Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten

The Representation as a whole is headed by the Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten. The other two offices have a head as well, and each head also serves as Deputy Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten.

The Representation's tasks

The Representation:

• advises the Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations;
• reports and advises on policy relating to Curaçao, St Maarten and Aruba;
• supervises official visits from Dutch ministers, state secretaries and delegations;
• performs tasks under electoral law relating to Dutch parliamentary elections, European Parliament elections and referendums;
• provides guidance to Dutch nationals who are unsure about which local institution they need to contact;
• offers assistance to Dutch nationals who get into difficulties locally;
• provides assistance to Dutch prisoners in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten;
• provides general information, for example about Dutch driving licences and passports;
• issues activation codes for DigiD accounts;
• issues certificates of life. This is a form of written proof that the bearer is alive. Some organisations, such as Dutch insurance companies, require a certificate of life to be issued, for example before they release funds in a pension or annuity.

Assistance in emergencies

The Representation assists Dutch nationals in Curaçao, St Maarten and Aruba, for example if they have an accident or are the victim of crime. The Representation does not provide financial assistance or loans, but can help with contacting relatives, friends or government bodies.

The Representation provides assistance to:

• Dutch nationals who are not permanent residents of Curaçao, St Maarten or Aruba;
• holders of a valid Dutch refugee passport;
• holders of a valid Dutch alien’s passport.

In some cases assistance is provided to individuals awaiting expulsion from the country. These are people living in Curaçao, St Maarten or Aruba without a valid residence permit.

Registering to vote

If you are a Dutch national living in Curaçao, St Maarten or Aruba, you are entitled to vote in Dutch parliamentary elections, European Parliament elections and consultative referendums.

If you wish to do so, you must register to vote in advance. The registration form can be found on the website www.stemmenvanuithetbuitenland.nl.

If you wish to vote by post you will receive a postal vote certificate, a ballot paper and envelopes.

You must first register for a postal vote, however.

Applying for a DigiD in Aruba, Curaçao or St Maarten

Dutch nationals in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten can apply online for a DigiD. You will then need to collect your activation code from the DigiD helpdesk at the Dutch Representation. 

Contacting the Representation of the Netherlands

The Representation of the Netherlands has offices in Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten:

• Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba
  L.G. Smith Boulevard 44, Oranjestad, Aruba
  Tel.: +297 (0)525 2866 or +31 (0)70 426 8903
  Fax: +297 (0)525 2850
  Email: vnoinfo@minbzk.nl
• Representation of the Netherlands in Willemstad, Curaçao
  Scharlooweg 55, Willemstad, Curaçao
  Postbus 441
  Tel: +599 (0)94 343200
  Fax: +599 (0)94 614705
  Email: vnwinfo@minbzk.nl
• Representation of the Netherlands in Philipsburg, St Maarten
  Frontstreet 26, Philipsburg, St Maarten
  Postbus 502
  Tel: +1721 543 0140/41
  Fax: +1721 543 0142
  Email: vnpinfo@minbzk.nl