Living in Curaçao: truly everything you need to know!

What are the advantages of living in Curaçao? And what are the disadvantages? What do I need to take into account if I am going to emigrate to this tropical island? What is the culture like? What documents and insurances do I need? How is security organized on the island? In which neighborhoods can I comfortably live as a retiree? Through Burbach Roycroft Insights, we will tell you everything you need to know so that you can arrange everything properly for your emigration.

Living in Curaçao offers many advantages. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and wonderful climate. Throughout the year, the average daytime temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s almost always pleasant! And maybe also important to know: we are outside the hurricane belt. 

Furthermore, you have several tax advantages. For example, there is no wealth tax, and there are various tax benefits for pensioners and investors. The cost of living is relatively lower than in many Western countries. However, you should keep in mind that prices have risen, just like in other countries. Good to know: you will pay somewhat more for groceries.

Another advantage of Curaçao is that many local residents speak English and Spanish in addition to Papiamento and Dutch. This allows you to make yourself understood well from the start. Rules, laws, and schools; almost everything is available in multiple languages in Curaçao. English and Spanish are taught as additional languages. Furthermore, the local population is friendly and hospitable, while you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. The atmosphere is generally really good.

While living on the island has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages you need to consider. It is an island, which means you have limited access to certain products and services. Curaçao is generally a safe island. Later in this blog, we will explain more about the safety and security of your home on the island.

Furthermore, you will of course be living about a nine-hour flight from the Netherlands, but by then that will be a conscious choice and still manageable because you can fly over in a day. 

For Americans, this Caribbean paradise is surprisingly close. From a city like New York, for example, travelers can board a plane and have their feet in the warm sand after a flight of only five hours.

And it gets even faster. Anyone departing from Miami can cover the distance in a flight of just three hours. These short flight times make Curaçao not only a dream destination for a long holiday for Americans, but also a perfect option for a spontaneous long weekend getaway. For them, the island is literally just around the corner.

A direct flight from Chicago to Curaçao takes approximately 5 hours. American Airlines offers direct flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR).

It is important to note that most flight options between Chicago and Curaçao involve one or more layovers. In that case, the total travel time will be significantly longer. Flights with a single stop, for example via Miami (MIA) or Charlotte (CLT), typically have a total travel time of 7 to 9 hours, depending on the length of the layover.

Living in Curaçao offers both advantages and disadvantages, but the disadvantages are certainly manageable. If you would like to emigrate to this beautiful tropical island, there are still many things you need to take into account. Since Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and there is a Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), it is relatively easy for an American to emigrate to the island.

Emigrating from the UK to Curaçao is generally more complex than it is for US citizens due to the absence of a specific friendship treaty similar to the DAFT. However, it is still achievable.

The local population has a calm, relaxed lifestyle. They live at a more relaxing pace. This is very different from the fast pace in the United States, which means you will have plenty of time to relax. You’ll notice this immediately upon setting foot on the island, but even more so as a resident.

If you outsource a project to a contractor, you will probably need to get used to the slower pace at which work is undertaken. As a new resident of Curaçao, it is important to respect their lifestyle and adapt to their pace. This is likely the only way you can successfully mingle with the local population.

If you really want to integrate into society, it can help to immerse yourself in the culture, mentality, and daily routines. Where we in many Western countries are often punctual, hurried, and direct (a deal is a deal), you will notice as soon as you arrive on the island that there is a ‘poko poko mentality’ in Curaçao. Everything goes at a more relaxed pace, and everything is done calmly.

In Curaçao, you will experience that you can also get a lot done without rushing.

Do you want to enjoy the beautiful island and reside there permanently? Then there are several things you need to arrange to actually be able and allowed to live in Curaçao. Even though it is relatively easy for an American or Englishman to emigrate to the island, you still need to take care of a few things:

Apply for a Declaration of Law (see this page for more information). On the website of the Admissions Organization and the unit for Immigration and Border Control, you can easily find what is needed to submit an application. You can submit the application online yourself, or you can hire an assistant to help you with the application.

Specific information is also available about working in Curaçao or if you want to emigrate to the island as a pensioner or retiree. On the website, you can also find the current costs for applying for a Declaration of Law: in February 2025, the costs were XCG 615,- (Caribbean guilder)

The exchange rate can sometimes change, but currently, 1 XCG = 0.5316 EUR. If you have a Dutch or American passport, you can await the application process for a Declaration of Law in Curaçao. On the website of the unit for Immigration and Border Control Curaçao, you will find exactly what you need to submit your application for a VRW. For example, you also need to provide a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

As a pensioner/retiree, you can enjoy several benefits. This makes it attractive for wealthy individuals to settle in Curaçao. The economy is stimulated by the purchase of homes and other investments. If you want to qualify for pensioner status, you must meet several conditions according to the National Ordinance on Income Tax (articles 23B/C/D/E).

For example, you must have been admitted as intended in the National Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion (LTU). According to the unit for Immigration and Border Control Curaçao, you must still reside in your county of origin when submitting your request and while awaiting a decision.

Deregister as a resident in your country of origin, keep proof of deregistration, and register with the Civil Registry in Curaçao. For this, you must personally report to Kranshi, the Civil Registry of Curaçao. If you want to live on the island for longer than four months, which you naturally do if you are emigrating, you must register there.

Have you been admitted as a permanent resident of the island? Then you will of course need a home. At Burbach Roycroft, you will find exclusive, luxurious villas and penthouses in the high-end segment. View our current offerings here.

Officially a resident of Curaçao? Then it’s time to take a look at your insurances.

Since February 1, 2013, the basic healthcare insurance has come into effect for all residents of Curaçao. The basic insurance, which is stipulated in the National Ordinance on Basic Healthcare Insurance, is a uniform insurance for the persons who fall under its scope and ensures reduced healthcare costs.

Healthcare costs covered by the basic insurance include various items for general practitioner care, primary psychological care, medical specialist care, hospital care, paramedical care, dental care (strict conditions), pharmaceutical care, aids and appliances care, obstetric care, maternity care, patient transport, and medical referrals abroad. Consult the website of the Social Insurance Bank for the exact conditions. You can register for basic insurance through the SVB Banko di Seguro Sosial. 

For almost all healthcare in Curaçao, you need a referral. This is usually different in other countries. In Curaçao, the general practitioner or the specialist will refer you. If it is not possible to receive treatment on the island, you will be referred to a hospital in Colombia or in the Netherlands, and the treatment will be reimbursed. If it is possible to receive treatment in a hospital in Curaçao, but you yourself want to go to a hospital in Colombia, your treatment will not be reimbursed.

There is also an option to take out private health insurance such as with Ennia or Guardian Group.

To determine the amount of healthcare premium you have to pay, several guidelines have been established. The amount of premium you pay for basic health insurance mainly depends on your income. On this page of the Ministry of Finance, you can find accurate information about the premium amount. You can also contact the SVB Banko di Seguro Sosial for more information about the basic health insurance.

Several insurance companies are active in Curaçao. There you will find more information about travel insurance, car insurance, liability insurance, but also insurance for your home, life, and pension.

Curaçao is generally quite safe. In various resorts, security is meticulously organized, for example with 24/7 security. Sometimes there is even security on the water, such as at Seru Boca Estate. You cannot simply enter the resorts either.

However, petty crime, such as theft, is common. Pay close attention to your belongings. Parking is safe in public spaces even in the evenings. However, street lighting is sometimes lacking. It is always advised to not leave anything of value in the car. It is safe on the streets, even in the evenings. However, street lighting is sometimes lacking.

Furthermore, there are a number of good neighborhoods where security is very well organized.

Our exclusive property offerings are generally centralized in the safest neighborhoods of Curaçao. Consider, for example, the popular areas of Jan Thiel, Blue Bay, Jan Sofat, and Coral Estate. In addition, there are many safe neighborhoods, such as Bottelier, Mahaai, Jongbloed, Sunset Heights, Julianadorp, Brakkeput, and Emmastad. As you can see, there are many safe neighborhoods in Curaçao.

Real estate located in Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort and Coral Estate Luxury Resort is exceptionally well-secured. Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort is fully fenced and even has 24-hour security. Coral Estate Luxury Resort also features 24-hour gated security, which applies to all guests and residents. Seru Boca Estate in Santa Barbara Plantation also has such good security.

If you emigrate to Curaçao, you will probably notice that almost everyone does everything by car. In terms of infrastructure, the main route between Willemstad and Westpunt is particularly good to drive. In Curaçao, the roads are of much lower quality, which means road users regularly have to avoid significant potholes.

Many drivers don’t really adhere to the traffic rules; running red lights is not uncommon. The roads can become very slippery when it rains. Also, keep in mind that traffic generally moves slower than in various other countries. 

In Curaçao, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. There are no highways; only the ring road in Willemstad (the Schottegatweg) has two lanes, while almost all other roads have one lane per direction. Traffic on the island is generally very friendly; you will notice that people regularly honk their horns at you as a thank you.

In terms of mobility, there are some public transport options on the island. There are two types of bus services. The large buses generally run at fixed times, for example, every hour. Some neighborhoods have a large bus station. However, public transport can also be unreliable, as they don’t always arrive on time. Sometimes it’s a matter of five minutes, but it could just as easily be an hour. Or the driver might not come at all.

You see the small buses (8-person vans) driving around a lot in traffic. You can simply flag down these vans when you need them. There are also plenty of taxis available on the island. Use an official taxi, as these drivers work with fixed rates per distance. These rates are determined by the government.

So, on the island, you usually get around by car or motor vehicle. 

If you are emigrating to Curaçao with children, then quality education is probably important to you. What schools are there? How is education organized? Is the education good, but is it also a pleasant, safe place for a child? On the tropical island, there are good opportunities for a smooth transition to a school in Curaçao. As a parent, you may notice that there can be waiting lists and that education at private schools is quite expensive. Broadly speaking, the education on the island is comparable to the education in Western countries. Curaçao has the following system:

• (Voluntary) Daycare / Childcare Center
• Elementary School / Primary School (Grades 1-8)
• Secondary School (Vocational Track, General/Academic Tracks equivalent to Middle School and High School)

Families moving to Curaçao who prefer English-language education have some reputable options, from international schools with established curriculum to bilingual programs. It’s recommended to research individual schools further to find the best fit for your child’s needs and your family’s preferences. A popular option is the International School of Curaçao (ISC). This is a well-established private, non-profit international school that has been operating for over 50 years. 

Otherwise you can choose your children to go to the Curaçao American Preparatory School (CAPS): This is another private, non-profit, English-speaking school on the island. Also there is the Curacao Advanced International Secondary School (CAISS).  CAISS is the first Cambridge school in Curaçao.

Last but not least: you can choose the Acton Academy Curaçao. This is a non-conventional, learner-driven private school.

In terms of school hours, it’s organized very differently than in other countries. Schools often start around 7:30 AM. Around 12:30 PM, the children are already free due to the tropical climate. Furthermore, in most schools, just like in many American and English schools, it is still mandatory to wear a school uniform.

In England, you can go to school around your 4th birthday. In the United States, it is customary to bring your child to school from the age of 5. In Curaçao, the child must be 4 years old on the first day of school.

If you are going to live permanently in Curaçao, you will naturally want to bring some of your household contents and valuable possessions with you. According to Customs, these possessions must be imported as removal goods. You may be subject to taxes in the form of import duties, sales tax, or excise duties. The exact amount you have to pay will be determined by Customs.

Removal goods include not only household contents but also small pets and personal vehicles. Specific rules apply to vehicles, just as they do for pleasure craft.

It is also possible that you are importing goods that appear new. If you have owned these for a longer period, Customs may ask you to prove this. Keep purchase invoices or use a warranty certificate as proof. If you cannot demonstrate this, you may have to import the goods upon payment of the applicable taxes.

For some goods, you can apply for an exemption if you meet certain legal conditions. You can find more information about removal goods here on the Customs website.

Most people who want to live permanently on the island choose to ship their removal goods. Most organizations that arrange this also offer a professional packing service. This ensures that your household contents arrive on the island in good condition.

It’s good to know that there are different options. If you choose a private sea container, the average duration will be about 4 to 5 weeks. You can also opt for groupage (LCL – Less than Container Load). With this option, they wait until the container is filled to a minimum volume. This usually takes about 7 to 9 weeks.

It is also possible to have your household goods transported by air freight. The costs are generally considerably higher than shipping by sea. Small household contents may be transported by air. There are organizations that also take care of packing the goods, as it must meet certain requirements.

At Burbach Roycroft, we make real estate a personal experience. Browse our luxurious, exclusive selection and buy your dream villa, penthouse, or residential property today!