The True Cost of Owning Property in St Maarten Per Year (2026)

A tropical seaside town with a busy beach lined by colorful umbrellas and palm trees, hills in the background.

Cost of Owning Property in Sint Maarten: Full Breakdown Most buyers begin their Caribbean property search by comparing listing prices. That's the wrong starting point. What really separates a rewarding ownership experience from a regretful one in Sint Maarten isn't the purchase price, it's understanding the true annual cost of holding the property year after […]

St Maarten vs Aruba: Which Dutch Caribbean Island Should You Buy On? (2026)

Aerial view of a coastal resort with white high-rise buildings along a sandy beach and turquoise sea nearby.

St Maarten vs Aruba: Which Dutch Caribbean Island Should You Buy On? (2026) TL;DR St Maarten and Aruba are both Dutch Caribbean islands where Americans and Canadians can buy freely and spend in US dollars. Aruba is drier, calmer, and sits outside the hurricane belt. St Maarten gives you two countries on one island, a […]

Indigo Bay St Maarten: Inside the Newest Gated Community (2026)

Contemporary villas in the Indigo Bay gated community, Sint Maarten, in morning light

Indigo Bay St Maarten: Inside the Newest Gated Community (2026) TL;DR Indigo Bay St Maarten is a gated community on the Dutch side of the island. As a Dutch-side address, foreign buyers can generally own freehold, there is no annual property tax on the Dutch side, and closing costs typically run about 4 to 6 […]

Land for Sale in St Maarten: What Buyers Should Know (2026)

Screenshot of online permit application steps: Step 1 Prepare Documents, Step 2 Online Request with a highlighted 'New Residence Permit Application' button.

Land in Sint Maarten attracts a certain type of buyer. Someone willing to think ahead. Someone who understands that potential doesn’t always come with immediacy. When I look at land for sale here, I don’t see blank space. I see constraints, possibilities, and timelines. Zoning, access, slope, utilities, these factors shape what land can realistically […]

Moving to St Maarten From the US: A Realtor's Guide (2026)

Page 1 of 2 from a Sint Maarten immigration form titled 'American Treaty' listing required documents: payment proof, signed application, passport copies, translated birth/marriage certificates, police record, school letter for children, parental consent if a parent is abroad, proof of address, income, and health insurance.

How to Move to St. Maarten: A Practical Guide for Americans One tiny island. Two countries. Over a million visitors a year. And a growing number of Americans who decided to stop visiting and start living here. If you're seriously considering the move, here's what you actually need to know. Dutch Side or French Side, […]

How Long Can Americans Stay in St Maarten? Visa Rules (2026)

Bright turquoise ocean meets a sandy beach under a clear blue sky, with white villas along the coastline to the right?

How to Become a Resident of St. Maarten: What U.S. Nationals Need to Know So you've fallen in love with Sint Maarten and you're thinking, what would it actually take to stay? You're not alone. More U.S. nationals are making this move than ever before, and the good news is there's a pathway that was […]

Best Places to Stay in St Maarten: A Local Agent's Guide (2026)

A resort balcony overlooking Simpson Bay, St Maarten at blue hour

Best Area to Stay in St. Maarten Depends on How You Want to Live Have you ever stood at a crossroads, not knowing whether to chase the party or the peace? That's exactly the feeling St. Maarten gives you the moment you land. This tiny 37-square-mile island is split between two cultures, two flags, and […]

Condos for Sale in Simpson Bay St Maarten: A Local Guide (2026)

Page listing required documents for an American Treaty application: proof of payment, application form, passport copies, birth/marriage certificates, proof of income, and contact/address details.

Simpson Bay is often one of the first areas people ask about, and for good reason. It’s a place where island life feels active but not overwhelming, social without being crowded, and practical enough for everyday living. When I guide buyers through Simpson Bay, the conversation usually shifts quickly from “Is this a good area?” to “Could I […]

Do You Need a Passport to St Maarten? Entry Rules (2026)

Wooden railing walkway on a hill overlooking a tropical coastal town and turquoise bay under a bright blue sky.

By Wei Landgraf, Sint Maarten real estate agent and full-time resident. Last updated: July 2026. Yes, you need a valid passport to enter St Maarten. Every visitor arriving by air, including US and Canadian citizens, must show a passport at Princess Juliana Airport. For tourism you do not need a visa: US, Canadian, UK, and […]

Best Area to Stay in St Maarten Dutch Side: Local Guide (2026)

Resort pool area with white lounge chairs, umbrellas, and turquoise sea beyond

There Is No Universal ‘Best’ I get this question more than any other: “What’s the best area to stay in St. Maarten?” And my answer is always another question: “What does your ideal Tuesday look like?” Because the best neighborhood for a couple who wants nightlife and restaurants is completely different from the best spot […]