Working remotely from Curaçao: the short-stay permit for digital nomads
Why entering as a tourist is not enough
The visa-free tourist limit for most Latin American nationalities is 30 days (90 only for the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan; 6 months for Dutch and US nationals). The Toelatingsorganisatie confirmed those 30 days in writing on October 12, 2026. The tourist extension takes you up to 90 days in total; if your nationality needs a visa, it is only granted for a special circumstance (for example, an illness, the death of a relative, a wedding, being 60 or older, or damage to the boat), and only some of them let you stay beyond 90 days. For remote work from Curaçao there is a dedicated variant of the short-stay permit.
The permit: short stay as a remote worker
- Who: anyone working remotely for an employer registered outside Curaçao, a partner in a foreign company, or a freelancer whose clients' establishments are abroad. All nationalities may apply; family applies under the main applicant.
- Duration: up to 6 months per application. The Toelatingsorganisatie confirmed to us in writing on October 9, 2026 that it can be extended by another 6 months, with a new remote worker application, the same fee and the same requirements as the first; the official @HOME in Curaçao programme speaks of up to one year in total.
- Cost: XCG 535, flat fee (this category is excluded from the 2- or 3-year option of the April 2026 policy). Paid at Maduro & Curiel's Bank or Banco di Caribe, by deposit or transfer, with the payment order. If you extend it, you pay the same again.
- Requirements: passport valid at least 6 months, proof of payment, declaration or contract from the foreign employer (or proof of your company/clients) and proof of financial means.
- Decision time: up to 4 months under the general rule; the first application is awaited outside Curaçao.
What you sign and what you may not do
- You are not allowed to work for local employers or clients (Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen).
- The time does not accrue residence rights: it is explicitly temporary. If your plan is to stay, the route is a normal residence permit (work, own business, private means), filed from your country.
- You need private health insurance with coverage in Curaçao: no access to the public SVB/BVZ system.
Taxes and other practical details
- With under 183 days a year and no local-source income you normally remain a tax resident of your country; if you approach a full year with the extension, consult an accountant first.
- Fill in the DI-Card before travelling and carry the printed permit approval: border control will ask you to show purpose, duration and means.
- SIM card, currency, water and power: the practical side is in daily-life lifehacks.
How to apply
- Gather the requirements and scan them as colour PDFs, no staples.
- Pay XCG 535 at MCB with your name and date of birth as reference.
- File at permit.immigrationcur.org (or by email to intake@immigrationcur.org if the purpose is not online) from outside Curaçao.
- Once approved, book an appointment to receive the permit on arrival.
Full page with the forms: Short stay (Kort Verblijf).
Sources: official short-stay page of the Toelatingsorganisatie (immigrationcur.org/en/dep/kort-verblijf), its tourist page (immigrationcur.org/en/dep/toerist) and its written reply of October 12, 2026, the @HOME in Curaçao programme (duration, extension and profiles), 2013 short-stay policy and the April 1, 2026 policy change (exclusion from the 3-year option). Tax treatment depends on your country: consult a professional.
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