Sint Maarten continues to stand out as a favorable jurisdiction for company formation, particularly known for its moderate taxation and streamlined business setup processes. This article provides a data-driven breakdown of the typical costs associated with creating and maintaining a standard Besloten Vennootschap (BV) in Sint Maarten for 2025.
Typical Company Creation Costs (2025): Breakdown for a BV
The initial steps to establish a standard company (BV) in Sint Maarten come primarily with professional and regulatory fees. All figures are presented in Netherlands Antillean Guilders (ANG), with USD conversions provided for reference (conversion rate used: 1 ANG ≈ 0.56 USD as of early 2025).
| Cost Item | Amount (ANG) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | ANG 1 | $0.56 |
| Notary fees (company deed and incorporation) | ANG 1,800 | $1,008 |
| Chamber of Commerce registration fee | ANG 250 | $140 |
| Legal documentation and administrative costs | ANG 149 | $83 |
| Total Estimated Upfront Cost | ANG 2,200 | $1,232 |
The minimum capital requirement for a Sint Maarten BV is a purely nominal ANG 1 ($0.56), making barriers to entry extremely low from a legal capital standpoint. The overwhelming majority of the upfront cost comes from notary services, as local rules mandate official documentation and authentic company deeds. The Chamber of Commerce registration fee and mandatory paperwork contribute to the remaining setup expenses.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs: 2025 Update
Ongoing costs are a key consideration for any international business owner. The table below breaks down the main annual expenses for maintaining a typical BV, with a range provided based on service provider and complexity of tax/accounting requirements.
| Maintenance Item | Annual Cost (ANG) | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber of Commerce annual renewal fee | ANG 400 | $224 |
| Mandatory accounting and tax filing (basic) | ANG 600 | $336 |
| Registered office/agent fee (third-party, if used) | ANG 1,000 | $560 |
| Total Annual Estimated Maintenance Cost (min–max) | ANG 400–2,000 | $224–$1,120 |
The lower end (ANG 400/$224) applies if you manage all compliance services internally, while costs can approach ANG 2,000 ($1,120) annually when professional accounting and registered agent services are engaged. Most owners should budget at least for core bookkeeping and statutory filing needs, and consider additional services if not locally present.
Main Sources for Sint Maarten Company Costs
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Sint Maarten
- Leverage the low statutory capital requirement by avoiding over-capitalization at start. Most of your expense is administrative, not regulatory.
- Compare local versus international notary services for incorporation. Local notaries usually have fixed rates standard across the territory.
- Consider whether you need a third-party registered office; self-management can reduce your recurring costs, but only if local regulatory obligations are met in-house.
- Engage with accounting professionals familiar with Sint Maarten rules to ensure filings are accurate and avoid penalties. Even small mistakes can increase your annual cost.
- Stay informed through the official Chamber of Commerce for any upcoming fee changes or regulatory adjustments.
For business owners exploring Sint Maarten in 2025, the combination of transparent fees, minimal capital requirements, and flexible annual compliance costs continues to provide solid value compared to other jurisdictions. Always confirm individual service provider fees and verify government updates through the official Chamber of Commerce website. Keeping a close eye on ongoing costs and leveraging reliable local partners can make company maintenance both predictable and efficient.