Moving to Aruba: Navigating All the Administrative Steps

Published on January 22, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Living in Aruba isn’t just about falling in love with its beaches and its dry, sunny climate. To transform a vacation stay into a genuine life project, one must navigate a set of precise rules: visas, residence permits, work permits, registration with the population registry, health insurance, importation of goods, tax obligations. The framework is strict, yet clear, provided one knows the right contacts and steps.

Who Manages Immigration and Procedures in Aruba?

First and foremost, it is essential to identify the authorities that will play a role in your administrative journey. Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but it is neither part of the European Union nor the Schengen Area. Its system is therefore specific, even though it is inspired by Dutch law.

The linchpin of the system is the DIMAS (Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero), the Department of Integration, Policy, and Admission of Foreigners. It handles most applications for residence and work permits.

The DIMAS is located in Oranjestad, at Paardenbaaistraat 11, reachable at +297 522 1500. Some applications can be sent by email or fax, but in practice, procedures often go through a local sponsor (employer, spouse, etc.) who submits the application.

Finally, for all matters concerning entry into the territory (visa rules, practical questions), the Aruba Tourism Authority responds via email at [email protected], while visa applications are processed by the embassies and consulates of the Kingdom of the Netherlands abroad.

A fundamental point to keep in mind: even with a visa and all papers in order, final admission is decided by the immigration officer at the point of entry. If documents are incomplete, there is doubt about means of subsistence, or if the person is on a blacklist, entry can be refused.

Entering Aruba: Tourism, Short Stay, and the ED Card

For most future residents, the first contact with the administration happens… at the airport. Aruba clearly distinguishes short-term tourist stays from residency stays. As long as one stays within the duration limits, they are considered a tourist, even if they are on a scouting trip to settle down.

Upon arrival, several conditions apply to everyone:

– valid passport for the entire duration of the stay;

– a duly filled out online embarkation–disembarkation (ED) card;

– return or onward travel ticket;

– proof of ability to return to a country where entry is authorized (visa, residence permit, etc.);

– if requested, proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental, deed of ownership, pleasure yacht of at least 14 meters moored in Aruba);

– if requested, proof of financial means or a guarantee declaration by a legal resident.

Since 2024, the online ED platform (https://edcardaruba.aw/) has been modernized. All travelers, including infants, must fill out this form within the 7 days prior to departure. The platform assigns a “qualifier,” which allows boarding for Aruba, but does not guarantee admission once on-site.

The table below summarizes the standard entry documents for a tourist.

Duration of Stay as a Tourist

In practice, most visitors arrive as tourists. The framework is as follows:

– the standard duration granted upon arrival is 30 days;

– it can be extended, upon request, up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year, counting all entries.

The rules then vary according to nationality:

– U.S. citizens: can stay up to 90 days without needing to file a formal extension request for this period;

– Dutch citizens (Netherlands or former Netherlands Antilles): can stay up to 180 days without a visa;

– nationals of countries with a visa waiver agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands: can stay 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.

Long stays (more than 180 days per year) automatically shift into the realm of residence permits, regardless of nationality. Beyond this threshold, it’s no longer tourism but residence.

Visa Rules and Exemptions

Aruba’s visa system is aligned with that of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the Caribbean, with many exemptions.

No visa is required notably for:

– nationals of the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Ireland;

– holders of a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent) in another part of the Kingdom (European Netherlands, Curaçao, etc.), or in the United States, Canada, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland;

– holders of valid multiple-entry visas for the Schengen Area, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or Ireland, from certain specific nationalities (e.g., Bolivia, China, India, Jamaica, Peru, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti);

– children under 12 traveling with a parent or guardian;

– cruise passengers disembarking for less than 24 hours;

– crew members of commercial ships or aircraft for short layovers (up to 48 hours).

For nationalities subject to a visa, the key rule is: the application must be submitted before travel, in person, at an embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In some countries, authorized travel agencies can submit applications for their clients.

Health, Vaccines, and Medical Requirements

Health-wise, Aruba imposes a few targeted obligations.

Travelers coming from countries in Central America, Latin America, or Africa considered at risk for yellow fever must present an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) attesting to yellow fever vaccination. Without this document, boarding or entry may be refused.

For permanent residence applications, the medical requirements are more extensive: a recent medical statement (less than 30 days before travel) attesting to the absence of contagious disease or mental disorder must be provided. Vaccination against smallpox is mentioned in some regulations for long-term procedures.

In daily life, Aruba has a relatively advanced healthcare system for the region, with a general hospital (Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital) and several medical centers. The local public health insurance, AZV, is mandatory for persons living and working on the island. It is funded by contributions shared between employers and employees.

The following table summarizes the health requirements according to the type of stay.

Extending a Tourist Stay: Conditions and Limits

Many relocation projects begin with extended “test” stays. Aruba provides a mechanism for extending a tourist stay, managed by the IASA.

The general logic is simple: the total stay, including extensions, must not exceed 180 days in a calendar year. A first extension allows reaching 90 days, then, under stricter conditions, one can aim for a total of 180 days.

To request an extension, you need:

For certain profiles, the law allows staying up to 180 consecutive days as a visitor, provided they:

– own real estate on the island (house, apartment, timeshare, pleasure yacht of 14 meters or more moored in Aruba);

– or benefit from a guarantee declaration from a local resident, who undertakes to cover all potential expenses.

Non-compliance with the authorized duration (overstaying without an extension) is strongly discouraged: a history of overstaying can negatively impact any future admission or residence permit application.

From Tourist to Resident: When a Residence Permit Becomes Mandatory

The formal shift from tourism to residence occurs from the moment one wishes to stay more than 180 days per year or to settle to live and/or work long-term.

All foreigners who do not benefit from an automatic right of admission (special case for certain Kingdom citizens) then need a residence permit issued by DIMAS. This permit can be temporary (most common initially) or permanent (after several years).

Crucial point: one is not supposed to be in Aruba during the processing of the application, unless they are still in a tourist status. Authorities may reject an application submitted while the applicant is already on the island without the proper status.

Temporary Residence Permit: Principle and Functioning

The temporary residence permit is generally granted for one year, renewable. It does not automatically grant the right to work: it is a permit for admission into the territory, not a work authorization.

The exact duration is linked to the reason for stay:

– family reunification;

– employment contract (linked to a work permit);

– retirement or “rentier”;

– investment;

– other specific categories.

The elements expected in a temporary permit application file are relatively constant:

– passport valid for Aruba and for several months beyond the application;

– DIMAS application form duly completed;

– recent passport-sized photos;

– proof of sufficient means of subsistence (employment contract, income, savings);

– certificate of good conduct (criminal record extract), dated less than two months old;

– medical and vaccination certificates where applicable;

– proof of accommodation on the island (lease, deed of ownership, staying with a relative with proof).

A point often misunderstood: having a temporary residence permit without the right to work means it is forbidden not only to work, but also to seek employment or engage in commerce, unless stated otherwise on the permit.

Work Permit: Essential Condition for Any Local Employment

Anyone wishing to engage in paid activity for an Aruban employer must, in addition to a residence permit, hold a work permit. The philosophy is clearly protectionist: hiring foreign workers is only possible in the absence of sufficiently qualified local candidates.

The procedure relies almost entirely on the local employer, who must:

– be a legally registered company in Aruba;

– conduct a labor market test (local job postings, etc.) to demonstrate the lack of a suitable candidate;

– submit a work permit application to the Department of Labor (DPL) to obtain a favorable opinion;

– then transmit a complete file to DIMAS for the “admission for residence” part.

The required documents generally include:

The work permit is in principle tied to a specific employer and a specific position, for a duration that generally does not exceed one year initially. Any major change (change of employer or function) requires a new procedure.

It is forbidden to begin work before the formal issuance of the permit. Working without authorization exposes both employer and employee to sanctions, fines, or even expulsion and re-entry bans.

Combining Residence and Work Permits

In practice, a foreign worker hired in Aruba needs:

– a work permit, applied for by the employer with DPL and DIMAS;

– a residence permit linked to this professional reason.

Without a local sponsor, it is almost impossible to obtain a resident status authorized to work. The only exception is remote work for a foreign company (see below), which is not considered local employment.

Living in Aruba Without Working: Retirees, Rentiers, and Investors

Aruba also banks on a clientele of high-income residents or retirees, capable of living on their resources without taking local employment. For them, a specific framework exists via residence permits oriented towards retirement or investment income.

Retiree Status with Guaranteed Income

A first scheme, often presented as “pensioner with guaranteed income,” targets persons at least 55 years old with a stable annual income. The figures mentioned are around 28,000 US dollars per year to be considered a retiree with guaranteed income.

At this resource level, the idea is to demonstrate that one can meet their needs without relying on Aruba’s social services. The residence is permanent in spirit, but the permit must be renewed annually.

Retiree or Rentier Status Without Guaranteed Income

A second, more demanding scheme, targets persons from 21 years old (or 18 according to some texts) with capital or interest income. Here, the income amounts mentioned are higher, around 56,000 US dollars per year or about 100,000 Aruban florins in annual income from assets (interest, annuities, etc.).

In addition to proof of income, these categories generally require:

– comprehensive health insurance;

– suitable housing (property or long-term lease in Aruba);

– a prior financial deposit, the amount of which varies by country of origin.

The table below summarizes the main financial criteria for a retirement/rentier type of residence.

Residence by Investment: Real Estate and Business

Aruba does not offer a formal “economic citizenship” program, but a residence status linked to investment, sometimes presented as a form of “golden visa.”

Two main pathways are mentioned:

– real estate investment: purchase of a property worth at least 200,000 US dollars;

– investment in a local business: significant participation (in practice, several tens of thousands of florins in capital contribution, with a threshold often mentioned around 50,000 florins for a 40% stake in a company, and higher amounts for a director’s license, between 125,000 and 150,000 florins).

These schemes come with notarial formalities, transfer taxes (about 6%), an annual property tax (0.4% of value), and legal fees. The investment must be maintained for the entire duration of residence.

Investment alone does not automatically create a right of residence, but it “credibilizes” an application with DIMAS, especially when accompanied by proof of financial autonomy.

From Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident, Then to Citizenship

Permanent residence is not granted outright. It is earned after several years of legal and integrated stay.

As a general rule, it requires:

– five consecutive years of legal residence with a valid residence permit, without absences exceeding six consecutive months, nor more than eight months cumulatively outside the territory;

– a stable, sufficient, and sustainable income;

– appropriate housing (ownership or long-term rental);

– a civic integration exam in Dutch, at level A2 for language, combined with knowledge about society.

Access to citizenship of the Kingdom of the Netherlands via Aruba follows the same principles as for the European Netherlands:

– at least five years of uninterrupted legal residence within the Kingdom (the Aruban period counts);

– absence of serious criminal convictions;

– validated linguistic and civic integration;

– and, a sensitive point, renunciation of the original nationality, except in very specific derogations.

This last requirement makes naturalization complex for many expatriates who prefer to keep their original passport.

Working Remotely, Special Programs, and Limits

The generalization of remote work has led Aruba to promote programs targeting remote workers, especially North Americans.

Two mechanisms are often cited:

Within these frameworks, it is crucial to understand the legal boundary: working remotely for one’s foreign company or clients remains tolerated as long as one does not provide any service to an Aruban entity or individual and does not receive local income.

As soon as one begins to serve clients based in Aruba or receives a salary from an Aruban employer, it is necessary to enter the residence + work permit scheme.

Registering as a Resident: The Role of the Censo

Beyond immigration permits, any long-term settlement imposes a local formality: registration in the population registry, called Censo or Bureau Burgerlige Stand en Bevolkingsregister (DBSB).

The Censo is located in Oranjestad (Schoolstraat 2, telephone +297 522-3676, email [email protected]). Registration is mandatory for new residents and conditions many procedures:

After registration, one can request a registry extract attesting to residence, a document that will be regularly requested by other government agencies.

Importing Your Goods and Vehicles: Customs Framework

Moving to Aruba often involves shipping furniture, vehicles, and personal effects. To benefit from a duty exemption on household goods, several conditions must be met:

– having resided abroad for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the move;

– proving that the main place of residence was abroad (at least 185 days per year);

– demonstrating that the imported goods have been owned and used for at least six months before the move;

– for a vehicle, providing proof of ownership, registration, tax payment, and insurance for at least six months.

– copy of passport;

– residence declaration issued by the Censo (mentioning previous city and country);

– transport manifest (bill of lading or air waybill);

– detailed and valued inventory;

– invoice for new goods or the vehicle;

– tax identification number (see below).

Customs reserves the right to inspect shipments up to one month after their arrival. If the duty exemption request is rejected, it is possible to appeal to the Commissioner of Customs, and then before a tax appeals body.

Goods exempted from duties cannot be sold or transferred without the prior consent of the Commissioner of Customs.

Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Basic Tax Obligations

Settling in Aruba means entering the local tax system. The country applies worldwide income tax for residents, with progressive rates that can go up to nearly 59% for the highest brackets. Non-residents are taxed on their Aruba-source income.

The tax identifier is the persoonsnummer, an eight-digit number assigned by the Departamento di Impuesto (DIMP), the tax department, located at Camacuri 2, Oranjestad (+297 5227423).

– tax returns and assessment notices;

– tax authority decisions;

– notifications and seizure orders.

The following table summarizes the function of this number.

For a resident, all forms of income are taken into account: wages, self-employment income, business profits, rents, dividends, interest (with a few exceptions), royalties. Some sources benefit from exemptions (e.g., interest on savings accounts with recognized banks).

Furthermore, Aruba levies social security contributions (old-age pension, general health insurance, disability, etc.) shared between employers and employees, with capped taxable salary.

Healthcare System and Insurance: What a Resident Must Know

Aruba has a relatively effective healthcare system for the region. The central pillar is the General Health Insurance AZV (Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering), mandatory for anyone living and working on the island.

To be enrolled in AZV, one must first be registered with the Censo. The insurance covers essential healthcare (general practitioner, specialists, hospitalization, essential medication). It is funded by:

The AZV does not cover everything: it notably excludes private rooms, part of adult dental care, glasses, and care received abroad. Many residents therefore supplement it with private international insurance, especially to cover medical evacuation to Curaçao or the United States, the cost of which can be very high.

For persons residing without working (retirees, rentiers), the issue of health insurance is crucial. Authorities require that one does not become a burden on the system, which points towards robust private policies.

Daily Life: Electricity, Water, Telecoms, Waste

Once permits and registrations are obtained, it remains to connect daily life. Three public or semi-public operators dominate the basic services:

– WEB Aruba N.V.: production and distribution of drinking water (from desalination) and electricity;

– NV ELMAR: electricity distribution network;

– N.V. Setar: landline, mobile, cable TV, and internet. A second mobile operator, Digicel, is also present.

Household waste collection is provided by the public agency Serlimar, at least once a week. Businesses or buildings producing more waste often use private services like Ecotech. Many houses have septic tanks maintained by private companies.

In Summary: A Welcoming Island, a Demanding Administrative Framework

Aruba stands out in the Caribbean for its political stability, its economy largely oriented towards tourism, a dry and sunny climate year-round, and a solid healthcare system for the region. But behind the postcard image lies a precise and rather strict administrative framework.

To prepare for a relocation project, it is therefore necessary to:

Once these steps are completed, living in Aruba offers a relatively high level of security for the region, a good quality of life, and a multilingual environment (Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish) that facilitates integration, provided one accepts the administrative discipline the island imposes on all newcomers.

Cyril Jarnias

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.

Find me on social media: