Hi from Bonaire

[Frank-Paul Janssen]

In case it's of interest, the Bonaire Talk forum has a section called Moving To Bonaire. For me it's just an entertaining daydream, not a realistic ambition, but in the past I found some of the discussion threads interesting.

Richard.

Hello Richard,

The website of wwww.bonairetalk.com a very interesting and informative website. Thank you for sharing the info.

 

[drrich2]

Billt4sf started a thread, Live to dive, in 2014 that has some content, issues and considers various possible islands to relocate to that may be of interest to someone contemplating it. DiverVince in post #16 wrote a little about Bonaire.

Having a 4-year old daughter, moving to an island is not in the cards. If we didn't and it were, I'd also consider Curacao (sandy beaches, larger, I'm told more topside stuff) or St. Croix (a U.S. holding, less shore diving but some, sandy beaches).

I'd like to hear more about longer term rental options on Bonaire. I suspect many retired divers would consider heading down for a couple of months.

Richard.

 

[Frank-Paul Janssen]

Hi Frank-Paul, welcome to SB and thanks for posting. This might become an interesting thread as there seem to be so many nuances to Bonaire to discover.
I am glad you like to dive, otherwise this position might be a little more difficult over time. I can see how bringing the family over might be a rather big decision (schooling and all and do they all dive ?...)

So many questions, but maybe I "just ask" these - but no hurry and no problem if you can't just answer... some might or might not get involved...

1.) If you care to give this a stab or if happen to know of a site that explains the Dutch connection well (past too, but I am more interested in today) and how sovereign or un-sovereign Bonaire is ... how it works in government... That would be interesting.

2.) How is the tax situation on Bonaire ( Income, property, other)? Does it differ for citizens vs. residents? How?

3.) How do you see the situation in the health care and health care insurance area? How does it compare to what you know from the Netherlands?

4.) Overall, so far, how safe or unsafe do you feel on Bonaire compared to the Netherlands?

5.) Ignoring your "job" for this question: if you were not to speak Dutch, how would you judge might that affect your experience on Bonaire? In other words how important might it be to speak Dutch and or to be fairly well integrated into the Dutch speaking community to like it long term on Bonaire - in your thinking?

6.) Does having or not having a Dutch Passport make a difference in one's standing as a resident on Bonaire? As a person, or property owner or otherwise?

7.) Ditto, but EU Passport?
Is Bonaire even remotely affiliated with the EU thru the Dutch connection - or in no way at all?

Question 1 Quote: "If you care to give this a stab or if happen to know of a site that explains the Dutch connection well (past too, but I am more interested in today) and how sovereign or un-sovereign Bonaire is ... how it works in government... That would be interesting."

The islands of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba – the Caribbean Netherlands – have acquired a new status as special municipalities of The Netherlands. This means that they are part of the Netherlands itself. On 10 October 2010, the government of the Netherlands took over the task of public administration from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles and gratually implemented Dutch law and Regulations. As “special municipalities”, the islands are officially considered “public bodies” (openbare lichamen) under Dutch law. Their status has been laid down in an Act of Parliament (Wet Openbare lichamen BES). The Netherlands’ other public bodies are the national government, the municipalities, the provinces and the water boards. The inhabitants of the Caribbean Netherlands have the same rights as Dutch citizens.

Question 2: Quote "How is the tax situation on Bonaire ( Income, property, other)? Does it differ for citizens vs. residents? How?"

Please check the downloadpages on the website of the Tax department Downloads They are in Dutch, English and Papiamentu.

Question 3: Quote "How do you see the situation in the health care and health care insurance area? How does it compare to what you know from the Netherlands?"

Once you have required a sedula (Bonairian ID number), or received a positive decision from the Immigration and Naturalisation Office as a temporary resident, or a temporary work permit from a local employer, or being a pensioner with proof of sufficient funds you apply for health insurance at the Health Insurance Office (ZVK). Once you are registered you are entitled to get free health care as Dutch or Bonairian citizens receive. It is not possible to compare Dutch healthcare with healthcare on Bonaire because of different regulations and different situations.

Question 4: Quote "Overall, so far, how safe or unsafe do you feel on Bonaire compared to the Netherlands?"

Bonaire is a very safe island to live because there are only 20.000 inhabitants and the crime rate is very low compared to Aruba or Curacao. People are very friendly and helpful and if something unusual occurs it will not stay unnoticed. You can compare it with an average town in The Netherlands.

Question 5: Quote "Ignoring your "job" for this question: if you were not to speak Dutch, how would you judge might that affect your experience on Bonaire? In other words how important might it be to speak Dutch and or to be fairly well integrated into the Dutch speaking community to like it long term on Bonaire - in your thinking?"

The best way to integrate with local Bonairian people is to speak Papiamentu. To integrate with Dutch citizens you do not have to understand or speak Dutch because most Dutch people speak English pretty well. Citizens from South America will have difficulty speaking English and are not well integrated on the island.

Question 6 Quote: "Does having or not having a Dutch Passport make a difference in one's standing as a resident on Bonaire? As a person, or property owner or otherwise?"

American citizens are treated equally with their application for a temporary resident permit due to an old treaty between The Netherlands and the USA. After 5 years Americans and Dutch citizens may apply for a permanent residency. Bonaire is a multi cultural island of around 20.000 inhabitants and 80% of the inhabitants have the Dutch nationality. From the 80% Dutch inhabitants, 60% of the people is born on Bonaire, Aruba or Curacao and 14% is from European Netherlands.

Question 7 Quote "Ditto, but EU Passport?"

The difference with citizens having a EU passport is that they have to apply and renew their citizenship every year for the first 5 years. After that they can apply for a permanent residency.

 

[Schwob]

I spend a lot of time thinking about a full-time life on Bonaire... The island its self and the people are just what I love.. But, I have children and grandchildren that the wife is no way not seeing and the airfare is just crazy to try and fly back and forth a lot. I'm looking at a 3 months on and 3 months off schedule.. Making airfare liveable.. and still staying married to my wife..

Jim

Yep, in terms of flying it is more remote than some other places... but plenty of shore diving shure make diving seem more affordable. Some months off, some month on kind of a thing is a definitive consideration...

 

[Schwob]

Billt4sf started a thread, Live to dive, in 2014 that has some content, issues and considers various possible islands to relocate to that may be of interest to someone contemplating it. DiverVince in post #16 wrote a little about Bonaire.

Having a 4-year old daughter, moving to an island is not in the cards. If we didn't and it were, I'd also consider Curacao (sandy beaches, larger, I'm told more topside stuff) or St. Croix (a U.S. holding, less shore diving but some, sandy beaches).

I'd like to hear more about longer term rental options on Bonaire. I suspect many retired divers would consider heading down for a couple of months.

Richard.

Fully understand your situation.
My situation with the kids is a little different with one in college and one going in a year or so. (I just patiently put my life aside and worked when my kids were young - unfortunately. - I did, I smarten up a little since...). So, I might need a place - at least part time, where they might want to come visit from time to time ...
But half the family does not even dive (although that may change in 5, 6 weeks...), my wife being the big factor there. It's all a big question mark at this point and it's all a bit out in time, but it's time to smarten up about the options to consider more seriously...

 

[Schwob]

...
Question 6 Quote: "Does having or not having a Dutch Passport make a difference in one's standing as a resident on Bonaire? As a person, or property owner or otherwise?"

American citizens are treated equally with their application for a temporary resident permit due to an old treaty between The Netherlands and the USA. After 5 years Americans and Dutch citizens may apply for a permanent residency. Bonaire is a multi cultural island of around 20.000 inhabitants and 80% of the inhabitants have the Dutch nationality. From the 80% Dutch inhabitants, 60% of the people is born on Bonaire, Aruba or Curacao and 14% is from European Netherlands.

Question 7 Quote "Ditto, but EU Passport?"

The difference with citizens having a EU passport is that they have to apply and renew their citizenship every year for the first 5 years. After that they can apply for a permanent residency.

Wow - thank you for all your replies...

How does being a part time resident of Bonaire vs. being a full time resident affect citizenship? Is there a minimum number of days per year to spend on Bonaire to fulfill requirements to become a citizen? And once you are a citizen not anymore? But possibly for all of the 5 years if you try to get there with a EU, non-Dutch passport?

Interesting (not a question):
So if I my family situation allows me to move to Bonaire, even if part time, I need to decide if I am the European citizen that I am or become a US citizen (additionally) first (I have the option since Iam a resident (the legal alien kind...)) with the caveat of double taxation if I were to have an income... (My understanding is the US still taxes their citizens living and earning income abroad even if they are taxed there and can prove so).

 

[Frank-Paul Janssen]

Question 2: Please check the downloadpages on the website of the Tax department Downloads They are in Dutch, English and Papiamentu.

Question 3:

Wow - thank you for all your replies...

How does being a part time resident of Bonaire vs. being a full time resident affect citizenship? Is there a minimum number of days per year to spend on Bonaire to fulfill requirements to become a citizen? And once you are a citizen not anymore? But possibly for all of the 5 years if you try to get there with a EU, non-Dutch passport?

Interesting (not a question):
So if I my family situation allows me to move to Bonaire, even if part time, I need to decide if I am the European citizen that I am or become a US citizen (additionally) first (I have the option since Iam a resident (the legal alien kind...)) with the caveat of double taxation if I were to have an income... (My understanding is the US still taxes their citizens living and earning income abroad even if they are taxed there and can prove so).

Part time or full time resident makes no difference. If you are an American or Dutch citizen come to Bonaire for a certain period of time you are allowed to stay for 6 months on a normal visa. Any other citizen is allowed to stay on Bonaire for 3 months. I don't think there is a minimum number of days you have to spend on the island.

 

[Frank-Paul Janssen]

Hello Frank-Paul.

As a long time "repeat customer" to Bonaire, I agree that the island does seem to be a love it or hate it place.
For those who need masses of people, high drama and theater, big casinos, large shopping malls and such, the island will be a huge disappointment, but for those who enjoy the ocean, diving and a relaxed pace it is almost Heaven.

This Oct will be my 11th, or 12th straight year visiting the island, with 2 trips squeezed into a one or two of those years.

It would be very nice if we meet up sometime during your holiday for a couple of dives together. A couple local divers are meeting up every saturday morning at Dive Friends Port (Opposite of the airport) for a morning dive somewhere around the island. Everybody is welcome.

 

[gypsyjim]

It would be very nice if we meet up sometime during your holiday for a couple of dives together. A couple local divers are meeting up every saturday morning at Dive Friends Port (Opposite of the airport) for a morning dive somewhere around the island. Everybody is welcome.

I would jump on your invite in a heartbeat, but flying United, and only staying a week, Saturday is the designated travel day.

 

[Frank-Paul Janssen]

Billt4sf started a thread, Live to dive, in 2014 that has some content, issues and considers various possible islands to relocate to that may be of interest to someone contemplating it. DiverVince in post #16 wrote a little about Bonaire.

Having a 4-year old daughter, moving to an island is not in the cards. If we didn't and it were, I'd also consider Curacao (sandy beaches, larger, I'm told more topside stuff) or St. Croix (a U.S. holding, less shore diving but some, sandy beaches).

I'd like to hear more about longer term rental options on Bonaire. I suspect many retired divers would consider heading down for a couple of months.

Richard.

There are many options for long term rentals, it depends what you are looking for. The cheapest price for a long term rental is a studio for round 650 Dollars a month excluding electricity. If you want an apartment with a separate bedroom then the price is between 750 -900 dollars a month. A house is between 800-1500 dollar. A luxury house is between 2000-3000 dollars.