Apply for a Business License

On Bonaire, there are rules governing the establishment and operation of a business. Through the business license process, the Public Entity of Bonaire verifies that your business complies with the applicable regulations.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

Do you want to start, expand, or change a business on Bonaire? In most cases, you’ll need a business license. You may not start a business without this license.

A business establishment permit is official authorization to start, expand, or change a business. This permit is required under the BES Business Establishment Act. The rules apply to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

When can you apply for this?

You must meet the following requirements:

You have sufficient knowledge of the work you will be doing.
You have sufficient financial resources to start the business.
Your business does not conflict with the public interest.
You are registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
You submit a recent extract from the Chamber of Commerce.
The business location complies with the applicable regulations.

How do you apply for this?

You apply for the business license by submitting an online application to the Public Entity of Bonaire.

When applying, you must provide the following information, among other things:

your name, address, and date of birth
the type of business you wish to start
your education and work experience
the funds required to start the business
the financial resources you have

The application is first checked for completeness. If the application is incomplete, you will be given the opportunity to supplement or amend it. The application is then reviewed.

Who can you contact?

Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development (R&O)
Address: Kaya Amsterdam n/n
Telephone: (+599) 715 5330
Email: directie_ro@bonairegov.com

Opening hours
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

How long does it take?

If you submit the application online and it is complete, you can receive the business license within 6 business days. In other cases, the maximum processing time is 8 weeks.

What does it cost?

The business license costs $140.00.

Do you disagree with the decision?

If you disagree with a decision, you may file an objection with the Public Entity of Bonaire. The letter will explain how to do this and within what timeframe.

What do we do with your personal data?

When you submit an application or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.

The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.

The most important rules are:

The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data that is necessary for processing your application or report.
They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care
Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.