Quick answer — Curaçao BV at a glance. A Curaçao BV (private limited company) is formed by notarial deed and registered with the Chamber of Commerce, usually within a few weeks, with no meaningful minimum capital. Profits are taxed at 15% on the first 500,000 of taxable profit (local currency) and 22% above, with lower rates for specific activities. Curaçao's @HOME remote-work programme lets foreigners live on the island while working for foreign employers or clients, which is different from running a local company.
Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with Dutch-based company law, a stable legal system and a long history as an international financial centre. For location-independent founders, it offers two separate things: a Caribbean base with a remote-work programme, and a company form — the BV — that can access local incentive regimes.
The two are often confused. Living in Curaçao on the @HOME programme while invoicing through a company elsewhere is not the same as running a Curaçao BV. A BV brings local profit tax, local filings and, often, local substance requirements — in return for incentives that only apply to qualifying activities.
A Curaçao BV is not a zero-tax holding for founders living elsewhere, and it is not needed for remote workers who simply want to live on the island and work for foreign clients. It is not designed for locally employed expats.
Comparing US and offshore options? See our hub on US LLC vs offshore company.
If you mainly need a neutral holding vehicle, compare the BVI business company setup. If you are a US citizen, look at the USVI economic development program.
A BV incorporated in Curaçao is generally resident there. If it is managed from another country, that country may claim it, and Curaçao's limited treaty network means double taxation relief can be harder to obtain. Real management on the island — local directors, decisions and premises — supports both residence and access to incentives.
Curaçao offers reduced rates for specific activities. A 3% rate applies to ship and aircraft building, repair and maintenance, support services, storage and logistics, and services to investment funds; it does not apply to notaries, lawyers, accountants, tax advisers or management services. The Curaçao Investment Company, which replaced the exempt company in July 2018, is taxed at 0%. The 2% e-zone rate applied only up to 2022. Curaçao also taxes on a territorial basis: only profit from activities and assets on Curaçao is taxed, while passive income such as interest, royalties, rent and dividends is always treated as domestic.
The @HOME programme lets remote workers live in Curaçao for an initial period while working for foreign employers or clients. Running a local business requires a residence permit and, for foreigners, generally a business licence. Residents are taxed under Curaçao's personal income tax, with special regimes for some categories of new residents.
Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder, introduced in 2025 and pegged to the US dollar. Banks and service providers apply strict due diligence, and beneficial ownership is recorded with the Chamber of Commerce.
A Curaçao BV typically costs $2,000–5,000 to set up and $2,000–5,000 a year to run, before premises and staff.
Amounts are indicative.
Curaçao works best when the founder actually lives on the island and the business fits an incentive regime. For pure remote work, the @HOME programme without a local company is often simpler.
Local banks apply thorough due diligence and usually expect the director to be present. Regional and international banks with Caribbean operations may also be options.
The Curaçao Business Bank Comparison Guide compares the main banking options for BVs — get it when you start your Curaçao setup with Heavnn.
It is a private limited company under Curaçao's Dutch-based civil code, formed by notarial deed and registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
No. The @HOME programme lets remote workers live on the island while working for foreign employers or clients. A BV is only needed if you will run a business from Curaçao.
It pays Curaçao profit tax at 15% on the first 500,000 of taxable profit (local currency) and 22% above, unless it qualifies for a reduced rate, such as 3% for specific activities or 0% as a Curaçao Investment Company.
Curaçao has reformed several former offshore-style regimes to meet international standards. Today, benefits generally require real activity and substance on the island.
Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder, introduced in 2025 and pegged to the US dollar.
Curaçao rewards founders who actually move there. Heavnn helps you decide between a BV and the remote-work permit.
Start your Curaçao setup with Heavnn →
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Figures are indicative as of October 2026.
