ABOUT ARUBA
How many people actually live on Aruba?
Aruba has population of 110,000 inhabitants, consisting of almost 45 different nationalities living together. In addition to the Aruban culture, you will also find other types of music, food and cultures, making it an island with lots to see and experience. (Source Census 2000)
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How many languages are spoken on Aruba?
The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, the native language. English and Spanish are also widely spoken. Some hotels even have German speaking employees.
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What is the political structure of Aruba?
Since 1986, the island became an independent entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The “Status Aparte” allowed Aruba to have its own constitution based on western democratic principles with its own royally appointed governor and a 21-member elected parliament.
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What religions are present in Aruba?
Although the predominant religion on the island is Roman Catholic (about 82%), many other religions (Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) are also practiced and have their own places of worship and relative services.
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Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc.?
Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles AC, the same as standard in the United States. Visitors from countries with other types of electrical systems will need adaptors. (Many hotels will supply hairdryers, check with your hotel for details.)
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What’s the inflation rate on the island?
According to the Department of Statistical Data, the island’s inflation rate for the last two years has been a constant 2.5%.
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Is the island safe for children?
Yes, Aruba is considered a safe destination and therefore you and your children will feel at home. Many of the hotels do have special kids program to keep them busy during your stay or you can ask about the One Cool Family program to learn more about the benefits that you can enjoy when booking this. The beaches also offer safe and fun entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The Eagle Beach stretches 7 miles with white sands that slope into the sea, making it safe for everyone to enjoy!
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Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, Aruba has pure, refreshing water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant (Desalination plant). The water is completely safe; you can drink it right from the tap. It’s so good; it’s called “Balashi Special.”
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What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years. You might be asked for your ID and it’s advisable to always have it with you.
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Can I bring my pet to Aruba?
Pet cats and dogs from most countries are allowed if accompanied by valid rabies and health certificates from a veterinarian. Pets from South and Central America are not allowed. However, most hotels DO NOT allow pets. Please check with your hotel in advance.
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What are the clothing requirements in Aruba?
Since the climate is considered warm on the island, try to take light and comfortable clothes and shoes with you. It’s always good to have one set of elegant clothing in case you decide to dine in one of the many upscale restaurants on the island where no shorts and t-shirts are permitted. For the ladies, a blazer or light sweater is always nice in case it gets a little chilly due to the air conditioning. Other than that, you can enjoy your vacation wearing casual and comfortable clothing while on the island. Bathing suites are allowed, but not in stores and/or on the street.
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Which are the most important holidays in Aruba?
Christmas, New Year day Easter Sunday, Aruba Flag Day, March 18, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Dutch Queen's Birthday, 30th of April, International Labor Day, 1st of May and Ascension Day. Stores, Public offices and banks are closed on official holidays.
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Are there newspapers in different languages available?
Yes, Aruba has a variety of newspapers in different languages, ranging from Papiamento (Diario, Awe Mainta, Bon Dia Aruba, La Prensa) English (The News and A.M. Digital online) to Dutch (Amigoe). Spanish news sections are available in a few of them.
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Does Aruba have cable and what TV channels are available?
Yes, Aruba has a cable provider; Cable TV Aruba which provides several well known channels, such as: CNN, FOX Network, Hallmark Channel, ESPN Network, Cartoon Network, BBC, Cinemax and A&E just to name a few.
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Where can I purchase a video or CD-rom about Aruba?
They can be obtained at bookstores in hotels and at most shops in the main street. The Aruba Tourism Authority also has videos and CD-ROMs available. If you are on island, just stop by the office and someone will gladly help you.
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How do I get to my hotel from the airport?
Taxis are always available and there are many car rental agencies at the airport. Hotels do not provide shuttle service. If you are traveling on a "package plan", transfers are usually included. Arubus, the biggest and only public bus service in Aruba, also provides scheduled and efficient service you can rely on throughout the island.
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Tourism, work and living in Aruba
How did tourism start on Aruba?
For 60 years (from 1926 to 1986) Aruba’s economy depended on the oil industry, with the presence of LAGO, a subsidiary of Standard Oil Company of New Jersey. It was the biggest and single most important employer on Aruba.
However in 1986 after the company decided to close its doors and which was a major economic set back for the island. Fortunately a group of forward looking businessmen and government officials established the Aruba Tourism Commission (A.T.C.) back in 1947 in order to investigate the possibilities of a tourism industry.
The initial endeavor the commission decided upon was the building of a hotel facility in the, as yet untouched, Palm Beach Area. However it took almost 6 years to convince the Central Tourism Commission (C.T.C.) based in Curacao, which at the time controlled all tourism activities in the Netherlands Antilles to approve the plans of providing potential with more adequate facilities than those in existence.
It was not until 1953, that the Aruba Tourism Bureau, formerly the A.T.C., now the A.T.A., was established as a government controlled entity and would take the lead in propelling Aruba’s tourism industry in solid economic growth.
Aruba set the standard on many levels; it was the first to receive cruise ship visits on a weekly basis; it was the first with an international level quality hotel in the Caribbean and the Netherlands Antilles.
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Where do tourists mainly come from?
Aruba’s largest tourism market is the US with 75% market share, followed by Latin America (Venezuela, Colombia) and Holland.
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What is Aruba’s total number of tourists per year?
Aruba received about 724.000 visitors in 2000, 691.000 in 2001, 642.000 in 2002 and 640.00 in 2003 and a total of 728.000 in 2004 (The best year in tourism for Aruba).
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What is Aruba mainly known for?
For its friendly people, whit sandy beaches, almost perfect weather year-round, safety, great quality of service and a variety of hotels and restaurants.
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What are Aruba’s main selling points?
The island enjoys almost perfect weather year-round and is located on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt. There is a variety of beautiful resorts for all tastes. The island is very safe compared to other destinations in the Caribbean region. The island has a variety of both land and sea activities for all ages and tastes. The shopping on Aruba is excellent and there is no sales tax. But the island’s greatest selling points are Safety, the friendliness, hospitality of its people and their ability to understand and speak 4 languages.
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How has Aruba changed in the last 5 years?
The island has experienced a total face lift with a new and modern airport, offering both US Customs and US Immigrations services and new establishments. Almost all hotels have gone through major upgrading and renovations and the people of Aruba are more aware of the different expectations of the visitors. There are more airlines flying to and from Aruba from all parts of the world and there is something for every one on Aruba. Aruba now offers a greater variety of attractions, cultural activities, art galleries, spa’s and water sport activities, music festivals and sports events.
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Do you have any “clothing optional” beaches?
No, public nudity of any kind is against the law.
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Aruba is a great place, can I move there?
The Aruban government introduced a strict immigration policy effective July 1st 2002. The procedure of handling your permit request will be much faster (within a month). However you must have a home available in Aruba before emigrating and you must have a job on the island. You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 years on the island and then you must leave the island for 3 years before extending your permit for another 3 years. You are not allowed to bring any family members with you unless they have a job in Aruba as well. Employment will only be available to you if there are no Arubans available to fill that position. You must also have an HIV test done and a proof of general medical good health. You also need a proof of good conduct in the country on which you are residing in at the moment. These are a few of the rules that have been imposed or changed.
Non-citizens (visitors) of Aruba cannot stay more than 90 days without a residency permit. To get a permit you must show financial resources to support yourself (and anyone with you) without employment. There are other requirements. Please contact the immigration authorities in Aruba for details.
For more information:
DIRECTIE IMMIGRATIE EN NATURALISATIE ARUBA (DINA)
Caya Dick Cooper 11
San Nicolas, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5843322
Fax: (297) 5843258/5843534
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What are the requirements to work in Aruba?
Any foreigner who wants to be employed in Aruba, exercise a profession or conduct business on the island must have a work permit. The work permit will normally be granted only if there are no qualified persons locally available. In general, requests for work permits will only be taken into consideration if filed through a local employer, who has to accept full responsibility for any possible expenses to be made by the government relative to the employee(s). One should not travel to or be on the island pending a request for work permit. For more information, please contact:
DIRECTIE IMMIGRATIE EN NATURALISATIE ARUBA (DINA)
Caya Dick Cooper 11
San Nicolas, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5843322
Fax: (297) 5843258/5843534
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What are the requirements to acquire Dutch Citizenship?
One of the most important requirements to apply for the Dutch Citizenship is that you need to be a resident for at least 5 years. It might be best to contact the Civil Registry department (who is in charge of passports). You should get in touch with that department for more information:
For more information:
DIRECTIE IMMIGRATIE EN NATURALISATIE ARUBA (DINA)
Caya Dick Cooper 11
San Nicolas, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5843322
Fax: (297) 5843258/5843534
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How can I apply for a permanent residency permit?
When requesting a residence-permit without a working permit, one must submit:
• Bank references indicating that the applicant is financially self-supporting or any other proof that he/she will not become a financial burden to the local government or community
• The home and business addresses for the last ten years
• The reasons for wanting to reside in Aruba
• Police-clearance (good conduct-paper, not older than 2 months)
Persons desiring a permanent residence-permit must be in possession of:
• Passport valid for Aruba
• Three passport photographs of true likeness
• A valid vaccination certificate for smallpox, not more than three years old
• A medical declaration that the holder is not suffering from any contagious disease or mental sickness, issued within 30 days before the trip started
• A proof of payment of the required legal fee
For more information, please contact:
DIRECTIE IMMIGRATIE EN NATURALISATIE ARUBA (DINA)
Caya Dick Cooper 11
San Nicolas, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5843322
Fax: (297) 5843258/5843534
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Should I exchange my money for local currency?
U.S. dollars are accepted virtually everywhere along with all major credit cards and traveler's checks. You may, however, have difficulty changing $50.00 and US$100.00 bills in shops and restaurants. Visitors from other countries can exchange currency at banks but traveler's checks and credit cards may be more convenient. ATM machines can be found through out the island with locations at all banks, hotel lobbies, supermarkets, gas stations and others.
To cash traveler’s checks, you need identification and the purchase receipt may be required.
Credit Cards & Traveler Checks Representatives
American Express Representative:
S.E.L. Maduro & Sons, Rockefellersstraat. 1, Aruba
Tel: (297) 582-3888
Office Hours: 8:00am -12 noon and 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Monday thru Friday. Closed on official holidays.
Services include personal check cashing, refund, exchange and replacement of American Express Traveler checks, American Express Card Replacement Service, report of lost or stolen American Express cards.
Visa/Master Card Representatives:
Aruba Bank / Caribbean Mercantile Bank.
Services available to cardholders include cash advances, report of lost or stolen Visa/MasterCard. Either passport or two other valid identifications required. If a tourist has only a personal ATM card, they could use it if the card is linked to the CIRRUS MasterCard network or the VISA Plus network.
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Are there any airport fees?
You must pay a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) of US$34.25 per person (over 2 years of age) when leaving the island. When departing to the US you will have to pay US $36.75. The PFC is usually included in the ticket price if you are flying on a US based airline, but please verify with your airline or travel agent.
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What is the G.D.P for Aruba?
In the year 2000, it was 3.32 million Aruban florins, in 2001, it was 3.38 million Aruban florins and in 2002 it was 3.35 million Aruban florins.
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SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN ARUBA
How can I setup a business in Aruba?
Following are the basic steps a corporation needs to follow in order to setup a business in Aruba.
Before starting its business operations, a corporation must apply for the following licenses:
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A business license
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This allows the company to start and maintain a business in Aruba. Applications must be directed to the Minister of Economic Affairs.
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A director's license
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Must be sought for each of the company's foreign managing directors, allowing him to act on behalf of the company. Applications must be directed to the Minister of Economic Affairs.
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A residence and work license
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Must be sought for any foreigner to be employed by the company, who intends to take up residence in Aruba.
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To apply for a business license contact:
Directie Economische Zaken
L.G. Smith Boulevard 160
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel:(297) 5821181 / 5821942
Fax:(297) 5834494
After the application is presented on sealed paper (obtainable with the post office and Board of Taxes) to Economic Affairs you are called to give further information on:
• the proposed activities of the company
• the number of employees
• the projected investment
• the location of the company
• personalia of the managing director(s), stockholder(s) or owner(s)
• the remaining documents e.g. permits for different branches, work and residence permit, proof of registration in the Census Office.
Upon receipt of confirmation of the business license, a confirmation fee has to be paid. It is recommended to allow ample time for the application. As it is forbidden to establish a business without a license, authorities can close down the company with immediate effect.
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Temporary or Permanent Work Permit
Foreigners who want to be employed or conduct business on the island must have a work permit. The work permit will normally be granted only if there are no qualified persons locally available. In general, requests for work-permits will only be taken into consideration if filed through a local employer, who has to accept full responsibility for any possible expenses to be made by the government relative to the employees.
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Written Permits
With the exception of tourists, all other persons should have a written permit to prove their legal presence on the island. This means that one (unless a tourist) should not travel to or be on the island pending a request for a residence-and/or work permit.
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Application Forms
Complimentary forms for written permits can be obtained by writing to:
Directorate of Public Order & Security
Caya Dick Cooper 11
San Nicolas, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5843322
Fax: (297) 5843258
This information is for guidelines purposes only. Each corporation is different and may need to abide to certain prerequisites. Please check with the local corresponding department for specifics.
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TAXES IN ARUBA
Taxes
The main tax applied to individuals in Aruba is income tax, which is collected by employers under a 'PAYE'-style scheme along with social security contributions. Capital gains tax does not apply to individuals except on disposal of certain business assets; but there are inheritance and gift taxes, and some relatively minor property taxes. Import duties are significant, and apply to many goods and commodities.
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Residence and Liability for Taxation
For taxation purposes, an individual is either resident or non-resident, and nationality is not a factor in determining tax status. Residence for tax purposes is determined by taking into account the location of an individual's permanent home, their habitual place of actual residence, and their centre of economic and social interest. Residents are taxed on their world-wide income under the following headings:
• Income from a business or profession
• Income from employment
• Income from property (real estate)
• Income from capital
• Certain periodic receipts.
Fringe benefits are mostly taxable, including housing allowances and reimbursement of taxes. Capital gains are not taxed unless the gain results from business activity, or unless it results from the sale of shares of a company of which the individual concerned, together with certain specified types of relative, owns or has owned 25% or more in the last 5 years.
Non-residents are taxed on certain specified types of income arising in Aruba, including the following:
• Income from a business or profession carried on within the islands personally or through a representative or agent (activity lasting less than three months may be exempted)
• Income from employment (if such lasts less than three months, there is the possibility of an exemption, but this is seldom granted)
• Income derived from a position as manager or director of an Aruban company
• Income derived from property (real estate) in Aruba, or from a mortgage on such property. Note however that there is no withholding tax in Aruba.
All individuals are entitled to various deductions, up to specified limits, including:
• business expenses, such as moving and travel expenses, entertainment expenses, and automobile expenses
• medical expenses
• life insurance and pension plan payments
• charitable contributions;
• interest
• social security contributions
• alimony
Income from dividends, royalties and interest is taxable whatever its source for residents; for non-residents only local-source income is taxable. Tax credits on foreign income are not accepted unless they are covered by a specific tax treaty. Foreign taxes actually paid as such are however deductible.
Self-employed individuals calculate their taxable income on the same basis as for corporate taxation generally. They are entitled to accelerated depreciation on the purchase of fixed assets of 33.33% per annum.
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Social Security Taxes
Employee social insurance contributions are withheld at source by the employer. Social insurance payments are under three headings:
• The basic pension contribution is 9.2% of salary for the employer and 3.88% for the employee.
• Disablement Insurance costs the employer between 0.5% and 5%, depending on the industry;
• Sickness Insurance contributions are 8.3% for the employer and 2.1% for the employee.
• The total contribution can therefore be as high as 29% of salary.
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Inheritance and Gift Taxes
Inheritance and gift taxes are only levied on Aruba residents. The rates depend on the relationship of the recipient to the donor and the value of the taxable estate after deductions and exemptions. A tax return must be filed within 3 months of the gift or date of death and the tax must be paid within one month of the assessment.
In general the following rates apply:
• Gift to a spouse or child: 2%-6%;
• Gift to a brother or sister: 4%-12%;
• Gift to a parent: 3%-9%;
• Gifts to other persons: 8%-24%
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Real Estate Taxes
Owners of real estate have to pay annual rates amounting to 0.4% of the value of the property which value is determined in accordance with a prescribed valuation method.
The buyer of real estate pays 3% capital transfer tax on the value of real estate purchased. Value in this case is the higher of the price paid or the value according to the prescribed valuation method.
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Import Duties
The standard tariff varies from 7.5% to 21% with primary food stuffs exempted and luxury goods paying a higher rate.
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WEDDINGS IN ARUBA
Can I get married in Aruba?
New laws now permit you to get married in Aruba. Please contact the various wedding specialists offered in Aruba for more details. Couples can have both their wedding ceremony and honeymoon in paradise. If you are at least 18 years old, you can say, "I do" on "One Happy Island" upon submitting standard documentation at least 14 days prior to the date of the ceremony. Documents must be submitted to the Office of the Civil Registry on the island via mail or in person. Certain restrictions may apply.
Civil marriages must take place at the City Hall in Oranjestad. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing after they have been legally married or may have a romantic celebration beachside if they prefer.
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