Certificate of Inheritance in Curaçao: Essential When Selling a Property After a Death

It’s a situation we unfortunately encounter quite often: a property in Curaçao that needs to be sold, but (partially) remains registered in the name of someone who has passed away. As real estate agents, there’s not much we can do… until a certificate of inheritance is presented.

But what exactly is this document? Why is it so important when selling a house? And how do you arrange it—without unnecessary stress? Time for a clear explanation.

What is a certificate of inheritance?

The certificate of inheritance is an official declaration issued by a notary, stating who the heirs of the deceased are and who is authorized to act on their behalf. It is the legal proof required to sell a property or to access the deceased’s bank account.

Without this certificate, everything comes to a halt—not just with the bank or the notary, but also with the real estate agent. No certificate means no sale.

When do you need this certificate?

You’ll need it as soon as you want to deal with matters related to the estate. Think of:

1. Selling a property in Curaçao
2. Accessing bank accounts
3. Distributing assets
4. Settling debts

If someone has passed away and assets are still in their name, a certificate of inheritance is often essential.

What do you need to obtain this certificate?

The notary will draw up the certificate but requires quite a bit of information to do so. For example:

1. A death certificate of the deceased
2. A family lineage declaration from the Civil Registry of Curaçao
3. Marital status information of any heirs residing outside Curaçao
4. Information from the Central Testament Register (CTR)

Information from the Central Testament Register: how it works

Before a notary can issue a certificate of inheritance, they must first determine whether the deceased made a will. That information is obtained from the Central Testament Register.

The CTR does not provide access to the content of the will. However, through what is called a testament declaration, you will be informed whether a will exists, the date it was created, and the notary who holds it.

The application procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Visit the CTR website at minfin.cw
2. Download the E-form, fill it out, and scan it
3. Pay NAf 25 via online banking (include the ID number of the deceased in the reference)
4. Email all documents to inzage.testament@gobiernu.cw and CC: comptabiliteit.ont@gobiernu.cw
5. Include:
6. • The death certificate (and a birth certificate if the death occurred before 2000)
   • The fully completed and scanned E-form
   • The proof of payment

The testament declaration is usually returned via email within two weeks.

Multiple heirs? Consider a power of attorney

If several heirs are involved in the estate, it is often practical and efficient to authorize one person to act on behalf of the others. This can be arranged through a notarial power of attorney. It avoids delays and confusion—and allows us as real estate agents to move forward more quickly with the sale.

A will is not a luxury

Do you live in Curaçao and don’t have a will yet? Then now is a good time to seriously consider it. Because:

1. In Curaçao, you can fully disinherit your children (unlike in the Netherlands)
2. Without a will, the standard statutory division of heirs applies
3. With a will, you maintain control over your estate

A well-planned estate brings peace of mind—for you and your family.

Why this knowledge also matters for buyers

As a buyer, you don’t want to purchase a property with unresolved ownership. Disputes among heirs, a missing certificate of inheritance… these are red flags. That’s why at International Fine Living, we legally screen every property to ensure you, as a buyer, avoid any complications.

Summary

1. The certificate of inheritance is essential if you want to sell a property in Curaçao after a death
2. The process goes through a notary and the Central Testament Register
3. Multiple heirs? Arrange a power of attorney
4. A will prevents confusion and conflict
5. Buyers should also be alert to inheritance-related issues

Are you dealing with this and unsure where to start? Contact us. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.

International Fine Living – your trusted real estate agent in Curaçao with knowledge, care, and attention to detail

International Fine Living does its best to provide accurate and helpful information to those looking to buy or sell a home in Curaçao. However, our time and resources are limited, and we may not always be able to publish the latest updates. We therefore advise you to verify any information provided with the appropriate authority or professional. No rights can be derived from the accuracy of the information given.

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