Curacao

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Curacao, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Curacao

Capital

Willemstad

Main Cities

Willemstad, Sint Michiel, Barber

Local Languages

Dutch, Papiamento, English

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)

Climate

Semi-arid tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Visa requirements for Curaçao are nationality-based and separate from work authorization. Most short-term film crews do not require an individual work permit if the shoot is short-term, the production is approved and facilitated by the Curaçao Film Commission (CFC), the crew are paid abroad by a foreign production company, and the crew leave Curaçao immediately after the approved shoot. In these cases, CFC approval together with the Film Permit acts as the primary authorization, and Immigration is notified through the Film Commission process. A formal temporary residence and work permit is generally required where there is long-term employment, local payment in Curaçao, or an extended stay beyond the approved production period. Crew from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a Caribbean Short-Stay Visa before travel, even if the production is CFC-approved. Visa-free entry of up to 90 days typically applies to nationals of EU and Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Required Documents:

Passport with at least 6 months validity
Visa application form and photographs
Proof of accommodation and onward travel
Health insurance
Proof of funds
Film Permit or confirmation letter from the Curaçao Film Commission
Work authorization documents, where applicable

Visa Application Process:

Official authorities and links:
Curaçao Immigration & Naturalisation Service (IND)
https://www.curacao.com/en/immigration
https://www.gobiernu.cw/ministries/justice/department-of-immigration-and-naturalisation-ind

Official visa information:
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/caribbean-visa
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands

Processing Time:

Recommended timing for visa applications is 4 to 6 weeks before travel. Immigration clearance through the Curaçao Film Commission should generally be allowed 2 to 4 weeks as a working buffer.

Cost:

Immigration handling fees, where applicable, are generally around USD 80 to USD 100.

Accreditation Requirements:

International crew accreditation and production authorization are handled through the Curaçao Film Commission. The CFC acts as liaison with Immigration, Customs, Police, and Aviation. Accreditation is generally valid for the approved shoot period, usually up to 1 to 3 months.

Required Documents:

Crew details and passport copies
Production details, including title, company, synopsis, dates, and locations
Equipment list with values and serial numbers
Liability and health insurance
Script, treatment, or storyboard
Location permissions
Completed application form
Proof of fee payment

Processing Time:

Applications should generally be submitted 2 to 4 weeks before arrival.

Cost:

Accreditation fees are generally USD 50 to USD 100 per crew member.

Issuing Organization:

The issuing authority for general film permits is the Curaçao Film Commission (CFC).

Required Documents:

Film permit application
Project synopsis or concept
Script or storyboard
Shooting schedule and locations
Crew list
Equipment list
Liability and health insurance

Processing Time:

Once the application is complete, film permits are generally processed within 1 to 3 business days.

Cost:

Film permit fees generally range from USD 50 to USD 500.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Written permission is required from the property owner for private filming locations. Productions generally need proof of liability insurance, a negotiated location fee, and a location agreement submitted to the Curaçao Film Commission.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Indicative daily fees are negotiable and generally fall within the following ranges:

Residential: USD 500 to USD 2,000
Commercial: USD 1,000 to USD 5,000
Beaches and outdoor locations: USD 200 to USD 1,000
Historic landmarks: USD 1,500 to USD 5,000
Luxury villas: USD 2,000 to USD 10,000

Drone Regulations:

Drone filming in Curaçao is regulated by the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). Registration is mandatory for drones over 250g. No-fly zones are strictly enforced, and separate approval is required for commercial filming.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Temporary drone importation for less than 3 months may be possible without duty or tax, subject to approval. Declaration is required, and proof of export on departure must be provided.