How to Retire in Bonaire – The Ultimate Guide
Are you looking for a change of pace? Have you been thinking about retiring on a small, tranquil Caribbean island? We put together this guide for readers looking to retire in Bonaire, the tiny southern Caribbean island known as a “Divers’ Paradise” and one of the best places to retire in the Caribbean.
This guide covers all aspects of retiring on this quiet and peaceful island, from how you can go about applying for residency on the island as a retiree or pensioner to how you can find homes for sale in Bonaire and condos for sale in Bonaire suitable for your retirement in the tropical sunshine.
Discover how to retire in Bonaire in our guide
Contents
Can I Retire in Bonaire?
Applying for Residency in Bonaire as a Retiree
Qualification Criteria
Benefits – Why Retire in Bonaire?
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Bonaire?
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Bonaire?
Find Out More About Retiring in Bonaire
Can I Retire in Bonaire?
Most non-resident foreign tourists can stay in Bonaire for up to 3 months (90 days) in any 6 month period.
Citizens of the USA, European Dutch citizens and Dutch citizens from Curacao, St Maarten and Aruba can stay in Bonaire for up to 6 months (180 days) in any 6 month period.
Those looking to stay longer must apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND-CN) for either a Declaration of Admittance by Law, a residence permit or authorisation for a temporary stay (MVV).
Applying for Residency in Bonaire as a Retiree
To apply for residency in Bonaire as a Retiree you must apply for a Declaration of Admittance by Law, a residence permit or authorisation for a temporary stay (MVV). The appropriate route depends on your nationality.
Declaration of Admittance by Law
Citizens of the USA, European Dutch citizens and Dutch citizens from Curacao, St Maarten and Aruba who wish to live in Bonaire for more than 6 months out of 12 months should apply for a Declaration of Admittance by Law.
The application should be submitted to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND-CN) together with other required documents and fees.
Citizens of the USA must submit a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) issued by the US Department of Justice.
Upon receiving approval for a Declaration of Admittance by Law, you must register with Civil Affairs. You will then be issued with an identity document (sedula).
Residence Permit
Citizens of member states of the EU member states, member states of the EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, South Korea or Switzerland who wish to live in Bonaire for more than 3 months out of 12 months should apply for a residence permit.
Individuals with the above nationalities may enter Bonaire and apply for a residence permit while on island.
Temporary residence permits are typically issued for a period of one year and must be renewed every year for up to five years.
Thereafter, individuals who have resided in Bonaire for five years or more can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Upon receiving approval for a Residence Permit, you must register with Civil Affairs. You will then be issued with an identity document (sedula).
Authorisation for a Temporary Stay (MVV)
Citizens of countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South and Central America and the Caribbean region who with to apply for residency in Bonaire must first apply for Authorisation for a Temporary Stay (MVV) which is a type of entry visa.
If the MVV application is approved, individuals must then apply for a residence permit.
Qualification Criteria
The qualification criteria depend on your purpose of stay. There are 9 permitted purposes of stay including Retired Person and Person of Independent Means.
How to Qualify for Residency in Bonaire as a Retired Person
To qualify for residency in Bonaire as a single retired person with Dutch or American citizenship, an applicant have a pension at least as high as the amount in Bonaire’s monthly General Law on Old Age Pension (Wet Algemene Ouderdomsverzekering – AOV).
To qualify for residency in Bonaire as a married retired couple with Dutch or American citizenship, the applicants must have a pension at least as high as twice the amount in Bonaire’s monthly General Law on Old Age Pension (Wet Algemene Ouderdomsverzekering – AOV).
To qualify for residency in Bonaire as a single retired person with any other citizenship, the applicant must have a pension of at least US $1,680 gross per month.
To qualify for residency in Bonaire as a married retired couple with any other citizenship, the main applicant must have a pension of at least US $1,680 gross per month.
How to Qualify for Residency in Bonaire as Person of Independent Means
To qualify for residency in Bonaire as a single person of independent means, an applicant must be able to demonstrate a minimum income of at least US $20,160 in interest or dividends per year.
In the case of a married couple, the applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of at least 2 x US $ 20,160.
In the case of a married couple with a child, the applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum of at least 2 x US $ 20,160 + (child x standard amount x 12).
Benefits – Why Retire in Bonaire?
Located in the southern Caribbean just off the northern coast of South America, tiny Bonaire is a one of the best places to retire in the Caribbean.
Known as the “Divers’ Paradise,” this idyllic reef-ringed island offers some of the best diving and snorkeling waters in the world, with colourful marine life to discover.
The island has much more to offer retirees besides underwater adventures. For those in search of an active retirement, you can enjoy all kinds of watersports such as kite surfing and windsurfing in warm, clear waters.
For those who prefer to unwind, the island offers an unhurried pace of life in safe and secure surroundings with welcoming and friendly people.
For peace of mind, English is widely spoken, the island is easily accessible via direct flights from the USA, Canada and Europe (Amsterdam) and, thanks to its status as a special municipality within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bonaire benefits from modern utilities and an excellent Dutch health care system which has been thoroughly upgraded in recent years.
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Bonaire?
Property prices tend to compare very favorably to other islands in the Caribbean, offering good value for money.
The cost of living can be relatively high compared to other destinations due to the fact that a high proportion of goods such as food are imported.
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
The Government of Bonaire welcomes foreign investment and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers purchasing property on the island.
In fact, foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as citizens, whether purchasing freehold property land or lease land which is owned by the government (and is a very common form of property ownership in Bonaire).
A wide selection of property is available on the island from attractively priced waterfront condos to impressive luxury homes.
To discover property for sale, browse Bonaire real estate on our website.
For more detail on the purchase process, please see our guide to buying property in Bonaire.
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Bonaire?
Where are the best places to retire in Bonaire? Well, that very much depends on your personal preferences.
For buyers looking for a condo, there are several condo resorts and apartment developments close to the waterfront in and around the capital Kralendijk.
For those who prefer the privacy of a private home or villa, be sure to take a look at residential communities such as Sabadeco.
Buyers looking for a quiet place to get away from it all, look no further than Belnem.
Find out More About Retiring in Bonaire
Would you like to find out more about retiring in Bonaire or perhaps you would you like to browse property for sale which would be suitable for your retirement?
We would be delighted to help. You can explore Bonaire real estate on our website or contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist, to begin your property search and to discuss your options in more detail.