Moving to Bonaire

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Moving to Bonaire involves navigating the visa and residence permit process, which largely depends on your nationality. Citizens of the European Union (EU) generally have a more straightforward path, often requiring registration rather than extensive permit applications. Non-EU citizens, however, will typically need to apply for a residence permit prior to or shortly after arrival, depending on their specific situation.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Bonaire-based company, your employer will usually sponsor your work and residence permit application.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a spouse, parent, or child who is legally residing on Bonaire.
• Study Permit: For those enrolling in educational institutions on the island.
• Residence Permit for Independent Means: For individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation with the official government immigration services of Bonaire well in advance of your move. Regulations can change, and specific circumstances may require tailored advice.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing on Bonaire can be done through various channels. Online real estate portals and local Facebook groups are popular starting points, often featuring listings from both real estate agents and private landlords. Engaging with a local real estate agent can be beneficial, as they have in-depth knowledge of the market, available properties, and local rental customs. Word-of-mouth within expat communities is also a valuable resource.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Arranging visits to potential homes.
• Application: Submitting an application with personal details and sometimes references.
• Lease Agreement: Signing a formal rental contract, which will outline the terms, duration, rent amount, and responsibilities of both parties.
• Deposit: A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. This is held by the landlord to cover potential damages or unpaid rent and is typically refundable at the end of the lease, provided the property is returned in good condition.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as a short-term rental or guesthouse, while you finalize a long-term lease. Long-term rentals typically range from six months to a year or more, while temporary options offer flexibility during the initial settling-in period.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of your relocation to Bonaire is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters or by weight.
• Distance: The geographical distance from your current location to Bonaire plays a significant role in transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons can sometimes incur higher prices due to increased demand.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for loading and unloading at both your current home and your new Bonaire residence can impact labor and equipment costs. For example, if there are stairs, narrow doorways, or long carries, additional services may be required.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembly/reassembly of furniture, storage, or specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall expense.

For a precise understanding of your relocation costs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a checklist-style guide for a 4-8 week preparation period:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter & Inventory: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to move.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching relocation services and obtain free quotes.
• Visa & Residence: Double-check all visa and residence permit requirements and gather necessary documents.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Book Services: Confirm your relocation service provider and finalize your moving date.
• Documents: Start gathering all important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, financial statements, academic transcripts, and driver's licenses. Make digital and physical copies.
• Medical: Arrange for any necessary medical check-ups and obtain prescriptions for essential medications.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Utilities & Services: Notify current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Arrange for new utility connections in Bonaire if possible.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new Bonaire address or a trusted contact.
• Packing (Non-Essentials): Start packing non-essential items, clearly labeling boxes with contents and the room they belong to.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Essentials Box: Prepare an "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers, basic kitchen items).
• Valuables: Secure valuable items and important documents that you will transport personally.
• Notify Others: Inform banks, insurance companies, schools, and other relevant institutions of your change of address.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm Details: Reconfirm all arrangements with your relocation service provider.
• Clean Out: Empty the refrigerator and pantry. Plan for final cleaning of your current home.
• Electronics: Back up all computers and electronic devices.

Moving Day:

• Final Walk-Through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Utilities Off: Ensure all utilities are properly disconnected.

For a personalized estimate of your move to Bonaire, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Bonaire: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Bonaire is an exciting adventure! This guide will help you navigate the customs and import process for your personal belongings, ensuring a smooth transition to your new island home.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods and personal effects to Bonaire as a new resident, you can generally import used items duty-free. This applies to goods you've owned and used for at least six months prior to your move. You won't need to be present during the customs clearance of your household goods.

What you'll need

• A truthfully completed and signed application form.
• An exemption permit for household items, vehicles, vessels, and motorcycles.
• A clear photocopy of your passport (photo and name page).
• Proof of import tax exemption.
• A copy of your deregistration from the population register of your last municipality (if moving from the Netherlands).
• A Certificate of Residence.
• A detailed inventory of all items.

Good to know

• A refundable deposit, known as "borgstelling," will likely need to be paid. This deposit is refunded once your Sedula (Bonaire ID card) and tax form are provided to the destination agent.
• You should contact your destination agent upon arrival in Bonaire.
• Any new items included in your shipment will require an invoice and are subject to import tax.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Used motor vehicles can be imported duty-free if you have owned and used them for at least 12 months. Similar to household goods, you won't need to be present at customs clearance for your vehicle.

What you'll need

• Certificate of Registration.
• Vehicle Title.

Good to know

• A refundable "borgstelling" deposit will be required. This deposit is refunded after your Sedula and tax form are provided to the destination agent.

Pets

If you're bringing your furry friends, you'll need to ensure they have the proper documentation.

What you'll need

• A Health Certificate from a veterinarian.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either restricted or completely prohibited from import into Bonaire.

• Restricted items: All new items require an invoice and are subject to import tax.
• Prohibited items: Drugs and narcotics are strictly prohibited. All weapons are subject to a special license and cannot be imported without one.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be present when my household goods clear customs?
No, you do not need to be present at customs clearance for your household goods.

Are used household goods always duty-free?
Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free if you have owned and used them for over six months.

What is a "borgstelling" and when is it refunded?
A "borgstelling" is a refundable deposit that may be required for duty-free items and vehicles. It is refunded after you provide your Sedula (Bonaire ID card) and tax form to the destination agent.

What documents are needed for new items?
All new items require an invoice and are subject to import tax.

Can I import any type of weapon?
No, all weapons are subject to a special license and cannot be imported without one.

What should I do after arriving in Bonaire regarding my shipment?
You should contact your destination agent upon arrival in Bonaire.

For personalized assistance with your move to Bonaire and to ensure all customs requirements are met, please contact relocation123.com.

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