Curacao Company Registration

• Tetra Consultants conducts thorough research on various jurisdictions, assessing their legal and regulatory frameworks to determine suitability for intended business activities. With Tetra Consultants, clients receive expert guidance in selecting the most appropriate jurisdiction and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Our dedicated team navigates the complexities of legal and regulatory landscapes, providing comprehensive support to businesses aiming to establish themselves in a jurisdiction conducive to their specific business activities. 

• At Tetra Consultants, we facilitate the seamless registration of companies in Curacao. To ensure a smooth process, we recommend clients to provide us with three variant names for their company. Once we receive the variant names from the client, we undertake a thorough check to verify the availability of these names for registration. If all three names are available, we present them to the client as options for their final choice. However, if any of the variant names are already taken, we inform the client and request additional names from them. This ensures that we have a pool of options to work with, increasing the likelihood of securing a unique and available name for the company. 
• Upon finalizing the company name, we proceed with the registration process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and necessary documents are submitted to the relevant authorities in Curacao. 

• Tetra Consultants offers legal drafting services to assist you in preparing notarized documentation required for various purposes, including opening a corporate bank account. Our expert team ensures the meticulous drafting of certified true copies of essential identification documents, such as passports and ID cards or driver’s licenses. Additionally, we facilitate the preparation of personal reference letters from reputable banks, tailored to meet the specific requirements of your banking institution. Trust Tetra Consultants to handle the legal drafting process with precision and efficiency, enabling you to fulfill the necessary documentation seamlessly. 

• There are various pre-requisites depending on the business structure you have chosen. Various pre-requisites for private limited liability company which are as follows: 
• It only requires two shareholders (a minimum of one resident of Curacao) to incorporate, and nominee directors and shareholders can be used. 
• BV in Curacao can be managed by one or more directors, and at least one director must be resident in Curacao. 
• A registered office address within Curacao.
• The minimum capital requirement for a BV in Curacao is ANG 1. 
• There is no requirement to appoint a company secretary for a BV in Curacao. 

• Tetra Consultants compiles a comprehensive package of documents for submission to the Register, using the client’s provided data. This meticulous process ensures accuracy and compliance with all legal requirements, facilitating a smooth and efficient registration process for our clients in Curacao. 

• Following the meticulous compilation, Tetra Consultants submits the package of documents to the Register. Subsequently, our dedicated team ensures prompt processing by the Curacao company registrar. Upon completion, the company’s information is entered into the Register database, marking a significant milestone in the successful establishment of our client’s company in Curacao. 

• Once the company is registered in the database, Tetra Consultants provides access to its registration data. Clients can request paper versions of statutory documents with or without certification as needed. Our specialists offer assistance with all necessary certification processes such as notarization, apostille, and translations into other languages, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients’ needs. 

• At Tetra Consultants, we offer corporate bank account opening services to streamline the process for our clients. With our assistance, you can open a bank account with your preferred financial institution within 4 weeks of incorporation. Our experienced team will guide you through the selection of a suitable bank based on your specific business needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize international banking services, favorable transaction fees, or specialized financial products, we will help you choose the right bank to meet your requirements. 

What are the minimum regulatory requirements for the Curacao company registration? 

• For Private Limited Liability Company (BV) minimum regulatory requirements includes: 

Directors and shareholders requirements 

• At least one local director is required. 
• No limitation on the number of managing directors. 
• Managing directors need a residence and a work permit to work in Curacao. 
• Expatriates with a Dutch passport does not need a working permit. 
• A minimum two shareholders are required, with at least one being a resident of Curacao. 

General requirements 

• The minimum capital requirement for a BV in Curacao is ANG1. 
• The company must have a registered office in Curacao. 
• A business establishment permit is required for all businesses to start doing business in Curacao. 
• The BV is incorporated by a notarial deed executed by one or more incorporators before a civil law notary in Curacao.  

What are the documents required for the Curacao company registration? 

• The document requirements for Curacao company registration vary based on the specific business structure and activities involved. While the exact list of documents may differ depending on your business, a generalized overview includes various essentials. If you seek a comprehensive list tailored to your Curacao company registration, Tetra Consultants is well-equipped to provide detailed guidance and documentation assistance suited to your needs. 
• Valid identification documents including notarized copy of passports of directors, shareholders, and UBO’s. 
• Original bank reference letter 
• Original personal reference letters from a reputable bank and a professional advisor. 
• If more than one shareholder represents the company, the shareholding of each shareholder must be indicated. 
• Certificate of Good Standing Registry Certified 
• Certificate of Good Standing Apostilled 
• Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association 
• Completed beneficiary declaration of sufficiency of funds 
• Notarized and apostilled confirmation of residence address for each founder and director of the company. 

Accounting and tax obligations 

• Adherence to accounting and tax obligations is paramount for maintaining a company’s financial health and compliance. Tetra Consultants provide extensive accounting and tax solutions, ensuring punctual submission of accounts and precise tax returns. 
• Outsourcing these services offers significant economic benefits, enabling businesses to concentrate on their core activities while ensuring compliance with regulations. With Tetra Consultants, companies in Curacao can effortlessly manage their accounting and tax responsibilities, enhancing their economic management and regulatory compliance. 

Accounting obligations: 

Financial reporting 

• Compliance with specific financial reporting obligations is essential when establishing a company in Curacao. These requirements encompass the preparation and submission of annual financial statements and reports, due by the end of March. Additionally, these financial statements must adhere to generally accepted standards, offering a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial status. Ensuring adherence to these obligations is vital for the successful operation of a company in Curacao. 

Accounting standards 

• Companies are required to prepare and submit financial reports by the end of March, ensuring compliance with generally accepted standards to convey a thorough understanding of the company’s financial standing. The management board is tasked with compiling financial statements within eight months following the conclusion of the financial year. These statements include, at minimum, a balance sheet, a profit and loss statement, and an accompanying explanatory note. 

Audit requirements 

• Audit requirements in Curacao vary based on company size and structure. Large companies are mandated to undergo auditing of their accounts. Alternatively, Tax-exempt BVs are obligated to have their accounts verified and endorsed by an independent expert, such as a registered accounting consultant or a certified public accountant. 

Tax obligations: 

Corporate Tax Rate 

• In Curacao, the standard corporate tax rate stands at 22% for worldwide income. Nonetheless, exemptions are accessible, including the E-Zone Regime catering to international e-commerce firms, Export Regime Companies, and Tax Exempt NVs. 
• The tax authorities in Curaçao have implemented a policy of immediate criminal prosecution for failing to file corporate income tax returns. This policy is temporary and aims to improve tax return compliance, with criminal prosecution beginning immediately if a taxpayer does not fully comply with the obligation to file a tax return within the set period. 

Audit report 

• While all companies established in Curacao must file an annual tax return, only large companies must undergo audit of their accounts. 

Sales tax on consumption 

• Curacao implements a consumption-based sales tax system, applicable throughout the production and distribution phases of most goods and services. The standard sales tax rate is 6%, with varying rates applied to specific goods and services. For instance, hotel accommodation incurs a 7% tax, while food and drinks typically carry a 9% rate, excluding exempted essentials like bread and eggs. While consumers ultimately bear the sales tax embedded in prices, businesses handling goods or services are responsible for charging, collecting, and remitting the tax to the relevant tax authority. Moreover, penalties may be imposed by the tax authority if sales tax returns are not submitted on time, and the penalties may amount to a maximum of ANG10,000. 

Why proceed with Curacao company registration? 

Political 

• The political landscape is characterized by stability and reliability due to its status as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This affiliation provides businesses with a well-established legal and political framework, offering assurance and predictability for operations. Curacao benefits from the governance structure and regulatory standards of the Netherlands, fostering an environment conducive to business growth and development. The political stability and support from the Dutch government contribute to investor confidence and facilitate smooth company formation processes in Curacao, promoting a favorable climate for entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Economical 

• The territory’s adoption of a territorial tax system stands out as a significant advantage. This system exempts profits derived from foreign sources from taxation, rendering Curacao an appealing destination for international businesses seeking favorable tax conditions. Moreover, the standard corporate tax rate of 22%, coupled with reduced rates for specific domestic activities, enhances the overall attractiveness of Curacao for company formation. These economic policies foster a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, encouraging investment and facilitating sustainable growth in the jurisdiction. 

Social 

• Social factors play a crucial role in company formation in Curacao, where the official languages of Dutch and Papiamentu reflect the territory’s cultural diversity. This linguistic diversity is advantageous for businesses, as it ensures access to a skilled and multilingual workforce. The availability of a diverse talent pool enhances collaboration and communication within organizations, facilitating smoother operations and greater efficiency. Additionally, Curacao’s culturally rich environment fosters an inclusive workplace culture, attracting both local and international talent. 

Technological 

• Technological factors significantly influence company formation in Curacao, with the territory offering a favorable environment for electronic communication and international trade. The adoption of advanced technological infrastructure facilitates seamless communication and efficient business operations, essential for companies establishing themselves in the global market.  
• Moreover, Curacao’s territorial tax system, complemented by its technological advancements, enhances the efficiency of international trade activities by streamlining financial transactions and reducing administrative burdens. 

Environmental 

• Environmental considerations are paramount in the context of company formation in Curacao, particularly due to the significant impact of the oil refinery on the country’s economy. The refinery historically contributed approximately 8 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Curacao. However, transitioning to lower emissions necessitates time and substantial investments.  
• Local advocacy groups are actively promoting sustainable alternatives for the refinery, reflecting a growing awareness and emphasis on environmental sustainability within the business landscape. As a result, companies considering formation in Curacao must carefully consider and align with environmentally friendly practices to mitigate adverse impacts and contribute positively to the local ecosystem. 

Legal 

• Legal considerations are pivotal in the formation of companies in Curacao, where strict requirements mandate the submission of annual financial statements and reports. While only large companies undergo audit procedures, Tax-exempt BVs must ensure their accounts are verified by independent experts. Notably, Curacao’s flexible incorporation regulations eliminate minimum capital requirements, facilitating the establishment of businesses with varied financial capacities.  
• Furthermore, the jurisdiction’s commitment to privacy is evident in its non-disclosure of beneficial owner information, providing confidentiality and discretion to businesses operating within its legal framework. These legal factors collectively contribute to Curacao’s appeal as a conducive environment for company formation. 

Looking for a Curacao company registration? 

• Contact us to know more about Curacao company registration and our experts will revert within the next 24 hours. 

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