When planning your trip to Curaçao, you’ll have plenty of car rental companies to choose from, ensuring you find the perfect car for your needs. Rentalcars.com* offers a comparison of various providers.

The ideal rental car for you depends on various factors, including:

• The number of people you’re traveling with,
• The number of luggage pieces you have,
• Your preferred transmission (manual vs. automatic),
• The available/required mileage,
• Your age, as some cars can only be rented if you’re above a certain age.

AVIS offers a wide selection of rental cars for your vacation in Curaçao.

In addition to standard rental cars with five seats, AVIS also offers vehicles with seven seats. These are perfect for families with multiple children or larger groups of friends. All cars come with unlimited mileage and air conditioning, making your tours on the warm Caribbean island especially comfortable. To rent a car from AVIS in Curaçao, you must be at least 21 years old. At this age, you can rent small and mid-sized cars. For larger rental vehicles, you must be at least 25 years old.

Europcar presents a wide selection of rental cars for your vacation trip to Curaçao. This includes not only traditional economy models but also well-equipped luxury options.

Additionally, Europcar offers the flexibility to choose both long-term and short-term rental options. The long-term rental option is particularly advantageous for vacationers planning to spend several weeks on the island.

In addition to unlimited mileage options, all cars are equipped with air conditioning, enhancing the enjoyment of exploring the warm Caribbean island. To rent a car in Curaçao, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year.

Sixt also offers a wide selection of rental cars. You have access to cars with three to five seats. In addition to automatic vehicles, Sixt provides cars with manual transmission.

Please note that you must be at least 23 years old to rent a car from Sixt. For added protection against potential damages from accidents, you can easily opt for a Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection with a minimal deductible.

Alamo is also a popular car rental company offering vehicles in Curaçao for up to four to five people. Depending on the model, cars may have two to four doors. Consider your luggage and the number of travelers when making your selection.

To rent a car from Alamo, you must be at least 21 years old. However, for certain vehicle types, the minimum age requirement may be 25 years. Additionally, please note that young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur higher rental rates in some cases.

Ross Rental Cars is a smaller-scale car rental company exclusively operating in the countries of Curaçao and Suriname. Despite its modest size, the company offers a variety of appealing options. Ross Rental Cars is particularly well-suited for group travelers. For instance, spacious vans accommodating up to 11 passengers are available, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. Additionally, the company provides vehicles with ample trunk space, ideal for long-term travelers carrying substantial luggage.

The minimum rental age at Ross Rental Cars is 21 years old, and customers can choose between automatic and manual transmissions based on their personal preferences.

Green Motion is one of the few car rental companies that offers electric vehicles. If you prefer a sustainable option, you’ve come to the right place. But we also have traditional rental cars available, whether automatic or manual transmission. All our vehicles share low CO₂  emissions and state-of-the-art environmental technology.

Some models require a minimum age of 25 years. However, to give younger drivers the chance to explore Curaçao on their own terms, Green Motion also offers rental cars starting from 21 years old.

To ensure a smooth and organized arrival, it’s best to book your rental car in Curaçao well in advance and pick it up right upon your arrival at the airport. However, if you find yourself very exhausted after the long flight, you often have the option to have your rental car delivered to your hotel. This way, you can start your first full day of vacation relaxed and explore the island by car.

To help you with your travel planning, we’ve put together a quick overview of the main attractions and their distances from the center of the capital. This way, you can easily keep an eye on the must-see spots and know how far they are.

Most attractions, beaches, and national parks are best explored with your own car and are difficult, if not impossible, to reach by bus.

You will need a credit card to place a security deposit when you pick up the rental car. This is how rental companies protect themselves, as the amount is reserved on your credit card. However, you can usually pay for the rental car itself in advance via SEPA direct debit, PayPal, or online banking.

To rent a car in Curaçao, you do not need an international driver’s license. A regular card-format driver’s license is completely sufficient. However, some car rental companies require a minimum age, usually 21 years. Additionally, some rental agencies in Curaçao may also require proof that you have held a driver’s license for several years, demonstrating your driving experience.

While buses in Curaçao run regularly, they are not particularly frequent. The island’s public transportation system is modestly developed. With a rental car, you’ll have much more flexibility and can explore remote areas at your own pace. Walking or biking can quickly become exhausting due to the high temperatures, so they are not ideal alternatives either.

Therefore, our recommendation is: Don’t skimp on your Curaçao trip; book a rental car for at least a few days to explore the island’s many beautiful corners at your leisure.

Generally, Curaçao follows similar traffic regulations as in the USA. The Caribbean island drives on the right side of the road. The rule of yielding to the right applies at intersections unless otherwise indicated. At T-intersections, priority is given to vehicles continuing straight. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour in urban areas and up to 50 miles per hour outside of town.

If you’re familiar with US traffic rules, drive with foresight, and keep an eye on pedestrians and other vehicles around you, you’re well prepared to explore Curaçao with a rental car.

There is a wide range of providers for trip cancellation insurance. Depending on which provider you choose and which plan you select, different reasons for cancelling your trip are covered. While personal illness or severe injury are typically always included, some insurance policies also cover property damage, job loss, family deaths, vaccine incompatibilities, emergency first responder duties, or exam retakes as insured reasons.

Trip cancellation due to a COVID-19 infection is also included in many travel cancellation insurance policies, or can be added for a small additional fee.

Some policies also provide coverage for delays with public transportation. The minimum delay varies by provider. If you miss your flight due to a significant delay, some trip cancellation insurances will cover the additional costs for your delayed departure. Thus, you also benefit from the insurance even though you are starting your vacation.

If you cancel your trip for one of the insured reasons specified in your contract, your insurance will cover all travel expenses.

These include:

• the cost of your accommodation,
• transfer fees to the airport,
• train or plane tickets,
• and pre-booked meal expenses.

To ensure that your insurance covers all the costs of the trip, you should consider the sum insured when you take out the policy. Make sure that all costs associated with your trip are covered.

The cost of trip cancellation insurance depends on various factors and cannot be answered universally. If you opt for a combination of trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, it usually costs more than a simple trip cancellation insurance.

However, you are not only protected before your trip starts but also during your trip. Additionally, you pay less than if you were to book both insurances separately.

Another way to save money is by opting for family insurance if you are traveling as a couple or a family with children. Furthermore, the price of the insurance also depends on whether you want to insure just one trip or multiple trips within a year.

Whether trip cancellation insurance provides value for you depends on various factors. Generally, the insurance is particularly worthwhile if you cannot cancel booked accommodations and flights without fees. Especially for expensive trips, trip cancellation insurance is valuable since these are usually associated with high cancellation fees.

The closer the trip gets, the higher the cancellation costs typically become. Additionally, traveling with older people with pre-existing conditions and children often carries a higher risk of trip cancellations. Therefore, insurance is particularly recommended in these cases. This also applies to vacations with a long period between booking and departure.

Trip cancellation insurance only applies if you fall ill before your trip begins. If you become ill during your vacation and have to cut it short, you are no longer covered. This means you will have to bear any travel costs incurred and also pay for the early return trip.

This is where trip interruption insurance steps in. In the event of a trip interruption, you will be reimbursed for the costs of services you could no longer use on-site. Some insurance providers also cover not only the illness of the insured person but also that of their close relatives.

In certain cases, trip interruption insurance also applies if you need to stay longer at your vacation destination due to unforeseen reasons, such as an accident.

It is worthwhile, especially for longer vacations or trips to distant destinations, to book a combination package. Many insurers offer trip interruption insurance at a small additional cost when you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

You should always keep your individual requirements in mind when choosing your trip cancellation insurance. If you travel only once a year, single-trip insurance is usually sufficient. If you travel twice or more often, an annual insurance policy is often cheaper.

Depending on which insured reasons are particularly important to you, it is also worth comparing different providers. They often have different focuses and sometimes even offer combination packages for comprehensive travel protection. We’re sure you’ll find the right insurance for your next trip.

A baggage insurance policy can generally cover damage caused by loss, theft, and damage to luggage. The specific services covered by travel luggage insurance can vary depending on the provider. This also applies to the amount of the insurance coverage.

Typical services that baggage insurance can cover include:

• Reimbursement for delayed arrival of your luggage.
• Coverage for necessary replacement purchases.
• The option to combine with other insurances, such as travel health, travel liability, travel accident, trip interruption, and trip cancellation insurance.
• Coverage for stolen luggage.
• Reimbursement for transport damages.

To ensure you find the right insurance that covers all relevant services for you, you should compare different insurance providers before your trip.

Typically, some items are only insured up to a certain limit. This can be a fixed amount in dollars or a percentage of the maximum insurance coverage. We have listed below the items that require special caution:

Please also note that some of these items are only insured under certain conditions. Detailed information can be found in the contract documents of your chosen insurance provider. For example, jewelry is often only insured if it is stored in a safe or if you carry it securely in your personal custody.

The question of how much baggage insurance costs depends on various factors and cannot be answered in a general way. Besides the value of the travel luggage, the number of insured persons, the duration of the trip, and the amount of the deductible can also influence the costs. Additionally, the price depends on whether you purchase baggage insurance for a single trip or for an entire year.

Depending on where and how your luggage was damaged or lost, not only your travel luggage insurance but also your airline may be responsible and have to pay compensation.

If your checked luggage is damaged or lost, your airline must cover the damage incurred. The question of their liability is not relevant in this case. However, a different situation arises if your carry-on luggage is damaged. In such cases, the airline must be responsible for the damage for you to be entitled to compensation. However, proving this in specific cases can be difficult.

A piece of luggage is considered lost if it has not reappeared after 21 days. Some airlines confirm that a piece of luggage is lost after a shorter period. In this case, the airline must reimburse the suitcase and its contents. Note, however, that the maximum reimbursement amount for both damage and loss is between approximately $1,525 and $3,500 per person. If you are transporting significantly more valuable items in your luggage or want to protect yourself against theft, additional travel luggage insurance may be advisable.

In addition to travel insurance for your luggage, there are several extra steps you can take to protect your suitcase and carry-on. Below is a list of helpful tips to consider for your trip to Curaçao.

➤ Store valuables that you won’t need during the day in the safe of your accommodation. This is especially important for valuable jewelry and keys. However, note that valuables in safes are only insured up to a certain amount, which varies depending on the country.

➤ To track the current location of your luggage, consider using a small GPS tracker. You can link it to your smartphone to always know where your suitcase is. If the suitcase gets lost, the tracker can help you locate it faster. You can find GPS trackers in various quality and price ranges. While Apple AirTags, as a high-end option, promise the highest reliability, other providers offer more affordable alternatives*.

➤ For valuables you need daily, keep them as close to your body as possible. We recommend practical waist bags* with plenty of storage space for smartphones, travel credit cards, ID documents, and cash.

➤ Make copies of your essential travel documents, including your passport and ID card. Save these as scans on your laptop and smartphone. If these documents are stolen or lost, having copies will make it easier to get replacements.

➤ Carry only as much cash as you need for your vacation. In Curaçao, you can often use a travel credit card for payments. Depending on the provider, cash withdrawals abroad may even be free of charge.

➤ Another way to make it easier to identify lost luggage is with name tags*. Bright luggage tags come in different designs and can help you quickly spot your suitcase on the baggage carousel.

➤ As a solo traveler, you may not be able to leave some valuables in the safe because you need them, and there’s no one to watch them at the beach. For these situations, we recommend a waterproof bag* so you can swim without worrying about your valuables.

➤ Store your laptop in a shockproof, water-repellent case* for extra protection. Since airlines may not cover damage to carry-on items, it’s crucial to ensure their safety.

➤ Invest in a sturdy suitcase that protects its contents from external impacts. Hard-shell suitcases* offer excellent protection and are usually waterproof.

These tips can help ensure your belongings remain safe and secure, allowing you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Whether travel luggage insurance is worth it for you depends on several factors. If you’re carrying valuable items, such as a DSLR camera or a high-end laptop, or bringing your diving gear to Curaçao, purchasing insurance might already be worthwhile.

Additionally, coverage for theft is a real advantage. Generally, the more frequently you travel and the longer the flight, the higher the risk of damage. Therefore, we highly recommend comparing the costs of insurance and weighing them against the value of your luggage contents. This way, you can determine how beneficial travel luggage insurance is for you.

Whether you need an adapter depends on the type of socket installed in your holiday accommodation in Curaçao. Most electrical outlets in Curaçao are type A and B sockets.

You can use electrical devices with an A plug in both types of electrical outlets. These are the standard plugs used in the USA. In this case, you therefore do not need an adapter.

However, keep in mind that many hotels are equipped with different types of sockets, including the F plug used in European countries as well. It is therefore advisable to take a travel adapter with you in some cases.

If you are unsure about the type of socket installed in your hotel and cannot find any information, we recommend asking in advance about the type of socket available there.

With an universal travel adapter*, you only need one adapter — regardless of your destination. Using sliders, you can combine the different plugs with various electric outlets. This way, you can use your US devices anywhere abroad — requiring just one adapter.

An universal adapter also has the advantage that you can often charge multiple devices with one adapter. Often, both a “large plug” and multiple USB plugs can be connected at the same time.

Since the mains voltage in Curaçao is often only 110 volts or 50Hz, your brought devices may not work if a higher voltage is required.

For some devices, however, you usually never need a voltage converter. These include chargers for laptops, e-readers, tablets, smartphones, and cameras.

Check the power supply to see if it says the electronic device works at 100 to 240 volts. In this case, it is compatible with all common voltages.

For some high-power devices, using voltage converters can cause problems. Therefore, it is advisable to take a travel hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron with you that works at different voltages.

Depending on the socket installed in your accommodation, you may need a travel adapter. However in most cases type A or B sockets are installed, so you can skip the adapter.

If a type F socket is installed, which is also the standard in some European countries, you will definitely need an adapter. It is best to check directly with your hotel or holiday accommodation before your trip to Curaçao to find out what type of sockets are available. This will keep you on the safe side

Depending on the devices you want to take on your trip, you may also need a voltage converter. For smartphones, cameras, and laptops, you usually don’t need one. It is best to check the power supply of your charger in advance. If it says it works for devices from 100 to 240 volts, you can use it worldwide without any problems.

The Digital Immigration Card is a digital entry card. All persons who wish to enter Curaçao and are not residents must present this card. If you are traveling with the whole family, each family member must present their own completed Digital Immigration Card.

There you will enter all the data found on your passport. This includes your personal data, your planned length of stay, and the address of your hotel or vacation rental in Curaçao.

Curaçao has been offering the online version of the Digital Immigration Card for several years now. Until September 30, 2019, it was still possible to fill out the entry card in paper form directly on the outbound flight. However, since October 1, 2019, there has been a mandatory requirement to apply for a digital entry card. Filling out a document during the flight is no longer possible. Therefore, it is important that you take care of your ED Card well in advance before your trip.

The Digital Immigration Card is a one-time document. When you enter the country, border officers at Curaçao Airport will check your DI Card and compare it with your passport details. If everything matches, you will be granted official entry, and the validity of the DI Card will expire. If you travel to Curaçao again, you will need to fill out the ED Card again.

You can officially apply for the ED Card at the DI-Portal. You can fill out the online entry card seven days before departure. However, filling out the document is also possible 24 hours before departure. The form is divided into three sections. In the first part, the following information must be provided:

• Flight details,
• Flight number,
• Address of your accommodation,
• Reason for your visit,
• and the booking method of your stay.

In the second section, you must provide the details found on your passport. This includes your name, date of birth, gender, passport number, and passport expiration date. Additionally, you must take a photo of your open passport and upload it there.

Personal information such as your home address, email address, and phone number will be requested in the last section. Once you have provided all the information, you can download the DI Card as a PDF or send it to your email address.

Tip: If you travel to Curaçao again after your vacation, you can easily update the Digital Immigration Card. Just log in to the DI-Portal, click on “edit,” and adjust the travel details.

You see, the DI Card is a requirement for your stay in Curaçao. To start your trip as stress-free as possible, it is recommended to fill out the DI Card as soon as possible. If there are delays or cancellations with your flight, you don’t need to worry. Your digital entry card remains valid even one day after the planned arrival date.

What time it is in Curaçao depends not only on which time zone you are in, but also on whether you are there during winter or summer time. Since Curaçao has not switched to daylight saving time since 1945, the time difference can be zero to four hours, depending on whether you are vacationing there during American summer or winter time.

For a better understanding, we have listed a few examples below:

➤ In summer time, it is three hours earlier in Los Angeles (time zone: PST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In winter time, it is four hours earlier in Los Angeles (time zone: PST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In summertime, it is two hours earlier in Albuquerque (time zone: MST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In winter time, it is three hours earlier in Albuquerque (time zone: MST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In summer time, it is one hour earlier in Chicago (time zone: CST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In winter time, it is two hours earlier in Chicago (time zone: CST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In summer time, it is the same time in Boston (time zone: EST) than in Curaçao.
➤ In winter time, it is one hour earlier in Boston (time zone: EST) than in Curaçao.

To enter Curaçao, you must have a (temporary) passport. It is important that this passport is not older than ten years and remains valid throughout your stay. Ideally, your passport should have at least six months of validity left when you travel to Curaçao.

For Peruvian, Turkish, and Cuban nationals, for example, a passport alone is not sufficient. This means that tourists from these countries must present a visa, which they should ideally apply for at least one month before traveling. Therefore, you should definitely check the regulations that apply to your nationality.

In addition to the passport and the Digital Immigration Card, it is also required to present a valid travel health insurance. There are both short-term health insurance options for a few weeks or months abroad as well as long-term options that cover stays of up to five years.

Yes, from a stay of more than 180 days in Curaçao you usually need a visa, or a special permit if you have US citizenship. Ideally, you should apply for your visa one or two months before you want to visit the Caribbean island.

If you are planning a longer stay or even considering moving to Curaçao permanently, you must apply for a residence permit. Initially, this permit is issued for a maximum period of three years.

A subsequent extension is of course possible. To increase the chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit, you must have lived and worked in Curaçao for at least ten years. However, before you can take up employment in Curaçao, you must apply for a work permit.
If you would like more information about what to consider if you are planning to move to Curaçao, feel free to read our article on this topic.

Although Curaçao, like Aruba, is now an autonomous country in the Caribbean, the head of state is still King Willem-Alexander. Due to the colonial history of the Netherlands and Curaçao’s membership in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch remains the official language, primarily used in administrative contexts. It is often the language of choice for communication with Dutch expatriates as well.

Papiamentu is the most widely spoken language in Curaçao, used by almost all locals. It is a Creole language that represents a combination of several languages. Papiamentu primarily blends elements from:

• Portuguese,
• Dutch, and
• Spanish.

Additionally, English and African elements have also influenced the language.

The language originated in the 17th century, a grim period when slaves from various African countries communicated among themselves and with Portuguese slave traders. Since slaves were not permitted to speak or learn Dutch, the Dutch component in Papiamentu is relatively small. The development of Papiamentu is thus deeply rooted in historical and linguistic exchange across cultures.

In addition to Papiamentu and Dutch, most native people of Curaçao also speak Spanish and English. Therefore, as a tourist, you will be able to communicate effectively if you speak English, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Furthermore, many tours and excursions on the island are offered with Spanish- and English-speaking guides. If you want to bring a smile to the locals’ faces, try learning a few words in Papiamentu. A warm “Danki” (thank you) or “Bonochi” (good evening) is always appreciated by the residents of Curaçao.

Since locals, like people everywhere, appreciate it when you can speak a few words of the local language, we have compiled some important phrases and vocabulary in Papiamentu and Dutch for you below. If you master these, you show that you have engaged with your vacation destination and will surely bring a smile to your counterpart’s face.

If you want to learn more terms and phrases in Papiamentu before your trip, consider getting a dictionary. This can also help you pass the time on the airplane and look forward to your vacation with excitement. It’s also a fun way to get in touch with the culture of the island.

For language enthusiasts and those planning a longer stay in Curaçao, participating in a Dutch language course is recommended. There are now numerous options for learning a language comfortably from home. If you have no prior knowledge, a Dutch Language Course for Beginners is suitable, where you can learn the basics. If you have previously learned the language in school or have taken a course before, a Dutch Language Course for Advanced Learners would be the right choice. Here you will learn additional vocabulary and will be able to understand more complex contexts. You can also choose an Express Course, which is specifically tailored to the needs of travelers and provides useful vocabulary and helpful phrases.

You can generally get by with English in Curaçao, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Locals on the Caribbean island typically speak both Dutch and Papiamentu fluently. To make the locals happy (and yourself as well), it’s always nice to learn and use at least a few commonly used terms.

Whether you’re strolling through the colorful streets of Willemstad, crossing the Queen Emma Bridge, exploring the little museums, or admiring art influenced by the island’s mixed heritage, learning a few words can truly be a part of your meaningful travel experience. This small change in your approach opens doors to deeper international understanding.

Individuals who have US citizenship and a valid passport typically do not need a visa. You can stay in Curaçao for up to 180 days under these conditions. However, that your passport is no more than ten years old and remains valid for the entire duration of your stay.

If you intend to stay in Curaçao for more than 180 days, even as a US citizen, you will need a tourist visa. This can be applied for either on-site or online. If you plan a longer stay from the start and not just an extension of your trip, we recommend applying for a visa before starting your journey.

If you do not hold US citizenship, you may still require a visa for stays of up to 180 or less days. This requirement applies, for example, to individuals with Cuban or Haitian citizenship.

To ensure your visa is approved on time, we recommend applying at least one month before your planned arrival.

In addition to US, many other nationalities are also exempt from visa requirements and can enter with a valid passport for limited stays. These countries include, for example:

• Belgium,
• Guatemala,
• Australia,
• Bolivia,
• Denmark,
• Estonia,
• Japan,
• Argentina,
• France,
• Iceland,
• Brazil,
• Ecuador,
• Croatia,
• Colombia,
• Jamaica,
• Romania,
• Trinidad & Tobago,
• Sweden
• and many more.

However, residents of certain countries are permitted to spend up to 180 days per year in Curacao, provided that no single visit exceeds 90 days.

Additionally, there is a special provision for people with Chinese or Indian citizenship, or those from the Dominican Republic. If they hold a valid multiple-entry visa for Canada, the United States, or Schengen Area countries, the visa requirement for Curaçao is waived, and they can enter easily.

Upon your entry to Curaçao, authorities may require, in addition to your passport, a return or onward flight ticket. Additionally, you might need to present travel documents confirming the purpose of your trip. In practice, however, you are unlikely to need to present these documents.

It has been mandatory since October 1, 2019, for all international visitors to Curaçao to have applied for a Digital Immigration Card (DI-Card). This can conveniently be done online. To ensure that the DI-Card is ready by your travel date, you should complete it at least 7 days before your vacation begins. Additionally, print out the form so you can present it at airport checks. Typically, a passport and the Digital Immigration Card are sufficient for entry.

You may also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay.

For the entire duration of your stay, you must have a valid travel or international health insurance that you have secured before starting your trip. On request, you should also be able to show proof of insurance. The scope of your international health insurance should include hospital treatments as well as outpatient emergency services.

Specific vaccinations may be required for entry into Curaçao. For example, individuals coming from a yellow fever risk area must have been vaccinated against yellow fever if they are older than six months.

The vaccination must be recorded in your vaccination passport, and you must be able to present it upon request. If you are medically unable to receive a yellow fever vaccination, you will need a doctor’s certificate as proof.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is generally recommended to be vaccinated against the following diseases before traveling to Curaçao or to check whether vaccinations need to be refreshed:

• Chickenpox
• Influenza
• Pertussis
• Diphtherie
• Tetanus
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Polio
• Shingles
• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Rabies

Since a visa is not required, entering Curaçao is comparatively uncomplicated compared to other Caribbean states. However, you must consider several aspects for emigrating, or for the initial entry.

If you are a US-citizen, you initially need a (provisional) passport. It must not be older than ten years and valid for the entire duration of your stay. In some cases, it is also required that the passport be valid for at least six more months.

In addition to the passport, filling out the so-called Digital Immigration Card within seven days before departure is necessary. With both documents presented, you can stay up to 180 days per year in Curaçao without needing a special permit.

For those planning a longer visit or even a permanent stay, obtaining a residence permit is necessary. To apply for this, you will need a visa. As long as you are waiting for your residence permit, you are generally not allowed to be on Curaçao while waiting for the decision. However, a special rule applies for American and Dutch citizens. They receive the status “Verklaring van Rechtswege”. This means that you can also stay on the island while waiting for a decision.

It is initially granted for a maximum of three years, with the possibility of an extension thereafter. If you have worked and lived in the country for at least ten years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit. However, before you can accept employment in Curaçao, you must first obtain a work permit.

For entry, you must also demonstrate that you have a valid international health insurance. Besides short-term travel health insurances for a few weeks or months, there are also long-term international health insurances for stays up to five years.

The cost of living in Curaçao is roughly 40% lower overall compared to the USA. For instance, food costs about 15% less. Additionally, housing, dining out, and public transportation are all more affordable in Curaçao.

The required starting capital depends particularly on your individual requirements. It’s not possible to make a blanket statement about the amount of necessary capital. A rule of thumb you can follow is that your starting capital should be high enough to live six to twelve months without additional income and cover all incurred costs.

This reserve also gives you the option to respond to a sudden job loss or unforeseen expenses, such as major repair works.

We recommend that you perform a detailed calculation in advance, where you compare all potential incomes and expenses. This will help you assess how realistic your dream of emigrating is, or where you might need to cut expenses or whether a higher income is necessary for emigrating.

Entry regulations for Curaçao are similar to those for other countries. Prescription medications must be properly marked. In addition, you may need to prove ownership of expensive jewelry. People over 18 years are allowed to bring in one liter of spirits, 125 grams of tobacco, 25 cigars, and 200 cigarettes. If you exceed these limits, duty is required. This also applies to cash amounts over $10,000.

Since you are likely to carry more luggage than for a several-week vacation when emigrating, consider whether you want to take your own furniture or buy new furnishings once you arrive in Curaçao.

Your apartment’s furnishings are typically handled by an international moving company you hire. The moving company will store your belongings in shipping containers and transport them overseas to your new home.

The exact amount of import duties is calculated individually by the customs. Therefore, you should carefully consider whether taking your old furniture or buying new ones is cheaper.

If you need to meet specific legal requirements, there is the option to apply for an import exemption for goods during a move. This exemption only applies to previously used, personal items.

New goods always incur customs duties. People who have lived in Curaçao for at least six months before importing furniture can claim an exemption from duties. For importing vehicles, a minimum of twelve months of prior residence is necessary.

There are additional considerations when bringing pets. To take your animal companion to your new home, you must be able to present a vaccination card, a veterinary health certificate, and a pet passport.

The latter must be issued in English or Dutch. During your pet’s transit, these three documents must be available. Moreover, your pet must have been vaccinated at least 30 days prior, and the vaccination must not be more than 12 months old.

The official language in Curaçao is Dutch. Both in private and in professional contexts, you should therefore be able to get by well with this language.

The locals in Curaçao also speak Papiamentu. This is a Creole language, a language that has emerged from the contact of different languages. In this case, it is a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese. French, English, and African words also flow into the language. Moreover, many island residents also speak English and Spanish.

If you want to emigrate to Curaçao, you should be able to speak at least one of the four languages to cope not only in everyday life but also professionally. Particularly for a longer or even permanent stay, attending a language course is advisable.

Whether moving to Curaçao is right for you depends on your individual desires and requirements. Therefore, this question cannot be universally answered – as is often the case. You should thoroughly analyze your financial situation, entry requirements, language skills, and other influencing factors in advance.

Also, consider personal circumstances, such as the family situation. If you have children, moving would involve additional organizational aspects, such as finding a suitable school. Children are uprooted from their familiar environment during a move, especially to a new country. This can cause stress and bring new challenges. Therefore, it would be advisable to consider this in advance to help them accept and feel comfortable in their new home.

Regardless of whether you decide to emigrate or not, you can certainly enjoy the Caribbean flair during an extended vacation. If it fits with your work and family life, you could also move to Curaçao temporarily, essentially “trying out emigration.”

With a US passport, you are freely allowed to explore the beautiful Caribbean island for up to 180 days. The decision whether or not to emigrate to Curaçao is one you must make alone or together with your partner or family. Since you know yourself, your life situation, your financial means, and your dreams best, we are confident that you can answer this question sooner or later.