Sint Maarten is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is divided into two parts: the southern part is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, known as Sint Maarten, while the northern part is a French overseas collectivity, known as Saint-Martin. The island is located approximately 240 km or 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and is situated between the islands of Anguilla and Saint Barthelemy.

Sint Maarten has a population of around 40,000 people, and its official languages are Dutch and English. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant nightlife. The island’s capital is Philipsburg, which is located on the southern coast of the island and is known for its duty-free shopping.

The economy of Sint Maarten is largely based on tourism, with the island attracting millions of visitors each year. However, the island also has a significant offshore financial industry and is home to one of the largest ports in the Caribbean.

Sint Maarten has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Dutch, French, and African roots. The island is home to a diverse range of music, including calypso, reggae, and soca, and is famous for its annual Carnival celebration, which takes place in April.

In recent years, Sint Maarten has faced challenges such as the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the island continues to work towards economic and social development and remains a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

The island was first inhabited by the Arawak and Carib ethnic groups, who called it “Soualiga,” which means “Land of Salt” in their language. The island was an important source of salt for the indigenous people and was also a popular stop for European explorers and traders.

In 1493, the island was visited by Christopher Columbus, who named it after Sint Maarten of Tours. Over the next several centuries, the island was colonized by various European powers, including the Spanish, Dutch, French, and British. The Dutch established a permanent settlement on the southern half of the island in 1631, while the French established a settlement on the northern half in 1648.

The island remained divided between the Dutch and French until the early 19th century, when it was briefly occupied by the British. In 1817, the Dutch and French signed the Treaty of Concordia, which established the current border between the two sides of the island. St. Maarten was peacefully divided between Holland and France, and today is the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two sovereign nations.

In the 20th century, Sint Maarten became an important center for trade and tourism, thanks to its strategic location and warm, sunny climate. In October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten became an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own government and constitution. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

• MINGO Civil Law Notary Office, Philipsburg Sint Maarten
• SXM Notary Richards, Philipsburg Sint Maarten
• Notary Boekhoudt, Philipsburg Sint Maarten

Real estate laws in St. Maarten are somehow unique from the rest of the world but not unique in the Caribbean. There are many different aspects of real estate laws in St Maarten that need to be discussed in full and in-depth.

In Sint Maarten, real estate laws may be influenced by the Dutch and French legal systems, as the island is divided between the two countries. Property ownership, transfer of property, and contracts for real estate transactions may be subject to different laws depending on which side of the island the property is located.

Real estate in Sint Maarten can be jointly owned. Joint ownership of the real estate in St. Maarten may occur when two or more private individuals or legal entities jointly purchase the real estate property.

Additionally, there may be specific laws and regulations related to zoning, building codes, and environmental standards that must be followed when purchasing or developing real estate in Sint Maarten.

It is important to consult with a local attorney or real estate professional who is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations in Sint Maarten to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues.

If you decide to purchase property in St. Maarten, the ownership of the real estate shall refer to and must be recorded in the public register for real estate property. 

If you purchase property, the civil law notary who executes the transfer deed will have to register the new ownership in the public register for real estate property. This is primarily done to complete the transfer of ownership of property in St. Maarten. After which, the buyer is now considered as a property owner in St. Maarten.

For those who are already sure that they want to purchase a property in St. Maarten, they can do so with the knowledge that real estate laws in St. Maarten are straightforward.

4% Property transfer tax fee and between 1.5% to 2% Notary fees.
No capital gain tax