Overview of Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa offered by the government of Curaçao is known as the Temporary Stay Permit for Digital Nomads/Remote Workers, which is available through the @Home in Curaçao program. This program has been in effect since February 2021 and is designed for remote workers, digital nomads, hibernators, and investors who wish to live and work in Curaçao. The program offers a range of benefits and incentives to attract individuals and businesses to the island, including tax breaks, streamlined immigration procedures, and access to local business networks.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Curaçao

Working as a digital nomad in Curaçao has numerous benefits. Here are a few:

Easy visa application process: The visa application process is straightforward and can be done entirely online. The response time is typically two weeks.

Tax-free: Digital nomads under the @Home in Curaçao program are exempt from paying income tax. However, tax returns may still be necessary in certain countries.

High-speed internet: Curaçao has fast fiber internet and 4G mobile services with decent download and upload speeds. The average internet speed is around 15 Mbps.

Leisure activities: Curaçao offers various leisure activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Additionally, the island has 38 beautiful golden sand beaches and lagoons.

Delicious cuisine: Curaçao's cuisine is a blend of Caribbean and European (especially Dutch) flavors. Visitors can try Dutch favorites like oliebollen, bitterballen, poffertjes, and stroopwafels. Other local dishes include Keshi Yena (oven-baked Dutch cheese stuffed with spiced meat, olives, onions, capers, and tomatoes) and Funchi and Tutu (African-inspired side dishes).

Affordable prices: Curaçao is one of the Caribbean's most cost-effective islands to live on. Estimated monthly costs for a single person are around $947.03 without rent, while a family of four can expect to pay around $3,343.35 without rent.

Overall, Curaçao offers an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a perfect work-life balance with a tropical island's charm.

Types of Curacao Visas

Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and has a separate visa policy called the Caribbean Visa. A standard Caribbean visa allows you to enter Curaçao and the other Dutch territories in the Caribbean for up to 90 days within 180 days. You can also travel to Curaçao visa-free for up to 30 days (90 days total for the Caribbean territories) if you hold a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or multiple-entry visa for certain countries. Transiting through Curaçao is allowed if you have an onward ticket within 48 hours, except for Haitian nationals. Caribbean visas are not valid for the European part of the Netherlands or other Schengen countries.

• Curaçao Short-term Visa:The Curaçao Short-stay visa is for temporary travel to Curaçao, valid for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days and can be used for tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term work, and other non-permanent reasons. The visa is multiple-entry.
  
  

Curaçao Long-term Visa and Residence Permit: To stay in Curaçao for more than 90 days, you need a Residence Permit. Dutch and US nationals need it only if they stay more than 180 days. You need a sponsor in Curaçao for applying on your behalf, and only after approval, you can get a Long-term visa for entering and collecting the permit. You need a Work Permit to work in Curaçao, which you can obtain by contacting the local authorities. Note that Caribbean Residence Permits are not valid for the European part of the Netherlands, and you cannot enter or stay in Schengen countries with them.

Curacao Visa Fees and Cost

The fee for a Curacao visa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country of origin. Therefore, it's best to use the fee tool provided above to check the current fee for your specific situation. Once you have determined the fee, you can proceed with the next steps of the application process, which may include submitting your application and supporting documents, paying the fee, and attending an interview if required.

The benefit of using the fee tool provided above is that it allows applicants to check the current fee for their specific situation. 

• This ensures that applicants are aware of the exact cost of their visa application and can plan accordingly. 
• By checking the fee tool themselves, applicants can avoid any surprises or unexpected costs that may arise during the application process. 
• This can save time and prevent any delays or issues that may occur due to insufficient funds. Overall, using the fee tool provides transparency and clarity in the visa application process and can ultimately lead to a smoother and more successful application.

Choosing Between a Curacao eVisa or Sticker-Visa

Choosing between a Curacao eVisa or sticker-visa depends on the applicant's personal preference and travel plans. Here are some factors to consider:

Curacao eVisa:

• Can be applied for online from anywhere in the world.
• Requires uploading supporting documents and paying the visa fee online.
• Processing time is usually around two weeks.
• Once approved, the eVisa is sent via email, and the applicant can print it and bring it to Curacao.
• Can be used for short-term stays of up to 90 days.

Curacao sticker-visa:

• Requires applying in person at a Curacao embassy or consulate.
• Requires submitting physical copies of supporting documents and paying the visa fee at the embassy or consulate.
• Processing time can take several weeks.
• Once approved, the visa is stamped in the applicant's passport.
• Can be used for both short-term and long-term stays in Curacao.

Ultimately, the decision between a Curacao eVisa or sticker-visa will depend on the applicant's individual circumstances and preferences, such as travel plans, time constraints, and ease of application.
 

Renewing an Expired Curacao Visa

If your Curacao visa has expired and you need to extend your stay, you may need to apply for a visa renewal. The requirements and procedures for renewing an expired Curacao visa depend on the type of visa and your individual circumstances. 

In general, you may be required to provide additional documentation and fees for the renewal process. It's recommended that you contact the nearest Curacao embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to renew an expired visa. It's important to note that overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.

Guide to Obtaining a Curacao Work Visa

If you're planning to work in Curacao, you will need to obtain a work visa. Here is a general guide to obtaining a Curacao work visa:

Find a job offer: You will need a job offer from a company in Curacao to apply for a work visa.

Apply for a work permit: Once you have a job offer, your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf from the local authorities.

Apply for a residency permit: After your work permit has been approved, you will need to apply for a residency permit from the Immigration Department of Curacao.

Gather required documents: You will need to provide various documents, such as a valid passport, a copy of your work permit, proof of health insurance, and a criminal background check.

Submit your application: You can submit your application for a residency permit at the Immigration Department of Curacao.

Wait for approval: The processing time for a Curacao work visa can vary, so it's important to apply well in advance.

It's recommended that you consult with the nearest Curacao embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to obtain a work visa, as the requirements and procedures can vary depending on your individual circumstances.