Overview:

Curaçao, a Dutch territory, is an autonomous island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the coast of Venezuela. The foreign and defense affairs of Curaçao are fully handled by the Netherlands, but it has autonomy in domestic affairs.

Capital: Willemstad

Population: 148,925  (2023, 177th)

Ethic Group: 75.4% Afro-Curaçaoans/Mixed, 9% Dutch, 3.6% Dominican, 3% Colombian, 1.2% Haitian, 1.2% Surinamese, 1.1% Venezuelan, 1.1% Aruban

Area: 444 km²

Offical Language: Papiamentu, Dutch and English

Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder

GDP per Captial: $35,484 (2021, 45th)

How To Immigrate To Curaçao:

Curaçaoans are, in fact, overseas Dutch nationals. Hence, relocating to Curaçao often serves as an indirect pathway for those seeking to immigrate to the Netherlands and thus obtain European Union citizenship more easily.

The most common approach to moving to Curaçao is through its Curaçao Investor Permit Program (CIIP). With a minimum investment of 280,000 euros, individuals can follow a path leading to Dutch citizenship within a five-year period.

Moreover, as of 2021, Curaçao has begun to offer an application for a digital nomad visa to foreign nationals.

CIIP:

There exist three pathways for foreign nationals to secure residency in Curaçao through CIIP program:

An investment of at least $280,000 can secure a renewable three-year residence permit in Curaçao, given the precondition that the investment is maintained;

Or, an investment of at least $425,000 can secure a renewable five-year residence permit in Curaçao, given the precondition that the investment is maintained;

Or, an investment of at least $850,000 can secure a permanent residence permit in Curaçao.

Investment options include local real estate, business companies, and publicly issued securities in the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX).

Regardless of whether the permit is for three years, five years, or permanent residency, there is a minimum residency requirement for permit holders: The permit holder must spend at least one day per year in Curaçao.

Home in Curaçao Program:

Starting from February 2021, Curaçao launched the Home in Curaçao Program. This initiative offers a chance for digital nomads and remote workers to reside on the island on a short-term basis under its digital nomad category.

However, the digital nomad visa issued by Curaçao only remains valid for a duration of six months and can be extended just once, meaning it does not lead to immigration and is no more convenient than a tourist visa.

The authorities haven’t stipulated any specific financial requirements. 

In order to qualify for the program, applicants have to:

Complete digital application form on www.athomeincuracao.com including:

1. Proof of payment for fees and costs ($294)

2. Clear copy of the photo page of the applicant’s passport

3. Proof of solvency:

1. • Recent declaration of assignment, if own company in country of origin, or

2.  

   • Recent employer declaration from the employer in the country of origin or a recently certified copy of an employment contract

4. Completed Appendix D (proof of payment)

5. An international insurance is required (including COVID-19 coverage if possible). In case international insurance cannot be presented, a local insurance can be acquired.

To get more detailed information about this program, you can refer to the official website, the link to which is provided in the appendix on our website.

Taxation:

The main taxes that foreigners need to pay in Curaçao are as follows:

1. Personal Income Tax: Progressive, with a minimum rate of 9.75% and a maximum rate of 46.5%.

2. Corporate Tax: 22%.

3. Trade Tax: 4%.

4. Commodity Tax: Generally 6%, but the tax rate for some goods and services fluctuates.

Note that in Curaçao, there are no taxes imposed on asset income or stamp duties.

Naturalization:

According to Dutch nationality law, foreigners who have legally resided in Curaçao continuously for five years (with a legal local address and residing no less than four months per year) and have passed the Dutch cultural integration test(including a language test) are eligible to apply for Dutch nationality.

Passport Power:

Apart from refugees, the Netherlands does not recognize dual citizenship. The Dutch passport ranks 4th in the world, and citizens can travel freely (either visa-free or with visa on arrival) to 188 countries and regions around the globe.

Useful Links:

Home In Curaçao Program：https://athomeincuracao.com/remote-workers/application-remote-workers/

Government Of Curaçao：https://athomeincuracao.com/