Moving to Curaçao With a Car (2026)

You have decided to move to Curaçao. The flights are booked, the housing is sorted, the cédula application is in progress. Now comes the question everyone asks: what do I do about a car?

You have three options: bring your current car from the Netherlands or the US, buy a new or used car on-island, or import a vehicle specifically for Curaçao. Each option has a different cost profile, timeline, and set of trade-offs. This guide covers all three so you can make an informed decision before you land.

Option 1: Bring your current car

From the Netherlands

Shipping a car from the Netherlands to Curaçao is common,especially for people who own a vehicle they love and want to keep. The process works, but it is more expensive than most people expect.

Shipping cost: €2,800–€4,500 depending on the vehicle size and whether you ship in a shared container or a dedicated one. Full container (20ft) gives you space to ship personal belongings alongside the car, which can be cost-effective if you are moving household goods too.

Transit time: 3–5 weeks from Rotterdam or Antwerp to Willemstad. The vessel typically stops at other Caribbean ports along the way, which adds time.

Import duty: you will pay import duty on the current market value of the vehicle, not what you originally paid. Curaçao customs will assess the value based on age, mileage, and condition. For a 3-year-old car valued at €25,000, expect approximately €8,500–€10,000 in total duties and taxes. See our duty guide for exact rates.

The catch: there is no duty exemption for personal vehicles when relocating to Curaçao. Unlike some countries that offer a one-time import relief for immigrants bringing household goods, Curaçao charges full import duty on your vehicle regardless of whether it is brand new or your personal car of 5 years. This surprises a lot of people.

Worth it? If your car is relatively new, well-maintained, and worth more than €20,000, the math can work. You know the car, you trust its history, and you avoid the uncertainty of buying something unknown. But if your car is older, has high mileage, or is worth less than €15,000, the shipping cost and duty often exceed the vehicle's value on the island. In that case, sell in the Netherlands and buy fresh.

From the United States

If you are relocating from the US, the process is similar but faster and cheaper on the shipping side.

Shipping cost: $2,000–$3,000 from South Florida (Miami / Fort Lauderdale). If you are further away, add ground transport to the port,typically $500–$1,500 depending on distance.

Transit time: 1–2 weeks from South Florida. Significantly faster than Europe.

Export paperwork: US Customs requires an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing through AES for vehicles valued over $2,500. You also need the original title, which must be clean (no liens, no salvage, no rebuild).

Option 2: Buy on the island

The simplest path. You land in Curaçao, rent a car for the first few weeks, and buy something locally. No shipping, no customs, no waiting.

New vehicles are available through authorized dealers like AutoCity and Premier Automotive. Selection is limited compared to the US or Europe but covers the major brands. Expect to pay 30–50% more than US retail for the same model. This premium reflects the dealer's own import costs, margin, and the reality of a small market.

Used vehicles are traded through Facebook groups, local classifieds, and small independent dealers. Prices are inflated by limited supply, and vehicle history transparency is minimal compared to what you are used to in the Netherlands or the US.

Worth it? For budget vehicles under ANG 20,000, buying locally is the pragmatic choice. The import cost overhead does not justify itself on cheap cars. For vehicles above ANG 50,000, you are paying a significant premium for convenience. That is where importing starts to make financial sense.

Option 3: Import a vehicle specifically for Curaçao

This is what many experienced expats and locals do: instead of bringing an old car or paying local markup, they source the ideal vehicle from the US at a competitive price and have it shipped directly.

The US used car market offers the widest selection, the most competitive pricing, and full transparency through services like CARFAX. A 2-year-old SUV with 30,000 miles might cost $35,000 in Florida,and after shipping, duty, and tax, deliver to your door in Willemstad for approximately $50,000. The same vehicle at a local dealer would be ANG 100,000+ ($56,000+).

The key advantage: you choose exactly what you want. Right make, right model, right year, right color, right trim. You are not limited to whatever happens to be available on an island of 150,000 people.

Timeline: when to start

If you are planning a move, here is when to start thinking about the car:

Registration and insurance

Once your vehicle is on the island,whether shipped or bought locally,you need to register it and get insurance before driving.

Registration requires a valid cédula, the vehicle title or import documents, proof of customs clearance (if imported), and a technical inspection (APK/keuring). The inspection checks roadworthiness: brakes, lights, emissions, tire condition. If the vehicle passes, you receive your license plates.

Insurance is mandatory. At minimum you need WA (liability) coverage. Most people opt for all-risk coverage, especially on newer or more valuable vehicles. Annual premiums range from ANG 1,500 for basic liability to ANG 5,000+ for comprehensive coverage on a premium vehicle. Shop quotes from at least three local insurers.

Road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) is paid annually and based on vehicle weight. Typical range: ANG 500–1,200 per year.

The bottom line

If you are moving to Curaçao, think about the car early. The worst position is arriving without a vehicle and feeling pressured to buy whatever is available at whatever price because you need to get around. Give yourself time to make a smart decision.

For a full cost estimate on any vehicle, use our import calculator. Enter a vehicle price and see the total landed cost including shipping, duty, and tax.

Or let us handle it. Browse our current inventory of hand-picked vehicles, each with a single all-in price. We source from US and European dealers, handle all logistics and paperwork, and deliver to your door in Curaçao. One price, no surprises, no stress.

Questions about your specific situation? Send us a message,we are happy to help you figure out the best path.