Generally, visitors holding a valid passport may enter Curaçao without a written permit and remain with us for a period of 14 to 30 days. However, permits can be given to investors who fulfill the requirements, who own a boat or buy a property for an admission period of 6 months per the calendar year. Foreign nationals require a residence and a work permit to legally reside in Curaçao.

• Residence permit: to obtain admission it is necessary to provide information on how the applicant will support himself and accompanying dependents. When eligible for a residence permit the applicant must pay a security deposit which varies depending on the country of origin. Upon final departure, the applicant receives the deposit back.
• Work permit: will be granted if no suitable local qualified persons are available. A work permit is not necessary for expatriates with a Dutch passport (European Dutch individuals).
• The National Ordinance on Labor by Foreigners (Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen, “LAV”) provides for information regarding rules for granting of work permits. A (temporary) work permit can be denied for the protection of the local labor market.
• During the application period for a resident/work permit, the applicant must remain outside Curaçao. The local authorities must decide within 4 months about the outcome of the application process.
• A work permit is granted for a definite period or for the duration of a project.
• In some cases a working permit is not necessary:
• Persons having admission by right (e.g. Dutch nationals);
• Foreign nationals originating from countries in respect of whom a work permit cannot be requested pursuant to international treaties or according to international law;
• Spouses or partners who are married to or have concluded a cohabitation contract before a Dutch civil law notary with a Dutch citizen, persons having a residence permit for an indefinite period;
• Persons who have a residence permit granted by the Minister of Justice without prohibition for working. Visitors traveling to Curaçao must be in possession of – A valid passport; – A valid return- or onward ticket; – The necessary documents for returning to the country of origin or to a country that one has the right to enter, for example, a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent), a re-entry permit or an (entry) visa; – Sufficient funds.

Several nationalities (e.g. Cuba and Haiti) must present a tourist visa as part of the entry requirements. A visa should be applied for at least one month in advance at any representation of the Netherlands (in the concerning country).

Countries that do not need a visa are:
All Member states of the European Union, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,Belize,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chili,Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (holders of British National Overseas Passport or holders of Special Administrative Region Passport),  Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea),Liechtenstein, Macao (holders of Special Administrative Region Passport), Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom.

Actual wages paid are often higher than the minimum. The standard legal working hours are normally 8 per day and 40 per week. At least 15 working days’ annual vacation must be given with pay, and 10 paid public holidays are also granted.

Labor legislation
Collective labor agreements usually cover a period of two to three years, after which new terms are agreed upon for a similar period of time. The reliability provided by these contracts benefits both the employer and employee. In most cases there is a clause which provides for no strikes or lockouts during the contract period. All labor disputes where parties do not reach an agreement must be subjected to mediation. Parties may request intervention, or the mediator can ex-officio compel parties to accept mediation. The government has the authority to impose a ‘cooling off’ period. 

AOV and AWW premiums are due until the age of 65. In case of income other than from employment, the rates are 15% for AOV and AWW, 13.6% for BVZ and 2% for AVBZ. The implementation of the social security insurances is entrusted to the Social Insurance Bank (SVB)  However, payment of the AOV, AWW, BVZ and AVBZ must be made at the Tax Collector's office, and for information with regard to the assessment one should contact the Inspectorate of Taxes. 

Most people in Curaçao are insured based on the Basic Health Care Insurance which was introduced in 2013. The insurance covers medical expenses in Curaçao. For medical expenses that occur while travelling abroad it is advisable to obtain separate private insurance.

Employers’ organizations

Several organizations serve the interest of local businesses, such as:

• Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
• Curaçao Trade and Industry Association (Vereniging Bedrijfsleven Curaçao or VBC)
• Curaçao Hotel and Tourism Association (CHATA) .
• Antillean Contractors Association (A.A.V.)