Immigration authorities in Sint Maarten (St. Maarten) will have to ease the requirements for U.S. citizens seeking to live and work in the Dutch Caribbean country, a judge has ruled.

In a case brought by an American resort manager, a judge in the Court of First Instance ruled Tuesday that St. Maarten's government is obligated to follow a 1956 treaty between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The treaty requires St. Maarten to issue residency permits to U.S. citizens who meet certain income and other requirements and removes the requirement for a work permit. People from other countries must apply for permits before arrival.

The ruling does not apply elsewhere in the Dutch Caribbean such as Curacao or Aruba but legal experts said it could set a precedent since the same treaty would apply in other parts of the Dutch Kingdom.

There are about 1,600 Americans living in St. Maarten, out of a total population of nearly 52,000 and immigration lawyers said they don't expect an influx of retirees and workers.

"I know there is fear from the Labor Department that it might attract tons of Americans, but I think the life for the Americans who are here will become a bit more comfortable because they won't have to wait to get their residency extended and they won't have to pay fees anymore," attorney Wim van Sambeek said.

St. Maarten, which shares an island with French St. Martin. It is located to the east of Puerto Rico.