Moving to Aruba
How to make Aruba your permanent home
Residency permits, housing, legal requirements, and a practical relocation checklist — everything you need to plan your move to Aruba.
Residency permit fee
AWG 250–500
Processing time
4–12 weeks
Min. stay for permit renewal
180 days/year
Governing authority
DIMAS
Types of residence permit
Aruba issues several categories of residence permit depending on your situation.
Employed resident permit
For those with a job offer from an Aruban employer
Requires a signed employment contract with an Aruban-registered company. The employer typically initiates the application. The permit is tied to the employer — changing jobs requires a new application.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Application fee
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Self-employed / business permit
For entrepreneurs and freelancers
Requires registration of a business entity in Aruba (e.g. NV or VBA). You must demonstrate sufficient capital and a viable business plan. This route takes longer and requires more documentation.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Business registration (KvK Aruba)
- Business plan
- Proof of capital / bank statements
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Pensionado / retirement permit
For retirees with sufficient passive income
Aruba does not have a formal 'pensionado' programme like some other Caribbean islands, but retirees can apply for a residence permit by demonstrating sufficient passive income (pension, investments) to support themselves without working.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Proof of pension or passive income
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance proof
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Family reunification
For spouses and dependents of Aruban residents
Spouses and dependent children of Aruban citizens or permit holders can apply for a residence permit. The primary permit holder must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Sponsor's permit and income proof
- Medical certificate
Duration: 1 year, renewable
The DIMAS application process
All residence permit applications are handled by DIMAS (Directorate of Integration, Management and Admission of Strangers), located in Oranjestad.
Gather documents
Collect all required documents. Foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Dutch or Papiamento by a certified translator.
Submit application
Submit your application in person at DIMAS in Oranjestad. Bring originals and copies of all documents. Pay the application fee at submission.
Medical examination
Undergo a medical examination at a DIMAS-approved clinic on the island. This includes a chest X-ray and blood tests. Results are sent directly to DIMAS.
Processing period
DIMAS reviews your application. Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks. You may be asked for additional documents. You can remain in Aruba on a tourist admission while waiting if you applied before your current admission expired.
Collect permit
Once approved, collect your residence permit card from DIMAS. Register your address with the Civil Registry (Censo) within 8 days of receiving your permit.
The housing market
Aruba's rental market is relatively tight, particularly for quality housing in desirable areas. Demand from expats and tourism workers keeps prices elevated. Most rentals are unfurnished or semi-furnished.
Leases are typically 12 months with a 1–2 month deposit. Landlords generally require proof of employment or income. The rental market is informal — most listings are found through local Facebook groups, real estate agents, or word of mouth.
Property type
Location
Monthly rent
Studio / 1-bedroom apartment
Oranjestad / Noord
AWG 1,500–2,200
2-bedroom apartment
Eagle Beach / Palm Beach area
AWG 2,500–4,000
3-bedroom house
Noord / Santa Cruz
AWG 3,000–5,000
Villa (3–4 bed)
Coastal / Malmok
AWG 5,000–10,000+
Housing tips
- Start your housing search before arriving — good rentals go quickly
- Join local Facebook groups: 'Aruba Expats', 'Aruba Housing & Rentals'
- Use a local real estate agent for higher-end properties
- Verify the landlord owns the property before signing
- Electricity costs are high — ask about average bills before committing
Relocation checklist
Before you leave
- Obtain apostilled copies of key documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, diplomas)
- Get a certified Dutch or Papiamento translation of foreign documents
- Arrange health insurance valid in Aruba
- Open a USD bank account if you don't have one
- Secure housing before arrival if possible
- Complete the Aruba ED card online before departure
First weeks on the island
- Submit residence permit application at DIMAS
- Complete medical examination at DIMAS-approved clinic
- Open a local bank account (Aruba Bank, CMB, or RBC)
- Get a local SIM card (SETAR or Digicel)
- Register with a local GP (huisarts)
- Arrange transport — rent or buy a car
After permit approval
- Register address at Civil Registry (Censo) within 8 days
- Enrol in AZV health insurance if employed
- Obtain Aruban driving licence (required after 6 months of residency)
- Register children at school if applicable
- Set up utility accounts (ELMAR for electricity, WEB for water)
Legal & tax considerations
Income tax
Aruba has a progressive income tax system with rates up to 52% for high earners. However, there are various deductions and the effective rate for most expats is lower. Consult a local tax adviser before relocating.
Double taxation
Aruba has tax treaties with the Netherlands and a limited number of other countries. Check whether your home country has a treaty with Aruba to avoid being taxed twice on the same income.
Property ownership
Foreigners can own property in Aruba. There is no restriction on foreign ownership. Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) applies at 6% of the purchase price. Legal advice is strongly recommended.
Bringing pets
Pets require a health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip. Import permits are required. The process takes several weeks — start well in advance. Contact the Aruban Department of Agriculture for current requirements.
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