- Legal & practical
Buying property and residency in Curaçao
- RealEstatesCuraçao
- 5 min read
Editorial · written by RealEstatesCuraçao
On this page9 sections
On this page9 sections
Many people ask whether buying property gives residency in Curaçao. This article explains the relationship between real estate ownership and legal residence permits on the island.
Does buying property give you residency in Curaçao?
Buying a home or land in Curaçao does not automatically grant you a residence permit. Property ownership is a financial transaction and is separate from the immigration process. To live in Curaçao legally for an extended period, you must apply for a residence permit through the Admission Office (Toelating) based on specific criteria defined by the government.
While owning a home may be a personal choice for those who move to the island, it is not a legal requirement for most residence permits, nor does the act of purchasing property trigger the issuance of a permit.
Residence permit options for property owners
Individuals who wish to buy property and live in Curaçao often apply for permits based on their financial status or professional goals. The Admission Office manages these applications and determines eligibility based on current legislation.
Common options include:
- Retired person: Those planning to spend their retirement in Curaçao can apply for a residence permit as a retired person.
- Rentier: People who intend to live in Curaçao while living on their interest can apply for a residence permit as a rentier.
- Penshonado arrangement: Retired persons may also apply for this specific arrangement. For more details on the penshonado arrangement, you should contact the Admission Office.
For more detailed information on which permit fits your situation, you can read our guide on residence permits for Curaçao.
Steps to buy property in Curaçao
Buying property as a non-resident involves several legal and financial steps. The process is handled through a notary, who ensures the transfer of ownership is legally binding and registered.
Key steps in the process include:
- Due diligence: Checking the property status and ownership via the Curaçao Land Registry (Kadaster).
- Purchase agreement: Signing a contract that outlines the terms of the sale.
- Payment and transfer: Settling the purchase price and signing the final deed of transfer at the notary’s office.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on buying property in Curaçao as a foreigner.
Costs and taxes associated with buying
When purchasing property, buyers must account for several costs beyond the asking price. These include professional fees and government taxes.
The primary costs are:
- Transfer tax: A transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) is levied on the transfer of real estate. According to the Overdrachtsbelastingverordening 1908, this tax is 4% of the value of the goods.
- Notary fees: The notary charges for their services in drafting and executing the legal documents.
- Annual property tax: Once you own a property, you are responsible for the annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB). This tax replaced the previous land tax on 1 January 2014.
You can find more information on these costs in our articles about property transfer tax and annual property tax (OZB).
Financing your purchase
Non-residents may seek a mortgage to fund their property purchase. The availability and terms of these loans depend on the lender’s requirements for foreign buyers.
If you are considering financing, we recommend reading our guide on getting a mortgage in Curaçao as a non-resident to understand the typical requirements.
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.
Current property market data
As of 23 October 2026, RealEstatesCuraçao listed 1,316 active homes and properties in Curaçao, consisting of 970 for sale and 346 for rent. The properties for sale included 252 apartments, 208 villas, 198 houses, and 136 plots of land.
Of the properties for sale, 818 had a published asking price. The median of these asking prices was US$650,000, and half of these asking prices lay between US$397,000 and US$994,000.
For rentals, 272 properties had a published monthly rent. The median of these monthly rents was US$1,840, and half of these monthly rents lay between US$1,340 and US$2,520.
When to get professional advice
RealEstatesCuraçao is an independent property portal that collects listings from brokers. We do not sell homes and we do not provide investment, legal, or tax advice.
You should consult the following professionals for specific guidance:
- Notary: For the legal transfer of property, checking titles at the Kadaster, and drafting purchase agreements.
- Lawyer: For legal disputes or complex immigration matters related to residence permits.
- Tax adviser: For advice on transfer taxes, annual property tax (OZB), and personal income tax obligations.
- Admission Office: For official rules regarding residence permits and the penshonado arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Does buying property give residency in Curaçao?
No. Buying property does not automatically grant a residence permit. You must apply for a permit through the Admission Office based on government criteria.
How much is the transfer tax in Curaçao?
According to the Overdrachtsbelastingverordening 1908, the transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) is 4% of the value of the property.
Can I get a residence permit if I am retired?
Yes. Those planning to retire in Curaçao can apply for a residence permit as a retired person or explore the penshonado arrangement through the Admission Office.
Is there an annual tax on homes in Curaçao?
Yes. Property owners are subject to an annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB), which has been in effect since 1 January 2014.
Sources
- Admission Office (Toelating), Immigratiedienst Curaçao (opened 23 October 2026).
- Residence permit: retired person (rentenier), Immigratiedienst Curaçao (opened 23 October 2026).
- Overdrachtsbelastingverordening 1908, Lokale wet- en regelgeving, overheid.nl (opened 23 October 2026).
- Introductie Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB), Belastingdienst Curaçao (opened 23 October 2026).
- RealEstatesCuraçao, active listings on the portal, measured 23 October 2026 (our data).
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