If you hold a non-Dutch, non-American passport, you already know the frustration: a residency permit that expires every year, renewed again and again for up to a decade before you can even apply for permanent residency. It is a long road. But there is one programme that changes everything — and almost nobody is talking about it. The Penshonado-regeling gives you permanent residency status and significant tax benefits at the same time. And if buying property in Curaçao was already on your mind, this is the perfect opportunity. For anyone 50 or older who is serious about relocating to Curaçao, this is not just the smartest route. It is the only route worth taking.
The programmeWhat the Golden Visa Curaçao actually means
In the context of Living in Paradise’s offering, the Golden Visa refers to a permanent residency permit obtained through the Penshonado-regeling — a special legal and tax pathway that grants the right to live in Curaçao indefinitely, without any renewal requirement, combined with a 10% flat tax rate on qualifying foreign-source income.
This is a meaningful distinction from other residency routes. Most programmes in Curaçao involve annual fees, periodic renewals, or continued investment obligations. The Penshonado-based permanent residency permit, once granted, is for life.
For people 50 and over, Curaçao offers the lifestyle of a lifetime — combined with a genuine financial advantage.
Four core advantagesWhat sets this programme apart
10% flat tax on foreign income
Pensions, dividends, rental income, and investment returns from outside Curaçao may qualify — compared to the standard rate of up to 46.5%.
Permanent residency for life
One application, no renewal deadlines, no ongoing compliance requirements after approval.
Lower property threshold
Minimum property value of Cg 450,000 — compared to Cg 1,500,000 required under the investor permit route.
One-time immigration fees
Pay once. The traditional investor pathway requires ten years of cumulative annual fees for equivalent status.
Important: The 10% tax benefit applies to foreign-source income only — income generated outside of Curaçao. Local employment income is not covered by this scheme.
Tax eligibility
What income qualifies for the 10% rate?
The Penshonado-regeling applies to income generated outside Curaçao. These are the most common qualifying categories:
Employment pensions
Foreign dividends
Rental income abroad
Investment returns
Foreign bank interest
Qualifying property in Curaçao must meet a minimum value of Cg 450,000 — with an 18-month window to complete the purchase after registration.
Eligibility
Do you qualify for the Penshonado-regeling?
- ✓You are 50 years or older at the time of application
- ✓Your income comes from foreign sources — pensions, dividends, investment returns, or similar
- ✓You have lived outside Curaçao continuously for at least five years immediately before applying
- ✓You plan to own qualifying property at a minimum value of Cg 450,000 — with an 18-month window after registration to complete the purchase
- ✓You may own a company (NV or BV) with at least 40% shareholding — permitted under this scheme
- ×You do not intend to work as a local employee in Curaçao
Side by side
Penshonado vs. investor permit — the numbers
| Criteria | Penshonado (Golden Visa) | Standard investor permit |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 10% flat rate | No tax benefit |
| Residency | Permanent — for life | Permanent — for life |
| Min. property | Cg 450,000 | Cg 1,500,000 |
| Government fees | 1 year (paid once) | 10 years (paid upfront in full) |
| Renewal | Never | Never |
| Age | 50 or older | None specified |
The process
What we do for you
1
Eligibility Consultation
We review your full profile to confirm you qualify and map out your entire path with timelines and next steps, before a single document is filed.
2
Penshonado Tax Registration
Our in-house tax advisor handles the full application to the Penshonado-regeling on your behalf.
3
Permanent Residency Application
Our expert immigration lawyers apply for your permanent residency permit — with guaranteed results.
4
Real Estate Service
Our team helps you find your dream home in Curaçao, within your budget and fully compliant with the programme requirements.
5
VIP Aftercare
We stay by your side through every practical step of settling in — insurance, deposits, registrations — until you are fully at home in Curaçao.
Curaçao offers year-round sunshine, a stable political environment, and direct flights to Amsterdam, Miami, and Bogotá.
Find out if you qualify
Book a consultation with Monica and the Living in Paradise team. We will review your profile, confirm eligibility, and walk you through every step.
Book your consultation →Legal and tax notice: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. The Penshonado-regeling involves complex rules that vary by individual circumstances, country of citizenship, and applicable international tax treaties. Always consult a qualified tax advisor before making decisions regarding residency or tax status.
