Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Rib’e Lugá is a temporary registration and legalization process prepared by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of SOAW.

Rib’e Lugá aims to provide people without a valid legal status with greater legal certainty and stability within our community. It also contributes to data collection for future migration policy.

Rib’e Lugá is intended for undocumented people who have been living in Curaçao for some time and who may qualify for a temporary residency permit, provided they meet the program requirements.

Undocumented people living in Curaçao do not have access to basic rights. This limits their ability to contribute to the economy and makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Rib’e Lugá provides a clear, fair, and workable process.

The process lasts 3 months. From May 1, 2026 there will be a three-month period to register.

Yes. A person who has entered Curaçao through unofficial channels, for example by boat, and was never formally admitted can apply for Rib’e Lugá.

Yes. A person who entered before November 13, 2025 as a tourist and overstayed their permitted period of stay can apply for Rib’e Lugá.

Yes. A person who has received a deportation order can apply for Rib’e Lugá.

People can apply online, the process will be fully digital.

Yes. Each person can submit their own application. No intermediary is required.

People who arrived in Curaçao before November 13, 2025 and who are currently living in Curaçao.

All applications must include:

1. Proof of payment of service fees and charges
2. Passport (valid or expired; must be valid at the time the residency permit is granted)
3. Birth certificate (not older than 1 year), bearing an apostille or legalized
4. Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for people aged 18 or older (not older than 3 months), from the last place of residence
5. Proof of medical insurance at the time of issuance (valid for at least 1 year)
6. Additional documents depending on the purpose of the application

One can submit an application for the following purposes:

1. Employment
2. Self-employment
3. Family reunification / family formation

Additionally required documents for the “Employment” purpose of stay, are:

1. Passport
2. Birth certificate

Additionally required documents for the “Self-employment” purpose of stay, are:

1. CRIB registration (personal) 
2. “Declaration of entrepreneurial intent” form 
3. Chamber of Commerce registration, the company’s Crib number and the (application for the) establishment permit must be submitted no later than six (6) months after the permit is issued.

Additionally required documents for the “Family reunification / Family formation” purpose of stay, are:

1. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
2. In the case of minors:
   • Birth certificate
   • Consent from the parent living abroad (if applicable)
   • Proof of custody (if applicable)

Yes. The costs depend on the purpose of the application and the duration of the permit.

Employment
1 year — XCG 655,-
2 years — XCG 1250,-
3 years — XCG 1885,-

Self-employment
1 year — XCG 635,-
2 years — XCG 1270,-
3 years — XCG 1865,-

Family reunification / family formation
1 year — XCG 655,-
2 years — XCG 1280,-
3 years — XCG 1905,-

Payment can be made through deposit on the MCB account of the Toelatingsorganisatie (Account no. 31967908, BIC/SWIFT: MCBKCWCU).

No. Legalized people cannot vote.

The main difference is that Rib’e Lugá is more accessible than previous programs and places a greater emphasis on minors.