Applying for a Mortgage in Curaçao: Everything you need to know about financing when buying a property

Buying a property in Curaçao is a dream for many. But beyond sun, sea, and lifestyle, there’s a lot of paperwork involved—especially when it comes to financing. In this article, we walk you through the mortgage process step-by-step. Whether you’re a resident or planning to finance from abroad, here’s everything you need to know.

How does a mortgage work in Curaçao?

A mortgage in Curaçao works similarly to mortgages in the Netherlands or other countries. You borrow money from a bank to buy a house, using the property itself as collateral. The most common mortgage type is the annuity mortgage, but other options are available, such as:

Linear mortgage
Interest-only mortgage (under certain conditions, usually up to 50% of the property value)
Combination mortgage (annuity + interest-only)

The best choice depends on your income, financial goals, and long-term plans.

How much can I borrow for a property in Curaçao?

Your borrowing capacity depends on your income, savings, financial obligations, and family situation. Banks in Curaçao also consider:

The market value of the property (determined by an independent appraiser)
The foreclosure value (the value in case of forced sale)
The purchase price

In general, the maximum mortgage is 70% of the market value, with a cap of XCG 1,500,000. In exceptional cases, higher financing may be possible based on your financial strength.

What is the required down payment?

The required down payment depends on your status:

For residents: typically between 0% and 20%
For non-residents: often 30% to 40%

You will need your own funds to cover the difference between the purchase price and mortgage, as well as additional costs like transfer fees, notary fees, and insurance.

Can I apply for a mortgage as a non-resident?

Yes, non-residents can apply for a mortgage in Curaçao. However, the conditions are stricter than for residents. You’ll likely need:

A higher down payment (30–40%)
Stricter assessment of your financial situation
In some cases, a tax clearance certificate from your home country

With proper guidance, this process is manageable and often successful.

What is the typical mortgage term in Curaçao?

Mortgage terms in Curaçao can go up to 35 years. Most banks apply a maximum age limit of 65 years, although the Centrale Hypotheekbank (CHB) may extend this to 70 years, depending on your financial situation.

What is the interest rate for a mortgage in Curaçao?

Mortgage interest rates in Curaçao usually range between 4.5% and 6%. The exact rate depends on:

Type of mortgage
Your financial profile
Loan term
The bank or lender

It’s always worth comparing rates or getting professional advice.

How long does it take to get a mortgage approved?

The entire process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly you submit the required documents and how efficiently the bank processes your application. Expect to provide:

Payslips, passport, bank statements
Property appraisal report
Possible medical examination for required life insurance

What insurance is required with a mortgage?

Curaçaoan banks usually require the following insurances when granting a mortgage:

Home insurance (against fire or storm damage)
Life or mortgage risk insurance
CAR insurance for new constructions
Possibly additional personal accident insurance

These policies must remain active throughout the life of the mortgage, with the bank listed as the beneficiary.

Which banks offer mortgages in Curaçao?

You can apply for a mortgage at the following financial institutions:

Each lender has its own terms and conditions. At International Fine Living, we’re happy to help you compare the options and choose the best one for your situation.

Need mortgage advice from the Netherlands or abroad?

There are excellent mortgage solutions available for Dutch citizens or international buyers financing a home in Curaçao. We work with experienced mortgage advisors who specialize in cross-border financing. They assess your specific situation and provide tailored advice for both the Netherlands and Curaçao.

Need help with your mortgage in Curaçao?

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already have plans in motion, good preparation is key. At International Fine Living, we guide you from the initial consultation to receiving the keys.

Collaboration with trusted mortgage advisors
Full purchase support from start to finish

📩 Contact us and discover how we can help you secure your dream home in Curaçao.

International Fine Living strives to keep home buyers and sellers in Curaçao well-informed. However, due to time constraints, we may not always be able to publish the most recent updates. We strongly advise verifying information with the appropriate authority or service provider. No rights can be derived from the content of this article.

To other Curaçao real estate agents: all content is protected by copyright. Copying or reusing our texts is not allowed. You are welcome to link to our blog, of course.

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