Permits
Business Establishment License
Businesses in Aruba are required to obtain a business license in accordance with the Ordinance on the Establishment of Businesses (Vestigingsverordening Bedrijven) before starting their activities.
The only exemptions to this requirement apply to sole proprietorships and general partnerships (Vennootschap onder Firma – VOF) when all owners are considered “locals” under the Ordinance. As of October 1, 2022, this includes:
- Individuals born in Aruba with Dutch nationality
- Individuals who acquired (naturalized) the Dutch nationality in Aruba
- Individuals born outside Aruba with at least one parent who is an Aruban-born Dutch citizen
- Individuals born outside Aruba who are legally married to (or in a registered partnership with) an Aruban-born Dutch citizen, and who reside continuously in Aruba with a valid LTUV permit
In all other cases, a business license is required before commencing operations.
The Business Establishment License is issued by the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce & Industry (DEACI) after the Aruba Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been consulted. The Chamber considers its Guidelines to the Business Establishment Ordinance, which were developed to support this advisory process.
According to the Guidelines, the Chamber will provide a positive or negative recommendation to the Minister regarding the granting of a business license for a corporation in which at least 60% of the shares are owned by locals or the equivalent of a local, or for a legal entity incorporated under Aruban law in which all shareholders are local.
Guideline Licensing Business Ordinance
The Chamber applies the following conditions:
- The nature of the activities and the place of establishment must align with the Guidelines, based on the principle of sustainable development.
- The business activity must contribute positively to the Aruban economy and its diversification.
- The business activity should strengthen and/or stimulate local entrepreneurship.
To review the Chamber’s Guidelines (in Dutch), Click here.
For more information on the Business Establishment License, consult the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce & Industry website: www.deaci.aw
Director's License
If you are a foreign national or a non-resident of Aruba and intend to serve as a managing director of a company established in Aruba, you must obtain a Director’s License before assuming your position. This requirement applies whether the company is newly formed or already existing. The Director’s License is necessary for each of the corporation’s (Naamloze Vennootschap – NV, Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid – VBA) managing directors. It is also required if a corporation itself is appointed as the managing director of another corporation.
The license requirement does not apply if you qualify as a “local” under the Ordinance. For these purposes, “local” includes:
- Individuals born in Aruba with Dutch nationality;
- Individuals who acquired (naturalized) the Dutch nationality in Aruba;
- Individuals born outside Aruba with at least one parent who is an Aruban-born Dutch citizen;
- Individuals born outside Aruba who are legally married to (or in a registered partnership with) an Aruban-born Dutch citizen, and who reside continuously in Aruba with a valid LTUV permit.
Application process
The Director’s License is issued by the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce & Industry (DEACI) after the Aruba Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been consulted for its advisory opinion.
For more information and application forms, visit www.deaci.aw
Additional Permits
In addition to a business license, some businesses in Aruba must obtain additional operational permits before they can begin activities. Before applying for these additional permits, the business must first be established and registered with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce & Industry and, if applicable, have obtained the Business Establishment License.
Import License
Certain goods can only be imported into Aruba with prior authorization from the relevant government authority. An Import License is a formal permit that grants the right to import specific categories of goods that are restricted, controlled, or subject to special regulations.
The type of goods requiring an import license is determined by national laws and regulations. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Agricultural and food products
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Chemicals, hazardous materials, and certain industrial products
- Items subject to environmental protection regulations
- Weapons, ammunition, and security-related equipment
An Import License is generally required per shipment and must be obtained before the goods leave their country of origin. Importing without the necessary license can result in fines, confiscation of goods, or denial of entry into Aruba.
Application Process
The responsible authority for issuing the Import License will vary depending on the type of goods:
- Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (DLVVM) – for agricultural and animal products
- Department of Public Health – for medicines, medical devices, and certain food products
- Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce & Industry (DEACI) – for a range of consumer and industrial goods
The process may include an inspection, review of compliance with Aruba’s safety and quality standards, and verification that the import aligns with national economic and environmental policies.
For a full list of goods requiring an Import License and to download the relevant forms, visit the official government portal: www.deaci.aw
Food & Beverage License | Restaurantvergunning
Restaurants, bars, cafés, and nightclubs must apply for a food & beverage license through the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ). The application (petition) must describe all intended activities, which may include the sale of food and beverages, dancing, and music entertainment.
Documents to submit:
- Application letter addressed to the Minister of Public Health
- Registration extract from the Aruba Chamber
- Valid business license (if applicable)
- Copy of valid identification of applicant(s)
- Declaration of good health
- Design plan of the building
For more information: Click here
Wholesale License
Wholesale businesses selling more than 9 liters of alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine) must apply for a wholesale license (grossiersvergunning) at the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ).
Documents to submit:
- Application letter addressed to the Minister of Public Health
- Registration extract from the Aruba Chamber
- Valid business license stating wholesale activity (if applicable)
- Copy of valid identification of applicant(s)
- Design plan of the warehouse
For more information: Click here
Hotel & Accommodation License | Logementvergunning (Airbnb)
Facilities offering lodging must obtain the appropriate license:
- Accommodation License – required for establishments with 9 rooms or fewer; includes the right to accommodate guests and operate a restaurant serving wine and beer.
- Hotel License – required for establishments with 10 or more rooms; includes the right to operate a hotel and a restaurant serving all types of alcoholic beverages.
Applications are made to the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ).
Documents to submit:
- Application letter addressed to the Minister of Justice
- Registration extract from the Aruba Chamber
Valid business license (if applicable)
For more information: Click here
Water Sport License
Issued by the Navigation Department (Directie Scheepvaart) via the Minister of Transportation. The application must describe all business activities, and the boat must be submitted for inspection and approval.
Documents to submit:
- Application letter addressed to the Minister of Transportation
- Registration extract from the Aruba Chamber
- Valid business license (if applicable)
- Copy of the boat’s insurance
- Information report (boat type, engine, etc.)
For more information: Click here
Transportation License
Required for all public transportation businesses, including taxis, buses, tour buses, and rental motorized vehicles (cars, scooters, quad racers, motorcycles, etc.). Applications are submitted to the Department of Public Transportation (DOPV), which advises the Minister of Transportation.
Documents to submit:
- Application letter addressed to the Minister of Transportation
- Registration extract from the Aruba Chamber
- Valid business license (if applicable)
- Proof of vehicle inspection
- Proof of valid insurance
- For sole proprietorships: Dutch citizenship and a declaration of good conduct
- For corporations (NV): at least one shareholder must have Dutch nationality
For more information: Click here
Street Vendor's License
A Street Vendor’s License is required for all street vending activities in Aruba, including the sale of goods, food, or other items in public spaces.
The application process is handled through KPA Oranjestad (Korps Politie Aruba). Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set by the relevant authorities and submit their application to KPA for processing and approval.
