More American expats are choosing Curaçao as a place to live rather than simply visit. For those thinking about living in Curaçao, the island offers a lifestyle that goes beyond its reputation as a Caribbean getaway for tourists.
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, rich architectural history, and friendly population. With regulations based on EU standards and its location in the Americas, it offers foreign investors great opportunities, including access to a thriving real estate market.
All of these qualities make living there attractive for expats, investors, and pensioners, so keep reading as Global Citizen Solutions explains the residency options, healthcare, housing, average living expenses, and the reality of daily life in Curaçao.
Living in Curaçao at a Glance
Can you move to Curaçao?
Curaçao welcomes foreigners who want to relocate to the island, including Americans. Every foreign national must obtain a residence card to stay in Curaçao for an extended period. One way of acquiring residency is by investment through the Curaçao Investor Permit.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must have a clean criminal record, valid health insurance, and sufficient funds to invest in Curaçao’s economy and sustain themselves during their stay.
It takes around four months for a residency application to get processed by the Immigration Department in Curaçao. However, applicants must reside outside the nation at the time of their application, or their application may get rejected. Once their application is approved, they must submit a security deposit to the relevant authorities. They may choose to get their investment back once they finally leave Curaçao.
Before you move
Before moving to Curaçao, you must choose the appropriate residence option and be approved; then, once you arrive, register with Kranshi (the nation’s Population Registry) to formalize your residence and obtain the required registration documents.
Retirees moving there have three separate decisions to consider: Immigration status, registration with Kranshi, and tax residency. Planning these steps in the right order helps avoid bureaucratic delays and ensures that the lawful resident requirements are met.
Visiting versus living in Curaçao
Visiting Curaçao and living there are two different experiences. A vacation might be limited to beach-going, visiting historical sites, and dining out. American passport holders can travel to Curaçao visa free for tourism up to 180 days in a 365-day period. Most nationalities are limited to 30 consecutive days, with a maximum of 90 days in 180 days. Every non-resident visitor must complete a Digital Immigration Card (DI Card) before arrival.
On the other hand, long-term residency requires a residency permit and daily life considerations. This includes qualifying for a residency permit, finding long-term accommodation, accessing healthcare, getting around the island, and adjusting to the island’s pace and cost of living. Curaçao residents are not subject to the DI Card requirement.
Which residence route applies to you?
Which type of residency applies to you depends on your nationality, why you’re moving, and how long you intend to stay in Curaçao.
- Visitor: For Americans, a residency permit isn’t required for visits. US passport holders can stay in Curaçao for up to 180 days in 365 days without a visa.
- Employee: Moving to Curaçao for work requires sponsorship from a Curaçao employer before you qualify for a residence permit. Permits for foreign employees are generally only approved for individuals with specialized skills that local residents on the island do not possess.
- Declaration Van Rechtswege: A Declaration Van Rechtswege (Declaration of Lawful) is an official document that allows nationals of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States to live and reside in Curaçao and other Caribbean islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Business owner: The Ministry of Economic Affairs approves business permits for individuals who seek to move to Curaçao to start or expand a business. Businesses must have a strong local presence and contribute to the betterment of Curaçao.
Investor route
Whether an investor, entrepreneur, or retiree, the Wealthy Investor 2014 (Curaçao Investor Permit) allows those with the financial means to make a substantial investment in Curaçao to move there. The minimum investment is XCG 500,000 (about USD $278,000), which grants a three-year renewable residence permit. Investing XCG 750,000 (about USD $415,000) increases the validity of the permit to five years.
While the countries offering Caribbean citizenship by investment do not include Curaçao, the Wealthy Investor 2014 has a permanent residency option to those who invest XCG 1.5 million (about USD $835,000).
Working or Starting a Business in Curaçao
Foreign nationals who wish to work in Curaçao must apply for a work permit separately, as holding a residence permit does not automatically grant them the right to work in Curaçao.
Individuals are also not allowed to work on the island while visiting as tourists. Those who wish to acquire a work permit in Curaçao must have an employer sponsor them. The employer must, therefore, submit an application for a work permit to the Curaçao government on their behalf.
Job opportunities
Tourism is a thriving sector in Curaçao, with multiple jobs available in tourism and related industries. However, foreign nationals are generally required to have specialized skills to be approved as a foreign employee in the country.
Starting a business
Curaçao has one of the easiest systems for starting a business in the Caribbean, as the process of registering a company through the Chamber of Commerce and in the Labor Register is relatively straightforward, and the approval process by the Ministry of Economic Affairs is well-established.
How to Plan the Cost of Living in Curaçao
Living in Curaçao can be expensive when compared to the average cost of living in Caribbean islands, but the finances you need to live comfortably there require building your budget around your own circumstances and preferences, and collecting current prices rather than depending on listed estimates.
| Category | Cost Factors | Cost Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | -Location -Property size -Furnished versus unfurnished -Whether utilities are included | -Rental listings -Landlord quotes -Lease terms |
| Utilities | -Property size -Electricity and water usage -Internet provider -Air-conditioning use -Gated community | -Electricity/water estimates -Internet quotes -Utility terms -Developer service rates |
| Groceries | -Household size -Imported versus local products -Shopping habits -Dietary needs | -Recent supermarket receipts -Current grocery prices |
| Transport | -Whether you own or lease a vehicle -Type of vehicle -Fuel usage -Insurance -Public transport needs | -Car purchase quotes -Lease quotes -Current fuel prices -Insurance quotes -Public transport fares |
| Health insurance | -Age -Coverage level -Dependants -Existing conditions -Whether private coverage is needed | -Health insurance quotes -Required contribution to the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) |
| Taxes and registration | -Residency status -Income and sources -Property ownership -Business activity -Applicable registrations | -Current tax guidance from the Minister of Finance -Registration fees |
| Personal and leisure | -Dining out -Entertainment -Fitness -Hobbies -Travel -Personal shopping | Current prices from the businesses and services you expect to use |
Healthcare and Health Insurance
How the healthcare system in Curaçao works depends on your residency status. Visitors must have insurance that covers medical treatment if they should need it. Depending on the category under which you are applying for residence, applicants may be required to show proof of health insurance or travel insurance that includes medical treatment.
When you become a registered resident, you may be eligible for Curaçao’s BVZ (Basic Health Insurance), which is based on your situation and should be verified directly with the SVB (Sociale verzekeringsbank).
Housing, Property, and Where to Live
Going through the process of locating a home in Curaçao consists of three distinct actions: Renting a property, buying a property, and buying a property that comes with the right to reside on the island. If you are renting a separate property for your move, separate the property side of your move from the residency process before making a financial commitment.
According to Numbeo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $807, while the cost outside the center is $669. The cost jumps to $1,718 for a city center three-bedroom apartment and $1,216 if it’s outside the center. Costs will differ based on the location, type of property, size, furnishings, and other amenities.
Purchase prices in Curaçao also depend on the location, property type, size, furnishings, and other amenities that come with it. When deciding where to live, consider the property’s proximity to work, universities, or other places you may need convenient access to.
Caribbean real estate investment in Curacao is an option to obtain a residence permit through the Wealthy Investor 2014 program. The minimum purchase amount is XCG 500,000 (about USD $278,000), which allows qualified foreign buyers to obtain a three-year renewable permit. Buying a property worth over XCG 1.5 million (about USD $835,000) can qualify for permanent residency.
Retiring in Curaçao
Anyone who plans to retire in Curaçao from the US and most other developed countries may be pleased to know that residence permit holders benefit from double taxation agreements, as Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Pensionado scheme
Curaçao has a special tax regime for foreign pensioners called the ‘Pensionado scheme,’ which allows pensioners who qualify to pay a reduced flat tax rate on foreign income earned through sources such as pensions, dividends, and interests, as well as rental income from properties outside of Curaçao.
The old Pensionado scheme applied a flat tax rate of 5%, while the current scheme applies a flat tax rate of 10%. Pensioners can opt to tax a lump sum overseas income of XCG 150,000 under the old scheme or XCG 500,000 at the current 10% rate, regardless of the amount of foreign income earned.
Other conditions need to be met for an individual to be considered under the Pensionado scheme:
- They must be at least 50 years.
- They must not have lived in Curaçao for at least 60 consecutive months.
- Within two months of registration in the population register, they must submit a request to be recognized as a pensioner.
- They must own a property for personal use that is not rented out, which is valued at least XCG 450,000 (~$250,000) in Curaçao, within 18 months of registration in the population register.
- They or their partner must not engage in employment or other income-generating activities in Curaçao. Persons who settled in Curaçao before 1 January 1998 may be exempt, provided they submitted a request in the past and currently reside in Curaçao.
The Curacao Tax and Customs Administration determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis and provides a full list of the conditions and exemptions for the Pensionado scheme on its official website.
Benefits of Investing in Curaçao
A significant benefit of investing in Curaçao is its Investor Permit (Wealthy Investor 2014), which provides a residence option for qualified foreign nationals who make an eligible investment on the island. The program is intended for investors who wish to establish an economic presence in Curaçao, with the option to reside there on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on their investment.
Activities in Curaçao
Curaçao attracts expats and retirees from many countries. The island nation offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle, where an array of activities are available, including water sports, historical tours, and wildlife tours, to name a few.
Family time
The island nation is packed full of delicious, fresh food at street markets. It also houses some large supermarkets where you can purchase common grocery items. Families may visit places like the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, Criadero Babetti horse stables, Dolphin Academy Curaçao, and the Ostrich Farm, or take a trip to one of the many family-friendly beaches spread across the island, including Mambo Beach and Blue Bay Beach.
Water activities
Curaçao’s snorkeling spots and diving locations are rich in marine life. The island nation has over 40 different dive areas with over 65 individual sites, including the Tugboat Wreck in Caracas Bay, Alice in Wonderland, and Playa Porto Mari. These offer snorkelers and scuba divers the opportunity to experience the beauty of the underwater world.
History and culture
Curaçao has more to offer than beaches and watersports. The island is full of Dutch architecture, and people can explore cultural sites throughout the Willemstad historic core. Events like the Wintertuin Curaçao Festival provide a peek into the island’s traditions and modern life.
Living in Curaçao: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multilingual life: Dutch, Papiamentu, English, and Spanish are widely used, making it easier for international residents to communicate and settle in. | Cost of living: Expenses vary considerably by circumstances, with housing, imported goods, utilities, transport, and lifestyle choices all affecting your overall budget. |
| Stable currency: Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder (XCG), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of XCG 1.79 to 1 USD. | Transport: Curaçao’s transport options are centred on roads, buses, taxis, and private vehicles, so your location and reliance on a car can affect daily life. |
| Warm climate: The island offers a sunny, warm climate year-round. | Imported goods: Curaçao’s island location means some goods and produce are imported, which can affect availability and overall prices. |
| Rich culture: Curaçao combines Caribbean, Dutch, African, and other cultural influences, with historic sites, local traditions, food, music, and festivals. | Safety: Curaçao is generally considered a relatively safe destination, but crime does occur. As with anywhere, residents should take sensible precautions and stay aware of local conditions. |
| Outdoor access: Beaches, marine life, hiking areas, and other outdoor activities provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island’s natural environment. | Island lifestyle: Living on an island can mean fewer choices for certain products and services and greater reliance on travel abroad for some needs. |
Curaçao’s Citizenship for Residents
There is no option to obtain Curaçao citizenship by investment, but the nation provides foreign individuals with a route to Dutch citizenship, provided they meet the requirements for naturalization. Investing in the Curaçao Investor Permit creates a path to become a Dutch citizen for those who fulfill the country’s residency and character criteria.
The primary requirements for naturalization after obtaining legal residency include:
- Residing continuously in Curaçao for at least five consecutive years
- Passing the A2 civic integration exam (inburgeringsexamen), which includes demonstrating the ability to speak Dutch at an A2 level and knowledge of Dutch society
- Renouncing the original nationality, unless exempt
