WILLEMSTAD – People born in the Netherlands earn significantly higher incomes on average than those born on Curaçao, according to newly published figures from the 2023 national census released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). 

The report, published in May 2025, highlights marked income disparities based on place of birth. While individuals born on Curaçao earn slightly below the national average of ANG 3,218 gross per month, those born in the Netherlands consistently earn well above this threshold. 

CBS attributes these differences largely to educational attainment and professional roles. Dutch nationals living on the island are more likely to hold advanced degrees and work in high-paying sectors such as management, healthcare, and specialized services. In contrast, Curaçao-born residents are more evenly spread across all income levels. 

Notably, migrants from Suriname and India also earn higher-than-average wages, while those from other Caribbean nations or Latin America tend to have lower incomes. The CBS notes that income levels often depend on the nature of migration: individuals who relocate with formal employment contracts or professional appointments typically earn more than those who migrate through family reunification or without fixed employment. 

The findings are part of the CBS report “Income and Income Distribution in Curaçao – Census 2023”, which dedicates a chapter to personal earnings. The bureau stresses that birthplace alone does not determine income but often correlates with broader factors such as education, age, and socioeconomic status. 

These insights could inform future policy decisions aimed at improving equity and economic mobility for all residents of Curaçao, regardless of origin.