--- title: "Curaçao Pensioner permit requirements 2026: fee XCG 1,865+" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/pensioner/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- Curaçao · Retire or live on savings # Curaçao Pensioner permit **Fee:** XCG 1,865+ ≈ $1,040 Residence permit for retirees (pensioners) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Fee:** XCG 1,865+ ≈ $1,040 (A fee of XCG 635 (≈ $350) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 1 year; fees and levies combined. A fee of XCG 1,250 (≈ $700) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 2 years; fees and levies combined. A fee of XCG 1,865 (≈ $1,040) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 3 years; fees and levies combined.) - **First stay:** 3 yrs (Permit requested for up to three years; extension possible.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport (Foreign nationals; Dutch and US citizens and people with a Dutch parent born in Curaçao use declarations instead of permits.) - **Work:** No (No local work; the penshonado tax scheme requires not working in Curaçao.) - **Family:** Family can join (Spouse and children can apply for a family permit.) - **Tax angle:** 10% tax (Penshonado scheme: foreign-source income of foreign retirees taxed at 10%: Foreigners aged 50 or over who move to Curaçao can have their foreign-source income taxed at 10%, or choose a fixed foreign-source income of ANG 500,000 (≈ $279,000) taxed at the normal rate.) ## Key facts Pensioner permit is a retire or live on savings route for Curaçao. The fee is XCG 1,865+ ≈ $1,040. You can stay 3 yrs, renewable. You can't take local work. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Government fees:** XCG 635 ≈ $350 · +2 more - **First stay:** 3 yrs ## Cost, time and long term **Government fees: XCG 635 ≈ $350 · +2 more** - XCG 635 (≈ $350) First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 1 year; fees and levies combined. - XCG 1,250 (≈ $700) First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 2 years; fees and levies combined. - XCG 1,865 (≈ $1,040) First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 3 years; fees and levies combined. **Renewal: Renewable** The permit can be extended. You can ask for an extension from four months before it expires, and each application can cover up to three years. [Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao, Ministry of Justice of Curaçao](https://immigrationcur.org/dep/rentenier/) [Admission Organisation (Toelatingsorganisatie), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beleidswijziging-TO-Curacao-per-1-4-2026.pdf) **Permanent residence: After 10 years of residence** An indefinite residence permit is granted after ten years of uninterrupted lawful residence, or earlier to someone who qualifies for the penshonado tax scheme. [Admission Organisation (Toelatingsorganisatie), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beleidswijziging-TO-Curacao-per-1-4-2026.pdf) **Citizenship: General rule: 5 years of residence** Dutch nationality by naturalisation needs five years or more in the Kingdom with a valid residence permit that allows you to stay permanently, plus the integration test. Some exceptions shorten the five years. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), Netherlands](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-in-the-caribbean-part-of-the-kingdom) **Processing: Official timeline** The Admission Organisation has four months from the date of the application to decide. [Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao, Ministry of Justice of Curaçao](https://immigrationcur.org/dep/rentenier/) **Where to apply: From abroad** You must wait outside Curaçao for the decision on a first application; for an extension you can wait in Curaçao. [Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao, Ministry of Justice of Curaçao](https://immigrationcur.org/dep/rentenier/) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Applications are made from outside Curaçao, not after arriving - Work isn't allowed on this route ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant plans to live in Curaçao on a pension. - The bank statement must show sufficient means for the applicant and the family. - To admit a spouse, a foreign applicant must show at least XCG 3,000 (≈ $1,680) gross a month, plus XCG 250, (≈ $140) 350 or 500 a month for each child aged 0-5, 6-11 or 12 and over. #### What you must show and pay - **A fee of XCG 635 (≈ $350)** · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 1 year; fees and levies combined. - **A fee of XCG 1,250 (≈ $700)** · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 2 years; fees and levies combined. - **A fee of XCG 1,865 (≈ $1,040)** · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 3 years; fees and levies combined. #### Documents - A copy of the valid passport and a birth certificate not older than one year, legalised or apostilled where needed. - A certificate of good conduct from the last place of residence, not older than three months. - An original bank statement saying the applicant has enough means to support themselves and their family. - Anyone using the penshonado scheme also needs an original statement from a locally established accountant. #### Steps 1. Apply online through the permit portal after paying the fee; the permit can be requested for up to three years. 2. The immigration office has four months to decide, and a first application is decided from abroad. #### After you arrive - An extension can be requested from four months before the permit expires. ## When you become tax resident How Curaçao decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 3 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** Liability follows where a person lives, not the type of permit. - **Foreign-source income:** People living in Curaçao pay income tax on a progressive 2026 scale from 9.75% to 46.5%, and foreign-source income is also taxable with relief against double taxation. - **Regime tied to this route:** **Foreign-source income of foreign retirees** · 10% tax Foreigners aged 50 or over who move to Curaçao can have their foreign-source income taxed at 10%, or choose a fixed foreign-source income of ANG 500,000 (≈ $279,000) taxed at the normal rate. [All tax rules for Curaçao](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 ## What you need to arrange - **Bank account / funds** The bank statement must show sufficient means for the applicant and the family - **Certified translation** A copy of the valid passport and a birth certificate not older than one year, legalised or apostilled where needed - **Police certificate and civil documents** A copy of the valid passport and a birth certificate not older than one year, legalised or apostilled where needed Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts. **Full official text** Residence permit for foreigners who plan to enjoy their pension in Curaçao, with the option of the penshonado tax scheme. (sources 1, 2, 3) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of XCG 635 (≈ $350) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 1 year; fees and levies combined. (source 3) - A fee of XCG 1,250 (≈ $700) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 2 years; fees and levies combined. (source 3) - A fee of XCG 1,865 (≈ $1,040) · First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 3 years; fees and levies combined. (source 3) #### Requirements - The applicant plans to live in Curaçao on a pension. (source 1) - The bank statement must show sufficient means for the applicant and the family. (source 1) - To admit a spouse, a foreign applicant must show at least XCG 3,000 (≈ $1,680) gross a month, plus XCG 250, (≈ $140) 350 or 500 a month for each child aged 0-5, 6-11 or 12 and over. (source 1) - A copy of the valid passport and a birth certificate not older than one year, legalised or apostilled where needed. (source 1) - A certificate of good conduct from the last place of residence, not older than three months. (source 1) - An original bank statement saying the applicant has enough means to support themselves and their family. (source 1) - Anyone using the penshonado scheme also needs an original statement from a locally established accountant. (source 1) - Apply online through the permit portal after paying the fee; the permit can be requested for up to three years. (source 1) - The immigration office has four months to decide, and a first application is decided from abroad. (source 1) - An extension can be requested from four months before the permit expires. (source 1) #### Stay - Permit requested for up to three years; extension possible. - First stay: up to 36 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Foreign nationals; Dutch and US citizens and people with a Dutch parent born in Curaçao use declarations instead of permits. #### Work No local work; the penshonado tax scheme requires not working in Curaçao. #### Family Spouse and children can apply for a family permit. Checked 2026-10-11 · partly verified ## Official sources 1. [Rentier and retiree permits](https://immigrationcur.org/dep/rentenier/) · Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao, Ministry of Justice of Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Penshonado scheme](https://belastingdienst.cw/particulier/themas/penshonadoregeling/) · Belastingdienst Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Payment order form 910: fees and levies by permit type and period](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Betalingsopdracht-2.docx) · Department of Immigration (Admission Organisation), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Implementation of policy changes as of 1 April 2026](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beleidswijziging-TO-Curacao-per-1-4-2026.pdf) · Admission Organisation (Toelatingsorganisatie), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 5. [Becoming a Dutch national in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-in-the-caribbean-part-of-the-kingdom) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), Netherlands · checked 2026-10-11 ## Pensioner permit and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pensioner permit | Fee XCG 1,865+ ≈ $1,040 | 3 yr, renewable | No | | [Rentier permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/rentier/) | Fee XCG 1,865+ ≈ $1,040 | 3 yr, renewable | No | | [Hibernator short stay](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/hibernator-short-stay/) | Needs savings of XCG 36k+ ≈ $20k | 6 mo | No | | [Retiree permanent residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mexico/permanent-resident-retiree/) Mexico | Needs income of MXN 134k+ a month ≈ $7,310 | – | Yes | | [Pensioner visa M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/m-pensionado/) Colombia | Needs income of COP 5.3M+ a month ≈ $1,640 | 3 yr | Yes | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Pensioner permit? A fee of XCG 635 (≈ $350). First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 1 year; fees and levies combined. A fee of XCG 1,250 (≈ $700). First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 2 years; fees and levies combined. A fee of XCG 1,865 (≈ $1,040). First application for a residence permit (own business, rentier or pensioner purpose) requested for 3 years; fees and levies combined. ### How long can I stay on the Pensioner permit? Permit requested for up to three years; extension possible. ### How long does the Pensioner permit take to process? The Admission Organisation has four months from the date of the application to decide. ### Can I work on the Pensioner permit? No. No local work; the penshonado tax scheme requires not working in Curaçao. ### Can I bring my family on the Pensioner permit? Spouse and children can apply for a family permit. ### Does the Pensioner permit lead to permanent residence in Curaçao? Time on the Pensioner permit counts toward permanent residence in Curaçao, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence. The general rule for citizenship is 5 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Pensioner permit holders in Curaçao? Penshonado scheme: foreign-source income of foreign retirees taxed at 10%: Foreigners aged 50 or over who move to Curaçao can have their foreign-source income taxed at 10%, or choose a fixed foreign-source income of ANG 500,000 (≈ $279,000) taxed at the normal rate. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Penshonado scheme: foreign-source income of foreign retirees taxed at 10%](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/tax/#tax-cw-penshonado) 10% tax **Details** - Who: The person is 50 or over and has lived outside Curaçao for at least 60 consecutive months - Limit: ANG 450k ≈ $251k Foreigners aged 50 or over who move to Curaçao can have their foreign-source income taxed at 10%, or choose a fixed foreign-source income of ANG 500,000 (≈ $279,000) taxed at the normal rate. #### Taxed on Foreign-source income (employment abroad, foreign business, foreign property, bank interest, foreign dividends and periodic payments). #### Who it applies to - The person is 50 or over and has lived outside Curaçao for at least 60 consecutive months. - The person asks the tax inspector within two months of registering in the population register. - Within 18 months of registration the person owns a home worth at least ANG 450,000 (≈ $251,000) for own use, or a protected monument of that value. - The person, and a spouse, does not work in Curaçao. #### Exclusions - Local income is taxed at the normal progressive rate. - The scheme lapses if the person or spouse earns local work income, with the right lost entirely after two consecutive years. - Choosing the fixed foreign-source income of ANG 500,000 (≈ $279,000) removes relief for double taxation under the Netherlands-Curaçao tax arrangement. #### Limits - ANG 450,000 (≈ $251,000) · Minimum value of the home required - ANG 500,000 a year (≈ $279,000) · Fixed foreign-source income option taxed at the normal rate #### Tax residence The person must be registered in the population register and live in Curaçao. #### Visas Works alongside a rentier or retiree residence permit. #### Other taxes AVBZ and basic health insurance premiums, and AOV/AWW depending on age, are still due. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/tax/) ## More in Curaçao [@HOME remote worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/remote-worker/) [Investor · indefinite](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/investor-indefinite/) [Investor · 3 years](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/investor-3y/) [Investor · 5 years](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/investor-5y/) [Sole proprietor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/self-employed/) [Work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/employee-permit/) [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/student/) ## Retirement and live-on-savings visas elsewhere [🇨🇷 Pensionado residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/temporary-pensionado/) [🇦🇷 Pensioner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/argentina/temporary-pensioner/) [🇺🇾 Retiree PR (Law 16.340)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/uruguay/retiree-benefit-permanent/) [🇵🇦 Retired rentista](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/rentista-retirado/) [🇪🇨 Retiree visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-jubilado/) [🇵🇪 Rentista residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/peru/rentista-resident/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 5 official sources.** Status: partly verified; the page marks the facts an official source does not fully confirm. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Rentier and retiree permits](https://immigrationcur.org/dep/rentenier/) · Toelatingsorganisatie Curaçao, Ministry of Justice of Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Penshonado scheme](https://belastingdienst.cw/particulier/themas/penshonadoregeling/) · Belastingdienst Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Payment order form 910: fees and levies by permit type and period](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Betalingsopdracht-2.docx) · Department of Immigration (Admission Organisation), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Implementation of policy changes as of 1 April 2026](https://immigrationcur.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beleidswijziging-TO-Curacao-per-1-4-2026.pdf) · Admission Organisation (Toelatingsorganisatie), Ministry of Justice, Curaçao · checked 2026-10-11 5. [Becoming a Dutch national in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-in-the-caribbean-part-of-the-kingdom) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), Netherlands · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.