Advantages of the Curaçao Jurisdiction for setting up offices or legal structures.

Curaçao, which on 10-10-2010 acquired its autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is one of the premier (and oldest) international financial centres offering a politically stable jurisdiction and is home to many of the world’s leading financial institutions. Supervision by the Central Bank as well as by the Supervisory Committee governing the financial and fiduciary industry ensures transparency, security and stability of the sector.

The international financial sector (IFS) of Curaçao is committed to maintaining its position as a favored and trusted jurisdiction worldwide. It is a premier and high quality, globally competitive financial center that contributes to sustainable economic growth and the well-being of the people of Curaçao. The jurisdiction has also invested heavily in establishing a robust regulatory regime with supervision that meets or exceeds international standards.

Curaçao currently complies with all the requirements of the EU Code of Conduct against harmful tax practices and adopted amongst other things the EU Savings Directive as well as measures against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. As an accepted jurisdiction by the OECD and FATF, and apart from its Qualified Intermediary (QI) status awarded by the United States Internal Revenue, Curaçao strives to remain an internationally compliant jurisdiction, evidenced by its ever growing network of bilateral tax information exchange and double taxation treaties that have led to its White Listing by the OECD in the report of September 10, 2009. In addition, Curaçao is an active and complying member of various international organizations such as the OECD, the Egmont Group, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

The level of service offered by the local administrative agents, banks and custodians, a multilingual workforce (English, Spanish and Dutch are widely spoken), a superb telecommunication infrastructure and the presence of modern IT technology as well as major international tax, legal and accounting firms. These are all major contributors to Curaçao’s long standing reputation as an administration centre of choice. Adding further substance to our financial sector is the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange N.V. (DCSX) that was incorporated in May 2009 and has been operational as a licensed exchange since March 2010.

The exchange will further expand the reach of the international financial sector and serve as an extension to the range of services currently offered by the local financial services community, enhancing Curaçao’s position as a leading financial services jurisdiction.
Organizations and entrepreneurs around the world are increasingly seeking countries with a friendly fiscal climate and a well-developed infrastructure. The island of Curaçao, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, qualifies perfectly. Strategically situated at the crossroads of all the international sea lanes between the continents of Europe, Africa and the Americas, Curaçao is well away from the devastating paths of the seasonal hurricanes, and blessed with deep waters and well-protected inland harbors. The business and telecommunications infrastructure is one of the most advanced in the region. There are no government restrictions on foreign-owned businesses and investing is encouraged. The strongest commercial links are with the Netherlands and the United States and increasingly with Latin America. This is reflected in the professional services and skilled workforce available locally.

As a result of these benefits, on February 1st 2001, Curaçao made it possible for special economic zones (E-zone) to be used by foreign trading companies. An E-zone is a specific appointed area in Curaçao in which international trade (without physical transportation through the E-zone) and trade-supportive services may be performed, whether or not they are supported by electronic communication and information equipment (e-commerce). E-zone business include a broad range of international trading and service activities, all restricted to appointed areas, each of which is individually managed by a specific coordinator. When certain conditions are met, a tax rate of 2% is applied, while no import duties, turnover tax or other taxes are due. In general, all services except those specifically excluded, maybe performed in or from an E-zone. An example of a very promising new economic revenue generating pilar that can be conducted from an e-zone is Online Merchant Processing via Payment Service Providers (PSP’s) and Online Merchant Acquiring.

In general, the e-commerce business has the potential of boosting, amongst other jurisdictions, the Dutch Caribbean financial sector.

L. Santine Jr.
Managing Director InfoCapital N.V.