Living on an island has been a childhood dream for many, and that could be within your reach always excites people. It is an added advantage if you desire to work remotely or wade off the winter cold. Indeed, if this is the case, then living on an island could be perfect for you, and it doesn’t come much better than Curaçao. Curaçao is a beautiful island nation with rich and exotic marine life. The views of the beaches, coral reefs, and peaceful sunsets are beyond words. If you are looking for a place to work remotely, then consider Curaçao. Keep reading as we guide you through the Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa scheme. 

What is the Curaçao digital nomad and remote worker visa? 

Digital Nomad Visa

If you plan to settle down somewhere in a place with the thought to work remotely you should know about digital nomad visas. The digital nomad visa provides you with an opportunity to live in a foreign country and work remotely from there. 

To apply for a digital nomad visa, you must be earning from a client, business, or employer outside the country you wish to apply for the visa. You will not be able to search for employment over there, as this visa does not allow you to take part in any economic activities. 

Curaçao digital nomad visa

The Curaçao digital nomad is a great initiative that allows individuals worldwide who want to spend time away from home to live in Curaçao for a set period of time.

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Curaçao digital nomad visa, you can apply for a temporary stay permit mentioned as a remote worker.

Eligibility for the Curaçao temporary residence permit for digital nomads

The Curaçao digital nomad visa program was recently introduced through the selling point “at home in Curaçao” by Curaçao. It is perfect for those who want to conduct business activities remotely while staying on the Dutch Caribbean island. Curaçao, the beautiful Caribbean island, is an ideal spot for those who want to work remotely.

The first eligibility to apply for a remote worker visa is to show that you can work without being  dependent on working from a specific location, without an office, and using telecommunications technologies.

Before applying, you need to make sure you can answer the following questions,

  1. Do you consider yourself a digital nomad or remote worker?
  2. Do you have a written contract from your company that proves that proof that your work is location independent and you can use telecommunications technologies to do your work?
  3. Are you going to work or conduct business activities for either of the following?
    1. A company that is registered outside Curaçao?
    2. Working for an employer outside Curaçao?
    3. Offering freelance or consulting services to clients that are outside Curaçao?
  4. Do you have health insurance coverage, including COVID 19?
  5. Will you be able to support yourself and your family members (if you bring any with you) while you are in Curaçao?

If your answer is Yes to all the above questions, then you are eligible to apply for the program.

Points to note

  • If you think you come under the first category, then you can apply irrespective of your company’s status (private, government, public or non-governmental). You just need a valid contract. Also, the contract must be with a foreign employer; a contract with a local employer is invalid.
  • If you are a Dutch or American national, you can stay for 6 months in Curaçao.

Costs for Curaçao digital nomad visa

The Curaçao currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). The cost you need to pay for completing the visa application is ANG 535, which is approximately $300. It does not include the transaction fees, that you need to take care of at your expense.

The Curaçao digital nomad is a great initiative that allows individuals worldwide who want to spend time away from home to live in Curaçao for a set period of time. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Curaçao digital nomad visa, you can apply for a temporary stay permit mentioned as a remote worker. 

Eligibility for the Curaçao temporary residence permit for digital nomads

The Curaçao digital nomad visa program was recently introduced through the selling point “at home in Curaçao” by Curaçao. It is perfect for those who want to conduct business activities remotely while staying on the Dutch Caribbean island. Curaçao, the beautiful Caribbean island, is an ideal spot for those who want to work remotely. 

The first eligibility to apply for a remote worker visa is to show that you can work without being dependent on working from a specific location, without an office, and using telecommunications technologies.

Before applying, you need to make sure you can answer the following questions, 

  1. Do you consider yourself a digital nomad or remote worker? 
  2. Do you have a written contract from your company that proves that your work is location independent and you can use telecommunications technologies to do your work? 
  3. Are you going to work or conduct business activities for either of the following? 
    • A company that is registered outside Curaçao? 
    • Working for an employer outside Curaçao? 
    • Offering freelance or consulting services to clients that are outside Curaçao? 
  4. Do you have health insurance coverage, including COVID 19? 
  5. Will you be able to support yourself and your family members (if you bring any with you) while you are in Curaçao?

If your answer is Yes to all the above questions, then you are eligible to apply for the program. 

Points to note

  • If you think you come under the first category, then you can apply irrespective of your company’s status (private, government, public or non-governmental). You just need a valid contract. Also, the contract must be with a foreign employer; a contract with a local employer is invalid. 
  • If you are a Dutch or American national, you can stay for 6 months in Curaçao.  

Costs for Curaçao digital nomad visa

The Curaçao currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). The cost you need to pay for completing the visa application is ANG 535, which is approximately $300. It does not include the transaction fees, that you need to take care of at your expense. 

Required documents 

Below are the necessary documents you need to have on you to enter Curaçao, 

  1. You must have completed the application form and show proof of payment. 
  2. You must have a passport that is valid throughout your stay in Curaçao. 
  3. Make sure you carry the documents related to your company or employee ownership. 
  4. Carry the health insurance coverage documents, including the COVID 19 related documents. 
  5. You must have a clean criminal record. 
  6. You must have a residential address in Curaçao. Make sure you book accommodation or residential lease on the island beforehand. 

Validity for Curaçao temporary digital nomad visa

The validity of the Curaçao Temporary Digital Nomad Visa is 6 months. However, after 6 months, you will be eligible to renew it for another 6 months. Note that your stay on the Curaçao island will not lead to permanent residency. 

How to apply for Curaçao digital nomad visa?

You can apply for the Curaçao digital nomad visa online. It should not take much time to apply by uploading the necessary documents and paying the application fees. 

Step 1: Keep the documents ready 

Gather all the necessary documents for applying for the visa, and make sure you digitize them. The documents can be in English, Dutch, or Spanish. Below are the required documents you will need to apply, 

  • Copy of bio page of your passport.
  • Health insurance coverage proof. 
  • Proof of remote work. 
  • Criminal background check certificate. 
  • Curaçao residential address. 
  • Motivation letter.
  • Return plane ticket from Curaçao. 

Step 2: Application fee 

Before submitting the application for Curaçao remote work visa, you must pay the application fee of $264. You can pay the application fee through bank transfer with your full name as it is on your passport. Keep the proof of your payment, which you will upload in the next step. 

Step 3: Attach documents and submit the application.

The visa digital application form for Curaçao remote work visa can be completed here. Enter all the necessary information and attach the required documents and the proof of payment for the application. After completion, sign the document digitally and submit it. 

Step 4: Await approval 

After submission, your application will take around two weeks to get processed and for you to receive the acceptance status.

Useful information and essentials to live in Curaçao

Applying for a visa is an essential step to getting to Curaçao. You also need to think through what you will do after reaching there. Here are some things that will come in handy during your trip to Curaçao.

Getting to Curaçao

Curaçao is a small yet gorgeous Caribbean island located approximately 40 miles from the west coast of Venezuela. The capital of Curaçao is Willemstad. It is one among the ABC islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire.

You can reach Curaçao by plane as well as by sea. The planes are available from South America, North America, and Europe. You can take a cruise or yacht if you prefer to reach the island by sea.

Money and ATMs

  • The currency used in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin. The exchange rate of ANG to US Dollar is 1USD = 1.80 ANG. The stores and restaurants, however, use 1USD = 1.75ANG.
  • You can also use US dollars on the island, as it is widely accepted everywhere. However, Euros can only be exchanged in banks.
  • The exchange rate at the bank is 1.78ANG if you are buying and 1.82ANG if you are selling.
  • American Express cards are not accepted at most places, so it is better to verify before spending. However, Euro/Master cards and Visa cards are accepted everywhere on the island.
  • Some places, including tourist attractions, petrol stations, and public transport do not accept credit cards or debit cards. Hence, it is advisable to carry cash on you at all times.

Accommodation and cost of living

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Curaçao for remote workers and tourists. It includes hostels, hotels, holiday homes, luxury resorts, etc. Finding a place to stay is not hard, especially if you are looking to live in the capital, Willemstad. The approximate rent for a room for a single person is $1,105 per month. Apartments are cheaper than rooms. You can get an apartment for $533 per month.

For traveling, public transport is limited. You can walk if the place is close by and for longer distances, you can take a taxi or rent a car.

A meal in a typical non-luxurious restaurant costs $16, and you can get a cappuccino for $3.70. The monthly expenditure per person comes to around $970, and for a family of four, it is $3400, no including rent.

Internet connectivity and cell service

The internet connectivity and cell services in Curaçao are uninterrupted and suitable. The island has high-speed fiber internet and 4G mobile services with the necessary download and upload speed. The cell phone reception is usually good on the island. However, you might face issues in some rural regions.

Most of the lodgings you book to stay in will provide wifi connections. Also, you can find many open wifi networks, especially in downtown Willemstad. There are various high-speed internet packages you can benefit from. The cheapest one is the 100Mbps for $60 per month package. The mobile data on the island is expensive. A sim card with a 4G data prepaid plan costs $75 per month.

Electricity

Curaçao is majorly dependent on imported fossil fuels for its electricity. The island’s 95% of electricity is generated with the help of petroleum-based fuels. The standard current outlets supply 110-130 volts on the island at 50Hz. The typical plug is similar to the one used in the United States, a two-pin Type A power connector. However, before plugging the products, check if the product supports both 110V and 220V. You might need a plug adapter to connect various plug types, which you can purchase on the island. Certain hotels and apartments have 220V.

Health

The medical services at Curaçao are on par with the European and North American medical services. It is based on the Netherlands healthcare system. The general practitioner acts as the system gatekeeper. There are three hospitals in Curaçao,

  1. Curaçao medical center, Willemstad.
  2. The Antillian Adventist hospital.
  3. The Capriles clinic (Psychatric hospital).

Along with this, there is the department of community health services and the public health institute. The White-yellow cross foundation provides youth health services. The Fundashon Prevenshon offers breast and cervical cancer screening services.

Activities

Curaçao is a tiny island with an array of colors. There are various excellent activities you can do during your stay. Here we will provide you with some of the best:

  • If you are into bird watching, try to spot the Venezuelan troupials, the national bird of Curaçao. They are gorgeous little yellow birds. You can find them everywhere on the island. Along with these birds, you can spot the colors of various beautiful parrots that call Curaçao home. Do not forget to visit the world’s largest Ostrich farm. The farm has around 600 birds and provides guided tours to the guests.

              

  • Curaçao is famous for its stunning beaches. There are 30 beaches in total. The popular ones are Mambo, Playa Porto Mari, and Kenepa beach. You can swim with the dolphins and take a 1,000-foot submarine ride into the deep sea.
  • If you are into diving, visit Cas Abao, a famous scuba diving spot in Curaçao. You will be asked to pay a small entrance fee. Visit Booby trap, a beginner-friendly scuba diving spot. It has a sloping reef with a wide variety of coral reefs and sponges.
  • Hit Playa Kalki if you are interested in other water sports activities.

  • You can also get your open water certification if you pass a written exam and finish at least four training sessions with an instructor. You can find the best PADI diving instructors at dive schools all over the island.
  • If you are an architecture buff, visit colorful Dutch colonial architecture in the Willemstad.

Culture, Food, and Heritage

  • Curaçao consists of people with various backgrounds, the majority being the Afro-Caribbean, French, Dutch, Asian and Latin American.
  • The widely spoken language is English. However, Dutch and Spanish are also prevalent in everyday conversations.
  • The cultural norms are significantly international, as they are close to South America and influenced by Europe and North America. The people of Curaçao are friendly, kind, and helpful. You will not find any difficulties in roaming around.
  • Curaçao people are very tolerant of others. They respect people of all-gender communities. The Floris Suite Hotel on Fridays conducts happy hour for the LGBTQ+ community. It also organizes Pride week in late September.
  • The architecture of Curaçao is Dutch upbringing. The Dutch architecture is highly visible in Willemstad, the island capital. The entire harbor of Willemstad was declared a UNESCO world heritage site for its significant architectural qualities.
  • The best way to witness the Curaçao culture is to attend their festivals and carnival, where you can see their way of dressing, drumming music, Afro-Caribbean local dance, etc.
  • Some of the noted festivals are Carnaval, Curaçao Heineken Regatta, International Kite Festival, Salsa Tour, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Amstel Curaçao Race.
  • The Willemstad capital offers more than 100 food experiences. Dutch and Caribbean cuisines are common in this island nation with seafood serving as the most prominent item on the table. Also, the island is famous for its Curaçao Liqueur flavored with dry peels of bitter orange.
  • It is considered rude to wear swimsuits to supermarkets or restaurants. Avoid wearing it to these places, as you will be denied service.

Weather

  • The island is warm, sunny, and dry compared to other Caribbean islands. The average temperature in Curaçao is around 81 degrees (27°C). The average monthly rainfall in  Curaçao is less than 2 inches. Make sure you pack accordingly.
  • Regarding the wind, the island is placed well outside the Hurricane belt, as it is the part of Leeward Antilles. The island experiences strong winds like any other island, but they are rarely a threat.
  • Most of the rain in Curaçao occurs during October and February. The island has a high season between December and April and a low season between May and November.  The weather during the low season will be hotter and drier.
  • The advantage of visiting Curaçao during the low season is that the hotels might offer 25 to 50% discounts for lodgings.
  • There is no particular wet season on the island, and rainfall varies throughout the year. There will be less or even no rain from February to June considered the driest months in Curaçao. There might be scattered rainfalls during January, July, August, and September.
  • Strong, brief, and localized showers are common in the evenings and early mornings.

Visa overview

Tourism in Curaçao has declined considerably over the years. In order to improve the tourism industry, Curaçao launched recently the digital nomad visa program for remote workers. They call this program @home in Curaçao visa. They offer longer stays from 6 months to 1 year for digital nomads, remote workers, and investors.

The island has a rich multicultural community, which makes fitting in easy. It is an ideal spot to experience a good work/life balance experience. With the remote worker visa, you can continue working, stay connected with your colleagues, and at the same time meet new people, explore the culture and enjoy the any activies that the island has to offer.

Current travel restrictions

After reaching Curaçao, you will be asked to wear masks all the time at the airport. You can find markings on the floor of the airport indicating passengers to maintain a 6 feet safe distance from each other. In addition to these restrictions, passengers must go through a health check-up. Few things you need to know before arrival are,

  • No COVID19 tests are required upon your arrival at Curaçao.
  • Make sure you fill and submit the digital immigration card online before departure. You can find the digital immigration card here.
  • Ensure that you fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours prior to your departure. Make sure you carry the proof of the document (printed or digital). Refer to Curacao Entry Portal for the PLC.
  • Once you are in Curaçao and feel that you have COVID-like symptoms, contact the health authority (GGD) by calling 9345 immediately.

Conclusion

After reading all the information given above, you must be excited to experience everything that Curaçao has to offer.  From visiting the beautiful beaches and beyond, marveling at the underwater world by trying snorkeling, or working remotely with fantastic views, the island is sure to live up to your expectations.

Living here allows you to have the best of both worlds. Apply for the digital nomad visa from the Curacao Entry Portal and enjoy your perfect work/life balance experience.

Here are some other articles related to Curaçao that you might be interested in,

FAQs

Can you work remotely from Curaçao?

To be eligible for the Curaçao digital nomad visa program, you must be able to work remotely from Curaçao. The employer or client that you are working for must be from a foreign country (i.e. not from Curaçao).

How to Apply for the Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa?

The application process is easy and straightforward. Fill out the online application form from this portal. You can complete it in English, Dutch or Spanish.

Who can apply for Curaçao digital nomad visa?

The program is available to all nationalities. Hence, anyone can apply for this program, if you are a remote worker.

Who is eligible to apply for the Curaçao digital nomad visa?

Digital nomads/remote workers, investors, and hibernators (self-employed, looking for a warm geographic location to work from), or snowbirds (remote workers migrating from colder regions to warmer regions).

Can I become a permanent resident with a digital nomad visa?

No, you cannot become a permanent resident after your stay of six months to one year with this visa type.

How long will it take for the application to be processed?

It takes about two weeks for the application to be processed after submission.

Can I do multiple applications for the remote workers from my company?

Yes, you can apply for multiple workers from your company. However, the applications must be submitted individually.

Are my dependents allowed to travel with me to Curaçao?

Yes, your dependents can come along. You need to include them in the application and pay the required charges.

Do I need to pay Curaçao income tax?

No, you need not pay Curaçao income tax.