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The role of the notary

On Bonaire, no property changes hands without a civil-law notary. They are the neutral guardian of the transaction — protecting buyer and seller alike.

A Dutch Caribbean civil-law notary (notaris) is a legally appointed, impartial official — not a lawyer for one side. The notary confirms who really owns the property, ensures the money moves safely, drafts the official deed and registers the new owner in the public land registry (Kadaster).

What the notary handles

The notary’s work is what makes a transfer legally watertight:

  • Verifies the seller’s title and searches the Kadaster for mortgages, liens or seizures.
  • Clears existing mortgage rights so the property transfers free of encumbrances.
  • Holds the purchase funds and settles them through the office.
  • Drafts and executes the deed of transfer (akte van levering).
  • Registers the transfer (and any mortgage) at the Kadaster — ownership passes only on registration.
  • Calculates and settles transfer tax and registration fees.

Who pays, and how it’s chosen

It is customary for the buyer to pay the notary fees for the transfer deed (part of the "kosten koper"). In most cases the buyer may choose the notary. Fees combine an honorarium plus office costs and ABB, with cadastral registration charged separately — ask for a written quotation (offerte) up front so the full closing cost is clear before you sign.

Notary offices on Bonaire

Bonaire has two civil-law notary offices, both in Kralendijk. Confirm current fees and availability directly with the office.

Bonaire Notaris (mr. Robin A. Rispens)

Notary

Bonaire’s oldest notarial office; full-service civil-law notary for property transfers, mortgages and corporate deeds.

Notariskantoor Kenneth F. Arends & Partners

Notary

Full-service civil-law notary firm in central Kralendijk (notaries K. F. Arends and A. E. Gosselaar).

Sources & official links

For orientation only. Rules, rates and costs can change — always verify the current situation with the relevant authority or an advisor. · Last reviewed: July 2026.

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