How to Retire in Curacao – The Ultimate Guide
Have you been thinking about retiring in the Caribbean? Is your heart set on the southern Caribbean island of Curacao? We put together this guide for readers looking to retire in Curacao.
This guide covers all aspects of retiring on this tempting tropical island, from the tax advantages of the pensioner’s regulations in place on the island to how you can find homes for sale in Curacao and condos for sale in Curacao suitable for your retirement in the sunshine.
Discover how to retire in Curacao in our guide
Contents
Can I Retire in Curacao?
Benefits – Why Retire in Curacao?
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Curacao?
Tax Incentives
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Curacao?
Find Out More About Retiring in Curacao
Can I Retire in Curacao?
To retire in Curacao, foreign nationals require a residence permit and must be able to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. The island offers tax incentives to retirees who meet certain conditions. To qualify, retirees aged 50+ must purchase real estate in Curacao with a minimum value of NAF 450,000 within 18 months of registration.
Benefits – Why Retire in Curacao?
Curacao is a perfect retirement destination.
The island offers beautiful beaches, year-round warmth and a wide range of activities and entertainment from fascinating historical sites to explore, water sports such as diving and snorkelling, golf, shopping and great dining options.
Curacao also offers attractive tax incentives designed to lure financially self-sufficient retirees to the island which are explained in full below.
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Curacao?
While the standard of living in Curacao tends to be very high, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other islands in the Caribbean.
Tax Incentives
Curacao has pensioner’s regulations in place which are designed to encourage affluent retirees to become resident on the island.
Under the Landsverordening Inkomstenbelasting (National Income Tax Ordinance) (Articles 23B/C/D/E), Dutch citizens and foreign nationals who qualify for “penshonado”/”rentier” (pensioner) status can enjoy tax benefits including a flat tax rate of 10% on their worldwide income (such as pensions, dividends and interest) and freedom from capital gains tax.
Requirements
To qualify for the tax benefits under the National Income Tax Ordinance, applicants must be at least 50 years of age and should not have been resident in Curacao for a period of 5 years prior to application.
Within 2 months of registration, applicants must inform the local tax authorities that he/she wishes to register for penshonado status.
Within 18 months of registration, applicants must purchase real estate in Curacao with a minimum value of NAF 450,000 (approximately US $267,000).
How to Apply
We would advice all applicants to engage the services of a qualified professional to assist with the application for penshonada status.
Applications must be submitted by a legal or authorized representative, together with documents including a copy of a valid passport, birth certificate, certificate of good conduct, marriage certificate (if applicable) and financial statement demonstrating sufficient financial resources provided by an accountant and bank.
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
The Government of Curacao welcomes foreign investment and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers buying property on the island.
In fact, foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as citizens, whether purchasing freehold property land or lease land which is owned by the government (and is a very common form of property ownership in Curacao).
A wide selection of property is available on the island from condos in beachfront resorts to luxurious waterfront villas.
To discover property for sale, browse Curacao real estate on our website.
For more detail on applying for residency and the purchase process, please see our guide to buying property in Curacao.
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Curacao?
Where are the best places to retire in Curacao? Well, that very much depends on your personal preferences.
For beach lovers looking for a condo close to the sea, resorts in Jan Thiel are very popular choices.
For those who prefer the privacy of a private home or villa, be sure to take a look at prestigious communities such as Coral Estate and Jan Sofat near Spanish Water.
Buyers looking for a property in the capital, look no further than Willemstad.
Find out More About Retiring in Curacao
Would you like to find out more about retiring in Curacao or perhaps you would you like to browse property for sale which would be suitable for your retirement?
We would be delighted to help. You can explore Curacao real estate on our website or contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist, to begin your property search and to discuss your options in more detail.