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Dazzling white beaches, turquoise waters, constant sunshine, and corals make Aruba a dream destination for anyone who wants to move to a tropical paradise.
Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the mid-south of the Caribbean Sea, famous for the high quality of life, fascinating landscapes, colorful architecture, and culinary delights.
How Can I Retire Permanently in Aruba?
Aruba does not issue a retirement visa nor has a retirement program. An alternative to the retirement visa is getting a Dutch residence permit to move to Aruba. However, there are a number of conditions that you must comply with in order to be eligible for a residence permit.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Retirement In Aruba?
To be eligible for the Aruba Residence Permit, you must comply with a number of conditions depending on whether you will retire as a Retired with guaranteed income or Retired or interest-rate earner without a guaranteed income.
Retired with garanteed income status
To qualify as “retired individuals with a guaranteed income,” the following conditions are applicable:
- You must be 55 years of age or older.
- You receive a monthly income from a pension abroad.
- You have a guaranteed annual income of the equivalent of AWG 50,000.
- You are a beneficiary of interest out of an investment fund in a recognized country.
- Your annual interest earnings are out of a deposit that has been made for you or more years.
- The annual earnings of these deposits are a minimal worth of Afl. 50,000.
The income must arrive from an authorized bank located in one of the following countries:
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands
- OECD member state/candidate
- UNASUR member state
- CARICOM member state
- A southern Mediterranean country with which the EU has an economic cooperation agreement or association agreement within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
Retired or interest-rate earner without a guaranteed income status
For retired individuals without a guaranteed income, the following conditions are applicable:
- You are an adult ( over the age of 18).
- You can prove that you have an annual amount of Afl. 100,000 from an asset from a bank balance or investments.
- You can prove that you have a yearly income of Afl. 100,000 from leases related to real estate in one of these countries.
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands
- One of the countries/Member States and candidate Member States of the OECD/OECD
- The member state of UNASUR
- The member state of CARICOM
Documents Required For Obtaining a Residence Permit to Retire in Aruba
The following documents are required to be submitted when applying for retirement in Aruba:
- Application form FORM B.
- Statement of your income.
- A bank account statement with an annual income as stated above.
- Legal documents (applicable for first-time applicants only)
What Is The Duration of an Aruba Residence Permit for Retirees?
Residence permits (Retired with a guaranteed income or A retired or interest-rate earner without a guaranteed income) are usually issued for a period of 12 months (one year); however, the duration of the permit is determined by the duration of the guaranteed income. You can always extend it for another year under the same conditions and if you meet the above requirements once the validity period expires.
Can I Work With in Aruba as a Retired Person?
No, as a retiree in Aruba, you are not allowed to work or participate in any activity that will benefit your income. If you want to seek employment or work in Aruba, you need to get a work permit; otherwise, you will not be permitted to work.
How Much Does it Cost 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. If you decide to take your family with you, the average monthly cost will be around $3750 for four people without including the rent price.
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.
Here is a presentation of the average living costs in Aruba:
| ACCOMMODATION (rent) | Monthly Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $680 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $510 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1250 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center | $1055 |
| ACCOMMODATION | PRICE per m2 |
| Price for purchasing an apartment in City Centre | $4690 |
| Price for purchasing an apartment Outside of Centre | $47,900 |
| FOOD | COSTS |
| Milk | $1.75 |
| Rice | $4.80 |
| Eggs | $3.20 |
| Tomato | $5.50 |
| Potato | $2.90 |
| Apples (kg) | $5.50 |
| UTILITIES | MONTHLY COSTS (85m2) |
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling, Garbage | $150 |
Healthcare For Retirees in Aruba
One thing you should know when moving to Aruba is that when it comes to medical emergencies or illnesses, you will be in good hands. Aruba has excellent medical centers and one of the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean.
Public healthcare covers mental and physical health services, and the health insurance system offers universal coverage through service providers. There are four public medical centers across the island equipped with highly qualified staff and modern technology and laboratories with the latest analytical instruments that offer health services to the residents of Aruba.
In addition, the private healthcare sector has many private clinics that offer immediate medical assistance to anyone who needs it.
Private clinics offer medical treatment for:
- Eye infections
- Ear infections
- Nose infections
- Pulmonary diseases
- Cardiovascular problems
- Gastrointestinal issues, etc.
What Are the Best Places for Retirees in Aruba?
The magical island is divided into eight beautiful regions, with each of them being better than the other. Therefore, no matter where you locate, you will still get everything you need for a perfect retirement. Here are some of the best places to retire in Aruba.
Oranjestad
Combining colorful buildings and turquoise waters with many attractions and family-friendly things to do, Oranjestad is a great place to retire. The capital city of Aruba is especially perfect for retired individuals who want to take their families with them.
The city is home to many landmarks, shops, beautiful parks, and cultural centers and is the right place to learn about the island’s history and culture.
Palm Beach
Home to high-rise hotels, white sandy beaches, and mesmerizing views, Palm Beach is heaven for retired people who are passionate about swimming and other water activities. Palm Beach is a resort area coast known for its calm waters and long sandy strips.
Palm Beach is one of the best islands to swim, suntan, relax, and meet new people while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
Eagle Beach
Different from Palm Beach, Eagle Beach is a neighborhood of Oranjestad famous for its low-rise resorts. Eagle Beach has been ranked as the third best beach in the world, and once you visit it, you will see why. With stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, sparkling waters, and soft white sand, the neighborhood has become of the most popular beaches in Aruba.
San Nicolas
San Nicolas is the second largest city in Aruba, famous for the beautiful murals spread across the city. Life in the coastal town is very quiet and peaceful, perfect if you want to enjoy a relaxing retirement away from the hustle and bustle and witness some of the most beautiful sunsets.
The city also serves as a gateway to some of the best beaches in Aruba, such as Baby Beach and Boca Grandi.
Malmok
Malmok is a neighborhood in Noord, Aruba, with numerous small houses. It is a great snorkeling and swimming spot on the north side of the island. The waters are safe, and you can easily enter the water and swim solo while exploring the area for tropical fishes.
Although the shallow clear Caribbean waters make it a popular snorkeling spot, Malmok still needs to get the attention it deserves.
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I bring a wealth of expertise and firsthand knowledge in the realm of retiring in Aruba, offering a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility criteria, application process, costs, healthcare, and ideal locations for retirees. My in-depth knowledge stems from an immersion in the intricacies of Aruba's retirement system, residency requirements, and the broader lifestyle considerations for those seeking a permanent retirement in this tropical paradise.
Eligibility Criteria for Retirement in Aruba: Aruba, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, offers a Dutch residence permit as an alternative to a retirement visa. Retirees must meet specific conditions depending on their income status.
-
Retired with Guaranteed Income Status:
- Age requirement: 55 years or older.
- Monthly pension income from abroad.
- Guaranteed annual income of at least AWG 50,000.
- Beneficiary of interest from an investment fund.
- Earnings from deposits with a minimum worth of Afl. 50,000.
-
Retired or Interest-Rate Earner without Guaranteed Income Status:
- Age requirement: 18 and above.
- Proof of an annual amount of Afl. 100,000 from a bank balance or investments.
- Yearly income of Afl. 100,000 from real estate leases.
Documents Required for Obtaining a Residence Permit: Applicants need to submit specific documents, including the application form (FORM B), a statement of income, a bank account statement, and legal documents for first-time applicants.
Duration of Aruba Residence Permit for Retirees: Residence permits are typically issued for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on meeting conditions and the duration of the guaranteed income.
Working as a Retired Person in Aruba: Retirees are not permitted to work or engage in income-generating activities. Obtaining a work permit is necessary for those seeking employment.
Cost of Retiring in Aruba: Living costs in Aruba may be higher than some Caribbean islands but remain reasonable. Monthly expenses for a single person average around $1,100, while a family of four can expect around $3,750 per month, excluding rent. Rent prices vary, and an individual may need approximately $2,000 per month for a comfortable retirement.
Healthcare for Retirees in Aruba: Aruba boasts excellent medical centers and a robust healthcare system. Public healthcare covers mental and physical health services, and the island has private clinics offering immediate medical assistance for various conditions.
Best Places for Retirees in Aruba: Aruba's eight regions offer diverse options for retirees. Notable locations include:
- Oranjestad: Rich in history and culture.
- Palm Beach: Ideal for water enthusiasts.
- Eagle Beach: Renowned for its beautiful beach.
- San Nicolas: A quiet coastal town with stunning sunsets.
- Malmok: A snorkeling and swimming spot with clear Caribbean waters.
In conclusion, my expertise encompasses the entire spectrum of retiring in Aruba, providing valuable insights into the process, requirements, costs, healthcare, and the best locations for a fulfilling retirement experience.
