Good news first: you don't have to live in Curaçao to finance a home here. Local banks do lend to non-residents. The conditions are stricter than for people living on the island, though, so it pays to know what to expect before you start viewing homes.
Who lends on Curaçao property?
Mortgages on property in Curaçao are provided by local lenders. Banks and lenders active in the market include Maduro & Curiel's Bank (MCB), Banco di Caribe, Orco Bank, RBC Royal Bank, Vidanova Bank, the Centrale Hypotheekbank (CHB) and Guardian Group. Lenders in your home country generally do not take a mortgage on property in Curaçao.
How much can you borrow?
For non-residents, banks typically finance around 60% to 70% of the property's value. They usually base this on the lower of the purchase price and the independent valuation (taxatie), and several sources mention a common maximum of around XCG 1,500,000. In practice this means bringing 30% to 40% of the price yourself, plus the buying costs.
That last part is easy to overlook: the 4% transfer tax, notary and land registry costs, and the costs of the mortgage deed itself are generally not financed by the bank. Our buying-cost calculator shows what to budget on top of the price.
Interest rates and terms
Published market information puts mortgage rates in Curaçao at roughly 4.5% to 6%, depending on the lender, the loan-to-value, the fixed-rate period and your financial profile. Terms can run up to around 35 years, but most banks want the mortgage repaid by a certain age, commonly 65, with some lenders allowing up to 70.
Annuity, linear and interest-only (often limited to about half the property value) structures are all found on the island. Your bank will advise which fits your situation.
What the bank will ask for
Expect the bank to look closely at your income and obligations in your home country. Typical documents include recent payslips or an employer's statement, bank statements, tax returns, proof of identity and details of existing loans. The bank will also order an independent valuation of the property from an appraiser on its approved list.
Leasehold (erfpacht) homes can be financed too, but banks check the remaining lease term carefully.
How to make it smooth
Speak to a bank early, ideally before you make an offer, so you know your budget. Add a financing condition (financieringsvoorbehoud) to the purchase agreement, so you can withdraw if the mortgage is not approved in time. And allow for the timeline: valuation, approval and the notary's preparations all take time.
We work with buyers abroad every day and are happy to introduce you to local lenders and advisers.
Sources: Curaçao mortgage and real estate publications (2025–2026), including Second Home, KW Curaçao and curacaorealestate.nl. Conditions differ per lender and change over time; this article is general information, not financial advice.