How to Move to Aruba - 7th Heaven Properties (2024)

Thinking of how to move to Aruba? Here’s what you need to know about moving to the “One Happy Island” of the Caribbean.

How to Move to Aruba – The 7th Heaven Properties Guide

Have the events of the last year caused you to reevaluate your life choices? Does the idea of a laid back lifestyle on an idyllic Caribbean island call to you? We put together this handy guide for anyone who is considering how to move to Aruba.

This relatively small island tucked away in the southern Caribbean is among the most sought after relocation destinations in the Caribbean. For many, moving to Aruba is just a dream, but it could be a reality for you.

Our guide will walk you through everything that you should consider from why you should choose Aruba to how to move and the best locations to consider living in.

Contents

Relocating – Is Aruba a Good Place to Live?

Finding a Place to Live in Aruba – Where are the Best Places to Buy Property?
Find Out More About Moving to Aruba

Relocating – Is Aruba a Good Place to Live?

The island of Aruba is blessed with more sunny days than any other Caribbean island, and if that isn’t reason enough to consider moving there then there are plenty of others.

Aruba has some world-class beaches, excellent conditions for windsurfing, kite surfing, diving and snorkeling and, if you venture away from the beaches, you will find all kinds of dining, entertainment and shopping options to discover. The island is small, safe and very modern, offering a completely immersive cultural experience. Aruba’s friendly and welcoming people 4 languages, so communication will be no issue at all.

At just 32 km long and 10km wide, the island which is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has all the amenities that you could want from a location you might be considering for relocation. From spas to golf courses, art galleries to bustling shopping areas, there really is something for everyone in Aruba.

The island has a thriving tourist industry and, as such, there is a wide range of high quality apartments and villas, as well as a well equipped hospital on the island.

Aruba offers everything you could want from a place to live.

Visas & Residency – Can I Move to Aruba?

Visitors to Aruba can stay on the island for 30 days as a tourist. A tourist visa can be extended while on island for up to 180 days. So if you plan on staying less than 3 months in Aruba a tourist visa should be sufficient.

If you would like to stay longer and you plan to move to Aruba, citizens of most countries will need to apply for a residency permit – except for citizens of the Netherlands, Curacao, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba who can apply for a declaration exempting them from the requirement for a permit.

Residency permits are valid for a period of 1 year and are renewable annually thereafter.

Applicants should apply to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services of Aruba (DIMAS).

To qualify for residency an applicant must meet certain criteria such as having family links to Aruba.

Buying property in Aruba may make you eligible for a Residence Permit which is valid for a period of 1 year and is renewable annually thereafter.

Applicants aged 55 and over with a guaranteed pension income can apply for residency on the basis of being “retired with guaranteed income”, while individuals aged 18 and over with a demonstrable income of at least AFL 100,000 per year from an asset, a bank balance or investments can apply for residency on the basis of being “retired or interest-rate earner without guaranteed income”. Find out more in our guide: Retire in Aruba.

Finding a Place to Live in Aruba – Where are the Best Places to Buy Property?

Aruba is a stunning and vibrant island destination offering some particularly special places to live.

Noord

The most popular area for overseas buyers looking to invest in Aruba is Noord, an area just north of the vibrant capital Oranjestad. Noord encompasses some of Aruba’s best beaches such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, the island’s most sought after resort communities such as Tierra del Sol in Malmok and Gold Coast Residences and its most popular hotels, restaurants and shops, making it a vibrant place to live. Here, buyers will find all kinds of condos, family homes and villas set in stunning surroundings overlooking the beaches or golf courses.

Oranjestad

For those individuals looking for urban buzz, the capital Oranjestad offers some fabulous new apartments ideally located for accessing all the amenities of this thriving waterfront city. Oranjestad is filled with restaurants, cafes, clubs, lounges, bars and casinos – ideal for enjoying the best of both the city and the beach.

San Nicolas

San Nicolas on the southern tip of Aruba 12 miles southeast of Oranjestad is a quiet coastal town and a stark contrast to the buzz of Palm Beach. Known as Sunshine City, San Nicolas offers comparatively quiet beaches such as Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach and Boca Grandi and several new condos perfect for a relaxing in tranquility in Aruba.

Savaneta

For buyers in search of beachfront homes for sale in Aruba away from the hustle and bustle of the capital and the Palm Beach area, take a look at quieter, tranquil areas Savaneta. Located on the southwestern coast of the island, Savaneta offers authentic local charm.

Find Out More About Moving to Aruba

Would you like to find out more about moving to Aruba? Would you like to browse property for sale which would be ideal for living in this stunning destination?

We would be delighted to help. Explore Aruba real estate on our website.

Alternatively, contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist, to begin your property search and to discuss your options in more detail.

How to Move to Aruba - 7th Heaven Properties (2024)

FAQs

How long can I stay in Aruba if I own property? ›

They must show proof of ownership of the property for a stay of up to 180 days. If they do not have property in Aruba, they must have a declaration of guarantee from a resident of Aruba who will act as guarantor for and be liable for any costs incurred during their stay.

Can foreigners own real estate in Aruba? ›

Q.: Can an American/Canadian/ European citizen buy property in Aruba? A.: Yes, there are no restrictions for foreigners on buying property in Aruba. Q.: How much time can I spend in Aruba as a homeowner? A.: Homeowners can spend 180 days of the calendar year in Aruba without residency or additional permits.

Can you move to Aruba permanently? ›

Persons desiring a permanent residence-permit must be in possession of: a passport valid for Aruba. three passport photographs of true likeness. a valid vaccination certificate for smallpox, not more than three years old.

Is buying a condo in Aruba a good investment? ›

Your legal rights are well protected. It is considered one of the best places to invest in the Caribbean. Aruba enjoys one of the highest living standards in the Caribbean (USD 26,000.00 per capita), with minimum levels of poverty and unemployment, thus a very low crime rate.

How do I become a permanent resident of Aruba? ›

You cannot apply for a residence permit yourself. You will need a sponsor. This could be your partner or employer, for instance. Your sponsor must apply to the local authorities on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius or St Maarten.

Can a US citizen live in Aruba? ›

Persons desiring a permanent residence-permit must be in possession of: a passport valid for Aruba. three passport photographs of true likeness. a valid vaccination certificate for smallpox, not more than three years old.

How much is property tax in Aruba? ›

Taxes. Land taxes in Aruba are relatively low, and are usually based on the value of the property (house and land combined). The first US$33,707 is tax free, and after that the tax is 0.4% or $4 per $1000 of value.

How much does the average house cost in Aruba? ›

Market Overview

(In mid-2019, the median price for a house in Aruba was about 580,000 Aruban florins, or about $321,000, according to the Central Bank van Aruba.)

What are the requirements to buy a house in Aruba? ›

There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Aruba and the buying process for foreign buyers is the same as Aruban citizens. Foreigners can buy property on either freehold property land or on lease land which is owned by the government.

How much money do I need to retire in Aruba? ›

Retire To Aruba

As a retiree you have to be 21 years and older. To become eligible, the following are the prerequisites: You have to be older than 55 years as a pensioner. Proof of a gross income, from pension or other legal source, of minimum $ 56,200.00 per year.

How long can a non citizen stay in Aruba? ›

Aruba. Your visa states how long you can stay in Aruba. The maximum is 180 consecutive days within a 365-day period. But it may be shorter for you.

Does Aruba have a 6 month rule? ›

U.S. Passport Requirements:

Your U.S. passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you plan to depart Aruba. Your passport must have adequate unused visa pages to allow for entry and exit stamps upon arrival and departure from Aruba.

What is the average price of a condo in Aruba? ›

Aruba has some very attractive, luxuriously-finished and well-managed condominium complexes. Many of these are ocean view and have a variety of amenties within the complex. These properties are often excellent investment opportunities having good rental programs. Prices range from US$350,000 to over $1 million.

What are condo fees in Aruba? ›

Affordable community fees

Community fees start at USD. 262.50 per month for Condos and Town Homes and USD. 393.75 per month for Duplex Villas and Villas.

Is AirBnb in Aruba profitable? ›

A recent article in TravelDailyNews.com revealed that AirBnb hosts in Aruba made around $9,200 on average in 2018. The article also claims that this was a 77% growth from the previous year, emphasizing the large growth of the home-sharing industry in Aruba.

How much money do you need to move to Aruba? ›

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,018.3$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,115.6$ without rent. Cost of living in Aruba is, on average, 8.7% higher than in United States. Rent in Aruba is, on average, 56.7% lower than in United States.

Which country is easiest to get permanent residency in the Caribbean? ›

All Caribbean countries are relatively easy to get citizenship by investment. Still, for Grenada, St. Kitts, and St. Lucia, you won't be required to fulfill a residency requirement, making it easier than the other countries.

Can a US citizen own a business in Aruba? ›

There is no legal requirement as to the nationality or residency of the shareholders. The NV is legally required to be registered in the Trade Registry at the Aruba Chamber and to apply for a business license at the Department of Economic Affairs.

Is a US drivers license valid in Aruba? ›

You can use your U.S. license.

The island's official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages, including English and Spanish. You can drive with your state-issued license without worry.

Is Aruba a good place to retire? ›

If you've ever thought of retiring overseas, now is the perfect time to live in Aruba! Home of Eagle Beach named the fifth best beach in the world in 2022, Aruba is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean and a peaceful destination for retirees to enjoy the sun and sand during their golden years.

Can Americans get a job in Aruba? ›

Americans may not work in Aruba as a tourist; you must obtain a work visa sponsored by an employer on the island.

Is Aruba a tax haven? ›

BRUSSELS - Aruba and Curaçao have today been placed on the EU gray list of tax havens by the European Union. Four countries were added to the blacklist: the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, the Marshall Islands and Russia.

What is long lease land in Aruba? ›

In short, long lease means that you rent (lease) the land from Land Aruba for a fixed period of time, usually 60 years. While respecting the applicable general and special leasehold conditions, you are entitled to use the land as if it is your own property.

Can you own a home in Aruba? ›

Foreigners can own a property or a second home in Aruba. Aruba has low property taxes with garbage pickup included in it. You can also take advantage of the tax breaks for homeowners. It is your home so you can go in anytime you want, host your guests and cook any food that you like, anytime you want.

How much is a downpayment on a house in Aruba? ›

Up to a maximum 65% financing is available; therefore a minimum down payment of 35% is required.

Can I live in Aruba year round? ›

Aruba has always been known to be "one of the safest places in the Caribbean." Being located well south of the hurricane belt makes it a great place to live all year round.

Is Aruba more expensive than Hawaii? ›

In all aspects, such as food and internal travel, Aruba is cheaper than Hawaii. Traveling to Aruba as a couple will cost around 3400 USD. Meanwhile, this will cost you around 3900 USD in Hawaii. To give you an overview of your expected costs, here is a comparison between the two.

Can a US citizen get a mortgage in Aruba? ›

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Aruba and the Government of Aruba welcomes investment from overseas buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Aruba and the buying process for foreign buyers is the same as Aruban citizens.

How much does it cost to build a house in Aruba? ›

Thank you! We can help you to make cost estimations and choose the best contractors. The building prices on Aruba for traditional building is approximate between the 900 and 1500 dollars per square meters. If you want to build green and sustainable, than you need to add 15% to 25% more to the building cost.

What are houses made of in Aruba? ›

Cas di torto (also called cas di lodo or cas di bara) is a traditional building technique from Aruba. It refers to a type of houses made of adobe with rounded corners.

Can you live on $3000 a month in retirement? ›

If you have a low living cost and can supplement your income with a part-time job or a generous pension, then retiring on $3,000 a month is certainly possible.

Can I retire at 62 with 500k? ›

The quick answer is “yes”! With some planning, you can retire comfortably with $500k. Remember, however, that your lifestyle will significantly affect how long your savings will last.

Can I live on $50,000 a year in retirement? ›

For many people, $50,000 is enough income to live comfortably, although your location and lifestyle are important factors. In coastal cities, that money doesn't go as far, but there are certainly households in New York City that live on one or two Social Security incomes amounting to less than $50,000.

Can you go to Aruba without a U.S. passport? ›

Upon arrival in Aruba, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card); a return or onward ticket.

How long can a US citizen live abroad without losing citizenship? ›

A naturalized citizen can live for as long as they wish in another country, with almost no risk to their U.S. citizenship status.

Is there a limit on how long a US citizen can stay outside the US? ›

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned. A re-entry permit enables you to be abroad for up to two years. Apply for a re-entry permit.

What is the cheapest month in Aruba? ›

High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is January. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Aruba flight deals.

What is the cheapest month to stay in Aruba? ›

Cheapest time to visit Aruba

You'll find the best hotel prices between mid-April and mid-December, which is considered Aruba's "low season." Though Aruba's weather is beautiful year-round, many travelers visit in the winter to escape the cooler temperatures back home.

How much money can you bring to Aruba? ›

Travelling with luggage

If you enter or leave Aruba with more than AWG. 20,000,- in cash or securities, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies, you must notify this to the Customs Department (Departamento di Aduana). You'll need a *MOT form (*Unusual Transactions).

Can an American buy a condo in Aruba? ›

Q.: Can an American/Canadian/ European citizen buy property in Aruba? A.: Yes, there are no restrictions for foreigners on buying property in Aruba. Q.: How much time can I spend in Aruba as a homeowner? A.: Homeowners can spend 180 days of the calendar year in Aruba without residency or additional permits.

Is it cheap to retire in Aruba? ›

Life in Aruba might be a little expensive, but you truly get what you pay for; however, compared to other Caribbean islands, the prices in Aruba are relatively low. For example, the monthly expenses for a single person are approximately $1100 for necessities like water, electricity, heating, etc.

Can you rent an apartment in Aruba? ›

In Aruba, there are a number of conveniently located apartments that come fully furnished and are ideal for both short-term and long-term stays. Rentals are available across the island.

What is included in most condo fees? ›

Typical condo fees generally always include a contribution toward the building's upkeep and maintenance, but they may also include heat, water, sewer, garbage collection fees, and even electricity and cable TV in some cases. Consider how much these line items would cost if you lived in a home.

What are condo fees for dummies? ›

A condominium fee is paid by all property owners of a condominium complex to cover ongoing maintenance costs. The fee is based on the condo's size, the amenities offered, and any annual expenses. Condominiums are appealing for those who want maintenance-free living.

How much are property taxes in Aruba? ›

Land taxes in Aruba are relatively low, and are usually based on the value of the property (house and land combined). The first US$33,707 is tax free, and after that the tax is 0.4% or $4 per $1000 of value.

What is a good Airbnb income? ›

North America is the highest earning region – the average Airbnb host in North America makes $41,026 in host earnings on Airbnb in 2021. Asia-Pacific is the 2nd highest earning region, with an average host earnings of $14,629 in 2021. In Europe the average host made $13,567 in Airbnb earnings in 2021.

Does the 6 month rule apply to Aruba? ›

*Keep in mind that 6-month passport validity does not apply to the Aruba passport expiration rules – as long as your passport book is valid for the entire duration of your stay, you are all set.

How do I extend my stay in Aruba? ›

The guarantor in Aruba can send their request directly to the IASA (Aruban Immigration) at email garantie@dga.aw, following the procedures to have it legalised, and sent to the visitor abroad. Within the initial 30-day stay the visitor can request an extension for a total stay of up to 90 days.

How much does it cost to move to Aruba? ›

Rent prices in Aruba are relatively low, whereas prices for purchasing a house go from $4100 per m2 to $140,000 per m2. In general, for a comfortable retirement in Aruba, an individual would need approximately $2000 per month.

Does Aruba have an exit tax? ›

All visitors incur a passenger facility charge (departure tax). For US bound passengers departure tax is US $36.75 and for international bound passengers the PFC is US $33.50 for international flights. If in Aruba on transit for less than 24 hours, these charges are waived.

What can I not bring back from Aruba? ›

It is illegal to take out any conch shells, sea stars, turtle eggs and/or any form of coral. No liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are permitted except when packed in a clear transparent resealable 1 quart (1 liter) size plastic bag. Liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of 3.4 oz.

Can U.S. citizens retire to Aruba? ›

Retire To Aruba

As a retiree you have to be 21 years and older. To become eligible, the following are the prerequisites: You have to be older than 55 years as a pensioner. Proof of a gross income, from pension or other legal source, of minimum $ 56,200.00 per year.

Can you ask a hotel to extend your stay? ›

But it still never hurts to ask. If the stars align, it could be possible to extend your booking after checking in. Far more likely, the hotel would offer to give you a different room you can change to. You may also receive a different nightly rate, depending on what days of the week you're extending your stay into.

Can I travel to Aruba without a passport? ›

Upon arrival in Aruba, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card); a return or onward ticket.

How do you extend the duration of stay? ›

If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.

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