TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin residency under the American Friendly treaty

Has anyone has experience with obtaining residency under the American friendly treaty? My friend said he went to the simpson bay location but when we went they said we need to go to Phillipsburg. What is the process? seems like we'd pay 200G and a form.

I've heard of the American Friendship treaty but that just gets a Dutch Residence Permit (to work) good for a couple of years

I've seen what you describe on St. Kitts for around that amount but not in SXM.

It does exist for SXM, but I have no idea what the parameters are, as far as applying. The SXM government was sued a couple of years ago and lost the suit. My best suggestion would be to contact an attorney in SXM.

It is really talked up on St. Kitts in the glossy tourism mags around the Island. I think it was a $400k investment (like property) and one person can become a resident and get a passport. Additional cost for more family members.

Sounds like someone with "issues" in another country could get a clean passport for some not to pleasant intentions...

Fake ID,,,new passport...perfect <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />.

60 Minutes (1/1) had a segment on St Kitts/Nevis and Dominica (among so other countries) where passports, and even diplomatic status can be purchased.
To my knowledge, that is not the case in SXM. I went through the process of obtaining residency, which was very time-consuming. It would be nice for others, if the Friendship Treaty simplifies this procedure, but will likely still involve standing in long lines and lots of bureaucracy.

wendy--did you get your residency after the lawsuit I mentioned? Perhaps the lawsuit doesn't have any affect on residency per se, but I know it does have some affect on whether you can actually stay on the island more than six months, perhaps without actual legal permanent residency?? Regardless, the OP should consult an expert on the matter, a lawyer or someone well versed in the process, to assist.

It was before the lawsuit, Carol, and I have full residency. I agree with you, that anyone depending upon the Friendship Treaty should consult an attorney before assuming anything.

Interesting...I missed that

I already had permanent residency, however, the government notified me and said they wanted to "re-do" my permanent residency under the treaty. It was no big deal at all as far as hassles.

When we lived there they did not recognize the treaty. I showed it to everybody. Nobody cared. They didn't even accept my US Passport. Told me to get residency I needed my original birth certificate from Cuba. Very strange. This was at the Sun Color Building.
irina

My understanding is that the SXM government was sued and they lost the lawsuit. IF a person sues them, they are required to honor it. If you don't sue them??? Maybe they won't honor it. As I said before, a person needs to consult an attorney or another expert in the field.

No lawsuit is required. Sint Maarten now fully recognizes the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. There was a story in the Daily Herald back in 2015 when the treaty was now being fully applied in Sint Maarten. Americans can now remain in Sint Maarten for up to 6 months and if they want to stay longer or work, you have to apply for "Admission by Law". Just go down to the Immigration and Border Protection Services office on A.Th. Illidge Road, fill out a Model 4 application with a NAF 200 fee. You just have to show you have no criminal history and you have sufficient means to take care of yourself.

Thanks for the link. Have you used it yourself or have personal knowledge of someone who has?

No, I have done some research on it though, as one day I would love to take advantage of it.

OK. I just wondered whether it is actually working that way in reality, as often bureaucrats like to make extra paperwork, just because they can! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

how do you show you have no criminal records?

You get a police certificate from each country you have lived in. In the US, the FBI provides it.