The Complete Guide to Importing a Car to Curaçao
Importing a car to Curaçao from Europe can save you thousands compared to buying locally—if you know how to navigate the process. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why Import from Germany?
Germany offers the largest selection of premium used vehicles in Europe. With strict TÜV inspection requirements, German cars are typically well-maintained with full service histories. More importantly, prices are 15-25% lower than comparable vehicles in the Caribbean market.
Understanding Import Duties
Curaçao applies two main charges on imported vehicles:
- Import Duty: 27% calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
- Sales Tax (OB): 9% calculated on the CIF value plus the import duty
For a €50,000 vehicle, expect approximately €20,000-22,000 in duties and taxes.
The Timeline
From purchase to delivery, the typical timeline is 5-7 weeks:
- Week 1: Vehicle purchase and documentation
- Week 2: Transport to Rotterdam port
- Week 2-5: Ocean shipping (17-25 days)
- Week 5-6: Customs clearance in Willemstad
- Week 6-7: Local registration and delivery
Required Documentation
Ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Original vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief)
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Insurance certificate
- Valid passport copy
- Proof of residence in Curaçao
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Not all vehicles make sense to import. Consider:
- Service availability: Is there a dealer or specialist on the island?
- Parts availability: Can you source parts locally or will everything need to be shipped?
- Climate suitability: Will the vehicle handle salt air and tropical conditions?
German SUVs from Mercedes, Land Rover, and Porsche have strong service networks in Curaçao and hold their value well.
The Bottom Line
Importing a vehicle to Curaçao requires planning and patience, but the savings can be substantial. A €80,000 German SUV might cost €110,000-120,000 landed—still €30,000-50,000 less than buying the same vehicle locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to import a car to Curaçao?
Total costs include the vehicle price, shipping (€1,500-2,000), insurance (0.5% of value), import duty (27% of CIF), sales tax (9%), and customs fees (€400-600). For a €50,000 vehicle, expect around €72,000-75,000 total landed cost.
How long does it take to import a car to Curaçao?
The typical timeline is 5-7 weeks from purchase in Germany to delivery in Curaçao. Shipping alone takes 17-25 days from Rotterdam to Willemstad.
Can I import any car to Curaçao?
Most passenger vehicles can be imported. However, the vehicle must meet local safety standards and pass inspection. We recommend importing vehicles with service support on the island.
Do I need to be a resident to import a car?
Non-residents can import vehicles but may face additional documentation requirements. Residents who have owned a vehicle for at least one year abroad may qualify for reduced duties under certain conditions.
