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Your guide to living in Aruba. Aruba visas, residency and citizenship
Many people dream of a move to Aruba. We’ll look at some of the visas and residency permits that let you live and work on the island. We’ll also look at the pathways to Aruba citizenship and a passport.
Aruba is a 180 square kilometre island in the Caribbean. If you live in Aruba, you get to enjoy amazing beaches. The capital city is Oranjestad, and the famously friendly people are always willing to help out. For people who move to Aruba, it’s no surprise that most career opportunities are in hospitality.
Aruba is one of four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The other three are the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. All four of these nations share Dutch nationality. Although the countries share nationality, they have separate administrations. This structure means that each state has some different laws and regulations relating to immigration and citizenship.
There are two main languages spoken in Aruba. They are Dutch and Papiamento. While Dutch is the official language for administration, most people speak Papiamento on the streets. The language is a mix of Dutch, Portuguese, and some West African languages. It is spoken in other Caribbean countries as well. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, as are other European languages.
Why move to Aruba?
There are many reasons to move to Aruba. It is a safe destination, in more than one way. The island is located outside the hurricane belt. This location means it is generally unaffected by the intense storms in the region. Importantly, in terms of crime, it is the safest country in the region. If you live in Aruba, there is high quality and modern medical care available. Aruba has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region, and there is a low unemployment rate.
And what to do in your free time when you live in Aruba? No need to get bored! Surfing, chilling on the beach, snorkelling, diving, and even visiting a national park are one of the many options. At night, you can visit one of the restaurants on the island or sip a cocktail in a beach bar. Aruba may be a small island; it offers big possibilities and opportunities.
Visas and Permits to move to Aruba
Aruba offers a range of options for visas, permits, and residency if you are planning to move to Aruba.
Before you commit to a long-term move to Aruba, it may be a good idea to visit to do some research. Visiting will allow you a chance to talk to locals and Expats on the ground about the pros and cons of living in Aruba. You’ll also be able to see, hear, smell and taste to get a real feel for life in Aruba. Many countries require a tourist visa to visit. We suggest you use the iVisa tool below to see if you need a tourist visa for Aruba.
For more information on visa and residence permit types, please see our article of explanations and examples here.
Aruba Tourist Visa
Aruba has a 30-day tourist visa. You can apply for an extension while you are in Aruba. However, you can spend a maximum of 180 days a year in Aruba on this visa. To apply for an extension, you’ll need to show proof of travel insurance for the extra time you intend to stay. Some countries need to apply for the visa before visiting Aruba. Use the iVisa tool to the right to check to see if you need to apply before your travel to Aruba.
Aruba Retirement Visa to Live in Aruba
There are two conditions to qualify for a retirement visa to move to Aruba. First, you must prove an annual income of Afl50,000 or approx USD29,000 from an authorised source. And, second, you must be over 55 years of age.
Aruba Passive Income Visa to Live in Aruba
Anyone over 18 years of age can apply for the passive income visa. You must just prove an annual income of Afl100,000 or approx USD58,000 from an authorised source. This income makes you eligible for a residency visa to live in Aruba.
Family Visas to Live in Aruba
If your spouse is an Aruba citizen or an Aruba permanent resident, you are eligible for Aruba residency. If your spouse is an Aruba citizen, you can apply for naturalisation after three years of marriage. Please note that Aruba must legally recognise the status of spouse. Once this has been done, your spouse can get this residency visa and live in Aruba.
Aruba Study Visa
You can get a visa to study at several approved educational institutions. These include:
- University of Aruba
- The Institution of Pedagogico Arubano
- EPI
- The International School of Aruba
- The Dr Horacio Oduber Hospital
- Xavier school of medicine
You can’t work while on this visa and earn any wage. You can do unpaid trainee or intern work.
You’ll need to show you can support yourself for the duration of your studies.
Intern/Trainee Visa
This visa is available to students enrolled in foreign educational institutions. You can take on unpaid trainee or intern work to gain experience. You’ll need to show you can support yourself.
Work Visas to Live in Aruba
Foreigners wanting to live work in Aruba need a work permit. An Aruba work permit is usually valid for the maximum period of one year. Your future employer must file the application with the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy and Admission. Also, you must complete the procedure before moving to Aruba.
It can sometimes be tough for Expats in Aruba to find jobs. Legally, employers must offer roles to locals before Expats where possible. It is best to ensure you can find employment if you are looking to move to Aruba.
European Dutch Nationals
If your citizenship of the Netherlands is linked to the mainland European nation, you have different rights in Aruba. They can visit Aruba for six months without a visa. The right of abode is limited to those with a Dutch passport and a link to the islands.
Advantages of Aruba Nationality
Aruba nationality is effectively Dutch nationality, as Aruba is part of Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Many people want to get a Dutch passport. The Dutch passport was recently ranked 7th most powerful with visa-free access to 185 countries around the world. There are several ways to access citizenship, regardless of whether you live in Aruba or not.
An Aruba official identification allows you to freely travel to Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba.
Pathways to Aruba Citizenship
Citizenship by descent
If one or both of your parents were citizens when you were born, you are probably also a citizen.
Citizenship by naturalisation
You can apply for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation if you are over 18 years of age. As well as holding an Aruba residency permit, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- A residency requirement. You have legally lived continuously in the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten for five years.
- Dutch language requirement. Be able to read, write, speak and understand Dutch.
Citizenship by Marriage
If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage. Please note that Aruba must recognise the legal status of your spouse. Be aware that Aruba currently does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriages for immigration.
Aruba residency by investment
Aruba has a residence permit category for Investors and Shareholders. While not a traditional Residency by Investment program, it is a way to move to Aruba.
As long as you meet one of the requirements, you are exempt from the DPL Labor Market Test. You can then apply directly to DIMAS for your residence permit.
Aruba residency by investment pathways
There are two possible pathways, Investor and Shareholder.
Investor
- You are the CEO or CFO of a company with minimum sales of Afl. 10 million (around USD$5.5 million).
or
- You qualify as a foreigner for a directors licence, and you won shares worth at least Afl. 125,000 (around USD$70,000)
Shareholder
- You own more than 40% of the shares of a company registered in Aruba.
and
- These shares are worth more than Afl. 50,000 (around USD$28,000)
To see other options for Investment Visa, both in the region and around the world please see our article here.
Do you have experience moving to Aruba? We’d love to hear from you about why you chose to move to live in Aruba and the pros and cons of living and working in Aruba. We’d be very interested in your experience with Aruba visas and residency permits, Aruba citizenship, Aruba nationality, and Aruba passports. Please contact us to share your Expat story.
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