Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Choose a name for your business and the right legal structure for your business (BV, NV, sole proprietorship, etc.). In the case of a sole proprietorship, you can egister at the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) directly. If you wish to establish a N.V or B.V, you must hire a notary to incorporate your business.

To review all the steps to starting a business, read more here

Every business owner is required to get a business licence. The only exceptions are the owners of sole proprietorships who were born in Curacao; they are not required to get an establishment license for their businesses. You can apply for the Business License (Vestigingsvergunning) through the Government’s Digital Permit Desk (loket digital)

If you are not a Dutch or American citizen you will need to apply for a residence & work permit. Dutch & American citizens that want to live and work in Curaçao need to apply for a Declaration of Legal Entry (“Verklaring van Rechtswege”). Dutch Citizens from the other Dutch Caribbean islands or Dutch citizens who were not born in Curaçao should apply for Declaration of Legal Entry (“Verklaring van Rechtswege ). You cannot have both declarations. The Declaration Not Applicable (Niet van Toepassing) depends on where your parents were born. If you were born on the other islands and lived in curacao by 10 10 10 see website for more information. You cannot have both declarations.

Yes, you must apply for a CRIB number from the Tax Department. After receiving your CRIB number you can create an account on the tax portal to manage your tax affairs and payments online.

If you have employees, you must register as an employer with the Social Insurance Bank (SVB)

To review the Steps to start a business, click here

I aim to start a Technology company in Curaçao (Software, IT Services, E-commerce)

Generally, standard business registration and tax compliance are enough, but export-oriented companies may look into additional tax benefits.

The Curaçao Institute of Technology and Innovation (CITI) provides innovation grants, coaching, and networking opportunities. There are several technology associations on the island that also offer development opportunities for startups.

To check out the business associations, please click here

Currently, Qredits and Korpodeko offer funding tailored to technology and innovation businesses.

To read more about financing opportunities, click here.

All solar installations must comply with building permits and any environmental regulations. Feed-in agreements are handled by the utility regulator RAC.

Curaçao offers compelling incentives for green businesses through both Qredits and Korpodeko:

• Qredits provides a specialized Energy Loan of up to ANG 100,000 (≈ US $56,000) at a favorable 4.95% interest rate (compared to ~9.95% for standard loans). This loan is expressly designed to finance sustainable upgrades—such as solar installations, LED lighting, insulation, energy-efficient equipment, EVs (company vehicles), and battery storage systems. Applicants also receive training and ongoing coaching to ensure successful implementation. curacao.qredits.com+2curacao.qredits.com+2
  
• Korpodeko’s “Going Green” program—part of their broader green financing initiative—targets businesses transitioning away from fossil-powered operations. With support from utility provider Aqualectra, Korpodeko offers loans for solar, EV conversion, and other sustainable projects, at interest rates as low as 5%. Full financing may be available depending on cash flow capacity

To read more, click here

Entrepreneurs in Curaçao can access a range of innovation support for sustainability. First, CITI (Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute) provides vouchers, grants, and networking opportunities for clean energy and circular economy ventures. Additionally, various public–private programs facilitate sector-specific innovation, particularly in areas like energy efficiency, waste reuse, and green tech.

Notably, the Projectbureau Circulaire Economie (Circular Economy Bureau), established under the Ministry of Economic Development, drives the island’s transition toward a circular economy based on the Doughnut Economy model. It supports policy development, community workshops, living labs, and incubator initiatives to help businesses design sustainable, value-centric models that preserve resources and regenerate local ecosystems

Depending on the scale and location, you may need land use permits from VVRP and environmental clearance from GMN to start an agricultural business

The government promotes agritech solutions like hydroponics and controlled-environment farming.

Qredits, Korpodeko, and MEO offer loans and development grants for agricultural projects.

To read more, click here