St. Maarten Economy

Policy & Research

The primary function of the Department is to “formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate the socio-economic policies of the Island Territory of St. Maarten with the ultimate purpose of stimulating economic growth and development”.

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Tourist Bureau

As an island nation whose economy is based on one industry - tourism - it is of the utmost importance that every visitor - either virtual or real -- to St. Maarten has a positive and memorable experience. An experience that leaves you wanting more as you browse the web, just as you might want one or two days more at the end of your vacation stay.

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Operational License

Requirements Operational Licenses:

  • Business license (excluding Sole proprietorship owned by an Antillean)
  • See list of Building Code Requirements for Bar & Restaurants/ Cinemas/ Sale of alcoholic beverages/ Hotels/ Guesthouses/ Ice cream Parlors/ Casinos, Lottery companies/ Timeshare Resorts
  • For Casino Licenses - see “Rules of the Game” - Government Casino Policy.
  • For Charter Boat companies see list of requirements relating to the captain, crew and boat
  • “Prijzenverordening 1961 PB 1961, 117”
Operational License

In addition to a business license, certain businesses require an operational license. Examples are:

  • Bars
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Guesthouses
  • Casinos
  • Lottery businesses
  • Charter Boat companies
  • Ice Cream Parlors
  • Cinemas
  • Timeshare Resorts
  • Internet Gambling companies
  • Wholesale/Retail alcoholic beverages.
  • Banks
  • Insurance companies
  • Pharmacies
  • Health Care companies
  • Telecommunication companies & others.
  • Car rentals

Application Forms Application form for Operational License

Contact Details Zoutsteeg #3
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Netherlands Antilles
Telephone: (599) – 542-0668
Fax: (599) – 543-7822
Email: vosec1@yahoo.com