What you need to know when establishing a company in Curaçao
Company establishment in Curaçao. The petite island of Curaçao located in the Caribbean and also part of the Dutch Kingdom, is a Civil Law jurisdiction. This article shows you the requirements that must be met when considering establishing a company in Curaçao.
Formation by Notary and registration with the Chamber of Commerce needed
The company is formed by a notarial deed and registered with the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce (all information deposited at the Chamber of Commerce is public). The Civil law notary will apply for the business and director’s licenses at incorporation. The articles can be in Dutch, English or Spanish, or any other language the Civil Law Notary is familiar with, in that case, a Dutch translation of the articles of association is required by a sworn translator. Keep in mind that the company is incorporated for an indefinite period of time or until liquidated. (existence of the company)
On our useful links page, you will find a link to, among others, the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce.
Capital requirements & Shares
There are no minimum capital requirements for the company. However, at incorporation and thereafter, they must have a shareholders’ net equity of not less than zero. Shares must be in registered form. The share capital may be denominated in one currency, or in various currencies.
Shares may be with or without par value. They can have full or limited voting rights or be non-voting. Also, shares can have full, limited, or no right to profits. At and after incorporation either at least one share having full voting rights and entitled to profits must be issued and outstanding, or one share having full voting rights plus one share entitled to profits must be issued and outstanding.
So, for company establishment in Curaçao you need:
- Company formation by Civil Law (local) Notary
- Registration at Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce
- Shares must be in registered form
- A local representative
Representation
In order to obtain the local licenses, the company should have at least a local representative or managing director. We can help you with this. Please contact us if you’re looking for an experienced local representative or managing director in Curaçao.
*This blog is a piece of general information. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.
Read here how BARBRI simply explains the difference between Common Law and Civil Law.