Nearly permanent sunshine, political stability, a currency pegged to the US dollar, attractive taxation, and modern infrastructure: in Aruba, the idea of starting a business is attracting a growing number of expatriates. However, settling on a small Caribbean island to build a business requires understanding a legal framework inspired by Dutch law, a small but solvent local market, and very specific administrative procedures.
This guide covers the essentials for a foreign entrepreneur: the economic environment, choice of legal structure, necessary licenses, taxation, cost of living and operations, opening a bank account, immigration procedures, the commercial real estate market, as well as available support and networks.
Understanding Aruba’s Economic and Legal Ecosystem
Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own constitution, government, and currency, the Aruban Florin (AWG), pegged at 1.79 AWG to 1 USD. The US dollar is also widely accepted in daily transactions, which simplifies life for many foreign investors.
The legal system is based on Dutch civil law. In practical terms, this means corporate rules similar to those in the Netherlands, with a strong structuring of legal entities, a mandatory trade register, and strict regulation of annual accounts, while remaining relatively clear for an international investor.
This is the number of new companies registered with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce in 2023, representing an increase of nearly 13% compared to 2022.
A Small Local Market, but a Strategic Location
With just over 100,000 inhabitants, the domestic market is small, but purchasing power is high for the region and Aruba is considered a high-income economy by the World Bank. The strong tourist influx – approximately 2 million visitors per year including stay-over and cruise – creates an expanded market for restaurants, accommodation, leisure, tourist services, but also for real estate, construction, and certain B2B services.
The island of Aruba benefits from a strategic geographical location between North America, Latin America, and Europe. Thanks to its status as an overseas territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it has preferential trade agreements allowing certain exports to benefit from reduced customs duties to the European Union and the United States. This makes it a potentially interesting platform for an entrepreneur aiming to export high-value-added services or goods.
Priority Sectors and Underlying Trends
The authorities have identified several “promising sectors” to diversify the economy beyond total reliance on tourism: tourism (with a focus on high-end and sustainable development), the knowledge economy, agriculture and local production, logistics, the circular economy, creative industries, technology, financial services, and renewable energy.
The Aruba Tourism Authority is promoting a “high value, low impact” tourism model, focusing on eco-responsible niches, wellness, gastronomy, and weddings. Simultaneously, the long-term strategy aims to develop exportable sustainable island solutions (energy, water management, waste management), healthcare services (medical tourism), and creative industries (design, arts, audiovisual, gastronomy).
For an expatriate, opportunities are therefore far from limited to beach bars and boat tours. A profile oriented towards tech, finance, sustainable development, e-commerce, consulting, or healthcare can find its place, provided the project is well-aligned with the economic diversification priorities.
Legal Structures: Choosing the Right Entity as a Foreigner
Aruban law offers a range of legal forms reminiscent of French or Dutch concepts: sole proprietorship, partnerships, capital companies, foundations, associations.
For an expatriate, three structures clearly stand out for a commercially-oriented project: the N.V. (Naamloze Vennootschap), the V.B.A. (Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid), and, to a lesser extent, the branch of a foreign company.
N.V.: The Local “Public Limited Company” for Large-Scale Projects
The N.V. is a capital company intended for medium or large-sized enterprises, with potentially dispersed ownership. Its key characteristics:
– At least two shareholders (individuals or legal entities, with no residency or nationality requirement)
– At least one director (individual or company)
– Liability limited to the amount of contributions
– Shares have been non-bearer (registered) since 2012
– No minimum capital requirement since the 2021 reform, although the historical practice was around 50,000 AWG in authorized capital
Incorporating a public limited company (N.V.) requires a notarial deed before a civil law notary, followed by its registration with the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce. It must also obtain a business establishment license from the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI).
This format is well-suited for capital-intensive projects (hospitality, large retail, industry, real estate projects, holdings) or structures intended to host multiple investors.
V.B.A.: The Flexible Limited Liability Company for SMEs and Entrepreneurs
The V.B.A. is the local equivalent of a limited liability company, designed for smaller, closely-held companies seeking organizational flexibility.
Its advantages for an expatriate:
– A single founder is possible (individual or company)
– No legal minimum capital
– Limited liability
– Highly flexible governance: the articles of association can adjust the role of members, directors, share transfer modalities, etc.
– Possibility to choose a “transparent” tax regime within one month of registration, which can be interesting in certain international structures
In return, the V.B.A. requires at least one director or legal representative residing in Aruba. If this is not a resident individual director, it is necessary to use a licensed local company as a corporate service provider (often a trust N.V.).
To meet the local presence requirement, which is a constraint but also a guarantee of tax substance, a company can, for example, use an expatriate partner who has acquired tax resident status in the country, or appoint a local professional director to fulfill this role.
Sole Proprietorship and Partnerships: Reserved for “Locals”
The sole proprietorship and the general partnership are, in theory, very simple, but practically reserved for “locals” or those assimilated as such. To be exempt from a business establishment license as a sole proprietor, one must be an adult of Dutch nationality born in Aruba.
A foreigner may sometimes be recognized as “assimilated to a local” after many years of residency, or through family ties (marriage, descent). But this path only concerns a minority of expatriates.
In practice, a foreign entrepreneur will therefore almost always choose a V.B.A. or an N.V.
Private Foundation (Stichting Particulier Fonds): For Asset Protection
Alongside commercial structures, Aruba offers the private foundation, widely used for asset structuring, asset protection, and estate planning. It has no shareholders, but a board of directors; it can hold shares, real estate, or financial portfolios.
For a wealthy expatriate or a business owner who wants to separate ownership and management, or plan a succession, it is a tool to consider with specialized advice.
Registering Your Company: Procedures, Costs, and Timelines
All businesses operating in Aruba must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) within one week of commencing commercial activity. For a V.B.A. or N.V., this registration follows incorporation by notarial deed.
Main Steps
1. Choose the legal structure (V.B.A., N.V., branch) based on the project, number of partners, capital, and tax needs. 2. Check the availability of the trade name on the Chamber’s online register. 3. Draft the articles of association with a local notary (in Dutch, sometimes in English or Papiamento for a V.B.A.). 4. Sign the deed of incorporation at the notary’s office (or by proxy with an apostilled power of attorney). 5. Register the company in the trade register: obtain a registration number. 6. Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the tax authorities. 7. Submit applications for required licenses (business establishment license, director’s license, sector-specific licenses). 8. Open a local business bank account.
Although some service providers advertise registration in a few days for simple structures, practical steps (notarial deeds, license applications, opening a bank account) generally require a timeframe of 2 to 4 weeks for the company to be fully operational.
Typically Required Documents
For registration and licenses, an expatriate will typically need to provide:
List of essential supporting documents to provide for company registration in Aruba.
Valid passport and, optionally, an extract from the civil registry (or equivalent).
A recent proof of address for the company’s legal representative.
Description of the proposed activity and, often, a detailed business plan.
The signed articles of association of the company, established in accordance with the law.
Proof of the business address (lease, purchase deed, owner’s attestation).
A Kbis extract or equivalent if a shareholder is a foreign legal entity.
The Chamber of Commerce allows companies to update and modify company data for free via a “MyChamber” account; updates are supposed to be processed in less than 36 hours.
Chamber of Commerce Fees
Registration fees and the annual contribution depend on the invested capital. The table below provides an overview of the main tiers, in Aruban Florins (AWG):
| Declared Capital Tier (AWG) | Initial Registration Fee (AWG) | Annual Contribution (AWG) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 25,000 | 96 | 96 |
| 25,001 – 50,000 | 120 | 120 |
| 50,001 – 100,000 | 165 | 156 |
| 100,001 – 200,000 | 210 | 175 |
| 200,001 – 500,000 | 350 | 245 |
| 500,001 – 1,000,000 | 700 | 280 |
| 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 | 1,500 | 600 |
| 2,000,001 – 3,000,000 | 1,500 | 750 |
| 3,000,001 – 4,000,000 | 1,500 | 900 |
| 4,000,001 – 5,000,000 | 1,500 | 1,125 |
| 5,000,001 and above | 1,500 | 1,275 |
To these are added the notary fees for drafting the articles (generally 200 to 500 USD), and the incorporation fees charged by specialized firms, often ranging between 1,200 and 2,500 USD depending on complexity.
Licenses and Permits: The Real Challenge
Simply registering in the trade register is not enough: to start, a business establishment license is required, and, for most foreign directors, a director’s license.
Business Establishment License
The principle is simple: almost any economic activity must obtain the approval of the Minister of Economic Affairs, via the DEACI. Only certain sole proprietorships and partnerships 100% owned by Arubans born on the island are exempt.
The Chamber of Commerce plays a key advisory role: it issues a recommendation – favorable or not – on each application, based on guidelines updated in 2022. Among the criteria:
Investing in Aruba contributes to the sustainable development of the island and has a positive impact on the real economy and its diversification. It strengthens local entrepreneurship and fits into a non-saturated sector, with some areas even under a moratorium. Local equity participation is favored: the Chamber of Commerce in principle gives a positive recommendation if at least 60% of the shares are held by local residents or those assimilated as such.
For companies majority-owned by non-locals, approval is limited to specific cases: large-scale tourism projects, capital-intensive processing industry, projects creating significant jobs, highly specialized services not available locally, etc.
The application fee for a business establishment license is around 400 AWG per company. A confirmation fee is payable upon issuance.
Director’s License for Foreign Directors
Being a director of an Aruban company is not trivial for an expatriate: if you were not born in Aruba, even with a Dutch passport, a director’s license is required.
This permit is more easily granted to persons considered “assimilated to locals” (long-term residence, family ties). For “completely non-local” foreigners, it is often only granted under certain conditions.
Permit Issuance Conditions
– Substantial investment (at least 500,000 AWG per license)
– Complex activities requiring expertise not present on the island
– Holding, real estate, or purely offshore companies with local co-management
A local law firm can help you position your application within one of these categories, or structure a tandem with a local co-director.
Taxation: An Attractive but Technical Regime
Aruba has built part of its appeal on competitive corporate taxation and a range of preferential regimes framed by OECD standards.
Corporate Income Tax and Special Regimes
The nominal corporate income tax rate is 22%. Resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income, non-residents only on their Aruba-source income via a permanent establishment, local real estate, or mortgages on Aruban real estate.
Several regimes allow for a significant reduction of this effective rate:
Overview of the main tax statuses for companies in Aruba, offering specific benefits depending on activity and location.
Companies established in designated areas (e.g., Oranjestad, Barcadera). Profit tax rate of 2% for eligible activities, with exemption from import duties and turnover tax on goods destined for export.
For defined activities (hospitality, shipping, aviation, renewable energy, certain financial activities, rehabilitation centers, medical tourism, tech startups). Reduced rate of 10% and exemption from withholding tax on dividends.
Certain historic vehicles (exempt companies, IPC companies) still benefit from transitional preferential regimes. These regimes are closed to new structures and expected to be phased out.
Dividends paid by a resident company are generally subject to a 10% withholding tax. This can be reduced to 0% in several cases (exempt intra-group dividends, oil & gas structures, resident holding companies), or to 5% or 7.5% depending on tax treaties or the Kingdom framework.
Personal Taxation for Expatriates
Aruba applies a progressive income tax, with an exempt threshold around 30,000 AWG. Rates then increase by brackets up to over 50%, although the brackets have evolved over the years.
For highly qualified foreign executives, an expatriate regime allows, under conditions and upon application by the employer, to exempt a portion of expatriation-related allowances (housing, schooling, relocation costs). This regime is accessible from a certain annual salary level (approximately 150,000 AWG) and is applicable for a maximum duration of five years.
Regarding indirect taxes, Aruba does not have VAT in the European sense, but a set of turnover taxes (BBO, BAZV, BAVP) representing in total about 7 to 9% on most goods and services, with exemptions for exports, certain financial services, real estate rentals, etc.
Real Estate, Transaction, and International Flow Taxes
Real estate is subject to:
– A 6% transfer tax on the purchase price
– An annual property tax of around 0.4% of the value for resident individuals (modulated rate) and 0.6% for non-residents and companies
Goods imports are subject to customs duties that can go up to 62%, with a median rate close to 12%. Certain “green” products benefit from reduced duties of 2%, and free zones allow exemption from most of these charges for goods destined for re-export.
International financial flows are regulated by a foreign exchange commission of 1.3% levied by banks on certain payments from residents to abroad, for the benefit of the Central Bank. This is an element to consider for a structure heavily oriented towards international operations.
Cost of Living and Operating Costs: Anticipating the Budget
Starting a business on an import-dependent island like Aruba means grappling with a high cost of living, significant commercial rents, and operating costs influenced by energy, water, and social contributions.
Cost of Living for the Expatriate-Entrepreneur
Comparative studies indicate that, excluding housing, the cost of living in Aruba is about 15% higher than the US average, but housing is often cheaper than in New York or Toronto, which rebalances the overall budget.
Estimates suggest:
– Approximately 7,900 AWG per month for a family of four
– Around 3,600 AWG for a single person, excluding rent
Residential rents for an expatriate typically fall within the following ranges:
| Type of Housing (monthly) | Approximate Rent (AWG) |
|---|---|
| 45 m² furnished studio – “normal” neighborhood | ~ 1,250 |
| 45 m² furnished studio – “expensive” neighborhood | ~ 1,850 |
| 85 m² furnished apartment – “normal” neighborhood | ~ 1,800 |
| 85 m² furnished apartment – “expensive” neighborhood | ~ 2,500 |
| 4-bedroom house (depending on area / standard) | up to ~ 3,500 – 4,000 |
Food is generally more expensive (most groceries are imported), around 5 to 13% higher than in the United States depending on the product, while eating out can be slightly less costly.
Monthly cost in AWG for essential utilities for a standard 80–90 m² dwelling, depending on air conditioning usage.
Cost of Commercial Real Estate
The commercial real estate market offers a variety of options, with rents often expressed in florins per square meter. Some examples from recent listings:
| Location / Type | Approx. Area | Announced Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Office Paardenbaaistraat (Oranjestad) | 320 m² | ~ 5,898 USD / 10,498 AWG |
| Office Rumbastraat (Oranjestad) | 150 m² | ~ 2,528 USD / 4,500 AWG |
| Building Caya G.F. Betico Croes (downtown) | Ground floor 1,281 m² | 15 USD/m² (~ 27 AWG/m²) |
| Building Caya Ernesto Petronia 21-C | 566 m² (3 floors) | 39 AWG/m² |
| Generic Office Oranjestad | — | 22 USD/m² (~ 39 AWG/m²) |
On average, commercial rents are around 25 AWG/m² for standard spaces, but premium locations downtown or near tourist areas can be much higher. Leases typically include a security deposit equivalent to two months’ rent, and utilities (water, electricity, air conditioning) are extra.
Operating Costs: Energy, Water, Salaries, Social Charges
Electricity is provided by N.V. Elmar, with specific tariffs for small and large businesses. As a rough guide:
– “Small business” tariff: fixed charge 75 AWG + approx. 0.53 AWG/kWh
– “Large consumer” tariff: approx. 0.51 AWG/kWh, plus a fixed fee per kVA of capacity
Cost in Aruban florins per cubic meter of desalinated water for commercial use.
Regarding social charges, several mandatory contributions apply:
| Contribution / Insurance | Indicative Rate | Paid by |
|---|---|---|
| AOV/AWW (pension / widowhood-orphans) employees | 13.5% of salary (4% employee, 9.5% employer) | Employee + Employer |
| AOV/AWW self-employed | 13.5% | Self-employed person |
| Health Insurance – Wage Indemnity | 2.65% of salary (up to 54,600 AWG) | Employer |
| Work Accident Insurance (OV) | 0.25% to 2.5% (capped) | Employer |
These levies are in addition to salaries, which are trending upwards due to a tight labor market and many vacant positions, particularly in tourism and services.
Banking and Financing: A Stable but Demanding System
The Aruban financial sector is small but solidly regulated. The Central Bank of Aruba supervises banking institutions, which apply strict standards in anti-money laundering and know-your-client procedures.
Opening a Business Bank Account
Local banks – Aruba Bank, Caribbean Mercantile Bank, Banco di Caribe, RBC Royal Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Scotiabank, Citibank, Santander – offer multi-currency accounts (AWG, USD, EUR) with basic services (cards, SWIFT transfers, online banking).
For an expatriate, opening a business account requires:
Steps and documents needed to open a business bank account in Aruba.
A physical appointment at a branch is required in most cases.
Processing the application generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks.
Registration extract (Kbis), company statutes, ID documents and proof of address for all signatories.
Tax Identification Number (TIN), and sometimes a business plan and banking references.
It is necessary to be able to justify the origin of deposited funds.
Some digital providers (Jetonbank, The Kingdom Bank) or neobanks (Wise, Revolut) can complement this setup for multi-currency management and international payments, but do not eliminate the need for a local account to pay salaries, local invoices, or taxes.
A point of caution: many local entrepreneurs choose to relocate part of their cash flow to accounts outside Aruba (Curaçao, United States) due to perceived high local banking fees, especially on international transfers and currency exchange.
Residential and Commercial Real Estate: Owning, Renting, Investing
For an expatriate, real estate often plays a dual role: providing accommodation, but also housing the business activity, and even serving as support for a residency application.
Foreign Ownership: Almost Total Freedom
Aruba does not restrict property access for foreigners. A non-resident can buy an apartment, villa, commercial space, or land in full ownership, with no specific “foreigner” tax.
The acquisition process goes through a civil law notary, who drafts the transfer deed, conducts title checks, and registers the transaction. Transaction costs for the buyer break down approximately as follows:
| Cost Item | Indicative Percentage of Price |
|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 6% |
| Notary Fees | 1 to 2% |
| Registration Rights | 0.4% |
To these are added real estate agent commissions (typically 5 to 6%, usually paid by the seller), and, once an owner, the annual property tax (approximately 0.4% of the value).
For an entrepreneur, purchasing commercial premises can make sense in a context of high rents, provided the necessary equity or financing is available: local banks lend to non-residents, but often require a down payment of 30 to 40%.
Real Estate and Investor Residency
Owning property worth at least 200,000 USD in Aruba can support an application for investor residency. This threshold does not grant an automatic residence permit, but it is one of the main pathways for an expatriate wanting to settle long-term without a local employment contract.
Minimum investment amount in a local business to obtain a residence permit, with processing times generally between 3 and 6 months.
Foreign owners can stay up to 180 days per year on the island without formalizing residency, which is interesting for an entrepreneur who manages an activity remotely or in a semi-resident mode.
Immigration, Work Permits, and Residency for Entrepreneurs
As soon as one moves beyond short-term tourist stays, business creation intertwines with residency and work permit issues.
Short Stay and Telework
For citizens of many Western countries (United States, Canada, European Union), a short stay (30 to 90 days depending on nationality) is possible without a visa, with a valid passport, return ticket, and approved online ED form. A specific program, “One Happy Workation”, allows certain teleworkers to stay up to 90 days while working remotely for an employer or a company registered abroad. This is not a local work visa: it is prohibited to provide services to Aruban entities under this program.
Working or Starting a Business Locally
To engage in professional activity in Aruba (employment or local entrepreneurship), the rule is clear: a residence permit issued by DIMAS is required, and, for foreign employees, a work permit. The latter is generally requested by a local employer, who must demonstrate that no Aruban can fill the position.
For the entrepreneur creating their own entity, the situation is more nuanced. In practice, two approaches exist:
To establish your activity in Aruba, two approaches are possible. The first involves first creating the legal structure (V.B.A. or N.V. company) with the help of a local service provider and a resident director, then submitting an application for investor or entrepreneur residency, based on the business plan and the investment made. The second, reserved for certain profiles (retirees over 55, teleworkers, real estate investors), allows obtaining a temporary residence permit first, before structuring the economic activity in a second stage.
After five years of uninterrupted legal residence (subject to certain absence limits), a foreign resident can apply for a permanent residence permit. After ten years, and subject to passing a Dutch language and integration test, access to Dutch nationality (and thus to Aruban status) is possible, in principle requiring renunciation of the original citizenship.
Support, Guidance, and Networks: Don’t Go It Alone
One of the strengths of the Aruban ecosystem is the existence of institutional and associative relays to guide business founders – including foreigners.
Chamber of Commerce: The Entrepreneurs’ Gateway
The Aruba Chamber of Commerce plays a central role:
Discover a comprehensive range of services designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their project, from conception to growth.
Legal registration procedure for all businesses, ensuring creation in compliance with regulations.
Benefit from customized, free advice for local or international project holders.
Four-month online training covering business plan, finance, marketing, legal, tax, and operational aspects.
Participate in conferences, workshops, and events, often free or low-cost, to get informed and network.
Make meeting, training, or presentation rooms available in a professional setting.
Get help understanding and navigating the guidelines for business establishment licenses.
For an expatriate, scheduling a meeting (even virtual) with the Chamber early on allows you to clarify legal points, check if the intended sector is under a moratorium, and validate the regulatory feasibility of the project.
Professional Associations and Private Services
The Aruba Trade and Industry Association (ATIA) is the main employers’ organization. It offers: business services, advocacy for members’ interests, and promotion of the private sector.
– Training and workshops via a dedicated training center
– Meeting spaces for rent
– Advocacy with authorities on issues affecting businesses (licenses, administrative delays, access to financing)
Alongside these structures, many private service providers offer services dedicated to expatriates:
– Specialized law firms (like Manimama, VANEPS, international tax firms)
– Corporate service companies for incorporation and administration, registered office services, resident director function
– Agencies like Aruba Living Today, which assist expatriates with housing search, administrative procedures, insurance, schooling
Integrating into these networks, participating in events, and relying on professionals accustomed to working with non-residents saves time and also helps credibilize your application with the authorities.
Strategic Angles for an Expatriate-Entrepreneur in Aruba
In light of these elements, certain positions appear particularly relevant for a foreign founder.
A business oriented towards sustainable tourism or targeted high-end experiences (wellness, gastronomy, thematic stays) aligns directly with the country’s official strategy. A project providing B2B services to tourism players (digitalization, marketing, sustainability consulting, training) also addresses a growing need.
The island can develop its economy by turning to digital services like software development, cybersecurity, data, and specialized BPO. This orientation benefits from a multilingual workforce, modern internet infrastructure, and legal stability. The main target market is outside the island.
Projects in sustainable agriculture, aquaponics, local food processing, or green logistics are gaining momentum, as they help reduce import dependency and strengthen food sovereignty.
Finally, for an asset-focused profile, combining tourist real estate (short-term rental, vacation homes) and a holding or private foundation structure allows structuring an asset portfolio under a stable and internationally recognized tax framework.
Conclusion: Aruba, an Attractive but Demanding Island
Starting your business in Aruba as an expatriate is not just about “opening a beach bar”. It means entering an environment that is:
– Politically stable
– Legally sophisticated, of Dutch inspiration
– Fiscally competitive, but monitored and aligned with OECD standards
– Economically dynamic, but heavily dependent on tourism
– Administratively regulated by a licensing system that favors local entrepreneurship and useful investments
To thrive, a project must be well thought out and aligned with the country’s priority sectors. It generally requires a minimum capital, often around 200,000 to 250,000 USD for investor residency programs. The personal commitment of the entrepreneur, willing to immerse themselves in the local economy, is also a determining factor.
The key, for an expatriate, will be to prepare three workstreams in advance: legal and tax structure, licenses and immigration, realistic business model considering the cost of living and operating expenses. All while surrounding yourself with local partners – lawyers, tax advisors, real estate agents, the Chamber of Commerce, professional associations – to transform “One Happy Island” into a solid base for your international entrepreneurial adventure.
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