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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 […]