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Starting a Business in St. Maarten or Getting A Job There
Posted October 13, 2006
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Many people ask us about working in St. Maarten. Ric Hetzel, retired former owner of Ric's Place, provided this list of government requirements:
This is a very detailed list with exceptions to almost all items. Essentially, work permits will be granted only to people who offer skills or education not available on the local job market. (Of course according to the local Labor Board the locals are all qualified to be brain surgeons and/or rocket scientists.)
Potential employee, must not be living on the island while the approval process is going on; this can take up to three years. Here is what is needed:
1. Letter, not more than 30 days old, from home town police stating good character, no arrests, etc.
2. Original copy of birth certificate.
3. Original copy of marriage certificate if married. Or if single, original copy of certificate of bachelorhood/spinsterhood.
4. If divorced, a copy of certificate of divorce.
5. Copy of Receipt of payment from the Island Receivers office in connection with the request for the residence/work permit. (About $450.00 U.S.)
6. Recent medical certificate indicating good health.
7. Copies of potential employee's diplomas and certificates relative to the position in question.
8. A Naf 5,00 stamp from the Federal Receivers office. (That's in Antillean guilders, the island's official currency.)
9. A copy of the potential employee's passport.
10. A copy of the potential employer's Business License.
11. A copy of the potential employer's Directors License.
12. A copy of the potential employer's Residence Permit.
13. A copy of the potential employer's Work Permit.
14. A copy of the potential employer's Paid up Chamber of Commerce registration form.
15. A copy of the potential employer's passport.
16. A copy of the potential employer's original articles of incorporation.
17. Name, address and home telephone number of the potential employer.
18. Two passport photos of the potential employee, not more than 30 days old.
19. A job requirement list from the Island Labor Office properly filled out. (This to show that the employer tried to fill the position through them).
See also: Getting a Lawyer in St. Maarten
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