How to Set Up a Company in Aruba (2026): 8 Steps

To set up a company in Aruba in 2026, most foreign founders use a VBA (Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid, Aruba’s private limited liability company). The process is: choose the entity, line up an Aruba-resident director or legal representative, have a civil-law notary in Aruba execute the deed of incorporation, register the company in the Chamber of Commerce Trade Register, obtain the business establishment licence from the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI), register with the tax department (Departamento di Impuesto) and open a corporate bank account. Timelines depend on the notary, the Chamber, the DEACI licence review and how quickly your documents are ready; we give you a schedule with your quote. Contact us for a quote.

Want it handled end to end? Talk to Easyco about company formation in Aruba.

Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its company law follows the Dutch civil-law tradition and, since 2021, is set out in Book 2 of the Aruba Civil Code. That matters for founders: companies are formed through a civil-law notary, and foreign directors usually need a licence before they can act.

How to set up a company in Aruba: 8 steps

1. Choose the right legal entity

• VBA (Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid) — recommended for most foreign founders. A private limited liability company. It can be formed by one incorporator, has no minimum capital, and offers flexible governance (it can use private regulations instead of public bylaws). It must have at least one managing director at all times.

• NV (Naamloze Vennootschap). Aruba’s corporation, usually chosen for larger operations or several investors. Shares are freely transferable and shareholders have limited liability. There is no nationality or residency requirement for NV shareholders. The founder and capital rules are set in the notarial deed; we confirm them with the notary for your case.

• Sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) and general partnership (VOF). Available, but owners are personally liable, and non-local owners need a business licence. Not usually the right fit for foreign-owned companies.

The former Aruba Exempt Company (AVV) has been phased out and is no longer an option for new companies.

2. Line up a resident director or legal representative

A VBA needs at least one director or legal representative who is resident in Aruba. Foreign directors can also be appointed, but a director who does not qualify as a “local” under the Business Establishment Ordinance needs a director’s licence from DEACI. Easyco can coordinate the resident representative for your company.

Shareholder documents issued abroad generally need to be apostilled, and the notary will run identity and source-of-funds checks. Whether you need to sign in person depends on the notary’s identification requirements; in many cases a representative can sign under a power of attorney, and we confirm the route for your documents.

3. Check the company name

The proposed name is checked against the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Trade Register so that it does not clash with an existing business.

4. Sign the deed of incorporation before an Aruba civil-law notary

The notary prepares and executes the deed of incorporation, which can be drawn up in Papiamento, Dutch or English. It sets the name, purpose, share structure, directors and registered address. A physical registered address in Aruba is required, and the business location must suit the activity under Aruba’s spatial-planning rules.

5. Register in the Chamber of Commerce Trade Register

After incorporation, the notary registers the company in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aruba. The company receives its KvK number. Directors are responsible for keeping the Chamber registration up to date.

6. Obtain the business establishment licence (vestigingsvergunning)

Under the Business Establishment Ordinance (Vestigingsverordening Bedrijven), an NV or VBA needs a licence from the Minister of Economic Affairs, processed by DEACI. Licence-required directors are licensed at the same time. Applications are reviewed individually against the 2022 policy guidelines; some activities are reserved for local entrepreneurs, and background screening of owners and directors may apply. A licence does not replace any sector-specific permits.

7. Register with the tax department (Departamento di Impuesto)

Once registered at the KvK and licensed, the company registers with Departamento di Impuesto (DIMP) and receives its persoonsnummer (tax ID). DIMP then confirms which taxes apply. If you hire staff, the company also registers with the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).

8. Open a corporate bank account

Aruban banks apply full KYC on companies with foreign shareholders and directors, so the documents you prepare at incorporation matter here too. Easyco can help you prepare the application and coordinate the account opening.

Taxes your Aruba company will deal with

• Profit tax: 22% general rate (reduced from 25% under the 2023 tax plan). Special regimes exist, for example for free-zone companies and a start-up incentive from 2026; eligibility depends on your activity.
• Turnover taxes (BBO, BAVP, BAZV): 7% combined (2.5% + 1.5% + 3%) on goods and services supplied in Aruba, and on most imports since August 2023. Returns are monthly, including months with no turnover.
• Dividend withholding tax: generally 10%.

Easyco can handle bookkeeping and filings so monthly and annual deadlines are met. Rates as published by Departamento di Impuesto; confirm current figures for your case.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed official timeline. It depends on the notary, the Chamber of Commerce registration, the DEACI business licence review (often the step that sets the pace) and how quickly your documents are ready. We give you a schedule with your quote.

FAQ

Can a foreigner own 100% of an Aruba company?

Yes. There is no nationality or residency requirement for shareholders of an NV or VBA. The residency rule applies to the director or legal representative, not the owners.

Is there a minimum capital?

Not for a VBA. Capital is set in the deed according to your plans.

Do I need a local director?

A VBA needs at least one Aruba-resident director or legal representative, and non-local directors need a DEACI director’s licence.

Do I need to travel to Aruba?

Not always. It depends on the notary’s identification requirements; in many cases a representative can sign the deed under a power of attorney. We confirm the route for your documents.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the entity, directors and services you need. Contact us for a quote.

Start your company in Aruba with Easyco. We coordinate the notary, Chamber registration, business licence, tax registration and bank account, and can stay on for tax and accounting and payroll.