Economic Zone

Economic Zone

Economic Zone

Curaçao’s Free (Economic) Zones are being regulated by the economic zone law, and are one of the tools supporting the development of Curaçao as a Logistics and Distribution Center. These zones are fenced-in Customs areas where goods can be stored, displayed, packed, manufactured and distributed and where certain types of services, for example regional repair centers, may be rendered free from import duties. In addition, the profit tax on profits generated from export is only 2%. Import, export and transit of goods are completely duty-free and special tax incentives are provided to free zone companies. The activity must be focused on trading with or providing services to companies outside of Curaçao.

The Special incentives offered to E-Zone Companies are:

A wide range of legal and financial benefits which include asset protection, tax minimization, privacy and investment diversification

  • 0% Import duties
  • 0% turnover tax
  • No land and property taxes

One of the requirements for a company established in the Free (Economic) Zone is that at least 75% of the e-zone company’s annual total sales, has to be generated from export, while up to 25% of the total sales may be be generated from sales in the domestic market after obtaining a permit from the Government.

In addition, the following are offered:

  • Multi-purpose buildings of varying sizes
  • Units with basic telecommunication, electricity and water connections
  • Fully serviced business parks
  • Customs clearance at the main gate
  • Plots for the construction of own customized buildings at the Airport Free (Economic) Zone
    24 hours, 7 days a week security patrolling
  • The types of businesses, which are currently operating in these free (economic) zones, are:
  • Wholesalers of consumer’s products targeting the Caribbean and Latin America. The product types include garments, apparel, textiles, cosmetics, perfumes, shoes, pharmaceuticals and more.
  • Foreign manufacturers and trading companies that target regional distribution and service centers.
  • Curaçao has two such zones geared towards trading in goods and providing services: one is located adjacent to the international airport Hato and the other one at the harbor.

Curaçao Airport Free (Economic) Zone

The Curaçao Airport Free (Economic) Zone is located adjacent to the international airport Hato, 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the seaport and 7 miles (11 kilometers) from town. The first phase of the Airport Free (Economic) Zone covers a fully developed area of 30 acres (12 hectares) with a total of approximately 140,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of buildings. Further expansion of the zone is planned in a second phase, realizing a total land area of 103 acres (42 hectares). The Curaçao Airport Free (Economic) Zone is especially advantageous for companies that export goods by air.

This Free (Economic) Zone, located next to the harbor premises, was established in the late nineteen fifties. Nowadays, the zone is used by a number of trading companies as a distribution center. The zone was developed successfully based on the package that Curaçao offers, such as, excellent sports facilities, provided international financial services, state-of-the-art voice and data infrastructure. The success of this zone, together with the local government’s vision to further develop Curaçao as a regional logistics and commercial center, have led to the development of the second Free (Economic) Zone, located next to the international airport Hato, the Curaçao Airport Free (Economic) Zone. For more information visit the Curinde website.

In addition to the Free (Economic) Zones, there is also the Industrial Park Brievengat. The Industrial Park Brievengat is a fenced-in business park with 24 hour on-site security patrolling .It is centrally located at 4 miles (6 kilometers) distance from the International Airport, 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the container terminal port and 7 miles (11 kilometers) from town. The total area is 69 acres (28 hectares) of which approximately 750,000 square feet (70,000 square meters) is taken up by multi-purpose buildings. An infrastructure consisting of basic utilities connections, asphalt roads, street lights and 130,000 square feet (12,000 square meters) dedicated as a parking area. The Industrial Park Brievengat is not a free (economic) zone; traditionally it caters to many local industries trading with among others St. Maarten and the BES Islands consisting of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, and other Caribbean islands. These companies engage in storage, distribution, manufacturing, assembling and processing.

Their activities include among others: The production of pharmaceutical products, dairy products, ice, sugar, paint, plastics, paper and plastic bags, soap, sanitary products, awnings, foam containers; Distribution of office products, furniture, electronics and lubrication products; Storage of a variety of products.

The Industrial Park Brievengat provides multi-purpose buildings with a floor area varying from 32,000 – 43,000 square feet (3,000 to 4,000 square meters). Each building is divided into units of 5,000 square feet (500 square meters). This gives you the flexibility to obtain the number of areas as needed by your activity.

Firms operating at the Industrial Park Brievengat are offered the flexibility to rent part or a whole building, no need to invest in their own building. In the event a specific activity requires a custom-designed building, there are various sizes of ready to build plots available for long lease.

- a length of 98 feet (30 meters);
- a width of 49 feet (15 meters);
- a floor-to-ceiling height of 18 feet (5.5 meters);
- concrete floors that can sustain a maximum weight of 200 lb. per square foot (1,000 kg per square meter);
- its own separate water, electricity and telephone connections;
- restrooms;
- two entrances, one door and a rolling door (4×4 meters);
- optionally, loading docks.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]

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