Don't let your trip to St. Maarten be spoiled by failing to meet the immigration requirements. The requirements that apply to you will depend on the nature of your trip and how long you plan to stay on the island. Entry requirements are simple for visitors, but if you plan to stay for more than a vacation, the process is a little more complex. Note that these rules apply to St. Maartan, the Dutch side of the island. The rules in St. Martin, the French side of the island, are different.
If you are visiting St. Maarten for vacation, you will need a passport, a ticket for onward travel and a local address where you will be staying. Your hotel address is acceptable. You may also be asked to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay without resorting to work, especially if your stay is a long one. If asked, you can demonstrate your financial position with bank statements, credit cards, traveler's checks and cash.
Everyone entering St. Maarten will be issued a tourist visa by the immigration officer, which is valid for 90 days.
St. Maarten is a Dutch territory, so Dutch citizens can stay there without a residency permit for up to six months. For longer stays, or to take up residency in St. Maarten long term, Dutch citizens must apply for a residency visa.
Note that a residency permit is not the same as a work permit. Residency holders are not allowed to work, and part of being approved for residency involves demonstrating an ability to support yourself without working.
Non-Dutch citizens must apply for a residency permit immediately if they want to relocate to St. Maarten for an indefinite period of time. Again, this permit is not a work permit. (See Resources.)
If you wish to work in St. Maarten, a local employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. To obtain a permit, the employer must demonstrate why they want to bring in a foreign worker rather than hiring a local citizen. This is usually accomplished by proving you have special skills and expertise in the industry in which you will be working.
St. Maarten welcomes foreign businesses, and it is possible to set up your own company on the island. You will need to register your business and apply for a business license. There are separate fees for registering the business and for registering each officer of the business. There is also a cost for amendments to your license. (See Resources.)
