Reliable internet, English as the working language, and a US-friendly time zone make Sint Maarten a strong remote-work base. Here is the practical setup.
Category: Moving to the Caribbean
Moving to the Caribbean
Articles on Moving to the Caribbean from Island Dream Realty.
Schools in Sint Maarten: A Guide for Relocating Families
Relocating with children? Sint Maarten has private, international, and public schools teaching in English, Dutch, or French. Here is how to approach the choice.
Getting Residency in Sint Maarten: Permits, Requirements & Process
Buying property does not grant residency in Sint Maarten. Here is how residency actually works, the permit categories, and what retirees need to qualify.
Moving to Sint Maarten: The Complete Relocation Checklist
A practical relocation checklist for moving to Sint Maarten: stay limits, shipping belongings, import duties, bringing pets, and the documents you will need.
Cost of Living in Sint Maarten: What to Budget For
What drives the cost of living in Sint Maarten: imported goods and electricity run higher than the US mainland, while there is no recurring property tax on the Dutch side.
Best Architects in Sint Maarten for Custom Homes
TL;DR Choosing the right architect is the single most important decision in building a custom home on Sint Maarten. Expect architectural fees of roughly 8 to 15 percent of construction cost, a design process of three to nine months, and a clear emphasis on hurricane-resilient, climate-smart design. Prioritize licensed professionals with a strong local portfolio,...
Sint Maarten Pension and Social Security Considerations
TL;DR US citizens can generally receive Social Security overseas while living in Sint Maarten, with payments deposited to a US or local bank, and Canadians can usually collect CPP and OAS abroad too. Sint Maarten does not tax foreign-source pension income for most residents, though your home country may still tax it, so coordination matters....
Retiring in Sint Maarten: A Realistic Financial Plan
TL;DR To retire to Sint Maarten comfortably, most North American couples should plan for a monthly budget of roughly $3,500 to $6,000, depending on lifestyle and whether you own or rent. Buying a modest condo runs from about $250,000, while quality two-bedroom homes start near $400,000. Factor in private healthcare (often $200 to $500 per...
What Language do they speak on St. Maarten / St. Martin?
Many ask this question, so here is the answer! We are an incredibly diverse and multi-cultural island; the best way to be! Information from Wikipedia/Jan/2020 Explore more st maarten real estate opportunities across the island with Island Dreams Realty.
Top 10 Mistakes when Buying a Home in the Caribbean
Here is a great article about cautions and advice when buying in the Caribbean. Is it your dream to own a piece of paradise? A lot of people do, and only a small percentage of people actually end up in their dream home. Buying a home in the Caribbean differs from what you might be...