Residence permit for your own business (sole proprietorship)

Who does this apply to?

• Foreigners who want to start their own business (sole proprietorship/eenmanszaak) in Curaçao
• If you will be the director of a legal entity (N.V. or B.V.), this is not your procedure: the official page groups you with employees (first application XCG 655, with a work permit, an employer's declaration and a guarantee declaration) and also asks for the establishment permit, the director's permit (which, since August 15, 2023, the Vergunningenloket no longer requires you to apply for), the SVB registration and the company's CRIB number. See the residence permit for work.

Costs

• First application: XCG 635 ≈ US$ 355
• Renewal: XCG 615 ≈ US$ 344
• Change: XCG 615 ≈ US$ 344
• Other costs:
  • Payment at Maduro & Curiel's Bank (MCB) or Banco di Caribe.
  • In addition to the residence permit, you need the establishment permit from the Ministry of Economic Development and registration with the Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Registry.
  • The establishment permit is issued within 5 working days at most if the application is complete, and when you collect it you hand in revenue stamps worth XCG 20 (Ministry of Economic Development, July 19, 2023, and the Vergunningenloket's list).
• Fee for one year. Since April 1, 2026 you can request the permit for 1, 2 or 3 years and pay for all of them up front: in a first application, the first year at that fee and each extra year at the renewal fee; when renewing, all of them at the renewal fee (for example, a first application for 3 years = XCG 1,865). See what changed on April 1, 2026 (Spanish) →

Dollar amounts are approximate, at the fixed rate of US$ 1 = XCG 1.79. You pay in XCG.

Work out your total for 1, 2 or 3 years, including stamps and the deposit for your nationality: open the cost calculator →

Decision time

4 months. You wait for the decision on a first application outside Curaçao; you can wait for a renewal here.

Requirements

Gathering your papers? Tick them off in your checklist, remove what does not apply and print it: open my document checklist →

• Proof of payment of fees and charges
• Original, fully completed and signed application form
• Copy of valid passport (all nationalities)
• Copy of birth certificate (no more than 1 year old), legalized/apostilled according to the country (except EU)
• Certificate of good conduct from the last place of residence (no more than 3 months old)
• Copy of the establishment permit (business)
• Copy of Chamber of Commerce extract (no more than 6 months old)
• Copy of the labour registration
• Company's CRIB number
• Bank statement (bankverklaring), original and no more than 3 months old
• To renew: proof of payment, application form, passport, copy of your current permit, Chamber of Commerce extract (no more than 6 months old) and the company's CRIB number
• To switch to your own business if you already hold another permit (apply within 6 weeks of the change): proof of payment, application form, passport, copy of your current permit, Chamber of Commerce extract (no more than 6 months old), copy of the establishment permit, copy of the company's SVB registration and an original bank statement no more than 3 months old

Steps to apply

1. Apply for the establishment permit (vestigingsvergunning) at the Vergunningenloket, which handles it for the Ministry of Economic Development. First read the note on the order of the steps: the two official sources do not agree.
   How to get this done

   Vergunningenloket, intake department: establishment permit (vestigingsvergunning) for a business

   Saliña 127, unit 3-16 (Eurobuilding), Willemstad, Curaçao — Google Maps

   Monday to Thursday 08:00–15:00, Friday 08:00–12:00

   +5999 433-3123

   WhatsApp: +5999 433-3127

   Infovergunningenloket@gobiernu.cw

   You apply at the Vergunningenloket counter (intake department), by post or online at loketdigital.gobiernu.cw, yourself or through an authorised representative. It is handled according to the requirements list in force since August 15, 2023: Chamber of Commerce extract, the company's CRIB number, the articles of association for an N.V. or B.V. and, if the director was not born in the former Netherlands Antilles, a copy of a valid residence permit (or of a Van Rechtswege declaration for an indefinite period or a Niet van Toepassing declaration). If the application is complete, the permit is issued within 5 working days at most, and when you collect it you hand in revenue stamps worth XCG 20. Since August 15, 2023 you no longer need to apply separately for a director's permit.

2. Register the business with the Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Registry. The Toelatingsorganisatie's page puts this after the establishment permit; the Vergunningenloket's list already asks for the Chamber of Commerce extract to apply for that permit.
   How to get this done

   Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, trade register)

   Kaya Junior Salas 1, Pietermaai, Willemstad — Google Maps

   Monday to Friday 08:00–15:00, no lunch closure

   +5999 461-1455

   registry@curacao-chamber.cw

   This is where you register the business and get the extracts (uittreksel) that several procedures ask for. The Chamber's official website is curacaochamberofcommerce.com: its Registry section has the register search, the forms and the fees. For the trade register, call 461-1455 or email registry@curacao-chamber.cw. The website does not say whether an appointment is needed.

3. Gather and scan all residence requirements as PDFs.
   How to get this done

   How to scan your documents correctly

   The scan (or photo) of each document must meet all these criteria, or the system may reject your application: (1) it must be a scan of an original document, not a copy of a copy; (2) scanned as straight as possible, not tilted; (3) no staples, paper clips or fingers visible in the image; (4) not edited or retouched; (5) avoid folds and creases; (6) all data must be sharp, legible and not blurry; (7) no crossed-out, covered or overwritten data; (8) for identity documents the image must show the whole document in colour (passport: top and bottom page; cédula: front and back); (9) leave about 2 cm of margin around the image; (10) the document must not have a translucent/transparent background.

   • Use a real scanner if you have access to one (office, library, copy shop): it gives better results than a phone photo.
   • If you use your phone, do it in good daylight, without direct flash, with the document on a flat, dark surface so the edges are clearly visible.
   • Save each document as a PDF (not a loose JPG) when the procedure explicitly asks for PDF format.
4. Submit the residence application online.
   How to get this done

   How to submit your application online

   First, the Toelatingsorganisatie's portal, permit.immigrationcur.org: that is where you apply for the Van Rechtswege and Niet van Toepassing declarations (since September 1, 2016 they are only accepted online, not at the counter), the extension of a tourist stay and some residence permits, and people with US nationality have to use it too. Each person opens their own account, which also covers their spouse and children. If your procedure is not in the portal, scan the form and the other documents as PDF and send them by email to intake@immigrationcur.org (objections go to info@immigrationcur.org; check which applies on your procedure's page). Attach all the documents, scanned according to the official criteria, plus the proof of payment. If an authorised representative submits the application (not you), a signed authorisation and a copy of their ID must also be attached. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by email (the portal's comes from no-reply@immigrationcur.org; if you do not see it, check your spam folder): keep it as proof. Rib'e Lugá was separate, with its own application on that same portal, until registration closed on October 31, 2026.

   • If you send it by email, write a clear subject line (e.g. 'Application VTTV - [your full name]') so it is processed faster.
   • Attach files with descriptive names (e.g. 'passport.pdf', 'birth-certificate.pdf') instead of generic names like 'scan001.pdf'.
   • Keep a copy of everything you send: you will need it if you later have to object to a negative decision.
5. Wait for the decision (4 months). If positive, schedule an appointment to collect the permit. If negative, 6 weeks to object.
   How to get this done

   Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao (Admission Office)

   Prinsenstraat 90, Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao — Google Maps

   Monday to Thursday 08:00–15:00, Friday 08:00–12:00

   +5999 733-2000

   info@immigrationcur.org

   Since Monday, November 24, 2025 the office has been back in its renovated building at Prinsenstraat 90, Punda: the information desk and the issuing of residence titles (passport stamps) are there. The temporary location at Saliña 127 (Eurobuilding), used since September 2024, is no longer the Toelatingsorganisatie's address. The phone number is 733-2000; the old numbers 733-2080, 733-2081 and 733-2083 are no longer in use. Appointments to collect a passport stamp, proof of return, refund or final departure are booked through www.immigrationcur.org. For questions, email info@immigrationcur.org or message 'Admission Office Curaçao' on Facebook/Instagram.

   How to object to a negative decision

   You have 6 weeks to file your objection (bezwaar) by email to info@immigrationcur.org. The period starts on the day after the date on which the Toelatingsorganisatie sent you the decision, not the day you receive or read it (LAR, Art. 56; official objection and appeal page): if the letter is slow to arrive or lands in your spam folder, the clock is already running. Your objection must include: your full name and address, a clear description of the decision you are challenging, why you disagree, what outcome you want, your signature, and an address in Curaçao if you live abroad. Attach a copy of the decision and any new evidence. If your objection is rejected (or you prefer to skip this step), you can appeal directly to the Court of First Instance of Curaçao; see the 'Objection and appeal' page for full details, including the legal strategy of asking for a 'provisional measure' (voorlopige voorziening) if you do not want to wait outside the country.

   • Do not let the 6 weeks pass: after that deadline you lose the right to object this way.
   • If your objection is against the refusal of a renewal, by default you still have to wait outside the country, as with a first application, unless you explicitly ask the court for a provisional measure.

Downloadable forms

• Payment order DOCX · 95 KB · in Spanish · Official English version DOCX · 84 KB Fill it in here
  How to fill out this form

  Betalingsopdracht / Orden de pago: the Toelatingsorganisatie publishes the same order in Spanish, English and Dutch, with the Maduro & Curiel's Bank and Banco di Caribe accounts, 1-, 2- and 3-year rows and its own investor row (XCG 1,865 / 3,095 / 6,170).

  Form 910. This is the payment order you use to pay the procedure fees, at Maduro & Curiel's Bank (MCB) or Banco di Caribe, BEFORE you submit your application. You tick the line for your procedure and, for a permit by the year, the duration; each line's amount is already fixed.

  Section single — Select your product/service: Mark (with an X or a circle) the line that matches your procedure EXACTLY. For a permit by the year, tick the purpose and, below it, the duration: 1, 2 or 3 years for a first application or a change of purpose; if you renew, the duration under “Renewal”. Each duration already carries the total for all the years, so do not add anything up; the table below gives the amount for 1 year. For example, a first application for work is XCG 655 for 1 year, 1,270 for 2 and 1,885 for 3, and renewing a work-based permit costs XCG 615 for 1 year, 1,230 for 2 and 1,845 for 3.

  Proof of return	XCG 225
  Niet van Toepassing declaration	XCG 225
  Van Rechtswege declaration	XCG 615
  Internship stay	XCG 525
  Short stay	XCG 535
  Tourist stay extension	XCG 525
  Duplicate	XCG 195
  Final departure	XCG 145
  Investor, 3 years	XCG 1,865
  Investor, 5 years	XCG 3,095
  Investor, indefinite	XCG 6,170
  First application (work)	XCG 655
  First application (family reunification)	XCG 655
  First application (study)	XCG 625
  First application (rentier/own business/pensioner)	XCG 635
  Renewal (work/study/rentier/pensioner/own business)	XCG 615
  Renewal (family reunification)	XCG 625
  Change of purpose	XCG 615

  Tips

  • ⚠️ Remember: since April 1, 2026, if your permit is for more than 1 year (up to 3 years), you pay for all the years in advance: in a first application, the first year at the first-application amount and each extra year at the renewal amount; if you renew, all of them at the renewal amount. The order's 2- and 3-year rows already carry that sum (Toelatingsorganisatie payment order, September 30, 2026).
  • The order has no row for a change to study: the Toelatingsorganisatie confirmed in writing on October 12, 2026 that it costs XCG 615, like the other changes. Ask them how to mark it before paying.
  • In the payment reference of the bank deposit, write your full name, which is mandatory. The order asks for “only the full name”, but the Toelatingsorganisatie clarified in writing on October 9, 2026 that your date of birth can also go in if there is room.
  • Keep the paper or scanned receipt — you must show the original for inspection when you hand in your application.
• Application form DOCX · 2.6 MB · in Spanish · Official English version DOCX · 96 KB Fill it in here
  How to fill out this form

  Aanvraagformulier VTTV / Application Form VTTV: the same form in different languages, checked field by field.

  This is the main form: it is used for the first application, renewal or change of almost every residence permit (work, family, study, rentier, own business; the investor has a separate form). It has 14 sections, numbered 1 to 13 and then 15 (there is no section 14). Only fill in the sections that apply to your case; leave the rest blank or write 'n/a'.

  Section 1 — Reason for the application: Tick ONE box: first application, renewal or change (change only if you already had a valid permit).

  Section 2 — Purpose of your stay: Tick the MAIN reason for your application (Employee, Director of a legal entity, Family reunification, Internship, Study, Own business, Pensionado arrangement, Rentier/Pensioner, or 'Other reason', where you write which). If you have more than one reason, choose the main one: the other requirements of your specific procedure depend on this box.

  Section 3 — Payment details: Date you paid and the exact amount in XCG. You must have PAID before submitting this form; attach the proof.

  Section 4 — Personal details of the foreign national (the applicant): Your full details: surname, first names, gender, date, place and country of birth, nationality(ies), FMSCRV number (only if you had a permit before), address abroad (first application only), address and postal address in Curaçao, phone, email (the decision is sent there), passport details, and marital status (married/divorced, with dates).

  Section 5 — Partner's details: Only if you have a spouse or cohabiting partner: the same basic details as section 4. Not applicable? Write 'n/a'.

  Section 6 — Children's details: Up to 6 children under 27: name, date of birth, country, nationality, and their current address if they don't live with you. Not applicable? Write 'n/a'.

  Section 7 — Employment details / sources of income: Employer's name, your position, your income from work and your other income (for each, whether it is per week, fortnight, month or year) and your personal CRIB number. If it does not apply, tick n.a.

  Section 8 — Guarantor's details: The 'guarantor' is whoever vouches for your stay: your employer (person or organisation) or the person you are joining. If it is a person: name, birth details, address, CRIB. If it is an organisation/company: company name, address, Chamber of Commerce (KVK) number, contact person, company CRIB.

  Section 9 — Questions about your stay in Curaçao: Since when you have been in Curaçao and when you plan to settle. LITERAL WARNING ON THE FORM ITSELF: if you answer that you are already in Curaçao WITHOUT a valid residence title, the form itself warns that 'this may be a reason to refuse your application'. Think carefully about this answer and get advice if your situation is irregular.

  Section 10 — Expiry date of your current permit: Only for a renewal or change: the exact date your current permit expires. The form itself reminds you that a renewal can be submitted at most 4 months before the expiry date and at the latest on the expiry date itself; submitting it later affects the residence rights you have built up.

  Section 11 — Grounds for your application: Free space to explain your situation in your own words; add a blank page if you need more room. Here you can mention special circumstances (e.g. a child's medical condition, long-standing family ties) that case law shows the government must explicitly weigh.

  Section 12 — Declaration on criminal record: Sworn statement that you have never been given a prison sentence or other custodial measure for an offence, community service or a work sentence, or an unconditional fine; that you have never accepted a settlement (transactie, an agreement with the Public Prosecutor) for an offence; and that you are not currently being prosecuted. If you CANNOT truthfully declare this, there is space to explain why. Do NOT lie here: concealing a record is a separate ground for refusal confirmed by case law (more serious than honestly stating the record).

  Section 13 — Where you have lived in the last 5 years: First application only: list the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years.

  Section 15 — Authorisation and signature: You authorise Immigration to request information about you from the Public Prosecutor, Interpol, the Tax Office, SVB, SOAW, banks and insurers. You sign and declare that everything is true: a false statement is a criminal offence and can affect your permit. Children aged 12 or over must sign THEMSELVES, not only a parent/guardian.

  Tips

  • Use CAPITAL LETTERS in every text field: the form asks for it explicitly.
  • For a family reunification application, each family member needs a separate form: you do not fill in one form for everyone.
  • Keep a copy of the signed form before you submit it: you will need it as a reference if you have to object to a negative decision.

Important notes

What the official rules say

• Establishment permit: the two official sources do not agree on the order. The Toelatingsorganisatie's page says that you first apply for the establishment permit (vestigingsvergunning), that with it you register the business with the Chamber of Commerce and that you then apply for residence, with a copy of that permit. The Vergunningenloket's requirements list in force since August 15, 2023, which it presents as the list for people already living in Curaçao, instead asks for the Chamber of Commerce extract and the company's CRIB number for the establishment permit and, if the director was not born in the former Netherlands Antilles, a copy of a valid residence permit (or of a Van Rechtswege declaration for an indefinite period or a Niet van Toepassing declaration). The Ministry of Economic Development announced it on July 19, 2023: a foreigner who wants to open a business must have a valid residence permit. How a first application from outside Curaçao works, without either permit, is pending confirmation from the Toelatingsorganisatie and the Vergunningenloket: ask before you pay for anything.
• Key legal basis behind all the permit-revocation case law (Art. 10 LTU): 'whoever acts against the conditions of their permit is considered to have acted without any permit at all' — violating a condition is not a minor infraction, it legally puts you in the same status as having no permit at all.

• Exact criminal penalties for immigration violations (Art. 23-24 LTU):

  1. being without a permit = up to 3 months detention or a fine of up to XCG 1,000
  2. staying after the permit expires = up to 1 month or a fine of up to XCG 500
  3. knowingly giving false information to obtain or maintain a permit = up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to XCG 1,000 (a crime, not a minor infraction) — this explains why case law treats any falsified document so severely.
• Owners of a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak): the 2006 rule that gave 1-year permits until 5 years of residence were completed (HIG 2006, 3.3.1) was repealed in 2019, and the policy in force since April 1, 2026 does not exclude this category from permits of up to 3 years. The payment order the Toelatingsorganisatie sent us on September 30, 2026 includes a first application for 2 and 3 years for own business (XCG 1,250 and 1,865).
• Health insurance: while you are processing your application (without a permit yet) you cannot use the public system (SVB/BVZ), which is only for those who already have residence. To collect the permit you are asked for health insurance valid for 1 year, from the SVB or from a private insurer accredited by the government (HIG 2006, 3.8 and 3.12). The US$15,000 of cover that is sometimes quoted is the minimum the Dutch government asks of tourists to enter (see the travel requirements guide), not a residence-permit rule.

What real court cases teach

• Means are proven with bank documents. The official page asks for a recent bank statement (no more than 3 months old). In Sint Maarten, the court sided with the government in three cases in a row involving beauty salons that only submitted their tax return, CRIB number and director's permit (ECLI:NL:OGHACMB:2023:134, 135 and 136), and sided with the director of a construction company who, besides his monthly tax returns, submitted proof of 8 months of payments to the Tax Office (ECLI:NL:OGHACMB:2023:137). They come from another island, but they show what counts: objective, verifiable documents (the bank, payments to the Tax Office), not what you declare yourself.
• For renewals: submit it complete before the previous permit expires. Since April 1, 2026 an incomplete application is not processed, and in a Bonaire case submitting it on time but completing it later made the 'gap' count against the applicant (ECLI:NL:OGHACMB:2023:254).
• Not actually being the owner of the business (even if you were before) causes the application to fail; the administration does not repeat mistakes from prior improper approvals (ECLI:NL:OGEAC:2020:132).

The rules common to every permit also apply: mandatory health insurance, guarantor liability, renewal deadlines and grounds for revocation.

Related real case law (10)

Frequently asked questions