In this article, we’ll share how to open a business bank account in Curaçao. This will include account opening for entities registered in Curaçao, foreign jurisdictions, and offshore.
That said, business bank options in Curaçao depend on the operations of your business, where your business is registered, where it operates from, and several other key factors.
In this article, we’re going to help you navigate each of these factors and start the process of opening a bank account on the island country of Curaçao for your business.
This article is part of our free series on how to open a bank account in Curaçao, which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- How to Open a Business Bank Account in Curaçao?
- Can a Foreigner Open a Business Bank Account in Curaçao?
- Benefits of Business Banking in Curaçao?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?
How to Open a Business Bank Account in Curaçao?
A business bank account in Curaçao is a viable option for many businesses, including those registered in offshore and foreign jurisdictions. Additionally, Curaçao banks tend to have a higher risk-tolerance and are willing to consider high-risk industries.
With this in mind, Curaçao may be a suitable option for a wide range of businesses that have had difficulty opening elsewhere in the Caribbean. Additionally, it’s worth noting that even the leading global financial entities and the largest banks in Curaçao tend to have lower deposit requirements. This means that they are both more affordable and easier to access.
In fact, in most cases, foreign companies can open a business bank account with a relatively small deposit. Of course, this will depend on the bank you choose to open an account with.
Likewise, each bank in this island country has its account opening procedures, account setup fees, Curaçao banking costs, and specific document requirements. These procedures, costs, and requirements will also vary by business. More specifically, the business activities, corporate structure, jurisdictions of registration and operation, and how frequently the business plans execute payments or send money to Curaçao.
Additionally, foreign businesses will need to submit specific documents when applying to open a business bank account. These documents include both business documentation and personal documentation. Business documentation includes company financial statements, bank reference letters, proof of address, and active contracts.
Personal documentation typically includes government-issued identification for all owners and directors and in certain cases it may also include proof of address or residency.
In the following sections of the article, we’ll share how you can find banks in Curaçao that actively accept foreign businesses and those that allow remote opening.
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Can a Foreigner Open a Business Bank Account in Curaçao?
Yes, a foreigner can open a business bank account in Curaçao. In fact, Curaçao is one of the few jurisdictions where foreign and offshore companies can open business bank accounts without proof of an economic presence. Of course, this will depend on the bank, branch, and even banker you speak to.
However, most registered banking parties and the list of operating banks in Curaçao that cater to foreign clients will accept foreign non-resident companies. Not surprisingly, it is also possible to access cross-border account management and offshore banking in Curaçao 100% remotely.
Of course, whether or not you can open a business, individual checking account, or a personal bank account in Curaçao in person or remotely will depend on the bank. With this in mind, bank selection is an important factor to consider when applying for a business bank account.
That said, if your business has local customers and suppliers or operates in Curaçao and you require a local bank account in the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), Curaçao’s currency, then opening a bank account may be suitable.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of clients who can open business bank accounts in Curaçao.
Clients That Can Open Curaçao Corporate Bank Accounts
- Curaçao companies
- Curaçao structures
- Offshore companies
- Offshore wealth management structures
- Foreign companies
- Foreign structures
- High-risk businesses
It’s worth noting that each bank in Curaçao will have its own level of comfort when it comes to opening business accounts. So, while it’s entirely possible for all of these entities to open accounts in Curaçao, it will not be possible for each of them to open at every bank on the island.
With this in mind, it’s important to confirm whether each bank’s requirements match your company before applying to open an account. But also, the common misconceptions of banking here and the Curaçao banking risks you may be exposed to, which you can learn more about by clicking here and accessing our free guide.
Unfortunately, accessing this level of information is extremely difficult. In fact, even when contacting banks, many bankers are unaware of the compliance requirements and restrictions that applicants may face.
Benefits of Business Banking in Curaçao?
The benefits you can unlock when banking in Curaçao for your business, depend on your specific client profile, the type of financial support you need, and the Curaçao banking services your company requires.
In other words, the industry you operate in, where your business is located, why you want to bank in Curaçao, and any additional corporate banking services your business needs.
Of course, not all banks here offer the same financial services, financial account advantages, and Curaçao banking benefits. So, it’s important to consider the exact benefits you’re looking for before applying for a Curaçao corporate account.
You can do this by using the information available in the GlobalBanks IQ Database or by accessing bank-specific information from our advanced international banking reports.
Here is a look at some of the benefits that attract business owners to Curaçao in the first place.
Benefits of Business Bank Accounts in Curaçao
- Relatively stable offshore banking sector
- Accepting of high-risk industries
- Accepting of offshore and foreign entities
- Remote opening is 100% possible
- Interim banking solutions for foreign companies
- Squeaky-clean (non-blacklisted) reputation
- No economic presence required
- And much more
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people exploring how to open a business bank account in Curaçao. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in Curaçao?
Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in Curaçao. In fact, it is possible for foreign non-residents to open bank accounts 100% remotely. However, not all banks in Curaçao accept non-resident applicants. Likewise, of the banks that do, not all offer remote opening. This is why bank selection is important to consider when opening a bank account in Curaçao. This is especially true whether you are looking for business banking, personal banking, wealth advisory services, or private banking in Curaçao.
Can a Foreign Open a Business Bank Account in Curaçao?
Yes, a foreign can open a business bank account in Curaçao. In fact, Curaçao is a common backup banking option for certain entrepreneurs, businesses, and offshore companies. This is especially true for businesses that struggle to open accounts elsewhere. Of course, like elsewhere, businesses still need to meet regulated compliance guidelines and Curaçao banking requirements to successfully open a business bank account.
What Requirements Do I Need to Open a Business Bank Account?
The requirements you need to open a business bank account will vary depending on your business type, where your business is located, the bank you choose to open an account with, and many other factors. Generally speaking, you’ll need to provide the bank with company documents, including articles of incorporation, financial statements, and supporting documents for all shareholders and directors.
Which Is the Best Bank in Curaçao?
The best bank in Curaçao will depend on the business (or individual) opening an account. Likewise, the client profile and specific banking services they are interested in will influence the choices available. Fortunately, for many foreigners, there are a variety of banking options available that offer diverse non-resident financial services. However, it’s important to confirm whether or not the bank meets your banking needs before applying to open an account with a renowned banking firm or the best bank in Curaçao.
Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?
If so, you can access GlobalBanks Insider and start the process of applying for an offshore account in a few clicks.
GlobalBanks Insider is a dedicated account opening solution that involves direct support from our team and direct introductions to the banks of your choosing. It gives you instant access to the…
+ Direct support from a team of banking experts
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+ Expert insights on which banks to choose & why
+ Plus, FULL access to our entire suite of account opening tools and intelligence!
And “yes!” GlobalBanks Insider is designed to help foreign and non-resident individuals and companies open bank accounts.
Use this link to see how GlobalBanks Insider can help you successfully open accounts.