Summary - Dutch St. Maarten Real Estate Laws, Taxes and Island Information

If buying private residence or lot in your own name, you must present your passport or other pictured identification. If buying in a company name, you must present articles of incorporation and a statement showing the company is in good standing. You need not become a resident to own property on St. Maarten.

Personal or business accounts can be opened at local banks as off shore accounts not restricted to local foreign exchange taxes. Dollars can be moved freely from one country to another.

There are three basic types of deed transfers for real estate on St. Maarten: fee simple, government long lease, and private long lease. All deed types give registered ownership. Properties in protected subdivisions are fee simple ( same as in U.S.). Properties are always closed using the European system where the Civil Law Notary, appointed by the Queen of Holland, is responsible by law to both parties and is obligated to do a proper title search to insure a clear title transfer. The responsibility of clear title is with the Notary, thus title insurance is not needed.Closings take place on St. Maarten in English within the time frame set by the Sales and Purchase Agreement. Closing costs are minimal. There is a one-time government transfer tax of 4%, plus the Notary's fee with the total of both amounting to no more than 6% of the gross sale price. These costs are the Buyer’s responsibility.

1. Long lease and fee simple deeds.



2. Approximately 6% transfer fees; includes notary stamp and all fees.



3. No land taxes what so ever.



4. No capital gains tax.



5. Offshore companies and investors welcome.



6. Building permits and zoning are routine.