Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining the country’s passport in Aruba is not just a simple administrative procedure. It is the culmination of a journey of residence, integration, and, in many cases, access to Dutch nationality. In Aruba, the national passport is a document of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, issued within a specific legal framework and managed by several local and Dutch authorities.
This guide details the complete process: where to apply, eligibility conditions, the naturalization procedure, associated costs, and the steps to obtain the passport. It also includes technical rules for ID photos, emergency services, and useful contact points on the island.
Understanding Who Does What in Aruba
Before discussing forms and documents, it is essential to understand the distribution of roles among the different institutions involved in the country’s passport in Aruba.
The core institution for residents is the Dienst Burgerlijke Stand en Bevolkingsregister (DBSB), the Civil Registry and Population Register. Located at L.G. Smith Boulevard 66 in Oranjestad, this service manages the registration of persons, birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as the issuance of passports and identity cards for citizens. Access is by appointment only and according to defined hours, with closure to the public on Wednesday afternoons.
This service does not work in isolation. It is part of a broader framework that includes:
Main public bodies and consulates involved in residence, naturalization, and identity document issuance procedures in Aruba.
Handles applications for naturalization and option to become a Dutch citizen, an essential prerequisite for many foreigners before being able to obtain a passport.
Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero (Department of Integration, Management and Admission of Foreigners). Responsible for residence and work permits, the validity of which counts towards calculating the required years of residence for naturalization.
Provides information to Dutch nationals and issues certain documents, but does not replace the DBSB for the routine issuance of passports for island residents.
United States, Italy, Panama, Chile, etc. Assist their nationals with their passports and can intervene in case of loss or emergency, without replacing the Aruban system.
This institutional network explains why obtaining the country’s passport in Aruba often involves juggling between several offices: residence and integration with DIMAS, nationality via the Cabinet of the Governor, and then travel document with the DBSB.
DBSB Hours and Functions
The DBSB has strict public service hours: from 7:45 AM to 11:30 AM, then from 1:15 PM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with closure on Wednesday afternoons. Services are provided by appointment, which helps manage the flow of applicants, especially during peak periods, such as in 2024 when a peak is anticipated due to the expiration of passports issued ten years earlier.
The civil registry service is not limited to passport management. It administers all civil life, including birth declarations, child acknowledgments, deaths, marriage and divorce registrations, wedding ceremonies, population registers, civil status matters in private international law, as well as the issuance of extracts and certificates. This crucial data directly feeds into nationality and passport applications, highlighting the importance of accurate and up-to-date registration.
Becoming a Dutch Citizen in Aruba: A Prerequisite for the Passport
The country’s passport in Aruba is a Dutch passport. In other words, to apply for it, one must first be a citizen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For persons born with this nationality, the procedure is relatively simple: it is essentially a request for a travel document from the DBSB. However, for foreigners settled on the island, the first step is to acquire Dutch nationality.
Two paths exist: naturalization and the option procedure. Both are managed by the Cabinet of the Governor of Aruba, located at Plaza Henny Eman 3 in Oranjestad. Applications are made exclusively by appointment, booked online via www.kabga.aw (under “consular affairs”) or in person, never by phone.
Naturalization: The Standard Path
Naturalization is the standard procedure for the majority of foreigners. It is based on several cumulative criteria.
First, age: one must be at least 18 years old to submit an application themselves. Next is the duration of residence. In principle, it is necessary to justify at least five years of uninterrupted residence in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (thus including Aruba) with a valid residence permit. For spouses of Dutch citizens, this requirement is reduced to three years of living together in marriage, provided they also hold a valid residence permit.
For a naturalization application, the concept of “uninterrupted” residence is crucial and is verified by DIMAS. Any interruption or period of irregular stay can delay the eligibility date for applying. Furthermore, it is essential to have a residence permit authorizing long-term residence at two key moments: when submitting the application and on the day of the naturalization ceremony.
Naturalization is not limited to a matter of duration. The applicant must prove their integration into Aruban society and their command of the local language. For this, a naturalization test is organized by the Aruba Examination Bureau. It assesses, among other things, understanding of Papiamento and a level of integration deemed sufficient. Upon passing, a naturalization test certificate is issued and attached to the file.
In some cases, this test can be avoided: certain recognized education or diplomas exempt one from this exam. However, it is up to the applicant to verify if their diplomas qualify for this exemption and to provide proof.
In addition to these conditions, there is a check for the absence of a threat to public order or the security of the Kingdom. A background check form is signed to attest to the absence of serious convictions. Another major element: naturalization is accompanied, in most cases, by renunciation of the original nationality. Exceptions exist, but the principle remains the limitation of dual nationality. Finally, the applicant must agree to recite the Declaration of Solidarity during the naturalization ceremony, by which they acknowledge that the laws of the Kingdom of the Netherlands apply to them.
The Option Procedure: A Shortcut for Certain Profiles
Alongside this standard procedure, there is a faster and simpler path: the option procedure. It is not open to everyone, but to persons who already have a very close link with the Kingdom, for example:
Dutch legislation provides specific conditions for naturalization, including for persons born in the Netherlands and having always lived there, stateless persons born in Dutch territory, as well as minors acknowledged and raised for at least three years by a parent of Dutch nationality.
Again, the application is submitted to the Cabinet of the Governor. A decision is expected within a maximum period of 13 weeks, significantly shorter than standard naturalization. Persons who obtain nationality via option must also sign a Declaration of Solidarity and comply with conditions related to public order.
The Role of the Cabinet of the Governor and the IND
In both cases, naturalization or option, the Cabinet of the Governor acts as the local counter and filter. Once the file is complete, it solicits various Aruban services (police, population register, etc.) to verify the information. Then, the file is forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) in the Netherlands.
For naturalization, the IND has a legal processing time of 12 months to make a decision. The Dutch Minister of Justice makes the final decision. For the option procedure, the decision is faster and made within a maximum period of 13 weeks.
One of the most symbolic steps occurs after a positive decision: the naturalization ceremony organized by the Cabinet of the Governor. Participation is mandatory and must take place within one year of the decision. It is during this ceremony that new citizens recite the Declaration of Solidarity. Only after this step is completed can the new citizen turn to the DBSB to apply for the country’s passport in Aruba.
Documents to Gather for Nationality
The success of a naturalization or option application often depends on preparation. The Cabinet of the Governor requires a set of documents, always originals accompanied by a copy:
To submit a naturalization application in the Netherlands, you must provide several original or certified documents. These pieces include a valid passport, passport-format ID photos, and all your current and past residence permits. You must also present your original birth certificate, as well as several recent extracts (less than six months old) from the population register (Censo): a registration certificate, residence certificate, and address history. If your application is based on marriage, a marriage certificate with a Dutch citizen is required. Finally, you must attach the certificate of passing the naturalization test or the diplomas that grant exemption from it.
Foreign documents must be translated by a sworn translator, unless they are already in English, French, or German. They must also be legalized: either by an apostille for countries party to the Hague Convention, or by a Dutch diplomatic representation.
Upon submission, the applicant signs various forms: a declaration of allegiance, a criminal record form, and, where applicable, a commitment to renounce current nationality.
Costs of Naturalization and Option
Becoming Dutch, and thus gaining access to the country’s passport in Aruba, comes at a significant cost. Naturalization fees in Aruban florins (Afl.) are structured as follows:
| Type of Application | Amount (Afl.) |
|---|---|
| Naturalization – single person | 1,425 |
| Naturalization – couple | 1,807 |
| Child included in parents’ application (per child) | 214 |
For certain periods, the same amounts may be expressed in Netherlands Antillean guilders (Naf.), particularly in official publications for the Dutch Caribbean. As an indication, for the year 2025, the following is mentioned:
| Type of Application (2025) | Amount (Naf.) |
|---|---|
| Naturalization – single person | 2,086 |
| Naturalization – couple | 2,663 |
| Minor included with parents (per child) | 308 |
The option procedure is less expensive. Amounts are indicated, for example, as follows:
| Option Procedure | Amount (Naf.) |
|---|---|
| Option – single person | 442 |
| Option – couple | 755 |
| Co-opted minor (per child) | 48 |
In all cases, fees must be paid before processing of the file. An incomplete or unpaid application is not processed, and the amounts paid are non-refundable, even in case of refusal or voluntary withdrawal.
Once a Dutch Citizen: Applying for a Passport in Aruba
After naturalization or option, the new citizen can finally focus on the country’s passport in Aruba. Legally, it is a standard Dutch passport, identical to that issued in the other countries of the Kingdom (European Netherlands, Curaçao, Sint Maarten).
Characteristics of the Dutch Passport
The passport serves both as a travel document and proof of identity. For adults, its validity is 10 years. For children under 18, the validity is 5 years. In all cases, it is no longer possible to register children in their parents’ passport: each minor must have their own document.
The passport must contain the Citizen Service Number (BSN) whenever the holder has one. This number is central to Dutch administration and facilitates procedures throughout the Kingdom.
Where and How to Apply for a Passport
Citizens residing in Aruba turn to the DBSB in Oranjestad. This service registers the application, verifies identity, civil status data, and fingerprints when required, then electronically transmits the application to the central supplier based in the Netherlands. Passports are physically produced in the Netherlands, which imposes a processing time of several weeks before delivery to the island.
The application must be made in person, by appointment. The generally required documents should be prepared in advance.
– a duly completed application form;
– a recent photo meeting official specifications;
– proof of Dutch nationality (old identity card, naturalization certificate, old passport, etc.);
– for children, the presence of the child and the signature of both parents or legal guardians.
Dutch citizens, including those from Aruba, residing abroad can apply for a passport or identity card at most Dutch embassies and consulates-general. Options also exist in certain Dutch border municipalities and at the Schiphol airport desk (Haarlemmermeer), where fees may be slightly lower.
Dutch Passport Fees
For applications made abroad, particularly at embassies and consulates, reference fees in euros are indicated:
| Type of Document | Place of Application | Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | Embassy / Consulate | €148.50 |
| Child passport (< 18 years) | Embassy / Consulate | €129.45 |
| Adult identity card | Embassy / Consulate | €147.30 |
| Child identity card | Embassy / Consulate | €113.15 |
| Emergency passport / Laissez-passer | Abroad | €52.95 |
In border municipalities and at Schiphol, slightly lower price ceilings exist:
| Type of Document | Place of Application | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | Border / Schiphol | €130.95 |
| Child passport | Border / Schiphol | €109.80 |
In Aruba itself, the exact cost may vary according to local regulations and conversion rates into florins. Citizens are advised to inquire directly with the DBSB to know the current amount at the time of their application.
Special Case of External Providers (VFS Global)
In some countries, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delegated the reception of applications to companies like VFS Global. The center collects applications, digitizes them, and charges, in addition to consular fees, a service fee (e.g., €18 in Spain, 43.50 AUD in Australia, $33 USD in the United States).
These providers do not issue emergency passports: these remain the direct responsibility of Dutch representations or, in Aruba, the Cabinet of the Governor.
Emergency Passports in Aruba
The reality of travel, missed flights, and lost passports sometimes requires quick solutions. Aruba is no exception, and two systems coexist: on one hand, Dutch emergency passports for citizens of the Kingdom, and on the other, American emergency passports for U.S. citizens present on the island.
Dutch Emergency Passport
The consular section of the Cabinet of the Governor in Oranjestad can issue Dutch emergency passports under strictly defined circumstances. The policy is clear: these documents are only granted in genuinely urgent situations, for example for a medically necessary trip covered by the AZV health insurance.
The issuance of an emergency passport is not a convenient alternative to a renewed passport application made too late. The authorities apply this rule strictly, especially during peak periods, for example when passport applications surge due to the mass expiration of ten-year documents.
The emergency passport has limited validity for a single specific journey.
Emergency Passport for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Aruba depend, for their travel documents, on the U.S. Consulate General in Curaçao, based in Willemstad. This consulate covers the entire Dutch Caribbean, including Aruba.
In case of loss, theft, or an expired passport just before departure, a U.S. citizen can apply for an emergency passport. This document, valid for a maximum of twelve months, is generally issued the same day the complete file is submitted, provided an imminent departure (usually within fifteen business days) can be demonstrated.
The procedures require:
– an appointment (highly recommended) at the Curaçao consulate;
– a passport application form (DS-11 or DS-82 as applicable);
– an ID photo conforming to the US 2×2 inch format, different from the Dutch 35×45 mm format;
– proof of U.S. citizenship (old passport, birth certificate, etc.) and an identity document;
– if applicable, a DS-64 form to report the loss or theft of the passport;
– proof of travel (confirmed ticket);
– payment of the standard fees, identical to those for a regular passport.
The emergency passport is not electronic (no chip) and some countries may refuse entry or boarding with this type of document. After use, it can be exchanged free of charge for a full-validity passport within one year, via form DS-5504, a new photo, and payment of mailing fees.
If it is impossible to obtain a timely appointment online, it is possible to write to the consulate to request an emergency slot. Showing up without an appointment remains possible but involves significant waiting times.
Technical Requirements for Passport Photos in Aruba
Whether for an application for the country’s passport in Aruba, nationality, or a Dutch or American document, the ID photo is one of the most frequent reasons for file rejection. Aruba applies the very strict Dutch standards for Kingdom passports.
Format and Framing
Aruban authorities require two identical photos per application, sized 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (sometimes expressed as 2×2 inches, but the millimeter measurements are authoritative). The face must occupy a large part of the image:
| Criterion | Adults (≥ 11 years) | Children < 11 years |
|---|---|---|
| Face height (chin–top) | 26–30 mm | 19–30 mm |
| Face width (excluding ears) | 16–20 mm | 16–20 mm |
The face must be centered, with a frontal view. The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months.
Expression, Posture, and Gaze
The subject must face the camera, head straight, neither tilted nor turned. Eyes are open, looking directly at the camera. The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, with no marked smile or grimace.
For very young children, especially those under six, these requirements are applied more flexibly: perfect head alignment, neutral expression, and fixed gaze are not as strictly required.
Background, Lighting, and Quality
The background must be uniform, light, and without patterns: acceptable colors are light gray, light blue, or white, provided they offer good contrast with the face and hair. No other objects or persons should appear, and shadows should be avoided both on the face and the background.
Lighting must be even, without overexposure, underexposure, red eyes, or glare. The photo must be in color with natural skin tones, printed on high-quality photo paper. The resolution must be at least 600 dpi (400 dpi is sometimes cited as a minimum), without pixelation, scratches, or stains.
Digital retouching that alters facial appearance, artificially softens skin, or changes features is prohibited. Authorities often reject photos scanned from old documents.
Glasses, Headgear, and Accessories
To maximize the chances of acceptance, it is advised to remove glasses for the photo. If kept, they must have clear lenses, no tint, non-sunglasses, with a thin frame that does not cover the eyes. No reflection should appear on the lenses, and the iris must be clearly visible.
Headgear is prohibited, except for genuine religious or medical reasons. In these authorized cases, the veil or head covering must be plain, without patterns, and contrast with the background. It must also leave the entire face visible, from chin to forehead.
Beards, mustaches, wigs, hair changes, makeup, or earrings are tolerated as long as they do not hinder identification. Long bangs are allowed provided they do not cover the eyes.
Earbuds, headphones, or similar objects are prohibited in the photo. If a medical condition or disability prevents full compliance with these rules, the issuing authority may request a medical certificate to justify accommodations.
Assistance from Commercial Services
Given the complexity of the criteria, several commercial services have specialized in passport photos conforming to Dutch standards. Some operate online from the Netherlands and deliver printed photos, sometimes within 24 hours. Others, like studios in London mentioned in some documents, offer in-store photo sessions and guarantee acceptance of the photos, or redo them free of charge.
Even though these examples are located outside Aruba, they illustrate a trend: for documents as important as a passport, many travelers prefer to entrust the task to professionals familiar with official standards rather than risk rejection due to a technical detail.
Link Between Passport, Residence, and DIMAS
Possessing the country’s passport in Aruba does not settle all status issues. It is important to highlight the distinction between nationality, residence permit, and work authorization.
The Dutch passport attests to nationality and EU membership. DIMAS manages residence permits for foreigners and for some Dutch nationals changing status. For non-nationals, a naturalization application requires regular and long-term residence.
DIMAS, whose website is www.dimasaruba.aw, is therefore an obligatory step for any path towards the country’s passport in Aruba when starting as a foreigner. This service also manages permits to work or live on the island beyond simple tourist stays.
Common Problems and Practical Advice
Official information reminds us how poor-quality photos are a major cause of file rejection. Another recurring stumbling block is foreign documents that are not legalized or poorly translated, which forces the Cabinet of the Governor to request supplements, lengthening already long processing times.
Regarding naturalization, it is important to keep in mind that the IND has a 12-month period to make a decision, not counting the weeks spent assembling the file locally. To this are added the delays for obtaining all extracts from the Censo, civil status certificates, apostilles, and scheduling the naturalization test. The reality is therefore that of a often lengthy process, requiring patience and anticipation.
Centralized production in the Netherlands and forecasts of increased volumes, particularly in 2024, may lead to longer waiting times, both at the DBSB counter and for the document’s shipment from the supplier.
In case of a lost passport, authorities recommend quickly reporting the theft or loss to the police, then contacting the competent service (DBSB for Dutch nationals, U.S. consulate for U.S. citizens) to initiate a replacement or emergency procedure. For American travelers, the possibility of using the Regional Carrier Liaison Group (RCLG) via their airline to obtain a one-time boarding authorization also exists, although the final decision always rests with the airline.
Useful Contacts in Aruba
To navigate this administrative environment, several sources of information and contact are important to know:
| Authority / Service | Main Role | Key Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| DBSB (Civil Registry and Population Register) | Population register, civil status certificates, passports | L.G. Smith Boulevard 66, Oranjestad – Tel. +297 522‑3676 – By appointment |
| Cabinet of the Governor of Aruba | Naturalization, option, Dutch emergency passports | Plaza Henny Eman 3, Oranjestad – Tel. +297 583‑4445 – www.kabga.aw |
| DIMAS | Residence permits, work, immigration | Wilhelminastraat 31–33 / Paardenbaaistraat 11, Oranjestad – www.dimasaruba.aw |
| Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | General information, DigiD, life certificates, assistance to Dutch nationals | L.G. Smith Boulevard 44, Oranjestad – Tel. +297 525‑2866 – [email protected] |
| U.S. Consulate in Curaçao | Services for U.S. citizens (passports, emergencies) | J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, Willemstad – Tel. +599 (9) 461‑3066 – [email protected] |
These institutions each work within their field of competence, but their areas of action overlap in the journey of a resident who wishes, ultimately, to obtain the country’s passport in Aruba.
Conclusion: A Passport at the End of a True Journey
Obtaining the country’s passport in Aruba, for a foreigner settled on the island, is the culmination of a multi-stage journey: residence permit validated by DIMAS, linguistic and social integration attested by a Papiamento test, processing of the naturalization or option file by the Cabinet of the Governor, IND decision, naturalization ceremony, and finally passport application with the DBSB.
For citizens already Dutch, the procedure is more direct but remains governed by strict standards (photos, personal presence, production times). In all cases, the key lies in anticipation, meticulous preparation of documents, and compliance with technical and legal requirements.
Aruba, as a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, combines a local framework – DBSB, Cabinet of the Governor, DIMAS – and a Dutch legal and administrative architecture that extends to consular services and passport production centers in the Netherlands. Understanding this dual dimension is essential for anyone wishing, from this island in the southern Caribbean Sea, to access one of the most valuable documents of their life as a citizen: the country’s passport in Aruba.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
