@Home in Curacao

The @Home in Curacao program is a short-stay residence permit for remote workers and digital nomads, administered by the Immigration Service of Curacao under the Ministry of Justice. Launched in February 2021, the program enables foreign nationals to reside in Curacao while working remotely for employers, companies, or clients based outside the island. The legal basis is Article 9 of the Landsverordening Toelating en Uitzetting (LTU). A notable benefit is that permit holders are not considered tax residents and are not subject to Curacao income tax on foreign-sourced income for the duration of their stay.

• Must work location-independently using telecommunications technologies for entities outside Curacao
• Eligible applicant categories: employees with a foreign employer, partners or shareholders in a foreign company, or freelancers/consultants serving foreign clients
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Valid health insurance with coverage in Curacao
• Proof of residential address in Curacao (accommodation booking or lease agreement)
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of employment or business activity (employer's declaration, employment contract, or declaration of assignment)

The initial permit is valid for 6 months. It can be extended once for an additional 6 months, for a maximum total stay of 12 months. After the 12-month maximum, the permit cannot be renewed further -- holders wishing to remain longer must apply for a different type of residence permit. Extension applications can be submitted from within Curacao, unlike initial applications which must be awaited abroad.

Dependent family members may apply separately under the same program. Each dependant must submit a separate application with the standard required documents plus proof of the family relationship through official family law documents. Minors under 18 require parental consent documentation. The ANG 535 application fee applies per applicant, including each dependant. Dependants are subject to the same employment restrictions and may not work for Curacao-based employers.

Permit holders are not classified as tax residents of Curacao during their stay of up to 12 months. Foreign-sourced income earned through remote work is not subject to Curacao income tax. No tax filing obligations apply to short-stay permit holders whose income is sourced entirely from outside Curacao. The program does not provide a path to permanent residency.

Applications are submitted electronically through the Immigration Service's digital portal at permit.immigrationcur.org, or by email to [email protected]. The @Home in Curacao website also provides application forms in English, Spanish, and Dutch.

1. Collect all required documents in PDF format
2. Pay the ANG 535 fee (approximately USD 294) at Maduro & Curiel's Bank
3. Submit the application online or by email
4. Await the decision outside of Curacao (for initial applications)
5. Upon approval, schedule an appointment to collect the permit

Processing time: Approximately 2 weeks (the Admission Office has a maximum of 4 months to issue a decision).

Fee: ANG 535 (approximately USD 294) per applicant.

Holders may not participate in the local labour market in Curacao. Employment by or work for any Curacao-based employer or company is strictly prohibited. All work must be performed remotely for entities outside of Curacao. Violation of these conditions may result in enforcement measures including deportation under the LTU.