Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: Are there any restrictions on foreign citizens buying Bonaire property? How long can I stay on Bonaire if I’m not a resident?
Virtually anyone may buy a property on Bonaire, unless you are a passport holder from a country that is under financial sanctions from the Netherlands. You also do not have to become a resident of the island, unless you want to. The property laws in Bonaire are very strong, and nearly the same as in The Netherlands and comparable to the property laws in the US and Canada.
American and Dutch passport holders may stay on the island up to 6 months in a calendar year. Passport holders from other countries are limited to 3 months in a 6 month period, with the 6 months beginning at time of arrival on the island.
You don’t need a visa if you are a passport holder from a country whose nationals are exempted from the visa requirement (this includes visitors from European Union countries and the United States.) If you do need a visa, your time on the island is limited by the date on the visa.
We look forward to seeing you on Bonaire!
All the best, Bob