Curaçao (CW)
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island of approximately 160,000 people situated 65km north of Venezuela, outside the Atlantic hurricane belt.
Leaving Curaçao
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Recommended departure timeline: 3 months before departure — give notice to landlord. 2 months before — cancel utility and service contracts (noting notice periods). 6 weeks before — notify Belastingdienst and SVB. 2 weeks before — deregister at Censo, notify Immigratiedienst Curaçao, close or transfer bank accounts. Final week — final landlord inspection, key handover, settle final utility bills. Allow 3–6 months for final tax return processing and deposit return after departure.
Deregistration
Deregister at Censo (Dienst Burgerzaken — Civil Registry) in Willemstad within 5 days of departure. Bring your passport, VVA permit, and proof of departure (flight booking or new address abroad). Complete the emigration (uitschrijving) form. Failure to deregister can complicate future immigration applications. Notify Immigratiedienst Curaçao of your departure to cancel your VVA permit — submit copy of Censo deregistration and departure details. Deregistration certificate issued same day.
Tax clearance
File a final income tax return (eindaangifte inkomstenbelasting) for the year of departure with the Belastingdienst Curaçao covering the period you were resident. Curaçao does not levy a specific exit tax. Outstanding tax must be paid before or after departure. Overpaid income tax is refunded — process takes 3–6 months after filing. Request a belastingclearance (tax clearance certificate) from Belastingdienst if required for specific transactions such as a property sale.
Pension portability
AOV/AWW (old-age pension) contributions made in Curaçao are NOT refundable upon departure. They remain in the fund and build up a deferred entitlement — you may claim a proportional AOV pension from Curaçao from age 65 based on years contributed. Contact SVB (svbcur.com) for a contribution statement before leaving. AZV (health insurance) contributions are similarly non-refundable. Curaçao has limited bilateral social security agreements — contributions generally cannot be transferred to your home country system. Seek specialist pension advice before departing if significant contributions have been made.
Health insurance
Cancel your BVZ health insurance with SVB by notifying SVB of your departure date and providing your Censo deregistration certificate. BVZ coverage ends on the date of deregistration. Ensure you have alternative health insurance in place for your destination country before the BVZ ends — there should be no coverage gap. If you have supplementary private insurance (ENNIA, Fatum, international plan), cancel these separately by providing the required notice period (typically 30 days).
Bank account
You may keep a Curaçao bank account active after departure if you have ongoing financial interests (rental income, investments). Most banks allow non-resident accounts with enhanced KYC documentation — notify your bank of your address change abroad. To close your account: visit a branch with passport and account details, settle any outstanding balances. Transfer remaining funds via SWIFT or Wise before closing. SWIFT code for MCB: MCULCWCU. Wise is recommended for cost-effective international transfers.
Utilities
Cancel Aqualectra (electricity and water) by calling 433-3333 or visiting a service centre to schedule a final meter reading and settle the outstanding balance — in-person visit may be required. Cancel internet/cable (Liberty or Flow) with the contractual notice period (typically 30 days) and return equipment. Cancel mobile phone contract or port your number out — check for early termination fees. Return LPG gas cylinder to the supplier for deposit refund if applicable.
Rental contract
Provide written notice to your landlord in accordance with the contractual notice period — typically 1–3 months. Schedule a joint move-out inspection (gezamenlijke oplevering) to document property condition. Landlord must return deposit within 30 days of lease end less any agreed deductions. Photograph the property thoroughly at move-out. Request a written itemised statement of any deductions from the deposit.
Leaving the Country
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