Moving to Aruba legally requires a residence permit issued by DIMAS (Directie Integratie, Management en Admissie van Vreemdelingen). The process is straightforward but document-heavy. This guide walks you through every step.
Types of residence permit
Aruba issues four main types of residence permit: (1) Employment permit — for those with a confirmed job offer from an Aruban employer; (2) Self-employment permit — for entrepreneurs starting or running a business; (3) Retirement permit — for financially independent retirees who meet minimum income requirements; (4) Family reunification — for spouses and dependent children of legal residents.
Each type has different requirements and processing times. Employment permits are the most common for newcomers and are typically sponsored by the employer.
The DIMAS application process
Step 1 — Gather documents: valid passport (6+ months remaining), birth certificate (apostilled), police clearance certificate from your home country (apostilled), medical certificate from an approved Aruban physician, proof of accommodation in Aruba, and proof of income or employment.
Step 2 — Submit application: visit DIMAS in person at their office in Oranjestad. Applications cannot be submitted online. Bring originals and copies of all documents. Pay the application fee (AWG 250–500 depending on permit type).
Step 3 — Medical examination: DIMAS will direct you to an approved physician for a medical check. This is mandatory and must be completed within 30 days of application submission.
Step 4 — Wait for decision: processing takes 4–12 weeks. You may be asked for additional documents during this period. DIMAS will notify you by letter.
Step 5 — Collect permit: once approved, return to DIMAS to collect your residence permit card. Register with the Civil Registry (Censo) within 8 days of receiving your permit.
Required documents checklist
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay. Birth certificate with apostille from your country of origin. Police clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) with apostille, issued within the last 6 months. Medical certificate from a DIMAS-approved physician in Aruba. Proof of accommodation (rental contract or letter from host). Proof of income: employment contract, bank statements, or business registration. Passport-size photos (2). Application fee payment.
Fees and validity
Application fees range from AWG 250 to AWG 500 (approximately $140–$280 USD). Permits are typically issued for 1–3 years and must be renewed before expiry. Renewal applications should be submitted at least 3 months before the permit expires.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for a permanent residence permit (vergunning tot verblijf voor onbepaalde tijd), which does not require renewal.
Common reasons for rejection
Applications are most commonly rejected due to: incomplete documentation, police clearance certificate older than 6 months, medical issues flagged during examination, or insufficient proof of financial means. Ensure all documents are apostilled and translated into Dutch or Papiamento if originally in another language.