Moving to Curaçao

Moving Guide

Moving to Curaçao: A Practical Relocation Guide

1. Visa & Residence

Your ability to live and work in Curaçao depends significantly on your nationality. For citizens of the European Union (EU), the process is generally more streamlined due to existing agreements. Non-EU citizens will typically need to apply for a permit to reside and/or work on the island.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: This is usually sponsored by an employer in Curaçao and is tied to a specific job.
• Family Reunification: If you have a spouse or close family member already legally residing in Curaçao, you may be able to apply to join them.
• Study Permit: For those enrolling in educational institutions on the island.
• Independent Residence Permit: For individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves without working.

It is absolutely crucial to verify the most current requirements and application procedures directly with the official immigration authorities of Curaçao. Regulations can change, and specific documentation will be required based on your individual circumstances.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Curaçao can be done through various channels. Online property portals are a popular starting point, showcasing a range of apartments, houses, and villas. Local real estate agents are also invaluable, especially for those new to the island, as they have a deep understanding of the market and neighborhoods. Word-of-mouth and local community groups can also sometimes yield good leads.

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 contract outlining the terms of the rental, including rent, duration, and responsibilities.
• Deposit: A security deposit is standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the tenancy, assuming no damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as a short-term rental or hotel, before committing to a long-term lease. Long-term leases are typically for one year or more, while temporary options offer flexibility as you get settled.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of your relocation to Curaçao is influenced by several key factors:

• Volume of Goods: The more belongings you move, the higher the shipping cost. This is usually measured in cubic meters or by weight.
• Distance: The origin country significantly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for services.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both your origin and destination properties (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can affect labor costs.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing, unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage, or vehicle shipping will add to the total cost.

For an accurate and personalized estimate of your relocation expenses, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized move typically spans 4-8 weeks. Here's a checklist-style guide:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means saving money and effort.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching relocation services and request quotes.
• Documents: Gather important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, school records, financial statements). Create digital copies and keep originals secure.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Notify Utilities: Inform current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, gas) of your move-out date.
• Change of Address: Start notifying banks, insurance companies, subscriptions, and other important contacts of your upcoming address change.
• Medical & Dental: Arrange for final check-ups and obtain prescriptions or medical records if needed.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need until after the move (e.g., seasonal clothing, books, decorative items).
• Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of all items being moved, especially for insurance purposes.
• Travel Arrangements: Confirm flights and temporary accommodation for your arrival in Curaçao.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Confirm Services: Reconfirm all arrangements with your relocation service provider.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials for your first few days in Curaçao (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents).
• Disconnect Services: Schedule final disconnections for utilities.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the packing and loading process.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your seamless move to Curaçao today.

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 Curaçao: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Curaçao 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 home.

If you're relocating as a new resident

As a new resident establishing permanent residence in Willemstad, your household goods can generally be imported duty-free. This applies if you have owned and used these items for at least six months prior to their importation. If you don't yet have your certificate of residence but are awaiting your permit, you may still import your belongings by providing a bank guarantee or deposit.

What you'll need

• Original passport
• Two copies of your packing list
• Express Release Rated Bill of Lading (B/L) or a copy of the Rated Air Waybill (AWB)
• A certificate from your last place of residence confirming you lived there for at least six months before the move
• Certificate of residence (obtained from the local Department of Civil Registration)
• If applicable, your marriage certificate or partnership agreement
• Completed and signed import duties exemption application form
• Power of attorney

Good to know

• The shipper must be physically present in Willemstad for customs clearance.
• Household goods must have been owned by the shipper for a minimum of six months before importation.
• Supporting documents indicating your intent to establish permanent residence in Willemstad are required.

Returning residents

The source does not provide specific details for returning residents. The general rules for new residents regarding household goods and documentation are likely to apply.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats are entitled to free import of their removal goods.

What you'll need

• Specific documents for diplomatic status would be required, though not detailed in the source.

Good to know

• Diplomats are exempt from import duties.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Items considered part of a wedding trousseau can enter Curaçao duty-free.

What you'll need

• Inventory in five copies
• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of residence
• Completed and signed import duties exemption application form
• Power of attorney

Good to know

• These items are eligible for duty-free entry.

Inherited belongings

Inherited goods can be imported duty-free into Curaçao.

What you'll need

• Inventory in five copies, certified by a notary
• Certificate of residence
• Death certificate
• Certificate of inheritance (notary act) specifying the inherited goods and declaring them bestowed upon the consignee
• Completed and signed import duties exemption application form
• Power of attorney

Good to know

• Goods must be imported within one year of the inheritance.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

For passenger cars or motorcycles, you may qualify for duty exemption if you have owned and used the vehicle for at least one year prior to shipping. This exemption applies to one motor vehicle per family. Other vehicles like sport cars, trailers, boats, and water scooters are subject to duties.

What you'll need

• Free entry permit
• Original purchase invoice
• Certificate of registration (Title)
• Insurance certificate detailing the period the vehicle was insured, with start and termination dates
• Express Release Rated Bill of Lading (B/L) or Rated Air Waybill (AWB)
• Certificate of inspection at origin
• Completed and signed import duties exemption application form
• Power of attorney

Good to know

• A passenger car is defined as a motor vehicle (not a sport car or hobby car) on two or more wheels, including trailers for non-business transportation of persons, goods, or livestock, suitable for public roads.
• Exemption is for one vehicle per family.
• Other vehicles (sport cars, trailers, boats, water scooters) are subject to duties and require an invoice, registration card, and ownership title.

Pets

Bringing your cat or dog to Curaçao requires specific health and vaccination documentation.

What you'll need

• Health and vaccination certificates (not older than 2 weeks)
• Pet passport containing:
  • A vet statement (in Dutch or English) confirming rabies vaccination with an approved vaccine.
  • Date of vaccination.
  • Pet's description (breed, sex, age, color, fur type, marks).
  • Owner's name.

Good to know

• Your pet must have been vaccinated against rabies within 1 year and at least 30 days before the move.
• Applying for a pet passport takes time; apply at your vet no later than 10 days before the move.
• If you don't have a pet passport, your dog or cat will be vaccinated upon entry and must remain in quarantine for 30 days.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Arms, ammunition, dangerous objects: Require authorization issued by the Police authorities.
• Narcotics, drugs: Prohibited.
• Wooden packing materials: Shipments using wood packing material must have a seal certifying required treatment (Heat Treatment at 56°C for 30 mins, or Methyl Bromide Treatment at 10°C for 16 hours). The material must be visibly marked on at least two opposite sides with a legible, permanent black ink mark (e.g., XX-000-YY-AAA). This does not apply to wood packaging of 6mm thickness or less, processed wood, plywood, agglomerated sawdust sheets, sawdust, or wooden fiber.

Alcohol & tobacco

If part of household effects and in reasonable quantities appropriate to the shipper's situation, no specific documents are required. Diplomats are entitled to exemption.

Good to know

• The norm is 1 liter of alcohol free entry per family, but Customs will evaluate each case. Extra quantities will be taxed.
• Tobacco follows the same rules as alcohol regarding quantity and taxation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
Yes, the shipper must personally be in Willemstad for customs clearance of removal goods.

What if I don't have my residence permit yet?
If you are awaiting your residence permit and don't yet have your certificate of residence, you can still import your belongings by providing a bank guarantee or deposit.

Are new furniture and household articles duty-free?
No, new furniture and household articles are subject to payment of duties and require an invoice.

Are works of art and antiques duty-free?
Works of art and antiques are subject to payment of duties and require a purchase invoice.

What about household and electrical appliances?
If they are part of your household effects, no additional documents are required, but their mark and fabrication number should be mentioned on the inventory list.

Can I bring medicine?
Medicine is allowed if it's part of your household effects and prescribed by a doctor. No specific documents are required beyond that.

What about gifts and souvenirs?
If they are part of your household effects, no specific documents are required.

Are precious metal objects like jewelry or coins allowed?
Yes, if they are part of your household effects, no specific documents are required.

For further assistance with your move to Curaçao, please contact relocation123.com.

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