How to Import a Car to Curaçao: Step by Step Guide (2026)

Importing a car to Curaçao is not as complicated as people think. But it does involve multiple steps, several government agencies, and a stack of paperwork. This guide walks through the entire process in order, from choosing a vehicle to putting a license plate on it.

Before you start: requirements

You need a valid Sedula (residency permit) to import a vehicle for personal use in Curaçao. Tourists and temporary visitors cannot import vehicles. Make sure your Sedula is current before starting the process.

You also need to be able to show proof of purchase (a bill of sale or invoice from the seller) and proof of ownership (the vehicle title). These documents will be required at customs.

Step 1: Choose your vehicle

You can source a vehicle from anywhere, but the two most common origins are the United States and Europe (primarily the Netherlands and Germany).

From the US: Larger selection, generally lower prices, shorter shipping times (2–3 weeks from Florida). Left-hand drive, which is what Curaçao uses. Popular choices include Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and premium SUVs from Mercedes and BMW.

From Europe: More variety in smaller luxury cars, diesel options still available, and familiar European specifications. Shipping takes 3–5 weeks. Popular choices include Mercedes GLE, BMW X5, Land Rover Defender, and Volkswagen Touareg.

Not sure what works best on the island? Read our guide on the best cars to import to Curaçao.

Step 2: Understand your total cost

The purchase price is just the beginning. Your all-in delivered cost includes:

Vehicle purchase price: what you pay the seller
Shipping: typically $2,000–$3,500 depending on origin and vehicle size
Marine transit insurance: about 1% of vehicle value plus a policy fee
Import duty: 27% on CIF value (Curaçao)
Sales tax (OB): 9% on CIF plus duty
Customs broker fee: varies, typically $200–$500
Port handling and delivery: varies by handler
Service fee: if using an import service like L'Importeur

Use our import calculator to get an instant breakdown for any vehicle price. Or see our duty comparison across the ABC islands to understand how the rates work.

Step 3: Purchase the vehicle

If buying from a US dealer, make sure you get a clean title (no liens, no salvage history unless intentional). Run a vehicle history report through Carfax or AutoCheck. Get the original title signed over to you or your import agent.

If buying from Europe, obtain the official registration documents and a bill of sale. For Dutch vehicles, you will need the vrijwaringsbewijs (proof of deregistration) and the export plates or confirmation of BPM refund if applicable.

Pay attention to the vehicle's condition documentation,clear photos, any inspection reports, and service history. These support the declared value at customs and give you protection if something is misrepresented.

Step 4: Arrange shipping

There are two main shipping methods:

RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off): The vehicle drives onto a cargo ship and drives off at the destination. Cheaper, typically $1,500–$2,500 from the US. The car must be running and driveable. No personal belongings allowed inside.

Container shipping: The vehicle is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container. More expensive ($2,500–$4,000+) but offers full protection and allows you to ship personal items alongside the car. Required for non-running vehicles.

From the US, most shipments depart from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) or Jacksonville. Transit time to Willemstad is typically 5–10 days for direct sailings.

From Europe, Rotterdam is the primary departure port. Transit time is 2–4 weeks depending on the carrier and whether it is a direct route or goes via a Caribbean hub.

Step 5: Insure the shipment

Marine transit insurance covers your vehicle from port to port. If the ship encounters rough weather, the container is dropped, or the car is damaged during loading, you are covered.

A standard policy costs about 1% of the vehicle value plus a flat policy fee (around $75). On a $50,000 car that is roughly $575. This is not optional,it protects your largest asset during the most vulnerable part of the journey.

The insurance cost is included in the CIF value, which means it is also subject to import duty. Something to be aware of when calculating total costs.

Step 6: Prepare customs documents

Before the vehicle arrives, prepare the following documents for customs clearance in Curaçao:

Bill of Lading (provided by the shipping company)
Commercial invoice or bill of sale (showing purchase price)
Vehicle title or registration document
Copy of your Sedula
Copy of your ID or passport
Insurance certificate (marine transit)
Packing list (for container shipments)

A customs broker will file the import declaration on your behalf. They handle the tariff classification, duty calculation, and communication with Douane (customs authority). Using a broker is not legally required but is practically essential unless you have done this before.

Step 7: Pay duties and clear customs

Once the vehicle arrives at the port of Willemstad, customs processes the declaration. You (or your broker) pay the import duty (27% of CIF) and the OB sales tax (9% of CIF plus duty). Payment is typically made at the customs office or via bank transfer.

After payment, customs releases the vehicle. Your broker provides a clearance certificate (inklaring) which you need for the next step.

The clearance process takes 1–3 business days in normal circumstances. Delays can happen if documentation is incomplete or if the declared value is flagged for review.

Step 8: Vehicle inspection (Keuringsdienst)

Every imported vehicle must pass a technical inspection before it can be registered. This is done by the Keuringsdienst, the government vehicle inspection authority.

The inspection covers safety items: lights, brakes, tires, steering, emissions, windshield condition, and general roadworthiness. Vehicles that are in normal working condition pass without issues. Common fail points are tinted front windows beyond legal limits and modified exhaust systems.

Book the inspection appointment as soon as your vehicle clears customs. Wait times can vary, and the sooner you get through this step, the sooner you are on the road.

Step 9: Register and get plates

With your customs clearance certificate and inspection approval, head to the vehicle registration office (Bureau Wegverkeersbelasting). You will need:

Customs clearance documents
Approved inspection certificate
Proof of insurance (local vehicle insurance, separate from transit insurance)
Your Sedula and ID

Pay the road tax (wegenbelasting), receive your license plates, and you are officially on the road.

Timeline: how long does the whole process take?

Step	From US	From Europe
Purchase & title transfer	3–7 days	3–10 days
Transport to port	2–5 days	1–3 days
Ocean shipping	5–10 days	14–28 days
Customs clearance	1–3 days	1–3 days
Inspection & registration	2–5 days	2–5 days
Total	2–4 weeks	3–6 weeks

These are realistic timelines assuming no delays. Weather, customs backlogs, missing documents, or shipping schedule changes can add time. Budget conservatively and you will not be disappointed.

Do it yourself vs. using an import service

You can absolutely do this yourself. Many people on the island have. The process is well-documented and the various offices are used to handling imports.

The challenge is coordination. You are dealing with a foreign seller, a shipping company, an insurance provider, a customs broker, the inspection service, and the registration office. Each has their own timeline, requirements, and communication style. One missing document can stall the entire chain.

An import service like L'Importeur handles the entire process for a fixed fee. You choose your car, we handle everything from purchase through to license plates on the vehicle. Every cost is included in a single all-in price,no hidden fees and no surprises.

Use our calculator to see the total delivered cost for any vehicle, or message us on WhatsApp to discuss a specific car.