Have you been to Curacao? When you were there, did you fall in love with the island and now you are thinking about moving to Curacao? Don’t worry, you are not the only one!
Are you planning to visit Curacao for more than 90 days? If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you must read on, as you will need a residence permit.
And it’s not a surprise either. I mean, I definitely get it. Curacao seems to have it all…from perfect weather all-year-round to the friendliest inhabitants on earth, and delicious food, it seems like living and working in Curacao is the best move you can make in your life.
In fact, the quality of life in this Caribbean island is of a high standard, and there is no doubt about it. If you decide to move here you will gain economic stability, security, freedom, tolerance from others, and you will most likely work in a beautiful place.
This is why year after year hundreds of people decide to call Curacao their home, as it represents something different, and it definitely feels like something unique is brewing there as well.
There are many schools, high schools and even universities for you to choose from if you have children, there are hospitals, diving sites, special activities, outdoor activities, and, what’s more, you will get to share a living space with people from all over the world, as this island is welcoming constantly individuals from all sorts of towns and countries.
So, if you would like to know more about all the necessary requirements for you to start working as soon as you get to the island, then continue reading this article. I hope it helps you find your way in this Caribbean piece of heaven!
Do I need a residence permit to stay in Curacao?
As a matter of fact, yes, you do. If you would like to stay on this island for longer than 90 days then you will be required to have a residence permit.
However, if you are either a Dutch national or US national, then you will only be required to have a residence permit if you would like to stay longer than 180 days.
Furthermore, this residence permit is not valid for the European part of the island. In other words, if you are planning on staying on the French side, then you will need a different permit that can only be given on that side of the island.
In addition to the residence permit, you will need a work permit if you are planning on getting a job during your stay.
Work permit for Curacao
As I mentioned before, if you are thinking about moving to Curacao and work there then you will need a work permit.
So, if you would like to obtain one of these permits you will need an employer to sponsor you for the work you will do and then you can initiate your application for your work permit.
This way you can have a work permit and your residence permit. You can have a residence permit without a work permit, however, you cannot have a work permit without a residence permit because if you would then like to work you would be doing it illegally, and, of course, that’s not something you would like to do.
It is important for you to get a residence permit as well, because if you enter Curacao as a tourist, then you are not allowed to get a job either, and you are not allowed to receive any type of money that involves a job or working hours.
Banking information for Curacao
Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are accepted all over the island, however, if you have US dollars then be sure to have small notes as $50 and $100 are not usually accepted on the island.
If you would like to live in Curacao and work there then you may as well look into opening a bank account on the island.
And if you want to do this you may be asked to present a letter of reference from your bank back home for the authorities to see whether or not you are suitable for an account.
Most employers will pay you directly to your bank account, so this is definitely something to look into whenever you have decided to accept the job offer.
More about Curacao’s work permit
The Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen (LAV) is Curacao’s National Ordinance on Labor by Foreigners. They provide the rules with regard to the working permits for those foreigners who wish to work on the island.
It is not difficult to obtain a work permit, especially if your profession is in high demand in Curacao, however, you must note and understand that a work permit (even if it’s temporary) may be denied if the government thinks that the local labor market can do the job you are applying to.
And even if your work permit goes through it will only last for a definite period of time. Furthermore, if you are working on a project then the chances are that your work permit will be the same as the duration of your project.
Whether you are a local or a foreign employer, and you would like to hire a foreign national in Curacao, then you must apply for a work permit.
However, this does not apply to the following exceptions:
When a person has an admission by right: for example, if a foreign national who comes from a country that has international treaties in accordance with Curacao’s law, then no work permit must be requested.
If you are the spouse or partner and you are either married to or have a cohabitation contract before a Dutch civil law notary with a Dutch citizen, then you are not required to apply for a work permit.
If you are an individual who has a residence permit that has been granted by the Minister of Justice without prohibition for work, then you will not need a work permit.
According to the LAV, if you are applying for a temporary work permit and you haven’t heard anything back from the authorities within 6 weeks, then it is your duty to start an administrative procedure in order to object the indecision.
And lastly…
This is only a general guide for you to start your journey through the immense immigration process. As I always say, it is up to you to check out the latest requirements and see whether or not there are details or any other missing information that you need to hand in as well.
Each application is different and most of the work permits for Curacao will be different as well because if you think about it there are many jobs for a person to do.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that an application process can take up to three months in order to get approved, so make sure you have plenty of time left whenever you decide to send your application to the Immigration offices.
You can also obtain more information at the following addresses:
Directie Buitenlandse Betrekkingen (DBB)
Fort Amsterdam 4, Willemstad, Curaçao
Nieuwe Toelatingsorganisatie (NTO)
Amerikaan Business Center Building
Mortiersweg 5, zijweg van Gosieweg, Willemstad, Curaçao.