Incorporating a company in Curaçao offers a range of benefits, especially for businesses seeking an international presence, tax optimization, or a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin American markets. Below is an overview of the key benefits and the procedure for incorporating a company in Curaçao, along with the required documents.

Benefits of Company Incorporation in Curaçao

The process for incorporating a company in Curaçao generally involves the following steps:

1.Choose a Company Name:

The name must be unique and not resemble any other company already registered in Curaçao.

The name should end with a legal suffix (e.g., NV for a public limited company, or BV for a private limited company).

2.Select the Company Type:

Decide whether you want to form an International Business Company (IBC), Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Public Limited Company (NV).

The choice will depend on the scope of your business, ownership preferences, and regulatory considerations.

3.Draft the Articles of Incorporation:

Prepare the company’s articles of incorporation, which outline the company’s structure, goals, share capital, and other critical details.

4.Appoint Directors and Shareholders:

Appoint the initial directors and shareholders. Curaçao does not have specific residency requirements for directors or shareholders.

You can appoint corporate directors or professional management firms to maintain privacy.

5.Open a Bank Account:

Open a corporate bank account in Curaçao. This account will be used for the company’s financial transactions.

Banks in Curaçao require proof of the company’s incorporation, and you may need to provide additional KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation.

6.Register with the Chamber of Commerce:

Once the company’s articles of incorporation are finalized, you must submit them for registration with the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kamer van Koophandel).

7.Obtain a Business License (if applicable):

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to apply for a business license or permits from relevant authorities, especially for regulated sectors like financial services, insurance, or gaming.

8.Tax Registration:

Register your company with the Curaçao tax authority for tax purposes, including obtaining a tax identification number (TIN).

Required Documents for Company Incorporation

When incorporating a company in Curaçao, the following documents are generally required:

1. Passport Copies of Shareholders and Directors:
   • Copies of valid passports of the individuals involved in the company, to verify their identity and nationality.
2. Proof of Address of Shareholders/Directors:
   • A recent utility bill or bank statement to confirm the residential address of the shareholders and/or directors.
3. Company Name Reservation:
   • Proof of name reservation or approval from the Chamber of Commerce.
4. Articles of Incorporation:
   • A draft of the articles of incorporation outlining the company structure, business objectives, capital, and shareholder information.
5. Bank Reference Letters:
   • A letter from a bank confirming the financial standing of the shareholders or directors, typically required to open a corporate bank account.
6. Corporate Structure:
   • Information about the shareholders (individual or corporate), directors, and any beneficial owners.
7. Application for Business License (if applicable):
   • If your business requires a special license (e.g., for financial services, gaming, or other regulated activities), submit the required license application documents.

Incorporating a company in Curaçao provides several advantages, from tax efficiency to ease of doing business. The process is relatively simple, and with the required documentation in place, incorporation can be completed quickly.