WILLEMSTAD – The processing of economic permits in Curaçao showed significant improvement in 2025, according to figures released this week by Roderick Middelhof and the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO). The ministry reports that the vast majority of applications submitted last year have already been handled, marking what officials describe as a productive and successful year.
Under Curaçao law, MEO is responsible for assessing, approving, or rejecting economic permit applications. While the Permit Desk (Loket Vergunningen) serves as the front office for submitting applications and issuing permits, the substantive evaluation lies with MEO.
Since Minister Middelhof assumed leadership of the ministry, a new working method has been introduced, particularly affecting the handling of hospitality permits. A uniform advisory deadline of three weeks now applies to all agencies required to issue advice on horeca-related applications. If no advice is received within that timeframe, MEO proceeds to make a decision based on the information available. According to the ministry, this approach has proven effective and has eliminated longstanding delays in the processing of hospitality permits.
In total, MEO received 2,828 applications for various types of economic permits in 2025. Of these, 2,671 applications, or 94 percent, have already been processed, while 157 applications, representing 6 percent, remain under review. Minister Middelhof and the ministry attribute these results to sustained efforts over recent years to improve internal procedures and enhance service delivery to both citizens and entrepreneurs.
The largest category of applications concerned establishment permits. A total of 2,190 such applications were received, of which 2,162 were processed and 28 remain pending. All 30 applications for branch establishment permits were processed. For stand permits, both temporary and permanent, 334 applications were received, with 265 processed and 69 still under review. Venting permits accounted for 93 applications, of which 83 were processed and 10 remain pending. All nine E-Zone applications were completed. In the hospitality sector, 157 applications were submitted, with 110 processed and 47 still under consideration. Additionally, 15 requests for permit withdrawals were received, 12 of which have been processed, while three remain open.
Minister Middelhof emphasized that improving MEO’s service to the public and the business community remains his top priority. He stated that the ministry will continue to take decisive steps toward a more efficient and structurally sound system for granting economic permits, with the aim of supporting economic activity while ensuring timely and transparent decision-making.