According to this article in the Amigoe, non-residents can now stay on Bonaire for 3 months out of every 6. It doesn't specifically limit this to property owners. Previously you had to have a dwelling here to stay 6 months out of 12. Does anyone know if this is really the new rule?

Amigoe 21-Oct

The current issue of the Bonaire Reporter gives a good account of the new tax arrangements but I saw nothing about the immigration changes. I hope it is true.

Yes, Bruce, we received a release just late last week outlining the new rules. Some were a little vague (like is the 6 months Jan-June and July-Dec, or does the clock start counting on the day of arrival), so we are checking those items and then will do a story about this on Insider.

http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/bonaireinsider/new_entry_requirements_for_long_term_visitors_to_bonaire/ the 6 month rule does not apply to the calendar year but the arrival date

After some persistent e-mails from one of my clients I have finally seen a written confirmation from someone in the IND that there is an exception to the "three months in six months rule" for people who own property on Bonaire and come to stay on Bonaire for the winter.

If you are retired, own real estate on Bonaire and want to stay on the island for more than 90 days and less than 180 days it can be done. You are allowed to come to Bonaire on a regular 90 day visa and then you need to apply for an extension of your visa once you arrive on Bonaire.

The visa extension is normally granted, but in order to apply for the extension, you need to apply in person at the IND office (the new name for immigration) and bring copies of the following documents:

1. Your Bank account statements showing a balance of more than $20,000
2. Your passport (both a copy and the original)
3. Proof of Health Insurance cover for your time in Bonaire
4. A Police reference from your local police department showing no charges or convictions
5. Your Marriage Certificate (if married)
6. Proof of ownership of our house on Bonaire. A copy of your ownership deed should suffice)

If everything is in order the immigration office should give you temporary residency permit which allows you to stay for up to 180 days.

That's good news Bob & thanks for the clarification & posting! We always planned on spending 4 months on the island; BUT I've got to stop working first!

Good news! Thanks Bob!

Bob, What? a balance of $20,000? Is that a typo? I heard it was $2,000. Who has $20,000 as a balance in their checking account? Not me for sure!

I cannot believe that 20000 is required. If it is correct the banks are sitting on a lot of money.

These look similar to same documentation one would provide when applying for residency. Bank account statements or financial accounts,brokerage accounts, etc. 20K in checking or even in a savings accounts seems a little ridiculous these days....my bank's interest rates are just slightly better than my mattress.

sorry folks but 20k is correct. a financial statement showing that combined amt is generally ok

Our IRAs are in a "Bank Account," namely Wachovia. Hopefully more than $20k! I don't see where the post said checking account...just bank account.

It was my understanding that you need proof of an annual income of at least $20,000 if you seek temporary residency.

Has anybody checked the possibility of a Visa ?
From the Island to the US one can get a Visa printed in the passport which gives you the right to stay 6 months and is good for 10 years... means once the work at a consulate is done no work anymore for 10 years .... should be also possible from the US to Netherlands Territory

The law says $20,000, but that can be shown in a bank account statement or statements, IRA statement, brokerage account statement, etc. The government wants you to prove that you have enough money to pay your expenses while you are here. For whatever reason, immigration thinks $20,000 is enough.

As far as the visa idea goes, I have had non-Dutch clients contact the local Dutch consulate/embassy asking about getting the 6 month visa ahead of time as Brigette suggested. They were told that they had to wait until they got to Bonaire do it, because "Bonaire has their own set of rules and systems" which at the moment is different from what they do in Holland. This is just like the arrangement with the tax systems, where Bonaire has different tax rules and tax rates than there are in Holland.

No where in this thread do I see the mention of the 1956 Friendship Treaty between the US & Holland. The basic rights of visitation is 90 days. However this was changed by the Friendship Treaty which gives equal reciprocal rights to Dutch & Americans to visit for 180 days per year; not 90 out of 180 as is the current interpretation being set forth. The short version & posting on this was Bruce Zavon's 6/6/10 here.

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/cgi-local/bbs/board-admin.cgi?action=quick&do=print&HTTP_REFERER=36/431379&postindex=664883

Previously the Netherlands Antilles argued that the treaty was not applicable to the area. Both times the court ruled against them. This is a national issue from what I understand and NOT an issue for the BES islands or "special municipalities" to decide.

So it may be wise to contact the US State Dept for those who wish to stay longer than the 90 days at one time. The courts have consistently ruled that the 1956 treaty is in fact enforceable.
Time will tell on this one, but I do suspect the treaty will again be deemed to be enforceable on the latest challenge. Stay tuned.

Dutch citizen travelling to the US fall under the visa waver and get 90 days automatically - with absolutely NO way to extend ! Friendship Treaty or not ....
That is why I mentioned the normal Visa you can get from the Embassy or Consulate which gives you the right for 6 months .... as the rules are not all worked out perhaps to get the exact information is a little difficult at the moment but it should be the same Visa for the Netherlands and the BES islands ....