For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Sint Maarten (SX) as a base for their ventures in 2025, understanding the true costs of company formation and annual maintenance is essential. Many are frustrated by opaque state-imposed fees and unpredictable compliance costs. Here, we break down the real numbers—sourced directly from official channels—to help you make informed, strategic decisions and minimize unnecessary fiscal drag.
Company Formation Costs in Sint Maarten (2025)
The most common legal entity for international entrepreneurs in Sint Maarten is the Besloten Vennootschap (BV), comparable to a private limited company. Below is a transparent breakdown of the average costs to establish a BV in 2025, all in Netherlands Antillean Guilders (ANG), with USD equivalents for clarity (1 ANG ≈ 0.56 USD):
| Cost Item | Amount (ANG) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1 | 0.56 |
| Notary fees (company deed and incorporation) | 1,800 | 1,008 |
| Chamber of Commerce registration fee | 250 | 140 |
| Legal documentation and administrative costs | 149 | 83 |
| Total Average | 2,200 | 1,232 |
Pro Tip #1: The minimum capital requirement is a symbolic 1 ANG (about $0.56), making Sint Maarten highly accessible for lean startups. The bulk of your initial outlay will be notary and registration fees.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs (2025)
Once your BV is established, annual maintenance costs are straightforward but can vary depending on your operational setup. Here’s a breakdown of typical yearly expenses:
| Maintenance Item | Amount (ANG) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chamber of Commerce annual renewal fee | 400 | 224 |
| Mandatory accounting and tax filing services (basic) | 600 | 336 |
| Registered office/agent fee (if using third-party service) | 1,000 | 560 |
Annual maintenance costs typically range from 400 ANG ($224) to 2,000 ANG ($1,120), depending on whether you use external registered office services and the complexity of your accounting needs.
Pro Tip #2: If you have a local presence or can use your own address, you may avoid the registered office/agent fee, keeping annual costs at the lower end of the spectrum.
Case Study: Lean Startup vs. Outsourced Setup
- Lean Startup: Handles basic compliance in-house, uses own address. Annual cost: 400 ANG ($224).
- Outsourced Setup: Uses third-party registered office and accounting. Annual cost: up to 2,000 ANG ($1,120).
Checklist: Optimizing Your Company Costs in Sint Maarten
- Review all notary and registration fees before committing—these are largely non-negotiable but transparent.
- Decide if you need a third-party registered office or can use your own address to save up to 1,000 ANG ($560) annually.
- Shop around for accounting services—basic compliance can be cost-effective if your business is simple.
- Stay current with Chamber of Commerce deadlines to avoid late fees or administrative headaches.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company formation in Sint Maarten is accessible and transparent, with average setup costs around 2,200 ANG ($1,232).
- Annual maintenance can be as low as 400 ANG ($224), but may reach 2,000 ANG ($1,120) if you outsource key services.
- Minimal capital requirements and straightforward compliance make Sint Maarten attractive for international entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and efficiency.
For further details and official guidance, consult these resources: