The Caribbean Legal Glossary

The foundational document establishing a company, typically outlining its purpose, structure, and governance rules.

An employment arrangement that either party can end without cause, though this concept applies differently — or not at all — depending on the jurisdiction’s labor code.

Common Dutch Caribbean entity types — roughly comparable to a private limited company (BV) and a public limited company (NV) — each with different governance requirements.

A formal notice demanding that a party stop an infringing activity, often the first step before formal enforcement action.

The legal arrangement determining a parent’s rights and responsibilities toward a child, including where the child lives and who makes major decisions.

A formal government program granting citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment, offered by some — not all — Caribbean nations.

Negotiation between an employer and a group of employees (often through a union) over wages, hours, and working conditions.

A legal framework, common in civil-law jurisdictions, treating most property acquired during a marriage as jointly owned by both spouses.

When an employer makes working conditions so difficult that an employee is effectively forced to resign, which can be treated as a termination for legal purposes.

Legal protection for original creative and written works, generally arising automatically upon creation, though registration can strengthen enforcement.

The system of rules and practices by which a company is directed and controlled, including director duties and shareholder rights.

A party to whom money is owed, with specific legal rights to participate in and be informed about a bankruptcy proceeding.

The court-appointed trustee who takes control of a bankrupt estate, managing assets and liquidation on behalf of creditors.

A visa category allowing remote workers employed outside the country to legally live there while working for a foreign employer or their own business.

The final court order that legally ends a marriage, typically addressing property division, support, and custody where applicable.

An agreement between two jurisdictions designed to prevent the same income from being taxed twice.

The investigation process a buyer or investor conducts before a transaction, reviewing financial, legal, and operational details of a business.

A requirement that an entity have genuine operational presence in a jurisdiction — real staff, offices, and activity — to claim certain tax treatment there.

A pre-arrival entry declaration required by some Caribbean jurisdictions, separate from visa or residency applications.

The foundational bankruptcy decree that provides the legal framework for insolvency proceedings applied in Curaçao.

The financial state of being unable to pay debts as they come due.

A corporate structure available in some jurisdictions, historically used for international operations, now generally subject to economic substance requirements.

An international treaty allowing trademark owners to seek protection in multiple member countries through a single application.

Assets and debts acquired during a marriage, generally subject to division upon divorce.

The process of combining two companies (merger) or one company purchasing another (acquisition).

A contract provision restricting an employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a defined period after leaving.

Legal protection for a new invention or process, distinct from trademark or copyright protection.

A requirement that a debtor owe money to more than one creditor for a bankruptcy petition to be granted.

A contract entered into before marriage that sets out how assets and financial matters will be handled, including in the event of a divorce.

An initial employment period during which either party may typically terminate the relationship more easily, subject to jurisdiction-specific limits.

Authorization to legally live in a jurisdiction for an extended period, which may or may not include the right to work.

Compensation an employer may owe an employee upon termination, with amounts and eligibility varying by jurisdiction.

A contract among a company’s shareholders governing their rights, obligations, and how key decisions are made.

The process by which an employer or family member formally supports an individual’s immigration application.

Ongoing financial support one spouse may be required to pay the other after separation or divorce.

Dutch legal term for “suspension of payments” — a temporary protective measure allowing restructuring instead of immediate bankruptcy.

A formal review by a tax authority of an individual’s or entity’s filings, which can lead to adjustments, penalties, or a dispute process.

The jurisdiction where an individual or entity is legally considered a tax resident, separate from immigration or citizenship status.

The overall visual appearance of a product or its packaging, which can sometimes be protected separately from a trademark.

A registered name, logo, or symbol that identifies and distinguishes a business’s goods or services from others.

Rules governing how transactions between related entities are priced for tax purposes, to prevent artificial profit shifting.

Authorization allowing a foreign national to legally work in a jurisdiction, typically tied to a specific employer and role.