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Curacao Banking License

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Curacao Banking License: CBCS Supervision Under the National Ordinance on Supervision of Credit Systems

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) regulates banking in Curaçao under the National Ordinance on the Supervision of Credit Systems (NOCS). Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the southern Caribbean approximately 65 kilometres north of Venezuela. Its longstanding position as an offshore financial centre, combined with its Dutch legal tradition, Netherlands Kingdom connection, and established professional services infrastructure, makes it attractive to European and Latin American financial groups seeking a Caribbean offshore banking platform.

Curaçao offers two main banking licence categories: Class A for domestic banks serving resident clients, and Class B for offshore banks conducting business exclusively with non-resident clients. The Class B offshore banking licence is the primary vehicle used by international financial groups establishing a Caribbean offshore presence under Dutch Kingdom oversight.

Class B Offshore Banking Licence

ANG 500,000 (approximately USD 280,000) minimum paid-up capital. Authorises deposit-taking and banking activities exclusively with non-resident clients and assets held outside Curaçao. Suitable for offshore treasury and private banking structures.

Class A Domestic Licence

ANG 6 million (approximately USD 3.3 million) minimum paid-up capital. Authorises full domestic banking operations including deposit-taking from Curaçao residents. Subject to full CBCS prudential supervision.

Fit and Proper Assessment

At least two directors must be assessed as fit and proper by the CBCS. Assessment covers professional competence, relevant banking or financial services experience, integrity, and financial soundness.

Registered Office

A registered office in Curaçao is required. For Class B entities, managed office arrangements through an approved corporate services provider are widely used.

AML/CFT Programme

An AML/CFT programme compliant with the National Ordinance on the Prevention of Money Laundering (LANMO) and CFATF standards is required. Annual CBCS reporting and audited financial accounts must be submitted.

Tax Position

Curaçao's standard corporate income tax rate is 22%. Offshore banking entities operating under specific exemption regimes may qualify for reduced effective rates. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-resident shareholders in most circumstances.

Neptune Fiduciaries: Curaçao Banking Licence Support

Neptune Fiduciaries advises on Curaçao Class A and Class B banking licence applications, including CBCS pre-application engagement, business plan preparation, director vetting, and ongoing AML/CFT compliance and CBCS regulatory reporting.

Get in Touch

Contact Neptune Fiduciaries at info@neptunecorporate.com or sales@neptunecorporate.com or visit our Contact Us page.

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