Curaçao (CW)
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island of approximately 160,000 people situated 65km north of Venezuela, outside the Atlantic hurricane belt.
Social Security in Curaçao
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
Curaçao operates a comprehensive Dutch-model social security system administered by the Sociale Verzekeringsbank Curaçao (SVB). The system covers old-age pension (AOV), widows and orphans insurance (AWW), health insurance (AZV/BVZ), long-term care (AVBZ), disability (WEB/WAO), sickness insurance (ZV), and work-related accident insurance (OV). Contributions are mandatory for all employees — deducted at source. Expat workers are fully enrolled and entitled to benefits during legal residence. AOV contributions are non-refundable on departure.
SVB Insured Number
SVB Verzekerdenummer
Your employer registers you with SVB when you start work. SVB assigns your insured number and sends confirmation by post. If self-employed, register directly at SVB in Willemstad with your KvK certificate and VVA permit. If you do not receive confirmation within 30 days of starting work, contact SVB at +599 9 465 9200.
- Payslip and income tax filings (Belastingdienst)
- BVZ health insurance registration
- AOV old-age pension contribution tracking
- ZV sickness benefit claims (after 52 weeks employer pay)
- OV work-related accident insurance claims
- AVBZ long-term care benefit claims
Benefits & Support Payments
Old-Age Pension (AOV)
Algemene Ouderdomsverzekering (AOV)
State old-age pension payable from retirement age (65). Foreign workers build up entitlement during their time in Curaçao based on years of contribution.
All legal residents contributing to SVB. Retirement age: 65. Minimum contribution period for a meaningful pension: 10+ years.
Apply at SVB office 6 months before retirement date. Bring passport, VVA permit, and contribution records.
Widows' and Orphans' Insurance (AWW)
Algemene Weduwen- en Wezenverzekering (AWW)
Monthly pension for surviving spouses and dependent children of a deceased insured person.
Surviving spouse or dependent children of a deceased SVB-insured person.
Contact SVB with death certificate, proof of relationship, and insured number.
Basic Health Insurance (BVZ/AZV)
Basisverzekering Ziektekosten (BVZ) / Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering (AZV)
Mandatory health insurance covering GP visits, hospital care, specialist referrals, and prescribed medication.
All legal residents of Curaçao enrolled with SVB. Registration required within 30 days of VVA receipt.
Register at SVB office with passport, VVA permit, and employer details. AZV contribution deducted from salary.
Sickness Benefit (ZV)
Ziekteverzekering (ZV)
Wage replacement for employees unable to work due to illness after the employer's 52-week mandatory pay obligation.
Employees who have been continuously ill for more than 52 weeks and remain unable to work.
Employer reports to SVB after 52 weeks of illness. SVB assesses and begins benefit payments.
Long-Term Care Insurance (AVBZ)
Algemene Verzekering Bijzondere Ziektekosten (AVBZ)
Coverage for long-term healthcare costs — chronic illness, nursing home care, home care, and rehabilitation services.
All legal residents. Care needs assessed by SVB/health authority.
Apply at SVB with medical documentation and assessment of care needs.
Work-Related Accident Insurance (OV)
Ongevallenverzekering (OV)
Compensation for work-related accidents or occupational diseases — medical costs, temporary disability benefit, and permanent disability lump sum.
All employed workers who suffer a work-related accident or occupational disease.
Employer must report work accident to SVB within 5 days. Employee or employer submits claim to SVB.
Contribution Overview
Total employee social contributions: approximately 13–16% of gross salary (AOV/AWW + AZV/BVZ + AVBZ + ZV). Employer contributions are additional (approximately 16–22% of gross salary). Contributions are capped at a maximum wage base updated annually by SVB. Self-employed individuals pay both employee and employer portions.
International Social Security Agreements
Curaçao has limited bilateral social security agreements. Key agreements: Kingdom of the Netherlands framework (Netherlands, Aruba, Sint Maarten, BES islands). No agreements with most expat source countries (US, UK, Germany, France, etc.). Contributions generally cannot be transferred to home country systems on departure. Seek specialist pension advice before departing if significant AOV contributions have been made.
SVB office located in Willemstad. Contact: +599 9 465 9200 | svbcur.com. Always keep your SVB insured number (verzekerdenummer) for payslip verification and benefit claims. Request a contribution statement (polisblad) from SVB annually for your records.
Social Security
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