My husband and I are U.S. citizens. We absolutely have fell in love with St. Martin and have been visiting since 1991. Our life goal is to move there, but we don't want to wait until we are old and retired to do so. However, we are not independently wealthy, so we would need to find a source of income, whether to own a business or work for someone. I understand the sensitive nature that residents are concerned with foreigners taking the jobs because we deal with that on a daily basis in the U.S. What I would like to know is do I stand any chance at all of achieving my goal of moving there? This is one dream that I really don't want to give up on. I literally dream about it at night! When we get on the plane to come back to the U.S. every year at the end of our vacation, I cry and I can't control it. What steps do I need to take to start moving toward my goal? Is there someone there to contact who can begin mine and my husband's paperwork for a temporary resident permit and/or work permit? PLEASE HELP!!!

It might be tough. Visit www.everythingstmaarten.com
Jeff's sight has info on what you'll need to do,etc.
Good luck with your dream....I'm envious!

-Gloria

A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a 'true' friend will be sitting next to you saying...'damn that was fun'!

residence and work permits on the Dutch side take an incredibly long time to process and are almost impossible to obtain

What is the nature of your profession, both yours and your husband? There are some jobs which are in need on the island and for some it is a bit easier to obtain the valid permits.

I would suggest finding a lawyer down there and have him "push some buttons"

that way you have a local contact who is involved instead of doing everything from thousands of miles away.

good luck, st maarten would be a nice place to retire.

however I would miss the pro sports here in the USA!

Lawyers will not serve any purpose for that matter down here, and won't be able to "push some buttons"... It is a very different system than in the USA.

You've got that right Philippe!

guess you have figured that out, Elaine? right?

we ran into an american couple at mullet this april - they moved to sxm awhile back - could not get jobs so bought and rented property. they were not enthused about the dutch government, police, traffic, etc. So, unless you have plenty of cash - i would think twice....

Yes Barbara. We're slow, but we learn eventually! Actually, we learned that one pretty fast!

Here is some helpful info on temp. res. for the Dutch side...

click here

If you had a British or Euro passport, would that make a difference?

With an EU passport, it is easier on the French side only.

Not on the Dutch side !
On the French side yes, since it is European Union...

Kind Regards,
Philippe



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It's very difficult on the Dutch side - and you do need to be prepared to have the patience of a saint!

Keala