WILLEMSTAD – The introduction of a new value-added tax (VAT) system has officially become a political priority within the Landspakket reforms between Curaçao and the Netherlands, according to the newly published 2026 Implementation Agenda and Progress Report.
The document states that the coming period will focus heavily on tax reform and the modernization of the Tax Office.
According to the report, both the restructuring of the Tax Department and the implementation of VAT now have what officials describe as “clear administrative commitment.” A concrete plan for the new turnover tax system is also expected before the summer.
The reform forms part of the broader fiscal modernization program included in the Landspakket agreements between Curaçao and the Netherlands.
Under the tax reform vision outlined in the report, the future tax system must generate sufficient structural revenue to finance both government spending and public investment. At the same time, the Tax Office is expected to enforce tax legislation in a “complete, transparent, and customer-friendly” manner.
The move toward VAT represents a major shift within Curaçao’s fiscal reforms. The government has been working for some time on replacing or modernizing parts of the current turnover tax system.
With the introduction of VAT, authorities aim to create a broader and more efficient tax collection system.
At the same time, the report acknowledges that several reform processes within the Landspakket have experienced delays. As a result, the government and Dutch partners are now placing greater emphasis on phased implementation, stronger administrative management, and more targeted execution of projects.
In addition to the tax reform itself, Curaçao is also working on a broader reorganization of the Tax Department. According to the report, a joint action plan for that restructuring is currently being developed in cooperation with the Netherlands.