To legally operate a business in Sint Maarten, registration at the appropriate Registry (as well as a business Chamber of Commerce membership) is essential.
Getting your St Maarten business license starts with understanding your citizenship status. When I started my business here, I quickly learned that the process varies slightly depending on whether you’re Antillean-born or Non-Antillean-born. Let me share what I discovered during my own journey.
Refers to everyone else, (including individuals born in places like the Netherlands, even if they hold Dutch Nationality).
From what I’ve seen with friends who are Antillean-born, their St Maarten business license process was a bit more straightforward. They didn’t need as many residency documents as I did. The business structures and licensing options are the same for everyone though—your citizenship just affects the paperwork requirements.
The process for starting a St Maarten business license can vary depending on whether you’re an Antillean-born or Non-Antillean-born citizen.
Who qualifies as Antillean born citizens:
As a non-Antillean citizen myself, I navigated this path when I started my business. The main difference I experienced was needing extra documentation to prove my right to work and operate here. It required more paperwork, but it was totally manageable once I understood what was needed.
A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of business, with no distinction between personal and business assets. The owner is fully liable for all debts.
Antillean-born citizens: Eligible to register.
Non-Antillean-born citizens: Eligible, but additional requirements may apply.
For more complex businesses, you can create entities like N.V., B.V., Foundations, or Partnerships that limit personal liability and offer more flexibility.
Antillean-born citizens: Generally eligible with fewer restrictions.
Non-Antillean-born citizens: May need to meet residency or investment criteria.
For more detailed guidance, it's advisable to consult with a local notary or legal expert in Sint Maarten.
A Sole Proprietorship (Eenmanszaak) is a form of business in which there is no distinction between the business assets and personal assets. The owner is personally liable for all obligations of the business.
Click here to read more about legal entities such as N.V./B.V./Foundations/Associations/Partnerships etc.
The below steps should be done simultaneously. The Notary can assist in the process for the establishment of the company on your behalf.
1. Incorporate your company at Notary (Articles of Incorporation)
The registration of an N.V./B.V./Foundation/Association/Partnership is done by the a Notary (notaris). The incorporation of a company refers to the legal process used to form a corporate entity or company. The Notary certifies a persons identity on documents and authenticates true copies of original documents. The Notary can also provide legal advise and records agreements upon request of parties and/or by law.
Visit anyone of the Notaries on St. Maarten:
Boekhoudt Notary Office
Mingo Civil Law Notary Office
Tjon Ajong & Associates Notary Office SXM
2. Register in COCI Commercial Register
All businesses and legal entities on St. Maarten are to be registered in the COCI Commercial Register.
3. Request a Business License at TEATT:
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) is responsible for the processing of licenses related to economic activities. These licenses are:
Sole Proprietorship (eenmanszaak)
Limited Liability Company (N.V.)
Private Liability Company (B.V.)
Director Licenses
Branch Licenses
Operational (Horeca) Licenses (bars, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets)
Vending Licenses
Amendments (address of the business, of director, of a branch, etc.)
4. Open a Business Bank Account:
The business bank account should be opened with anyone of our local banks:
Banco Di Caribe
First Caribbean
Orco Bank
RBC Royal Bank
Republic Bank
Windward Island Bank
PSB Bank
5. Tax Office (CRIB-number):
Visit the The St. Maarten Tax Administration Office, a department of The Ministry of Finance, to request your business CRIB-number, in order to declare your business taxes.
6. Health Insurance
All employers are required by law (under the Sickness Insurance and Accident Insurance Ordinances) to register for health insurance with SZV.
An employer is classified as a natural person (individual, sole proprietor, a legal entity such as a corporation, N.V., or B.V.)
SZV for employers
SZV for employeesThe below steps should be done simultaneously. The Notary can assist in the process for the establishment of the company on your behalf.
The below steps should be done simultaneously. The Notary can assist in the process for the establishment of the company on your behalf.
1. Incorporate your company at Notary (Articles of Incorporation)
The registration of an N.V./B.V./Foundation/Association/Partnership is done by the a Notary (notaris). The incorporation of a company refers to the legal process used to form a corporate entity or company. The Notary certifies a persons identity on documents and authenticates true copies of original documents. The Notary can also provide legal advise and records agreements upon request of parties and/or by law.
Visit anyone of the Notaries on St. Maarten click here:
2. Register in COCI Commercial Register
All businesses and legal entities on St. Maarten are to be registered in the COCI Commercial Register.
3. Request a Business License at TEATT:
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) is responsible for the processing of licenses related to economic activities. These licenses are:
Sole Proprietorship (eenmanszaak)
Limited Liability Company (N.V.)
Private Liability Company (B.V.)
Director Licenses
Branch Licenses
Operational (Horeca) Licenses (bars, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets)
Vending Licenses
Amendments (address of the business, of director, of a branch, etc.)
4. Open a Business Bank Account:
The business bank account should be opened with anyone of our local banks:
Banco Di Caribe
First Caribbean
Orco Bank
RBC Royal Bank
Republic Bank
Windward Island Bank
PSB Bank
5. Tax Office (CRIB-number):
Visit the The St. Maarten Tax Administration Office, a department of The Ministry of Finance, to request your business CRIB-number, in order to declare your business taxes.
6. Health Insurance:
All employers are required by law (under the Sickness Insurance and Accident Insurance Ordinances) to register for health insurance with SZV.An employer is classified as a natural person (individual, sole proprietor, a legal entity such as a corporation, N.V., or B.V.)
SZV for employers
SZV for employees
7. Certificate of Conduct
The certificate of Conduct is to be requested with the Public Prosecutor’s Office or Police Department from your country of birth or country of residence. This is required for all non-Antillean born citizens as well as applicants born in the Netherlands.
1. Submit to COCI:
To open a Sole Proprietorship on St. Maarten as an Antillean Born citizen you need to submit the following documents to the Chamber of Commerce & Industry:
2. Check with Ministry of TEATT:
The following companies require an operational license:
The information above has been provided by The Ministry of TEATT Department of Economic Licenses
3. COCI processes:
4. Open a Business Bank Account:
The business bank account should be opened with anyone of our local banks:
5. Tax Office (CRIB-number):
Visit the The St. Maarten Tax Administration Office, a department of The Ministry of Finance, to request your business CRIB-number, in order to declare your business taxes.
6. Health Insurance
All employers are required by law (under the Sickness Insurance and Accident Insurance Ordinances) to register for health insurance with SZV.
An employer is classified as a natural person (individual, sole proprietor, a legal entity such as a corporation, N.V., or B.V.)
Non-Antillean Born Citizens are required to have been registered on Sint Maarten for 10 consecutive years, or have a Dutch passport.
1. Request Business License:
Prior to submitting a business request at COCI, non-Antillean born citizens need to receive a “finalization letter” from The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT).
2. Submit to COCI:
3. COCI Processes:
4. Open a Business Bank Account:
The business bank account should be opened with anyone of our local banks:
5. Tax Office (CRIB-number):
Visit the The St. Maarten Tax Administration Office, a department of The Ministry of Finance, to request your business CRIB-number, in order to declare your business taxes.
6. Health Insurance
All employers are required by law (under the Sickness Insurance and Accident Insurance Ordinances) to register for health insurance with SZV.
An employer is classified as a natural person (individual, sole proprietor, a legal entity such as a corporation, N.V., or B.V.)
Hello! I’m Wei, originally from China. I lived in the U.S. and Japan before discovering St. Maarten through a business partner’s real estate opportunities. What started as vacation rentals grew into my full passion, now I help others buy, sell, and rent properties across the island.
I’m organized, direct, and give my clients everything. Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking Guana Bay’s trails, at the gym, or planning trips to Saba – my personal paradise.
If you want someone who’s straight with you and genuinely cares about finding the right property, let’s talk. Happy Connecting 😊
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.
