Aruba
Luxury Caribbean Living Begins Here--- Aruba
Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of Venezuela. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands. Located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba enjoys dry, sunny weather year-round, making it a popular tourist destination.
Aruba
Property and Purchasing for Foreigners
Aruba operates under a civil-law system, with the Civil Code of Aruba governing property, ownership, contracts, and real rights. Buyers can purchase property in full ownership or leasehold (limited real rights).
Government and History
Aruba has been a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 1986 under its Status Aparte. It has a parliamentary democracy with its own elected government, while the Dutch monarch is the head of state, represented locally by a governor. The economy is driven mainly by tourism, oil refining, and services. In 1986, Aruba separated from the Netherlands Antilles and became a constituent country within the Kingdom. It maintains stable governance and a strong relationship with the Netherlands, which oversees defense and foreign affairs.
tips:
Purchase Agreement: A written agreement between buyer and seller.
Notarial Transfer: Official transfer by a civil law notary and registration in the Land Registry.
Payment & Title Transfer: Buyer pays the purchase price and taxes; ownership passes upon registration.
- Transfer tax: 6%
- Notary fees: 2%
- Additional costs: due diligence, appraisal, notary searches, escrow deposit
- Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, can freely buy, own, and sell property in Aruba.
- Non-residents typically need a 10% down payment of the total amount.
Residency:
- Buying property does not automatically grant residency.
- Foreign owners may apply for long-stay or vacation residence permits if they wish to stay for a maximum period of 6 months.
- Eagle Beach & Palm Beach – Relax on soft white sands and swim in calm, turquoise waters.
- Arashi Beach – Great for snorkeling and spotting colorful marine life.
- The Palm Island – Offers water parks, snorkeling, and banana boat rides.
- Diving & Snorkeling – Explore coral reefs, shipwrecks (like the Antilla wreck), and abundant tropical fish.
- Windsurfing & Kiteboarding – The constant trade winds make Aruba ideal for these sports.
- Arikok National Park – Hike trails, see caves with ancient Arawak drawings, and visit natural pools.
- Natural Pool (Conchi) – A hidden pool in volcanic rock, accessible via 4x4 or hike.
- Donkey Sanctuary – Meet and feed Aruba’s rescued donkeys.
- Oranjestad – Explore colorful Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, and museums.
- Alto Vista Chapel – A historic and serene Catholic chapel with ocean views.
- Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum – Learn about aloe production, a traditional island industry.
- Local Festivals – Experience Carnival (January–February) or Bon Bini Festival (weekly cultural event).
- Try local dishes like Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese) and fresh seafood.
- Visit beach bars, casinos, and nightlife spots in Palm Beach and Oranjestad.
- Rent a car to explore the island fully.
- Bring sunscreen and water, as Aruba is sunny and dry year-round.