximately EUR 445,000 or USD $550,000). This intention must be fulfilled within 18 months.
• Full proof of the required investment
Investors seeking to obtain a residence permit in the picturesque Caribbean island of St. Maarten can do so by making a minimum real estate investment of ANG 900,000 (approximately EUR 445,000 or USD $550,000) and paying the associated closing costs, which typically total 6% of the transaction amount and cover transfer fees, notary fees, and other costs.
To apply for a residency permit, investors must submit the following documents:
• A completed and signed application form (Model I).
• A colored copy of a valid passport (all pages and the page with the photo).
• An original birth certificate, legalized or apostilled within the last 3 years. If the document is not in Dutch or English, it must be translated by a certified translator and legalized.
• An original police record issued within the last 6 months, translated into English or Dutch if not issued in Sint Maarten, and legalized.
• An original marriage certificate, legalized or apostilled within the last 3 years, translated into Dutch or English if not already in one of those languages. Alternatively, a detailed registration form from the Census Office is acceptable if the marriage has been registered there.
• A school registration letter for any children.
• If one parent is not present in St. Maarten, a letter of consent and proof of custody for any children.
• Bank references from two international banks, one of which must be located in the investor’s country of origin, issued within the last 3 months.
• A statement from a local bank confirming the investor’s intention to make a business investment and/or acquire real estate in St. Maarten with a total value of ANG 900,000,00 (approximately EUR 445,000 or USD $550,000). This intention must be fulfilled within 18 months.
• Full proof of the required investment.
