How to get your sédula in Curaçao: requirements, cost and appointment (2026)
The sédula is Curaçao's identity card. It is not a residence permit: it is the document that proves who you are and that you are registered in the population register, the Kranshi. Banks, landlords and hospitals will ask for it, and it is also mandatory: everyone in the register must have one from the age of 12, and the police or other officials can ask to see it.
Before the sédula: the right order
- An approved residence permit. When you collect it, you get a stamp in your passport and the printed decision (beschikking). What to do that same day is in your permit was approved: the first 30 days.
- Registration at the Kranshi. If you will live in Curaçao for 4 months or more, you must register in the population register within 5 days of settling, and your permit must be valid for at least 4 more months at that point. Registration is free. Since September 7, 2026 you need an appointment: call (+5999) 434-1600 or email
info.bsbv@gobiernu.cw. - The sédula, at a separate appointment. If you were born outside Curaçao, your immigration decision must be registered at the Kranshi at least one week before you apply for the sédula. If you go on the same day you register, you will not get it.
To register at the Kranshi, bring your passport with the stamp, the printed decision, your birth certificate (apostilled or legalized if you were born abroad), your marriage certificate if it applies, and proof of address: a rental contract, a deed of purchase or written permission from the owner of the home.
What to bring to the sédula appointment
- The first time: a valid identity document (your passport) and, if your birth certificate is not registered in Curaçao, the original certificate, legalized or apostilled and translated if needed.
- To renew it: a valid identity document and your old sédula.
- If it was lost or stolen: the loss statement (Verklaring Vermissing Sedula), filled in beforehand, and a valid identity document.
- Minors aged 12 to 17, the first time: they go with their father, mother or guardian, who brings their own valid ID. If only one person has custody, bring the original court order, no more than 5 years old.
- Cash or a debit card to pay. Your photo is taken on the spot.
What it costs
| Case | Adult (18 or older) | Minor (12 to 17) |
|---|---|---|
| First time or renewal | XCG 15 | XCG 1 |
| Lost or stolen (old card not returned) | XCG 25 | XCG 11 |
For a lost or stolen card, the official page also mentions a fine of XCG 10. The difference from the normal price is exactly that amount, so it looks like the fine is already included in the XCG 25, but check at the counter. If you are asked for proof of registration (bewijs van inschrijving), it costs XCG 5 and is ready 3 working days after you register.
How to book the appointment
Without an appointment you will not be served. There are three ways to book one:
- Online, through Sita Online: sita.gobiernu.cw.
- By phone, at (+5999) 433-3123.
- In person, at the Bentana di Informashon of the Vergunningenloket (Saliña 127, unit 3-16, Eurobuilding), Monday to Thursday 8:00 to 15:00 and Friday 8:00 to 12:00.
On the day of the appointment you go to Publieke Zaken (Kranshi), Documents and Information department, at Roodeweg 42 (phone (+5999) 434-1600). The sédula is issued on the spot. Since March 2026 the Kranshi also serves the public at other locations: when you book, ask which one you should go to.
How long it lasts
The sédula is valid for a maximum of 5 years. Renewing follows the same path: appointment, valid identity document and your old sédula.
The most common mistakes
- Showing up without an appointment, at the Kranshi or for the sédula.
- Applying for the sédula before a week has passed since your decision was registered at the Kranshi.
- Forgetting proof of address when you register: without it there is no registration, and without registration there is no sédula.
- Paying a middleman. The sédula costs XCG 15 and you get it yourself, in person; if someone wants money to "get it for you", be suspicious. More in beware of immigration paperwork scams.
Sources: Loket Digital of the Government of Curaçao, pages "Sedula" and "Inschrijven in het Bevolkingsregister van Curaçao" (loketdigital.gobiernu.cw), and the Kranshi notice on mandatory appointments for registration (September 7, 2026). Checked on September 22, 2026.