WILLEMSTAD - The minimum wage in Curaçao has been increased as of January 1, 2026, following the annual indexation based on changes in the consumer price index. The adjustment was announced by the Ministry of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (SOAW) and reflects price developments between August 2024 and August 2025.
Under the new rates, employees aged 21 and older are entitled to a gross minimum hourly wage of Cg 11.93. For a standard 40-hour workweek, this corresponds to a gross weekly minimum of Cg 477.20 and a gross monthly minimum of Cg 2,067.87. Employees working longer hours are entitled to proportionally higher weekly and monthly minimum wages. For example, a 48-hour workweek results in a gross weekly minimum of Cg 572.64.
The minimum hourly wage applies to all employees, including domestic workers.
For household staff, specific rules apply regarding deductions for meals and accommodation. In the case of live-in domestic workers, employers may deduct a maximum of Cg 300.00 per month from the minimum wage for room and board. For domestic workers who do not live in, deductions for provided meals are capped at Cg 1.50 for breakfast and Cg 5.00 for a hot meal.
The new wage structure also includes updated youth minimum wages for employees between the ages of 16 and 21. Workers aged 20 are entitled to 90 percent of the standard minimum wage, amounting to Cg 10.74 per hour. For 19-year-olds, the rate is set at 85 percent, or Cg 10.14 per hour. Employees aged 18 are entitled to 75 percent of the standard minimum wage, or Cg 8.95 per hour, while 16- and 17-year-olds are entitled to 65 percent, or Cg 7.75 per hour.
The minister emphasized that employers are legally required to comply with the new minimum wage levels as of January 1, 2026, and to ensure that all employees receive at least the applicable minimum amounts.
