Moving to Sint Maarten: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Sint Maarten: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Sint Maarten the top income tax rate is 47.5%, dividends are taxed at up to — and companies pay 34.5% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Sint Maarten from arrival once you take up residence (Facts & circumstances (home, family, ties) → resident from arrival). The typical route is First-time Investor Permit: ANG 900k (~US$500k) in real estate/business within 18 months + NAf 50k crime-fund contribution; await decision abroad There are 4 open residence programmes in Sint Maarten — see the list below.
Living there
Philipsburg has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 28.5 °C and summer highs around 31.5 °C. The economy grew +2.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2% for 2026. Its passport opens about 164 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 47.5% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | — |
| Corporate tax | 34.5% |
| תושבות מס | מההגעה — Facts & circumstances (home, family, ties) → resident from arrival |
| המסלול שלכם | First-time Investor Permit — ANG 900k (~US$500k) in real estate/business within 18 months + NAf 50k crime-fund contribution; await decision abroad |
| דרכון | ללא ויזה או בהגעה ל-164 מדינות |
| Economic growth | +2.5% (2025), forecast 2% (2026) |
| סוג אקלים | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.5° / 31.5° (Philipsburg) |
| מלחמה וסכסוך | none — No conflict exposure |
| כל סיכוני הטבע | 5.3/10 |
| חוסן הבנקים | 5/10 · NR |
| הגנה על רכוש | 6/10 |
| בתים חמים בחורף | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Sint Maarten
- First-time Investor Permit — השקעה CHF 402'300 · open · 2026-10
- Residence Permit – Independent Means / Retiree — independentMeans · open · 2026-10
- Work Permit (employment-based residence) — employment · open · 2026-10
- Admission of Dutch nationals — freeMovement · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Sint Maarten to become tax resident?
מההגעה. Facts & circumstances (home, family, ties) → resident from arrival Worldwide income
How much tax will I pay in Sint Maarten?
In Sint Maarten the top income tax rate is 47.5%, dividends are taxed at up to — and companies pay 34.5% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Sint Maarten offer?
First-time Investor Permit (CHF 402'300); Residence Permit – Independent Means / Retiree; Work Permit (employment-based residence); Admission of Dutch nationals
What is the usual way to move to Sint Maarten?
First-time Investor Permit. ANG 900k (~US$500k) in real estate/business within 18 months + NAf 50k crime-fund contribution; await decision abroad
Compare with nearby countries
Anguilla · Antigua & Barbuda · Aruba · Bahamas · Barbados · Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Curaçao · Dominica · Grenada · Montserrat
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.