Living on Bonaire: a wonderful place in the Caribbean Sea

Would you like to live on Bonaire, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Sea? Off the coast of Venezuela lie the ABC islands, of which Bonaire is a part. The island has a unique, multicultural society and, compared to Curaçao, a much smaller population (just over 26,000), which makes living on the island considerably more peaceful.

Bonaire is popular as a diving and snorkeling destination and is often visited by Dutch tourists, but it is also very popular with tourists from the United States. The US dollar is the legal currency of Bonaire.

Both tourism and salt production are important to the island. Because of its relatively small population, you can seek out both peace and conviviality; Bonaire offers the best of both worlds, making it a particularly pleasant place to stay and live. Do you dream of living on the island? We are happy to tell you all the ins and outs, so you know what you need to arrange and what to take into account.

If you want to live on Bonaire for longer than six months, as a Dutch citizen you will need a Declaration of Admission by Operation of Law. This is to prove that you have sufficient means to support yourself and a place to live. You will also need proof of good conduct for the past five years.

Once you have a Declaration of Admission by Operation of Law, you can register in the population register. This is a requirement for, among other things, applying for a ‘sédula’ (identity card) and arranging your health insurance.

Even as a Dutch citizen, you need a permit to work on Bonaire. Employers must demonstrate that they cannot find a suitable local candidate before they are allowed to hire a foreign employee. This is to protect the current residents of the island.

Emigrating to Bonaire has countless advantages, of course: the weather is almost always beautiful, you can enjoy the dazzling Caribbean Sea and the atmosphere every day; it’s wonderful. However, there are also things you need to take into account if you want to emigrate to the island. The cost of living is on average (about 30 to 40 percent) higher than in the Netherlands, while wages are lower. Most food is imported, which makes it more expensive.

House prices have risen sharply in recent years. For many Bonaireans with an average income, it is difficult to buy a house. Newcomers with a higher income or equity are more likely to succeed. As a real estate agent on Bonaire, we operate in the high-end segment. At Burbach Roycroft, we believe that personal attention and customization are the keys to success in the real estate market. Are you interested in purchasing an exclusive home on Bonaire? We are here to guide you with our expertise and dedication.

Are you planning to buy a home and rent it out on the island? That’s a great idea, because demand for rental properties, especially near the coast, is high.

Before purchasing a property, it is important to check whether the location and plot are designated for recreational rental (holiday accommodation) in the Bonaire Spatial Development Plan (ROB). This is not permitted in all neighborhoods. Rental rules vary depending on the type of rental.

A permit is required for short-term rentals (to tourists). The maximum rental period to a single household is 90 consecutive nights. Long-term rentals (three months or longer) are generally permitted throughout the island.

The property must comply with the fire safety requirements of the BES Building Decree. As a landlord, you are jointly responsible for the behavior of your guests and for preventing nuisance to local residents.

As the owner of a rented property on Bonaire, you pay property tax. The rate is 17.5% on a notional income of 4% of the value of the property. This effectively amounts to a tax of 0.7% of the value.

For second homes, there is an exemption on the first $70,000 of the value.

Bonaire also levies ‘island surcharges’ on property tax, which increase the total effective rate.

Everyone who lives on Bonaire and registers is required to be insured through the Health Insurance Office (ZVK). This also applies to expats. Most costs are covered, but some treatments require a personal contribution.

Medical facilities are of good quality, including a hospital and various specialists. Due to the small size of the island, it may be necessary to travel to another island or mainland for more complex care.

The island’s residents are warm and welcoming. If you want to live on Bonaire, it is a good idea to learn about local traditions and customs so that you can settle in well. Life on Bonaire moves at a slower pace, which certainly contributes to a relaxed lifestyle.

We mentioned earlier that Bonaire is a multicultural society. Hospitality and openness towards newcomers are very common here. Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, and English are spoken on the island.

Bonaire has a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere, even though it is a Dutch municipality. The island is located in the middle of the Caribbean and shares many characteristics with other Caribbean islands. You can see the influence of Caribbean culture in the language, music, and cuisine. In terms of atmosphere, Bonaire is more Caribbean than Dutch, despite the Dutch influences.

If you opt for an existing property, you can of course move in fairly quickly and enjoy your new home in the short term. These houses are often located in neighborhoods with mature gardens and various facilities. Many of these older homes have a unique (older) character that is not easily found in new-builds, unless you choose to use the old, unique characteristic style for your new-build home.

If you prefer an older home, it is important to have an inspection carried out before you proceed with the purchase. A thorough purchase inspection can help you avoid maintenance costs on the home by revealing any hidden defects. Another advantage of existing homes is that there is often room for negotiation on the price.

The biggest disadvantage of existing buildings is that older homes often require more maintenance. Materials are less resistant to the climate, which can lead to unexpected repair costs. These homes are also often less energy efficient due to outdated construction techniques and insulation.

You are bound by the existing layout and architecture, which limits the possibilities for modifications. Of course, there are still many ways to make an existing home your own. You can, of course, renovate extensively if you want to change the layout (with the exception of load-bearing walls).

Would you like to live on Bonaire and are you looking for a luxury home? The housing market is tight and, as we mentioned above, prices have risen significantly in recent years. Working with a local real estate agency, such as ours, is therefore essential; this way, you are not only investing in your dream, but also in the future. This is how you make a successful investment.