Over the years, many people have inquired about retiring and moving to our little piece of Paradise, St. Maarten, to live permanently. This seems like a wonderful idea to me; so, I have finally gotten around to checking it out. With thanks to the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, the requirements are listed below.

Requirements for someone wishing to take up residence on St. Maarten:

1. A request must be submitted in writing to the office of the Lieutenant Governor in his ...capacity as Local Chief of Police.
2. If the person in question does not plan to work on St. Maarten, he must provide proof of how ...he will maintain himself and does not become a burden to the Island government.
3. A copy of the passport of the person in question, and all who will be accompanying should be ...attached.
4. A Birth Certificate
5. Also in the request it should state, their correct name and address, place and date of birth, ...where they have lived for the past 5 years.

Should they intend to work on St. Maarten, they would first have to seek employment.

Employee requirements are as follows:
1. One recent passport picture bearing good likeness to the holder thereof
2. Copy of passport
3. Birth certificate
4. Certificate of good conduct not older than 6 months
5. Medical certificate not older than 2 months
6. Copy of marriage certificate / book if applicant is married
7. Copies of diplomas and certificates of applicants
8. A 5 Guilder stamp on the declaration of guarantee from the future employer.

Employer requirements are as follows:
1. Copy of passport, resident permit and registration form of interested party
2. Copy of business and directors license for current year
3. Proof of labor registration

For further information, contact the Immigration Department at:
.......Philipsburg, c/o Police Station 011.599.542.2740
.......Princess Juliana International Airport 011.599.545.3012