The French side of St. Martin is completely different, here you deal with EU (European standards, and opening a business here is fairly easy. French St. Martin's economy is suffering now though with the low value of the dollar to the Euro, everyone shops on Dutch St. Martin.

Dutch St. Maarten Business Forms or formation thereof

A business on St. Maarten can be established in the form of a sole-proprietorship or in the form of a limited liability corp. (N.V) for which a business license is required. Sole-proprietorships are for persons born in the Netherlands Antilles and at least 21 years of age.

The most commonly used legal business entity in St. Maarten is the limited liability company (Naamloze Vennootschap or NV). These businesses must have a minimum of two founders. Upon incorporation, at least 20% of the authorized share capital should be issued.

With the assistance of a Notary or Trust Company, an N.V. shall be legally incorporated by deed of incorporation. Before the passing of the deed of incorporation, the above mentioned offices will present a draft of the articles of incorporation to Department of Justice on behalf of the incorporators to obtain a declaration of no objection, which will be formalized through notarial deed. The St. Maarten Executive Council will review the business objectives and credentials of the founders and they make a decision based on the advice of the various government departments.

Work permits are issued by the Immigration Department with the permission of the Lt. Governor through the