Caribbean Netherlands: adjustment of standard amounts for lending as of 1 April 2026

Credit providers may not grant credit if doing so would be irresponsible. They must obtain sufficient information about the consumer’s financial position and assess whether the consumer is able and willing to bear the costs of a mortgage or consumer loan. Standard amounts are used to estimate basic living expenses, depending on household composition and island of residence.

Determination of the standard amounts

The standard amounts have been adjusted based on the 2025 consumer price index: prices increased by 4.3% on Bonaire, 1.8% on St. Eustatius and 3.8% on Saba.

This indexation is incorporated into the updated table with standard amounts and housing cost components as included in the amended regulation.

Maximum amount of credit

The AFM has developed a calculation model (‘Model for maximum lending’) to determine the maximum amount of credit that can be granted responsibly. Section 7:17(3) of the Financial Markets BES Decree specifies how to calculate the customer’s monthly financial capacity.

The creditworthiness assessment uses a fixed component (‘standard amount’) and an income-related component. The fixed component reflects the necessary local expenses required to maintain a certain standard of living.

Questions?

In case you have any questions regarding this subject, please send an email to ondernemersloket@afm.nl.