{"id":36320,"date":"2014-05-31T05:24:30","date_gmt":"2014-05-31T09:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=36320"},"modified":"2020-09-11T02:44:34","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T06:44:34","slug":"immigration-requirements-and-daily-life-in-curacao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.escapeartist.com\/blog\/immigration-requirements-and-daily-life-in-curacao\/","title":{"rendered":"Immigration Requirements and Daily Life in Cura\u00e7ao"},"content":{"rendered":"
The first thing you have to do if you are not a Dutch citizen and want to live in Cura\u00e7ao is to get a residence permit. One of the requirements to be able to receive such permit are sufficient means of support. Without sufficient means of existence the residence permit might be rejected.<\/p>\n
Pending the application procedure the applicant has to remain outside Cura\u00e7ao in order to avoid rejection of the same. The authorities can take up to 4 months to decide whether to approve or reject the application.<\/p>\n
After approval of the application a security deposit has to be paid, the amount depending on the country the applicant is originally from. This deposit will be returned upon final departure from Cura\u00e7ao.<\/p>\n
Once you have the permit you can start your new life on this beautiful island. Cura\u00e7ao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands so you are actually living in an European country. What makes it much better than actually living in Europe are the beautiful beaches, the great weather with lots of sun, breeze and little rain and the local people who are very friendly and helpful.<\/p>\n
To be able to mix with the locals you will have to learn their language. Cura\u00e7ao\u2019s official language is Dutch, and most people speak English and Spanish, but many locals speak Papiamentu \u2014 a Creole mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English, and Arawak Indian. Papiamentu is spoken through all levels of society. This Curacao language has become a major element of the island\u2019s identity and if you want to really become a part of everyday life in Cura\u00e7ao, you should learn this beautiful language.<\/p>\n
Traffic rules are roughly the same as in North America and Europe: people in Cura\u00e7ao drive at the right side of the road. At intersections and traffic circles, yield to traffic coming from your right unless signs indicate otherwise. At all T-crossings, through-going traffic has priority. \u00a0No right turns on red light are permitted. .Seatbelts are required and children under 12 years of age must travel in the back seat. Children under 4 years of age need a child seat. \u00a0You need a valid driver\u2019s license. \u00a0Even though you can use your valid license from your home country you will have to change it eventually \u00a0for an Antillean license unless you are in possession of a Dutch license. To register or change your license you have to visit the driver\u2019s license centre. If you have a Dutch license, it\u2019s recommended to renew it before departure from The Netherlands.<\/p>\n
Public education in Cura\u00e7ao is based on the Dutch educational system and schools on the island meet the high standards applicable to institutions in the Netherlands. Public schools are free, and attendance is obligatory. \u00a0American style education is also available from kindergarten through the 12th grade.<\/p>\n
I hope you got value from reading: Immigration Requirements and Daily Life in Cura\u00e7ao. If you would like additonal information about Curacao, please contact<\/b> our office HERE.<\/b><\/a> Here are a few really interesting articles about Curacao, and all the fun you can have whether you are contemplating a vacation or as an investment vehicle.<\/b><\/p>\n Retiring in Curacao<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Cura\u00e7ao’s Regulations for Pensioners<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Where to Buy Property in Cura\u00e7ao<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Getting a Work Permit and Finding Work in Cura\u00e7ao<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Family Fun in Cura\u00e7ao<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n