Stay rules · September 2026
How Long Can You Stay on St. Eustatius?
For many owners, the real question is not whether to buy, but how much of the year they can spend on the island.
St. Eustatius, known as Statia, is one of three special municipalities of the Netherlands, together with Bonaire and Saba. The three islands share one set of entry rules, and how long you may stay without a permit depends on your passport.
This guide sets out the rules for Americans, Dutch citizens, Canadians, and other Europeans, and what to do if you would like to stay longer.
At a glance
| Passport | Stay without a permit | To stay longer |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Up to 180 days in any 365-day period | Declaration of Admittance by Law |
| The Netherlands, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten | Up to 180 days in any 365-day period | Declaration of Admittance by Law |
| Canada | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period | Residence permit, applied for on the island |
| EU countries and Switzerland | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period | Residence permit, applied for on the island |
| Other nationalities | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if your country is visa-exempt | Some nationalities need a visa or an entry authorization before travel |
These limits apply to visits. If you work or do an internship on the islands, Americans and Dutch citizens may stay 90 days in a 365-day period before a declaration is needed.
Americans: about six months a year
U.S. citizens may enter Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba freely and stay up to 180 days in any 365-day period, without a visa or a residence permit. That is about six months: a full winter season, or several long stays spread across the year.
On arrival, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee may ask for a passport that is valid for your entire stay, a return or onward ticket, and the address where you are staying. For a Sea Feather Estate owner, that address is your own villa.
Dutch citizens: the same 180 days
Dutch citizens from the European Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten also have free entry for up to 180 days in any 365-day period. Those who want to live on the island for longer apply for a Declaration of Admittance by Law, described below.
Canadians and Europeans: 90 days in any 180
Canadians, citizens of other EU countries, and other visa-exempt nationals may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The count is rolling: on any given day, the days you spent on the islands in the previous 180 days may not add up to more than 90. Days on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba count together.
In practice, that allows a three-month winter stay, and a return later in the year once enough days have fallen outside the window. The Caribbean Netherlands is not part of the Schengen area, so days spent in Europe do not count toward this limit.
At the border you may be asked for a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, the address where you are staying, and proof of sufficient means, set at a minimum of USD 1,000 per week.
Staying longer, or moving to the island
Americans and Dutch citizens who want to live on the island for more than 180 days in a 365-day period apply to IND Caribbean Netherlands for a Declaration of Admittance by Law (in Dutch, Verklaring van Rechtswege). Once it is granted, you register with the civil affairs office on the island. Allow several months for the application.
Canadians, EU citizens, and Swiss citizens can travel to the island and apply for a residence permit there. After five continuous years of residence, a permit for an indefinite period may be possible under certain conditions.
Other nationalities may need an authorization for temporary stay (MVV) before they travel.
What this means for owners
Most owners live on the island in seasons rather than all year. Americans can spend the whole winter and more on Statia. Canadians and Europeans often combine a long winter stay with a shorter visit later in the year.
When you are away, the villa can join the resort’s rental program, with full service management and net rental income shared 50/50. For owners who choose fractional ownership, each one-eighth share includes about six weeks of use per year, well within every limit above.
The stay rules depend on your passport, not on owning property. Ownership itself is open to everyone: foreign buyers acquire land in full freehold, without a landholding license. How ownership works on St. Eustatius.
Frequently asked questions
How long can Americans stay on St. Eustatius?
Up to 180 days in any 365-day period, without a visa or a residence permit. The same applies on Bonaire and Saba.
How long can Canadians stay on St. Eustatius?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For a longer stay, Canadians can travel to the island and apply for a residence permit there.
Is the 90-day rule the same as the Schengen rule?
It works the same way, 90 days in any 180, but it is a separate count. The Caribbean Netherlands is not part of the Schengen area, so days spent in Europe do not count.
Do days on Bonaire and Saba count as well?
Yes. Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba share one count, so days on any of the three islands add up.
Can I live on St. Eustatius full time?
Yes. Americans and Dutch citizens apply for a Declaration of Admittance by Law. Canadians, EU citizens, and Swiss citizens apply for a residence permit, which they can do on the island.
Does owning a villa change how long I can stay?
No. The limits depend on your passport, not on owning property. What ownership does give you is your own home to return to, whenever your days allow.
Official sources
The rules above are based on the information published by Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, the national government office for Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Rules can change, so check the current position before you travel.
Plan your time on Statia
Martin de Reus, private sales advisor for Sea Feather Estate, can help you plan a first visit to St. Eustatius, or talk through how a villa fits the time you would like to spend on the island in a short call.
Plan your time on Statia
Martin de Reus, private sales advisor for Sea Feather Estate, can help you plan a first visit to St. Eustatius, or talk through how a villa fits the time you would like to spend on the island in a short call.