Curaçao updates conditions for Dutch citizenship for investors
Citizenship Netherlands

Curaçao updates the requirements for investors to obtain Dutch citizenship

7 July 2021
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The authorities of the island of Curacao have decided to review the conditions for obtaining residence in the country for foreign investors. The government intends to make the existing immigration program CIPP more appealing to wealthy candidates from around the world. It is worth noting that Curaçao has a sovereign status in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and almost complete autonomy in matters of domestic policy. Therefore, applicants for citizenship of Curaçao become de facto citizens of the Netherlands.

According to the laws of the Kingdom, foreigners, who have lived on the island for 5 years, can obtain local citizenship after successfully passing the exam. Knowledge of Dutch is a mandatory condition. As a reminder, the investment project was launched in 2014. Now the requirements for investors under this program are becoming more flexible.

What has changed in CIPP

On July 1, the Dutch Caribbean Stock Exchange (DCSX) posted a statement on its official website, confirming the benefits of a renewed immigration program for investors (CIIP). Not only will applicants now be able to reside on the island, but they will also be able to invest in a DCSX-registered firm. Organizations, listed on the exchange, comply with CIIP rules.

In the original version, the immigration project provided applicants with only two ways to obtain Curaçao residence. Previously, applicants could invest in local real estate or their own business on the island. On June 30, René Romer, senior commercial director of DCSX, added, that listed companies could be considered suitable investment targets under the program.

New CIIP Investor Requirements and Benefits

The Curaçao authorities offer applicants for CIIP three ways to invest with different categories of residence:

  • Residence permit for 3 years with the possibility of extension, the amount of investment — from 280 000 USD.
  • Residence permit for 5 years with the possibility of extension, the investment amount — from 425 000 USD.
  • Fasy-track residence permit for an unlimited period, the amount of investment — from 850 000 USD.

The potential applicant can invest in real estate, business or securities of a company listed on the Dutch Caribbean Stock Exchange. Note that the latter investment route is suitable for investors, who monitor the interest rate sensitivity factor. The three-year program does not imply granting Dutch citizenship to a resident. However, in the case of extending the residence permit for another 3 years, the applicant is allowed to request a passport of the state on the grounds of residing 5 years in Curaçao.

The requirements to CIIP applicants are simple: one needs  to prove the amount of money, corresponding to the investment limit for the entire period of living in the state. The applicant should also provide medical insurance and prove the absence of criminal record. It is worth reminding, that Curaçao received autonomy and formed its own government under the leadership of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Dutch citizenship is recognized as one of the best in the world. Passport holders of this country can visit more than 180 countries without a visa.

CIIP stands equal to the EU golden visa

According to Julie Boursicot of Advance Global Partners, the organization issuing the securities can be a firm, belonging to a Dutch stock exchange fund. Legal entities are also allowed to be the issuer. The position of director or legal representative in the company must be at least one citizen of Curaçao. Operational costs and financial management can take place locally.

Boursicot mentions: the unlimited type of residence permit is the best choice for applicants, and there are no restrictions on obtaining citizenship at this time. Due to the fact, that Curaçao is under the protection of the Netherlands, residents of the island state have the ability to move throughout the territory of the Kingdom. That is, investors, who have received residency in Curacao, can spend in the Netherlands an unlimited amount of time. In fact, CIIP is equivalent to the EU golden visa, offering citizenship after residing for 5 years in the state.

Источник: IMIdaily

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