Payroll and Benefits Guide Curaçao

Annual Leave (vacation)

Employees are entitled to minimum 15 working days per year after one year of service

PTO carryover

In Curaçao, statutory annual leave entitlement (minimum ~15 working days) is regulated by local vacation law, and employees are expected to take their leave within the relevant period following accrual. The statutory text does not expressly establish a broad automatic carryover entitlement for unused leave beyond the year it’s due, and certain provisions indicate that rights to vacation can lapse in specific cases (e.g., extensive absence due to sickness or legal obligations). However, many employers allow leave to be scheduled later in practice, and unused leave must ultimately be settled (e.g., taken or compensated) rather than simply extinguished without basis.

Public Holidays

Sick Days

Under ZV (sickness insurance), SVB pays 80% of daily wages for medically certified incapacity from day 4 of sickness (the first 3 days are a waiting period; exceptions for hospital admission). Benefit can continue for prolonged illness as determined by SVB medical control; the employer pays the benefit on normal paydays and is reimbursed via the scheme.

Maternity Leave

Total 14 weeks (typically 2–6 weeks pre-natal and 8–12 weeks post-natal). Covered under ZV/BVZ; paid at 100% of salary per prevailing practice under social insurance.

Paternity Leave

Not yet generally statutory in Curaçao as of 2025.