- Renting
Renting a house in Curaçao as an expat
- RealEstatesCuraçao
- 5 min read
Editorial · written by RealEstatesCuraçao
On this page9 sections
On this page9 sections
This article explains the process and costs involved when renting a house in Curaçao as an expat, providing data on current market prices and the local currency.
Rental market prices in Curaçao
The rental market varies based on the type of property and the location. According to data from RealEstatesCuraçao as of 21 October 2026, there were 341 properties listed for rent.
Out of these, 268 rentals had a published monthly rent. The median of these monthly rents was US$1,840. Half of these monthly rents lie between US$1,340 and US$2,540. These figures are based on asking prices published by brokers.
Currency and payments
The Caribbean guilder is legal tender as of 31 March 2025. It was introduced to replace the Netherlands-Antillean guilder. The Caribbean guilder is legally pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = 1.79.
When renting as an expat, you may encounter rental agreements listed in either U.S. dollars or Caribbean guilders. It is important to clarify which currency the landlord requires for monthly payments and security deposits.
For more detailed information on preparing for your move, you can view the Moving to Curaçao: A Practical Checklist or the Expat Guide to Curaçao: Residence, Housing and Daily Life.
Steps for renting a house in Curaçao
Finding a rental property often begins with browsing listings from brokers or using search tools to identify suitable areas. Once a property is selected, the tenant and landlord typically agree on the monthly rent, the duration of the lease, and the security deposit amount.
The process concludes with the signing of a lease contract. While buying property requires a notary for the transfer of title and the registration of the deed, rental agreements are often handled directly between the parties or through a real estate broker.
If you are undecided about renting and want to explore ownership, you can view all homes for sale or check the costs of houses in Curaçao.
Costs and taxes for tenants
The primary monthly cost is the rent. Beyond this, tenants should clarify who is responsible for utilities such as water and electricity, and whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.
Regarding taxes, Curaçao has an annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB). This tax is generally the responsibility of the property owner. However, according to the Belastingdienst Curaçao, if a building is located on leasehold land owned by the Government of Curaçao, the tenant of that land is liable for the tax on the value of the building.
Unlike buying a home, renting does not trigger the transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting), which is paid during the transfer of ownership or specific rights to real estate.
Who can help you rent
Real estate brokers are the primary point of contact for finding available rentals and negotiating lease terms. They provide access to current listings and can help expats navigate the local market.
For legal questions regarding lease contracts or specific residence requirements, you should consult a lawyer or the government office concerned. If you are looking for professional help to find a home, you can browse the brokers on the portal.
Homes by budget
Homes for sale on Curaçao by budget
Asking prices in US$, exactly as each broker publishes them. Choose a budget to see the newest homes in that range.
Choosing a location for your rental
The area you choose can impact the availability and price of rentals. For those who prefer being near the beach, areas such as Jan Thiel or Mambo Beach are common choices. Those seeking a more urban environment may look toward Willemstad, where heritage streets and various districts are located.
To help you decide which region fits your needs, you can refer to the Curaçao by Region guide or the Best Places to Live in Curaçao for Expats.
When to get professional advice
Renting a home is generally less complex than buying, but certain situations require professional guidance. You should contact a lawyer or a legal expert to review the terms of your lease contract, especially if it involves long-term commitments or complex clauses.
A tax adviser can provide guidance on how rental payments and local taxes affect your personal financial situation. For questions regarding residence permits, you should contact the government office concerned or a specialized legal consultant.
If you decide to transition from renting to buying, a notary is required by law for the transfer of property and the registration of deeds. You can learn more about this in the article regarding The Notary in a Curaçao Property Purchase.
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used for rent in Curaçao?
The official currency is the Caribbean guilder, which became legal tender on 31 March 2025. It is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = 1.79.
What are the typical monthly rents in Curaçao?
As of 21 October 2026, based on 268 rentals with published prices, the median monthly rent was US$1,840. Half of these monthly rents lie between US$1,340 and US$2,540.
Do tenants pay property tax in Curaçao?
The annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB) is typically paid by the owner. However, if a building is on leasehold land owned by the Government of Curaçao, the tenant of that land is responsible for the tax on the value of the building.
Is there a transfer tax when renting?
No. The transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) applies to the transfer of ownership or specific real estate rights, not to standard rental agreements.
Sources
- Caribbean guilder, Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (caribbean-guilder.com) (opened 21 October 2026).
- Introductie Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB), Belastingdienst Curaçao (opened 21 October 2026).
- Overdrachtsbelastingverordening 1908, Lokale wet- en regelgeving, overheid.nl (opened 21 October 2026).
- RealEstatesCuraçao, active listings on the portal, measured 21 October 2026 (our data).
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