Marjolien - To my knowledge, here is the list of things you would need as a non-Dutch person, to get residency on Bonaire. Residency Application Requirements for Bonaire Everyone who comes to live on the island for an indefinite period of time needs a permit of residence . This is not the case for Antilleans, those who were born on the islands of the Netherlands Antilles (except Aruba) or for those who are admitted by law (those who have been living on Bonaire for more than 10 years). People with the Dutch nationality can stay on the island without a permit, for 3 months. This period can be extended by applying at the 'Bestuurscollege'. For all other nationalities: you have to mention your length of stay at the customs when you arrive on Bonaire. When you are planning to stay a long time on Bonaire you have to prove that you can maintain yourself during your stay on Bonaire. This pertains to (property owners) and long-term renters. Residence permits together with the necessary documents have to be applied for at the Governor's office. Office hours: M-F 7:30-11:30, 13:30-16:30. Fridays, till 16:00. Dutch citizens pay Nafl. 1,500,- per person; Americans, Nafl. 1000,-. This is a deposit which is refunded when you permanently leave the island or when the licenses are canceled. After a five year stay you can claim this amount. You will need the following original documents when you apply for your license of residence: • Passport • legal birth certificate • Marriage license/Divorce papers • 2 passport photos • Certificate of good behavior from your local police department (this certificate may not be older than 2 months, but note that the time to obtain this certificate is approx. 5 weeks. • Health certificate (may not be older than 1 month), including HIV/Hepatitis test • Medical insurance papers • Financial statement that proves your income is sufficient for you to maintain yourself on the island (if you're not applying for a work permit) For Americans a bank account that shows a deposit of Nafl. 24,000.- is sufficient. For the Dutch a bank account that shows a deposit of Nafl. 45,000.- is sufficient. • Removal statement from the municipal register (this only counts for people with a Dutch nationality) For your residence permit you have to apply in person. If you are applying for your family as well as for yourself, it must be stated very clearly in the application. If not stated clearly it could happen that your family members might not be included in the license of residence. Anyone with a Dutch passport needs to get Verklaring van Rechtswege, but your husband may need to get a residency permit since he is Canadian. I hope this helps. |