How to safely make a copy of your passport
How to safely make a copy of your passport (and why real estate agents ask for it)
When you buy or sell a house through a real estate agent in Curaçao, you will almost always be asked this question:
“Could you send us a copy of your passport?”
Many people are startled by this, and rightly so. Your ID is a sensitive document. Fortunately, there is a safe and easy way to make a copy without the risk of identity fraud.
In this article you will read:
- Why real estate agents in Curaçao ask for a copy of your ID
- Who the identification requirement applies to
- How to safely make a copy with the KopieID app of the Dutch government
- What happens to your data
- What the notary does with your passport or ID (and why legalisation is sometimes needed)
Why do real estate agents in Curaçao ask for your passport?
As a real estate agency, we are legally required to verify the identity of our clients. This is called the identification requirement. Its purpose is, among other things, to prevent:
- Money laundering
- Terrorist financing
- Fraudulent transactions
…from happening.
These rules were not invented by real estate agents themselves, but stem from international treaties and local legislation. In Curaçao, they are supervised by:
- FIU Curaçao (Financial Intelligence Unit). Read our article about compliance and how we handle it here.
That is why we must receive a valid copy of the passport or ID from both buyers and sellers.
No expired driving licence, blurry selfie or "you already know me"...
Who does this requirement apply to?
These rules apply to everyone who buys or sells a property through us. For example:
- Do you live in Curaçao with a Dutch passport? ✔️
- Are you buying a holiday home from the Netherlands? ✔️
- Are you a resident of Bonaire, Aruba, Saba or Sint Eustatius? ✔️
- Do you have a foreign passport but live in Curaçao? ✔️ We will look at what is needed together
How do you safely make a copy of your passport?
The answer: use the free KopieID app of the Dutch government.
What is the KopieID app?
The KopieID app was developed by the Dutch government specifically to protect your personal data when you make a copy of your ID. You can download it for free via:
What can you do with it?
With the KopieID app you can:
✅ Take a secure photo of your passport
✅ Cross out sensitive data (such as your BSN)
✅ Add a watermark such as: “Copy for International Fine Living – 07-10-2025”
✅ Send the copy directly via secure email or an upload portal
How to make a secure copy in 5 steps
- Download the KopieID app
- Open the app and choose your document type (passport, ID card or driving licence)
- Take a photo of your ID
- Cross out sensitive information (such as your BSN, which we do not need)
- Add a watermark with our company name + date
📌 Please note: the rest of the document must remain clearly legible.
What does a notary do with your passport?
When buying or selling a property in Curaçao, the notary plays a crucial role. One of the notary's legal duties is verifying your identity. Read more about the role of the notary here.
Will you not be in Curaçao for the transfer?
Can you not be present in person when the deed is signed? Then an employee of the notary's office can sign on your behalf through a notarial power of attorney.
But please note: in that case the notary needs a legalised copy of your passport.
What is a legalised copy?
A legalised copy is an officially certified copy of your identity document. It confirms that:
- The copy matches the original
- You have been identified in person by the legalising authority
Legalisation can be done by:
- A notary where you live
- The municipality (in the Netherlands at the city office)
- The Dutch embassy or consulate abroad
📌 Please note: a copy made with the KopieID app is not sufficient for this. Only a legalised copy is accepted by the notary if you are not present.
How do you arrange a legalised copy?
- Make an appointment with a notary, municipality or embassy
- Bring your original passport or ID card
- Have an official copy made and legalised
- Send the legalised copy by post or courier to the notary in Curaçao
- If needed, confirm by email that it may be used for the file
Why is this important?
The notary is legally required to verify the identity of all parties. Without a legalised copy, the purchase or sale cannot go ahead if you are not present in person. If you are present in person, bring your passport. It protects you, the buying or selling party and the transfer of ownership against fraud or mistakes.
What do we do with your copy?
We understand that sharing your ID can feel uncomfortable. That is why we handle your data with the utmost care:
🔒 We store the copy in a secure digital environment
👀 Only authorised employees have access
🧹 We keep the data no longer than legally required
📂 We never share your ID with third parties, unless we are legally required to (for example the notary, FIU or the tax authorities)
FAQ: frequently asked questions about passport copies
1. Do I also need to provide a copy if I am selling?
Yes, both buyers and sellers must identify themselves. No exceptions.
2. Why do you not need my BSN?
We are not an organisation that is allowed to process the BSN. That is why you may cover it.
3. Can I send the copy via WhatsApp?
Preferably not. WhatsApp is not the safest way. Use email or our Conneqtid upload portal.
4. What if I do not have a Dutch passport?
No problem, you can still send us a copy. You just cannot use the KopieID app of the Dutch government.
5. What if I do not want to hand over my ID?
Unfortunately, we cannot start the purchase or sale in that case. Without an ID, we are not allowed to open a file.
6. Can I also use the app for my driving licence?
Yes, the KopieID app also works for driving licences from the Netherlands and the BES islands. However, we need a copy of your passport, not your driving licence.
7. Can I also make a paper copy?
Yes, but only with:
- “Copy for International Fine Living – date” written on it
- Your BSN covered
- Secure handover or delivery
- Please note that we will then digitise the paper copy ourselves for secure storage.
In conclusion
We understand that all of this can feel like a lot of hassle. But it is there to protect you, your property and your identity.
With the right tools, such as the KopieID app or a legalised copy if you cannot be present, it is easy to arrange, and safely so.
Do you have doubts or need help? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help. 📩
International Fine Living, your trusted real estate agent in Curaçao 🏡☀️
Together we make sure your purchase or sale is safe and pleasant.
International Fine Living does its best to inform people who buy or sell a house in Curaçao as well as possible. Unfortunately, our time is limited too, and we will not always be able to publish the latest updates. We therefore always advise you to verify the information provided with the relevant authority or company. No rights can be derived from the accuracy of the information provided. Other real estate agents in Curaçao, please note: all our texts are protected by copyright. It is therefore not permitted to copy texts or parts of them. Anyone who wants to is of course welcome to link to our blog.