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FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What phases does the buying process consist of?

  • The process begins with searching for the property that matches the wishes, needs and budget of the buyer.
  • After finding the ideal property, the buyer will make an opening offer. A counter offer is often made by the seller.
  • Once an agreement has been reached on the price and terms, a preliminary contract will be drafted.
  • The buyer is required to make a deposit of typically 10% of the purchase price to a third party account (escrow) at the notary.
  • The notary will contact the buyer to request documentation make the final required payments, after which the deed will be signed by


What are the additional fees and taxes involved when purchasing

  • Transfer tax (one-time tax) is 4% of the selling price. (Not applicable on properties sold located in the city district)
  • Notary closing fees are approximately 1% of the selling price.
  • In case you apply for a mortgage, the bank wants to have an appraisal report of the house you are buying so they know the value of the house that they have as collateral on the mortgage. An appraisal usually costs 1.2% of the market value of the property.
  • Mortgage closing fees are around 1% of the mortgage amount.
  • There is also an annual Property Tax which ranges from 0.4% to 0.6% depending on the value of the property.
  • Your mortgage provider will ask you to close a life and fire insurance which will have to be paid for annually. A better indication of these costs are best obtained by talking to your mortgage provider/insurance company.


What are the additional fees and
taxes involved when selling a property?

  • The seller has to pay the real estate agent a commission of 4% of the price at which the property is sold. In the case of a lot, the commission can vary between 4 and 6%.

What are the financial steps I need to take to buy a property in Curacao?

  • There are several local banks we can help you get in contact with to start your mortgage application process such as Banco di Caribe, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank, Vida Nova Bank and Orco Bank. Local banks typically finance around 70%-100% of the market value and so a minimum down payment of up to 30% is often required.
  • We do recommend getting a pre-approved loan before starting your search for a property as the mortgage process can take up some time.

What are the costs involved in renting a property?

  • For long-term residential rentals, the equivalent of 1 month commission will be paid by the owner of the property to the realtor. All payments exclude a 6% charge for tax.

For foreigners

Why invest in Curacao?

  • Highest standard of living in the Caribbean;
  • A politically stable environment, as we are part of the Dutch Kingdom;
  • Strategically located as a hub between South America and Europe
  • Year-round tropical weather, falls outside of the hurricane belt and is known for its pristine beaches and best diving spots;
  • The multilingual talent of the locals is of great value for international investors that decide to establish their business on the island or wish to seek residence.

Can a foreign citizen buy property in Curacao?

Yes, there are no restrictions for foreigners acquiring real estate in Curacao. Our government welcomes foreign investors. There is no need to apply for a residency permit in order to buy property on the island and foreign buyers will enjoy the same rights as citizens. Foreign buyers may purchase either freehold property land or lease land which is a very common means of property ownership in Curacao.

What is the investor’s permit?

As of 2014, the government of Curaçao issued the Guidelines Investors Permit 2014 in an effort to increase foreign direct investment. As a result, Curaçao opened a gateway for high net worth investors to obtain a residence permit in Curaçao and in principle after five years of eligibility for Dutch (EU) citizenship.

  • Family members of an investor who has been assigned an Investors Permit also receive a residence permit for Curacao. This is based on the family reunification / family formation scheme. However, if the permit of the main applicant / investor expires, the residence permit of his family members will also expire.

How much do I need to invest to obtain the investor’s permit?

  1. A 3-year program for investments with a minimum capital of 280,000 USD; This investor permit program offers a residence permit of three years and requires a minimum investment of at least USD 280,000 in real estate or (own) business ventures. After three years the residence permit can be renewed if the conditions are still met.
  2. A 5-year program for investments with a minimum capital of 420,000 USD; This investor permit program offers a residence permit of five years and requires a minimum investment of at least USD 420,000 in real estate or (own) business venture. After five years the investor permit can be renewed if the conditions are still met. At this point, the investor becomes eligible for Dutch citizenship and passport through which the
    investor becomes an EU citizen providing (under the Dutch passport visa-free travel to 156 countries including amongst others the Schengen countries, United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom)
  3. An Indefinite program for investments with a minimum capital of 838,000 USD; This investor permit program offers an indefinite residence permit and requires a minimum investment of at least USD 838,000 in real estate or (own) business ventures. After five years the investor becomes eligible for Dutch citizenship and passport through
    which the investor becomes an EU citizen providing (under the Dutch passport) visa-free travel to 156 countries including amongst others the Schengen countries, United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

How much do I need to invest to obtain the investor’s permit?

To qualify for the residence permit, the investor must prove that he or she:

  • Has enough means to be able to meet the obligations arising from the investment

  • Holds no criminal record

  • Is in possession of a private health insurance policy

  • Is able to show official documents that the investor made or can and will make an investment of the amount corresponding to the relevant period of the residence permit.

How much do I need to invest to obtain the investor’s permit?

Citizens of the USA, EU, Canada and many Caribbean and South American countries may stay in Curacao for up to 3 months (90 days) without a visa.

How do you become a resident of Curacao?

Non-citizens wishing to stay in Curacao for longer than 3 months (90 days) are required to apply to the Immigration Department for a Residence Permit.

In 2014, Curacao introduced an “Investor’s Permit” which offers foreign investors with sufficient funds to support themselves the opportunity to apply for residency. Please refer to FAQ “How much do I need to qualify for the investor’s permit” for more information on this.

To qualify, applicants are required to make an investment into a business or real estate such as a private home.

To apply for residency in Curacao, applicants also need to provide:

  • Proof of income
  • Proof of ownership of a home in Curacao
  • A valid passport
  • Declaration of good behavior
  • Copy of original birth certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Proof of health insurance

How much do I need to invest to obtain the investor’s permit?

If you have lived continuously in Curacao for 5 years with a valid residence permit and have a good understanding of Dutch you may apply for Dutch citizenship by naturalization.

Why us?

Why do sellers work with us?

That’s easy – referrals and experience. We are particularly known for going above and beyond for our customers. We treat every transaction as if it were our own and we excel at holding together deals that others might find impossible. Our core ingredient is customer satisfaction and that can be seen through our countless referrals and repeat customers.

Why do buyers/renters choose us?

Navigating the local real estate market can be overwhelming. Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make so it is important to choose a realtor that you feel comfortable with. Buying or renting a home is also a process that takes market knowledge, experience and people skills, qualities that we have as a team.

We help you find exactly what you’re looking for while protecting your interests and going above and beyond to make the journey enjoyable for you.

Once we decide to work together, we will start with the search process if we can not match you with one of our listed properties. We will guide and advise you on what subject conditions to include in your offer, be present for all your inspections and advocate on your behalf during the negotiation process. We will also sort through industry terms that make up most contracts and be present when the deed is signed.

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