Frequently Asked Questions

Follow these steps to create your account:

1. Visit www.arubachamber.com.
2. On the homepage, click “Search Registry.”
3. Select “Registreren.”
4. Enter your email, first name, and last name in the fields provided, then click “Sign up.”
5. Check your email and click the link provided to continue to My Chamber with the temporary password you received.

6. Log in and change your password to one of your choice.

   Your new password must include at least three of the following:

   • A lowercase letter
   • An uppercase letter
   • A digit
   • A symbol
7. For extra security, set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   • If you already have an Authenticator app, scan the QR code provided.
   • If not, download an Authenticator app first, then scan the code.
   • ⚠️ Important: The QR code must be scanned from within the Authenticator app (not with your phone camera).
8. Finally, enter the verification code generated in your Authenticator app to complete the setup.

1. Go to www.arubachamber.com and click on My Chamber.
2. Enter your email address and password, then click “Sign in.”
3. Enter the verification code from your Authenticator app.
   • If you do not have the Authenticator app, please download it first from the App Store or Google Play Store.
4. If you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot your password?” and follow the instructions to reset it.

If your businesses are not visible, it means your My Chamber account has not yet been linked to your business.

To link your account, please complete and sign the attached form and send it together with a copy of the director’s/president’s ID to support@arubachamber.com. This allows us to verify that we are linking the correct person and email address to the business.

⚠️ Important:

• The form must be signed by the authorized person (the company director).
• You may include all your companies on the same form.

Once verified, your information will be correctly added to the system. This will enable you to make changes to your business, pay annual fees, and purchase extracts online.

The former paper forms are no longer in use. All registrations and amendments are now handled through our digital platform. 

Please log in to your My Chamber account to complete the process you need:

• Register a new business
  Click “Nieuw bedrijf inschrijven / Register a new business”, fill out the required information, upload the necessary documents, and digitally sign the forms via the email received from CM Sign.
• Amend company information
  Click “Wijziging / Amendments”, select the type of amendment you wish to make from the menu, fill out the required information, upload the necessary documents, and digitally sign via CM Sign.
• Close a business
  Under “Mijn Bedrijven / My Business”, click “Bedrijf sluiten / Close business”, complete the required fields, upload the necessary documents, and digitally sign via CM Sign.

1. Log into your My Chamber account.
2. Click on “Administratie / Administration.”
3. Select “Facturen / Invoices.”
4. Choose the invoice you wish to pay and click “Betaal Direct / Pay now.”
5. Enter your Credit Card or Mastercard Debit details to complete the payment.

⚠️ Important:

• Payments can only be processed in U.S. dollars (USD).
• Your bank may apply additional charges for dollar transactions.

1. Log into your My Chamber account.
2. In your Dashboard, click “Handelsregister bekijken / View trade registry.”
3. Type in the name of the company you are searching for.
4. Click on the desired company.
5. On the right-hand side, you will see all available products for that company.
6. Select your preferred language, then click “Winkelmand / Shopping cart.”
7. Open your Shopping cart.
8. In the field “Naam op factuur / Name on invoice”, enter the buyer’s name (this will appear on the receipt).
9. Click “Betaal direct / Pay now” and follow the payment instructions.

⚠️ Please note:

• The following products will be delivered to your My Chamber inbox:
  • Authenticated Extract of Registration (Uittreksel)
  • Historical Extract of a Corporation
• The following products will be delivered directly to your email inbox (including, but not limited to):
  • Photo-static Copy of Deed
  • Authenticated Copy of Deed
  • Trade Registry Forms Duplicate
  • Modification Deed of Incorporation
  • Declaration of Good Standing (Verklaring)
  • Declaration of Registration (Verklaring)

The most common cause is the internet browser you are using. My Chamber works best with the following browsers (or newer versions):

If you are already using one of the browsers above and still encounter issues, please contact our ICT Support Department at:
📧 support@arubachamber.com
📞 +297 582-1566 ext. 341 / 331

👉 Don’t forget to include a screenshot of the problem so our team can assist you more effectively.

This error occurs if your account has not yet been activated after January 15, 2024.

As of January 15, 2024, all logins to My Chamber require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It is mandatory for both new and existing accounts to set up MFA in order to access the platform.

For detailed instructions, please visit: Important Notice: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and for Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Yes. According to the Trade Registry Ordinance (art. 1), all commercial activities must be registered in the Trade Registry at the Aruba Chamber of Commerce.

Furthermore, under art. 4, businesses must be registered no later than one week after starting commercial activities.

No. The Aruba Chamber of Commerce does not issue business licenses. Business licenses are issued by the Aruban Government, through the Department of Economic Affairs.

The Aruba Chamber is consulted during the licensing process, as outlined in article 8 VvB, and provides advice to the Department of Economic Affairs based on its Guidelines to the Business Establishment Ordinance regarding the granting, refusal, or withdrawal of licenses.

📌 Important to know:

• All legal entities must obtain a business license before starting commercial activities.
• According to article 2 of the Business Establishment Ordinance, legal entities cannot change their activities or address without prior authorization from the Minister of Economic Affairs.
• A business license must be applied for:
  • Upon establishment of the business
  • When changing the business address
  • When changing business activities

For more information on the business license, click here: Business License Information

Yes. All businesses must pay a registration fee when registering in the Trade Registry. The fee amount depends on the total invested capital.

In addition, businesses are required to pay a yearly contribution. This contribution is based on the investment recorded in the Aruba Chamber’s records as of January 1st of that year.

According to the Trade Registry Ordinance, the yearly contribution is linked to the fact that your company is registered in the Trade Registry.

In addition to administering and maintaining the registry, the Aruba Chamber provides a wide range of services, including:

• Free personal information sessions
• Regular lectures and workshops (free or for a minimal fee)
• A free quarterly newsletter
• Informative e-mails with relevant updates
• Participation in trade missions and expos
• Access to Trade Registry information
• A highly informative and dynamic website
• Access to additional economic and business information on Aruba.

The Aruba Chamber is open Monday through Friday:

• 08:00 AM – 12:30 PM AST
• 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM AST

Business extracts must be ordered online. Log into your My Chamber account to order.

• Once your order is received, the extract will be prepared and delivered to your My Chamber inbox.
• In most cases, this is completed within 48 hours of your request.
• For requests related to “change in board members (joining or retiring)” or “adaptation in historical extract”, processing may take up to 48-72 hours.
• If, for any reason, additional processing time is required, the Aruba Chamber will inform you accordingly.

📌 Important notes:

• Once processed, the extract will be available only in your My Chamber inbox. Extracts are no longer sent to personal e-mail addresses or by regular mail.
• If you need a printed copy of your extract from the Aruba Chamber, it can be purchased at the Aruba Chamber reception. Extra charges may apply for printing.

Many companies have both a statutory name and a different trade name. Knowing at least one of these will help you locate a company in the Registry, either:

• At the Aruba Chamber, or
• Online via our website: Search Registry

If you are still unable to find the company after browsing the Registry, the best option is to contact the company directly and request their official company name or KvK-number.

📌 Please note: Identifying a company can be more difficult if:

• A different spelling is used, or
• A new trade name has been adopted but not yet filed in the Trade Registry.

Please log into your My Chamber account to view your payment history and check for any outstanding dues.

For further assistance, you may contact the Aruba Chamber at:
📞 +297 582-1566 ext. 336 / 343
📧 financial@arubachamber.com

📌 Important: If you have outstanding dues, you will not be able to request any services from the Aruba Chamber until the balance has been cleared.

The Aruba Chamber’s bank account numbers are listed at the bottom of each page of our website. For international transfers, please include the appropriate SWIFT code:

• Aruba Bank N.V. – ARUBAWAX
• Banco di Caribe N.V. – BDCCANCU
• CMB N.V. – CMBAAWAX
• RBTT Bank N.V. – RBTTAWAW

📌 Payment options:

• Bank transfers (with SWIFT code for international payments)
• At the Aruba Chamber reception: cash, credit card, or debit card
• Online payment via My Chamber

⚠️ Note: Bank checks are not accepted at the Aruba Chamber of Commerce.

For technical assistance, please contact the Chamber’s ICT Department at:

📞 +297 582-1566 ext. 341 / 331
📧 support@arubachamber.com

Aruban law recognizes several types of legal business entities, including:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations

Each entity type has its own requirements, obligations, and benefits.

For a complete list and detailed descriptions, please visit our Legal Forms page.

The choice of business entity depends on the size, nature, and risk level of your venture:

• For small-scale or low-risk ventures, entrepreneurs often choose a sole proprietorship or limited partnership.
• For capital-intensive or high-risk ventures, a corporation (N.V. or V.B.A.) is usually preferred.

Ultimately, the best option depends on your individual circumstances and business goals.

📌 Tip: If you are unsure, you can book an appointment with one of our Business Info & Support Officers for a personal information session at the Aruba Chamber.

Business registration depends on several factors, such as the type of business and who is registering it.

You can make an appointment via our website to register your company. One of our Business Info & Support (BIS) Officers will be glad to assist you throughout the process.

📌 Important:

• You must have an active My Chamber account to register a business.
• To learn how to establish the legal form of your choice, follow this link: Legal Forms – Aruba Chamber.

In most cases, non-Arubans need a local partner who owns at least 60% of the shares to start a business in Aruba. Certain exceptions may apply.

📌 Who is considered “local”?
For the purpose of business establishment, a local is someone who is 18 years or older and meets one of the following conditions:

1. The individual was born in Aruba and has Dutch nationality, or
2. The individual was naturalized as a Dutch citizen in Aruba, or
3. The individual was born outside Aruba, but has at least one parent who is a Dutch citizen born in Aruba, or
4. The individual was born outside Aruba, and is married to or in a registered partnership with someone who qualifies under (1)–(3), resides in Aruba, and holds a valid declaration by operation of law pursuant to the National Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion (LTU), which can be proven with official documents.

For more detailed information, please consult the official DEACI booklet: Business Establishment Policy Guidelines.

To maintain a high level of data integrity, it is essential that all information is entered correctly. This applies to both residential and company address details.

Using abbreviations or altering the official spelling of street names or addresses can create inconsistencies, and as a result, the information will not be processed in the system.

For guidance on the correct way to write street names and other related information, please refer to the official rules as indicated by the CBS and GAC guidelines: GAC Address Guidelines.

The registration of subsidiaries and branches is mandatory. To register a foreign branch, log into your My Chamber account and follow the steps for branch registration.

📑 Required Documents

1. Parent Company Documents
   • Authenticated copy of the deed of incorporation of the parent company
     • If not in Dutch, a sworn Dutch translation is required.
   • Registration extract from the Chamber of Commerce of the parent company’s country.
   • Copy of the shareholders’ register.
   • Minutes of the general meeting of shareholders, stating:
     • The decision to register a branch in Aruba.
     • The appointment of the branch manager.
2. Proof of Address for the Business (one of the following):
   • Rental agreement (for a commercial address), or
   • Letter of authorization (if the address is not in your name) – must include a copy of the owner’s ID and a Census extract (Afl. 5,-), or
   • Notarial deed (if you own the house or property).
3. Branch Manager Registration Requirements
   • Copy of passport or ID (driver’s license not accepted).
   • Extract from the Civil Registry Office (for Aruba residents).
   • Proof of personal Tax Identification Number (TIN) (for non-residents).

⚖️ After Registration

• Once registered at the Aruba Chamber, you must apply for a subsidiary license at the Department of Economic Affairs (DEACI).
• Subsidiaries of foreign legal entities are registered as a new business in Aruba and must have a local partner holding at least 60% of the shares to be granted a business license.

📞 Where to Apply for a License

You can apply for a business license at the Department of Economic Affairs:
🌐 www.deaci.aw
📞 +297 521 2400

To make changes, you must first log into your My Chamber account. Select the appropriate digital form to update the information of your company or foundation.

📌 Types of changes:

• Adding activities: This is possible, but the procedure depends on the type of business.
  • For sole proprietorships or partnerships, the owner or proxy can make the necessary changes directly by filling out the appropriate digital form in My Chamber.
• Address change: You must also upload a document verifying the new address.

📌 Business license requirement:

• If your business requires a business license, you must first update your license with the Department of Economic Affairs before submitting changes to the Aruba Chamber.

📌 Documents required:

• Valid identification (such as a passport or cedula) in digital format.
• Address verification document (if applicable).
• These documents must always be available in digital format when performing registrations, changes, or liquidation of a business or foundation online.

The procedure for closing a business depends on the type of business.

🔹 Sole Proprietorships & Partnerships

• The owner can cancel the business directly through their My Chamber account, by submitting the proper cancellation form.
• A copy of a valid ID must be uploaded.
• Outstanding amounts must be paid before the cancellation can be processed

🔹 Discontinuation of a Legal Entity (Corporation)

• When a legal entity stops operating, it can be placed in “dormant” status in the Trade Registry.
• In this case, the legal entity still exists with an “active / active without company” status and must continue fulfilling obligations, such as:
  • Paying the yearly contribution
  • Filing tax declarations
  • Filing the annual financial statement with the Chamber
• To cancel the company (dormant status):
  1. Log into your My Chamber account.
  2. Select the company under “My Businesses.”
  3. Click “Close business” → “Termination.”
  4. Fill out the required information, upload a copy of the director’s ID, and digitally sign the form.
• Processing takes up to 24 hours, provided all outstanding fees are paid.

🔹 Dissolution (Liquidation) of a Corporation

According to the Code of Commerce (art. 141–155), a legal entity is dissolved when:

• Its specific activities are terminated,
• Its stated duration (in the articles of incorporation) has expired,
• The General Meeting of Shareholders decides to liquidate, or
• A court orders dissolution.

Procedure:

1. Inform the Aruba Chamber of the decision to dissolve.
2. Publish the dissolution in the Official Gazette (Landscourant) of Aruba and one local newspaper.
3. The corporation continues to exist “in liquidation” until all affairs are settled.
4. The Board of Directors must follow the deed of incorporation and shareholder decisions.
5. A liquidator must be appointed to manage the process, including handling debts, assets, and shareholder distributions.

Important details:

• Shareholder benefits cannot be distributed until:
  • At least two months after publication in the Official Gazette, and
  • The Aruba Chamber has been notified by letter to the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ).
• After three months from the Gazette publication, a declaration of liquidation can be requested at the Aruba Chamber and submitted to DWJZ.
• The Court of First Instance must authorize the final payouts and rule on any objections from stakeholders.
• After liquidation, the corporation’s books must be kept for 30 years by the custodian named in the deed or appointed by the court. Shareholders may request court authorization to inspect the books if they can justify a valid reason.

Steps in My Chamber:

1. Log into your My Chamber account.
2. Under “My Businesses”, select the company you wish to liquidate.
3. Click “Close business” → “Liquidation.”
4. Upload the following documents:
   • Copy of a valid ID of the director
   • Minutes of the shareholders’ meeting (signed by all shareholders)
   • Updated shareholders’ register
5. The form must be digitally signed by the authorized director(s).
6. Processing takes up to 48-72 hours, provided all outstanding fees are paid.

According to the Code of Commerce (art. 25), the Aruba Chamber can request the Court of First Instance to dissolve a corporation under certain circumstances. This applies only to the VBA (not the NV).

The Aruba Chamber may request dissolution when:

• The corporation has not paid its annual contribution (for itself or for an enterprise it owns), and despite reminders from the Aruba Chamber, at least one year has passed since the amount became due.
• The corporation has had no managing director(s) registered in the Trade Registry for at least one year, and no filings have been made during this period.
• The corporation has managing director(s), but they are deceased.
• No communication with the managing director(s) has been possible for at least one year, either at the company’s business address or the director’s home address as listed in the Trade Registry.
• The corporation has had no legal representative(s) registered for at least one year, and no filings have been made during this period — even though, under art. 20 VBA Ordinance and art. 155a(6) Code of Commerce, the corporation is legally required to appoint one.

For more details on how the Aruba Chamber can request the dissolution of a corporation and the consequences of this process, click here: Dissolution of a Corporation – Aruba Chamber.

According to Article 15, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Trade Registry Ordinance, the Aruba Chamber is authorized to move a registered business to a higher capital scale when:

• There is reasonable doubt that the declared investment amount is not correct, or
• The invested capital has not been filed.

If there is no agreement on the declared invested capital, the Trade Registry may request the company to provide proper proof.

The Aruba Chamber periodically conducts reclassification exercises to ensure accuracy.

📌 Right to object:
Companies may object to a reclassification decision by the Aruba Chamber, in accordance with the Ordinance on Administrative Justice (LAR).

All legal entities are required to obtain a business license in order to conduct business in Aruba.

However, a business license is not required for individuals who register a sole proprietorship or a VOF (partnership) if they fall under one of the following categories:

• Individuals born in Aruba with Dutch nationality
• Individuals naturalized in Aruba as Dutch citizens
• Individuals with at least one parent born in Aruba
• Individuals who are married to (or in a registered partnership with) someone from one of the above categories

A director’s license is required for managing directors, except in the following cases:

• The managing director is born in Aruba and holds Dutch nationality
• The managing director is a naturalized Dutch citizen in Aruba
• The managing director has at least one parent born in Aruba
• The managing director is married to (or in a registered partnership with) someone from one of the categories above

In all other cases, a director’s license is required.

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEACI) is responsible for keeping you updated on the status of your license application.

The Aruba Chamber can only inform you:

• If your license request has been received by the Aruba Chamber for advice, and
• When it was (or will be) sent back to the Department of Economic Affairs.

The decision to grant or deny the license rests solely with the Department of Economic Affairs.

A managing director is an individual or legal entity appointed by the General Shareholders Meeting to act on behalf of a registered corporation.

• All company directors must be registered in the Trade Registry at the Aruba Chamber.
• Every N.V. and V.B.A. is required to have at least one local managing director.
• The authority and responsibilities of the managing director are determined by the corporation’s articles of incorporation.

The managing director is responsible for:

• Defining the business policy and overseeing the day-to-day management of the company.
• Acting within the authority and limitations established in the company’s articles of incorporation.
• Ensuring the success of the enterprise by guiding its overall direction and operations.
• Guaranteeing compliance with legal obligations, including tax laws.

📌 Important: In certain areas, such as tax law, the managing director can be held personally liable for the company’s compliance with legal requirements.

A proxy is a person who is authorized to act on behalf of someone else or on behalf of a legal entity, without being a managing director, business owner, or partner.

• The proxy is authorized by the managing director (or business owner) to conclude certain agreements on their behalf.
• The powers of a proxy are usually limited — for example, to a specific work area, financial amount, or other restrictions.
• The authority and limitations of the proxy are formally granted by the managing director or business owner and are registered at the Aruba Chamber of Commerce.

Under Aruban law, a legal representative is an N.V. established according to local law and located in Aruba, whose purpose is to represent (former) AVVs and VBAs.

A legal representative must also hold the applicable license from the Central Bank of Aruba in order to carry out this role.

There is currently no official database or registry available to find a local partner in Aruba.

If you require assistance in this process, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer or notary, who can help you identify and connect with a suitable local partner.

Your responsibilities depend on the type of business you operate:

• Sole proprietorships and partnerships
  • Owners are personally liable for all the company’s actions, both legally and fiscally.
• Corporations (VBA, N.V., or former AVV)
  • The managing director is responsible for the company’s daily operations and its financial obligations, including taxes.
  • The director is legally required to file financial statements with the Aruba Chamber within 8 months after the end of the financial year.
  • In addition, a copy of the shareholders’ register must also be filed.

For more detailed information, please consult the brochure: Rights and Obligations of Company and Foundation.