A part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao has a rich historical background, stunning natural wonders, beautiful coastline and a warm and welcoming population. English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamentu are widely spoken in the island.
Certain communities in the island also speak French and Portuguese. An opportunity to access an amazing lifestyle coupled with various economic opportunities makes Curacao a favorite spot among foreign investors. As the country’s Citizenship by Investment is not a direct investment program, applicants need to obtain a residence permit first.
The Curaçao investor permit program allows international investors to obtain residence permits in the country. Once applicants complete five years, they are also eligible to apply for Dutch citizenship.
Since the Netherlands is a part of the European Union, applicants with a Dutch citizenship can live, work and study in any European Union member country.
Brief History of Curaçao
Curaçao’s history is rich and diverse, with influences from various cultures over the centuries. Initially inhabited by the Arawak people, the island was “discovered” by the Spanish in the early 16th century, who enslaved the indigenous population.
In the 17th century, Curaçao came under Dutch control and became a key center in the Atlantic slave trade due to its strategic location and natural harbor in Willemstad.
Over the years, Curaçao developed into a vibrant community with a mix of African, Spanish, and Dutch cultures. The abolition of slavery in the 19th century led to significant social and economic changes on the island.
In the 20th century, the discovery of oil off the Venezuelan coast transformed Curaçao into a vital refining and shipping hub. Today, Curaçao is known for its multicultural society, historic architecture, and as a popular tourist destination, while still maintaining strong ties to the Netherlands as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Willemstad, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its vibrant, colorful buildings and historic architecture in the Punda and Otrobanda districts.
A historic district in Willemstad called Pietermaai is known for its colonial architecture, boutique hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Adjacent to Willemstad, Scharloo is known for its historic mansions and cultural significance.
Curacao Citizenship by Investment Program
Launched in 2014, the Curaçao Investor Permit Program is a government initiative to attract foreign investors and boost the nation’s economy. It grants non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals and their immediate family members residence permits, which can lead to Dutch citizenship in as little as five years.
While there are many residency and citizenship by investment programs like the Vanuatu or Grenada citizenship by investment program, Curaçao’s program does not directly lead to citizenship; Permit holders can apply for Dutch citizenship after completing the naturalization period of five years.
In exchange for a qualifying investment worth at least $280,000, investors can gain long-term or permanent residency in a beautiful, tranquil Caribbean island and apply for a Dutch passport in little to no time, granting them freedom of movement in the European Union.
The beauty of the Curaçao Investor permit is that it automatically grants you the same rights of movement and settlement within the Netherlands, similar to Dutch residents.
This means that you can indefinitely reside on a Caribbean island with your residency permit and can spend as much time as you want in the Netherlands.
Moreover, since obtaining Dutch citizenship also requires living in the Netherlands, the Curacao Investor Permit is regarded similarly to Europe’s Golden Visas, such as the Portugal Golden Visa. Individuals holding temporary residence permits and respective investments for five years can obtain EU citizenship.
Requirements for a Residence Permit
A residence permit, within the context of the Citizenship by Investment Program, is an official authorization allowing a non-Curaçao national to reside in Curaçao for a specific period.
This program is designed to attract foreign investment by offering individuals the opportunity to obtain legal residency, and potentially citizenship, in exchange for making a significant financial investment in the country’s economy.
This investment could be in the form of real estate, business ventures, or other approved financial contributions that meet the program’s criteria:
- Individuals need to have enough financial resources to invest and support themselves as residents of the country.
- Individuals should not have any criminal record in the past and possess satisfactory conduct.
- Applicants should have a private health insurance policy.
- Individuals should take a keen interest in knowing Curaçao.
- Applicants should ensure that the qualifying investment made in Curaçao is legitimate and beneficial to the country.
Requirements for Curaçao's Citizenship by Investment Program
There are three investment options open to you:
- Investment in real estate projects – An individual can purchase a local permit and obtain residency through the Curacao Investor Permit Program.
- Investment in a business venture – Applicants for the residence permit program can invest in shares in a locally operating company. The company should have a local financial administration and a minimum of one local director, in order to be considered as a locally run business.
- Acquiring securities-Individuals can invest in an organization that is listed on the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX). The company issuing the security can be either a local company or a foreign organization.
Applicants must note that the validity of the residence permit depends on the investment options that have been availed. However, the residence permit can be renewed if the circumstances of the investor remain the same.
- For a minimum investment of at least $280,000, an individual can obtain a residence permit valid for three years. The permit will also be renewable
- For a minimum investment of $425,000, an individual can obtain a residence permit in the country for a period of five years. In this case also, the permit will be renewable.
- If an individual invests a minimum of $850,000, he/she can also obtain an indefinite residence permit. In this case, the person can obtain a residence permit for an indefinite amount of time.
Documents Required for a Residence Permit in Curaçao
To acquire a temporary residence permit in Curaçao, you need to produce the following documents.
- Your source of income or funds
- You need to have proof of private health insurance
- Proof of decent behavior
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of residence address – like a copy of a utility bill with the same address
- Bank statement from a local bank of the country that verifies that you have made an investment of at least $280,000
- Reference letter from your bank that proves your steady relationship with the bank and your reputation as a foreign investo
Curaçao Citizenship by Investment Application Process
The visa application process typically involves several key steps, designed to evaluate the eligibility and intentions of individuals wishing to enter a specific country:
- Determine the amount that you want to invest in the country and proceed with the necessary paperwork
- File your application for a residence permit
- Get your residence permit
- Renew subsequent permits
- Obtain Dutch passport after five year
Why should you consider Curaçao Citizenship by Investment?
- Citizenship by Investment programs fast-track your citizenship process in comparison to the traditional route.
- Beneficial for your tax planning.
- When you have a second citizenship, you have a back plan/insurance.
- With a second valid passport, you have greater visa free access
- Your entire family is eligible for citizenship and the second passport gives them financial security.
- You have access to excellent business opportunities and will be eligible for dynamic investment options
- The application process for a second passport is usually fairly simple and easy
- You have the opportunity to move and reside to a different country
- After you invest, you can also get a part of your investment in return
Key Points to Assess Before Investing
Before you apply for a second passport, you should always consider these important pointers mentioned below:
- Do you have sufficient financial resources to invest in a second citizenship?
- Before applying, make sure that you are eligible to apply for that citizenship. There are many countries that blacklist citizens from certain nationalities to apply for their citizenship by investment programs.
- Determine first if you want citizenship or residence permits. In other words, what is your ultimate goal of securing citizenship?
- Identify whether your current nationality allows for dual citizenship, or else you need to be willing to give up your current citizenship to acquire a new citizenship.
For more information on citizenship by investment, read our article: Citizenship By Investment Programs
Benefits of Living in Curaçao
- You have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing Caribbean island life
- You can obtain the European Union passport in five years
- Your entire family members will be eligible for Dutch citizenship, helping ensure family security and opening an array of opportunities
- Valuable investment opportunities
- You enjoy outstanding trade relationships with other entities
- Once you obtain Netherland citizenship, you will have access to visa free travel to more than 174 countries
To know more about the Curacao Residence Permit Program, you can check out our article: Curaçao Investor Permit Program – The Ultimate Guide By Experts | GCS
Frequently Asked Questions About Curacao's Citizenship by Investment
How can I become a citizen of Curaçao?
A part of the Dutch kingdom, the beautiful country of Curaçao has an attractive investors permit program through which high net worth investors can obtain residence permits in the country.
After five years, they can apply for Dutch citizenship.
Can US citizens reside in Curaçao?
US citizens can stay in Curaçao for a period of six months without any permits. If they want to stay longer, they need to apply for a work permit or residence permit.
What is the qualifying investment for Dutch Golden Visa?
Foreign investors need to do a minimum investment of $280,000 to qualify for the Investor Permit program.
What are the documents needed by EU citizens to stay in Curaçao ?
To stay in Curaçao, EU citizens should provide a valid passport. A visa is not required if EU citizens plan to stay in Curaçao for three months or less.
With the investor permit, where can I travel?
You can enjoy visa-free access to 172 countries including the EU and the Netherlands with your Curaçao investor permit, and have the right to live freely in Holland.
Can I do the application alone?
While you can apply independently, we recommend seeking advice from a legal representative.
They’ll be able to advise you on the document requirements, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
Can US citizens work in Curaçao?
Anyone who wants to work in Curaçao must acquire a specific Curaçao visa that permits them the right of employment there, regardless of whether or not they are Investor Permit holders.
Where is Curaçao?
Curaçao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast. It forms part of the Dutch Caribbean and operates as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The island is known for its cultural diversity, historic architecture, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking beaches, diving, and cultural experiences.
Its capital city is Willemstad, which is famous for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and a floating bridge called the Queen Emma Bridge.
Curaçao’s strategic location has historically made it a significant center of trade and a melting pot of various cultures.
