Launched in February 2021, the Curaçao digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work on the island for up to six initial months. The Curaçao digital nomad visa, known as the @Home in Curaçao program, was launched in response to the global pandemic and the uptick in remote work. Focusing on the work-from-anywhere mindset, the remote working visa recommends swapping “that cold, gray, and rainy background for the vibrant colors and warmth of Curaçao”.

The Dutch Caribbean island country, located just off the Northern coast of Venezuela, is famous for its multicultural community and bids to increase the island's diversity with the remote working visa. Successful applicants are able to stay in Curaçao for an initial six-month period with the option of renewal for a further six months. But the @Home in Curaçao program isn’t available to everyone and nomads must satisfy a short list of criteria for a successful application.

From a local residential address to the non-refundable application fee to the application fee—find out everything you need to know about the Curaçao digital nomad visa in our guide to remote working in the country. 

What is the Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa?

The Curaçao digital nomad visa, known as the @Home in Curaçao program, is a six-month visa offered to remote workers to permit living and working in the island country. The visa was launched in February 2021 in response to the global pandemic and the drop in tourism around the world. In an effort to recoup lost business, immigration officials in the country launched the remote working program, offering a visa to those that can work from anywhere in the world. 

Curaçao joins the likes of other Caribbean island countries, such as Anguilla, and Antigua & Barbuda, to launch the new digital nomad visa. However, unlike the majority of those in the sunniest part of the world, there is no minimum income requirement listed in the satisfying criteria.

Why is the Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa Better Than a Tourist Visa?

The main benefit of the Curaçao digital nomad visa lies in the length of time that can be spent in the country by visitors. The majority of nationalities (with several exceptions including citizens of Cuba, Haiti, etc.) are permitted to stay in Curaçao for a period of 90 days without a visa. The digital nomad visa allows an initial stay of up to six months with the option of renewal for a further six months for qualifying remote workers. With a maximum of a full 12-month stay available for long-term visitors, there’s plenty of time to explore the Caribbean island.

In addition to the long stay, remote workers are also permitted to travel, live, and work in Curaçao with their spouse and/or dependents under the same visa. To confirm this choice, details of the family members can be entered into the application form when applying. 

Curaçao Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 

The @Home in Curaçao program is, unfortunately, not available to all. When applying for the Curaçao digital nomad visa applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for the entire visa duration.
• Remote Worker: All applicants must provide proof that they earn a livable income from outside of Curaçao. Remote work may in the form of a remote employee, business owner, or freelancer with foreign clients. 
• Health Insurance: All applicants must provide proof of health insurance with coverage in Curaçao. 
• Clean Criminal Record: All applicants must provide a certified criminal record check with no previous criminal history. 
• Address of Residence in Curaçao: All applicants must provide an address of residence (booking or lease) for their time in the country. 

Unlike the majority of other digital nomad visas, there is no minimum income requirement for the @Home in Curaçao program. 

How to Apply 

The Curaçao digital nomad visa is one of the simplest to apply for globally with the entire process taking place online. Our step-by-step guide is designed to walk remote workers through the application process for a successful outcome. 

Step 1: Collect all Necessary Documents

The first step when applying for the @Home in Curaçao program is to collect all of the documents necessary for the application. All individual remote workers must supply the following documents on the application: 

• Copy of Passport 
• Evidence of Remote Work 
• Letter of Intent/Motivation
• Return Ticket to/from Curaçao
• Residential Address in Curaçao (Booking or Lease)
• Evidence of Health Insurance
• Certified Criminal Background Check

All documents should be digitized, ready for upload during the application process. 

Step 2: Make the Application Fee Payment

Unlike the majority of other digital nomad visas available, the Curaçao remote working visa application fee must be paid before the application process can begin. The application fee, of $264 USD, can be paid by bank transfer with the reference including the full name (as it appears on the applicant's passport). All applicants should retain the receipt and proof of payment to later be submitted during the application process.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Following the payment confirmation, remote workers are then able to begin the application form, accessed online, at the official @Home in Curaçao site. The application form is relatively self-explanatory with the onscreen instructions prompting the application to fill in the necessary information. Once complete, the digitized documents and proof of payment should be attached. Applicants are then required to electronically sign the document before finally submitting the application.

Step 4: Await Visa Approval

Once submitted, applicants are simply required to await the verdict of their application. The current processing times sit at two weeks with applicants notified via email.

Why Choose Curaçao for your Next Remote Working Trip?

Curaçao is one of the best Caribbean islands to choose from when planning your next remote working trip. With more than 35 beaches, countless diving and snorkeling opportunities, and the breathtaking Christoffel Park, the island is perfect for those that love spending their time outdoors. But there’s more to the country than exploring nature—spa and wellness, sports and golf, shopping, and nightlife, it’s all available on the island. With digital nomads able to trial the island for an initial six months, there’s never been a better time to book tickets out to Curaçao.

Remote Work Culture in Curaçao

Although the island of Curaçao may be small, there are coworking spaces available for use by digital nomads. At the heart of the island, in the capital city of Willemstad, remote workers will find spaces such as Workspot Curaçao, coWorld Working Community, and Curaçao Coworking. Outside of these dedicated spaces, there are plenty of laptop-friendly cafes, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, perfect for remote work.  A mobile internet connection is available throughout Curaçao, although some of the remote destinations outside of downtown Willemstad will have spotty service. The majority of accommodations and cafes will have WiFi that can be used by remote workers during their stay. 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life in Curaçao 

Curaçao is recognized as one of the inexpensive Caribbean islands to visit both for a short stay as a tourist and for a long stay as a digital nomad. The cost of living in Curaçao is estimated at 2.4% higher than that in the United States, although rental prices are much lower, estimated at 61.2% lower than in the States for equivalent properties. The approximate monthly expenses for a single digital nomad sit at $950 USD (without rent) with the figure rising to $3,400 USD (without rent) for a family of four. 

There is limited data surrounding the quality of life in Curaçao, although it is estimated that it is comparable to other nearby island countries. With economic security, high levels of safety, and a balanced living and working lifestyle, a high quality of life can be enjoyed on the island.  

Healthcare in Curaçao

The healthcare system in Curaçao is limited to just three hospitals, the largest of which is Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad, covering the island. Most hotels do have a medical professional that can be telephoned to provide healthcare if necessary during a trip. Evidence of healthcare coverage in Curaçao is one of the main requirements that must be satisfied to qualify for the digital nomad visa. We would always recommend that digital nomads invest in high-quality health insurance that covers all activities planned during their stay.

Conclusion 

With clear blue water, more than 35 beaches, and a huge amount to see, do, and explore, Curaçao should be on the bucket list of every traveler. Now, with the Curaçao digital nomad visa, known as the @Home in Curaçao program, there’s never been a better time for remote workers to visit the island. 

Not all will qualify for the remote working visa, but there’s one requirement missing that can be found in almost every other application process—the minimum income criteria. With no hard-to-reach minimum requirement, freelancers, business owners, and remote employees from all countries, industries, and walks of life can successfully apply for the program. 

With the doors to the Dutch Caribbean island now fully open to remote workers, we’re expecting to see the number of nomads multiply in the coming years. 

‍