Many people who buy in Curaçao want the property to earn while they're not using it. There are two main ways to do that, and they suit very different properties and owners: renting long term to a tenant who lives there, or renting short term to holiday guests. Here is how they compare.
Long-term rental: steady and simple
With a long-term rental, a tenant signs a lease, often for a year or more, and pays a fixed monthly rent. Demand comes from local families, professionals and people who have moved to the island for work. Central residential areas such as Santa Rosa, Curasol, Julianadorp and Rust en Vrede are popular for this, because they are close to schools, shops and the main roads.
The advantages are predictability and low effort: one tenant, one monthly payment, little turnover. Homes with a separate apartment or several units on one plot are especially interesting, because each unit can be rented independently. The trade-off is that the rent is lower than what the same property could earn per night as a holiday home, and you can't use it yourself during the lease.
Holiday rental: higher income, more work
Holiday rental means short stays for visitors, booked by the night or week. It works best close to the beach and the restaurants, which is why areas like Jan Thiel, Blue Bay, Coral Estate and the historic centre of Willemstad are favourites. Apartments in resorts with a pool and security are particularly popular with guests.
Nightly rates are higher, and you can block weeks to use the property yourself. But occupancy goes up and down with the seasons, and there is far more to do: pricing, bookings, guest communication, cleaning, check-ins, maintenance and reviews. Furnishing and equipping the property is also part of the investment. Always check whether short-term rental is allowed by the resort or homeowners' association before you buy.
How rental income is taxed
Rental income from property in Curaçao is taxed in Curaçao. Published guidance from local real estate professionals explains that private landlords are taxed on 65% of the rental income, because a flat 35% may be deducted as costs without proof. Holiday rental is also subject to turnover tax (omzetbelasting), reported at 7% for this type of rental.
For owners living in the Netherlands, the tax arrangement within the Kingdom (Belastingregeling voor het Koninkrijk) is designed to prevent double taxation. Tax rules change and every situation is different, so we always recommend speaking to a local tax adviser before you buy for rental purposes.
Why good management makes the difference
Whichever route you choose, the property only performs if it is looked after, especially when you live abroad. A local manager finds and screens tenants or guests, collects the rent, organises maintenance and repairs, handles emergencies and keeps you informed with regular reports. For holiday rental, management usually also covers pricing, the booking calendar, cleaning and check-ins.
Turquoise Realty offers full property management for both long-term and holiday rental, with one point of contact on the island.
Which one suits you?
Choose long-term rental if you want stable, low-maintenance income and you won't use the property yourself. Choose holiday rental if the location is right, you want to enjoy the property for part of the year and you're comfortable with seasonal income, ideally with a professional manager. Not sure? Tell us about the property or your budget and we'll help you work out the realistic options.
Sources: Curaçao real estate market publications (2025–2026), including Sunset Realtors Curaçao. Figures are indicative; this article is general information, not tax advice.