I am interested in looking at working/living in Bonaire and I've read through some of the other posts that state it's easier if you start a business in Bonaire. Does anyone know if there is a need for accountants/bookkeepers down in Bonaire? I'd also be interested in either working in a dive shop (as a guide) or starting a dive business, however I've read some articles that state it's hard to open a dive shop due to the large number of existing businesses - is that true? Thanks for all your help.....

Ruth?

Wanna buy a restaurant?

Oh, where to begin? I don't know if it'd be easier to start a business than to buy one already operating. A lot would have to do with the business itself, permits required, the amount of money you have, etc. Sure, we have (don't know about 'need') accountants and bookkeepers. But they work in Dutch, by the Dutch tax law; clients speak Dutch, English, Papiamento & Spanish. Most of the major accountancy firms are represented here: Price-Waterhouse, Coopers-Lybrand, KPMG, etc. Dive guides also need to be multi-lingual, (I'm guessing at least Dutch & English). Dive shops may only be owned by people born on Bonaire (permits are limited even among locals to protect those already in business). All of this info is to the best of my knowledge.

And don't forget to read "Don't Stop the Carnival"--it is true.

PS-Check out the "BUY A BUSINESS" thread 16 down from this one. Questions similar to yours were answered there.