Importing can make sense when you already own a suitable car or qualify for the moving-goods exemption. It can also become expensive when freight, insurance, customs and local registration are added. Get the tariff classification and tax basis confirmed in writing before shipping.
1. Build a landed-cost budget
Your budget should include the purchase value or customs value, inland transport, ocean freight, marine insurance, import duty, turnover tax, port and broker charges, inspection, registration, insurance and road tax. Ask the carrier and customs broker to identify exclusions in their quotes.
Curaçao Customs publishes the current import tariff. The rate depends on the vehicle's exact tariff code and characteristics. The Tax Department states that the higher 9% turnover-tax rate applies to motor vehicles. Do not use a generic online calculator as your final quote.
A 2026 trial-court decision, ECLI:NL:OGEAC:2026:26, classified one mild-hybrid vehicle at 10% rather than 27%. That is a case-specific decision, not a blanket rate for every hybrid. Ask Customs to classify the exact VIN/specification. An earlier zero-duty announcement for electric vehicles is not used in this guide because current implementing tariff text was not verified.
2. Check the moving-goods exemption
The official Customs brochure says a vehicle can form part of exempt moving goods when you transfer your normal residence to Curaçao and meet all conditions. For a car, the key conditions include:
you owned and used it continuously for at least 12 months immediately before shipment;
the exemption is limited to one vehicle per household;
the goods are declared within six months after transferring normal residence;
commercial, sport and hobby vehicles are excluded; and
for 12 months after declaration you may not lend, pledge, rent or transfer the exempt goods without Customs permission.
The exemption covers import taxes, including import duty and turnover tax. Eligibility is based on the move and the conditions, not the departure country. Obtain Customs confirmation before booking.
3. Prepare the file before shipping
Use the Customs brochure and your carrier's instructions as the controlling checklist. Expect to document identity, change of normal residence, ownership, purchase, the period of use, the vehicle and transport. Keep the original title/registration papers, purchase invoice, shipping document, inventory and proof of ownership/use available. A customs broker can confirm which originals or certified copies are required.
Also verify whether the vehicle can be registered and serviced locally. Check steering side, lighting, odometer units, parts supply, recalls, charging compatibility for an EV and whether an insurer will accept the car.
4. Shipping and arrival
Compare container and roll-on/roll-off quotes on the same scope: pickup, port handling, marine insurance, destination fees and damage procedure. Photograph the car and its condition before handover, remove prohibited personal items and keep the keys and shipping documents coordinated with the carrier.
After arrival, the normal sequence is customs clearance, vehicle registration, official inspection, insurance and road tax. The Belastingdienst and UOVV publish the current registration and inspection requirements. Do not drive the vehicle until every required step is complete.
5. Import or buy locally?
Importing is strongest when the exemption is confirmed, the car has a known history and local servicing is realistic. Buying locally avoids freight, customs uncertainty and the risk of importing a specification that is difficult to support. Compare the written landed cost with suitable cars already listed on Merkado, then use the used-car buying guide for a local purchase.
