Start your business
Do business in a legally compliant manner
Register your business to make it a distinct legal entity. How and where you need to register depends on your business structure and location.
Contents
- Register a sole proprietorship via the website of the Chamber of Commerce of Aruba
- Register a legal entity under Aruban law (limited liability company / corporation / foundation / cooperative association) via a civil-law notary
- Apply for a business license at the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (“DEACI”)
- Register with the Tax Department (“DIMP”)
Register a sole proprietorship via the website of the Chamber of Commerce of Aruba
Ley ta bisa cu tur negoshi mester registra na Camara di Comercio. Un eenmanszaak semper ta cuminsa pa oficialisa su negoshi cu un registracion na Camara di Comercio. Esaki ta sosode online. E YouTube video aki ta mustra bo con pa crea un account.
According to the law, all businesses should be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. Before starting to conduct business, a sole proprietorship should first be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. This process can take place online. This YouTube video shows you how to create an account.
Registration documents
The following documents are required to register a sole proprietorship:
- a valid ID, either a passport or an ID card;
- an extract from the population register (cost AWG 5.00); and
- a document verifying the address of the business:
- if you are leasing a location, the lease will be enough;
- if you decide to use a home address but you are not the owner, you need authorization from the owner;
- if you are renting/leasing a house or residence, you also need authorization from the owner. The owner needs to sign the agreement to use his address as your business address. You also need to have a copy of a valid ID (passport or ID card) and the last bill of WEB, Elmar or SETAR, if these are in the owner’s name. If not, you need an extract from the population register.
Registration costs
The registration costs depend on the sum of money invested in your business. If the amount is between 0 – 25,000 florins, it costs AWG 96. You can pay this online with a credit card or by bank transfer, or you can visit the office to make the payment between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
The trade name will be checked when registering, so it is advisable to have more options as the name you have chosen for your business might be rejected. The name will also be verified online for approval from the Chamber of Commerce before registration.
Register a legal entity under Aruban law (limited liability company / corporation / foundation / cooperative association) via a civil-law notary
Before starting a business, all legal entities (limited liability company / corporation / foundation / cooperative association) must have a deed of association or formation executed before a civil-law notary. When finalized, the civil-law notary will register the business with the Chamber of Commerce. Below you will find information about all civil-law notaries in Aruba:
|
Notary H.M. Rodriquez- Taekema |
Notary M.J.C. Tromp |
Notary Johnson |
|
Notary Yarzagaray |
Notary Helmeyer |
NewLeaf Notary |
Apply for a business license at the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (“DEACI”)
Digital application at the DEACI
In some cases, it is necessary to apply for a business license according to the Business Licensing Ordinance. After September 2020, all applications for a business license have to be submitted digitally. To do this, please visit the website: www.deaci.aw. There, you will receive all information about how to apply for a business license (License Applications).
When NOT to apply for a business license
You do not have to apply for a business license for a sole proprietorship, general partnership or for acting as a manager of an entity if:
- you were born in Aruba, or you have Dutch nationality; or
- you acquired Dutch nationality in Aruba and are older than 18 years
When to apply for a business license
A. You do have to apply for a business license for a sole proprietorship, general partnership or for acting as a manager of an entity if:
- you were born in Aruba but you do not have Dutch nationality; or
- you were NOT born in Aruba but have Dutch nationality, but did NOT acquire Dutch nationality in Aruba; or
- you were NOT born in Aruba, and you have a different nationality.
B. For a legal entity or a natural person who wishes to start a legal entity, such as a general partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company or a director’s license, you will have to apply for a business license at the DEACI.
C. If you want to make any changes with regard to paragraphs A or B above, please visit the website: www.deaci.aw.
Register with the Tax Department (“DIMP”)
Tax registration number
As soon as you register your business with the Chamber of Commerce and, in some cases, after having received your business license from the DEACI, you need to register with the Tax Department (“DIMP”) to receive your tax registration number.
The business registration form needs to be submitted together with your ID (driver’s license, passport or an ID card) and that of the director, registration receipt of the Chamber of Commerce, business license, articles of association or formation, deed of incorporation or formation and all other business documents, such as the collaboration agreement.
Digital portal for commerce
You will have to scan all documents and send them to the Tax Department (“DIMP”) by email: [email protected]. It is important to include the contact person’s phone number and name. You will receive a tax registration number by email. To register your company online via the DIMP portal: “BO impuesto” (BOi), you will have to make an appointment by telephone.
After registering your company for BOi, you will receive the credentials to log in. To facilitate business owners, the DIMP introduced the digital portal BOi in 2020 for you to send your monthly returns, such as income and turnover taxes (BBO/BAVP/BAZV) via the portal from your office or home.
Attention!
The Tax Department (DIMP) is in the digitalization process, and there will be changes in its services. It is advisable to follow the information channels of the DIMP: impuesto.aw, Facebook, YouTube Departamento di Impuesto and the “BO impuesto” app, as there will be new information on a regular basis. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to call 522 7423 or 522 7424 (general information) or 522 7437 (information “BOi” portal).
Contact Tax Department (“DIMP”)
Camacuri 2
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 522 7423 | 522 7424
Website: www.impuesto.aw
E-mail: [email protected]
