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Apply for licenses and additional permits

Depending on the type of business you are starting, you will need additional licenses and permits, and you will need to apply for these at different departments. Please note that some licenses and permits will expire in due time, so it is necessary to renew these on time.

Contents

Food and beverage license (F&B)a

The DWJZ grants this license.

The Licensing Ordinance (AB 2002 No. GT 1) and Licensing Decree (AB 1990 No. GT 66) provide that food and/or beverages can be sold based on various licenses. The authority to grant, reject and revoke such licenses lies with the Minister of Public Health (Article 19, paragraph 1, Licensing Ordinance). Such licenses must be applied for at the DWJZ.

Exceptions:

  • hotel and accommodation licenses are granted, rejected and revoked by the Minister of Public Health in agreement with the Minister of Tourism (Article 19a, paragraph 1a, Licensing Ordinance);
  • all-inclusive licenses are granted, rejected and revoked exclusively by the Minister of Tourism (Article 19a, paragraph 1b, Licensing Ordinance).

Comparison types of licenses for restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs

List of the most common licenses for restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs

 

Restaurant A license (Article 17, paragraph 1, Licensing Ordinance)
This license grants the right to sell, on a small scale, non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products and food prepared in a kitchen situated at the point of sale for consumption at said place.

Restaurant B license (Article 17, paragraph 2, Licensing Ordinance)
This license grants the right to sell, on a small scale, non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products and specific food easily prepared in the so-called quick buffet to be consumed at the point of sale (there is no kitchen).

Coffeehouse license (Article 11 Licensing Ordinance)
This license grants the right to sell, on a small scale, liquor for consumption at the point of sale or other locations, as well as to sell alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products to be consumed at the point of sale only.

Beerhouse license (Article 15 Licensing Ordinance)
This license grants the right to sell, on a small scale, alcoholic beverages (<21% alcohol volume), nonalcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products for consumption at the point of sale.

License Kitchen Beverage Ice cream / similar product Type of sale
Restaurant A Yes Nonalcoholic Yes Small scale
Restaurant B No (quick buffet) Nonalcoholic Yes Small scale
Coffeehouse In combination with restaurant A or B license * Alcoholic and liquor * Nonalcoholic Yes Small scale
Beerhouse In combination with restaurant A or B license * Alcoholic * Nonalcoholic Yes Small scale
List of other licenses under the Licensing Ordinance

 

Hotel license (Article 10, paragraphs 1 and 2, Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to operate a hotel (accommodation of 10 or more people). Also, it gives you the right to sell, on a small scale, alcoholic beverages, liquor and nonalcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products, and/or food for consumption at the location to which the license applies.

Accommodation license (Article 16 Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to operate accommodation, for example, apartments or a bed & breakfast (for a maximum of nine (9) and not fewer than four (4) people). Also, you get the right to sell, on a small scale, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products, and food for consumption for the visitors and their families at the accommodation site.

All-inclusive license (Article 10, paragraph 3, Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to rent out all-inclusive accommodation for the amount specified in the license (you need a hotel or accommodation license to qualify for an all-inclusive license since July 1, 2018). The Minister of Tourism grants, rejects or revokes all-inclusive licenses (Article 19a, paragraph 1b, Licensing Ordinance).

Members’ club license (Article 12 Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to sell, on a small scale, liquor, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products, and/or food for consumption for members and guests of the members’ club to be consumed at the location to which the license applies. (For example, an association, police, customs, clubs such as Tivoli and Club Caribe).

Wholesale license (Article 13 Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to sell, on a large scale, liquor to be consumed only at the location to which the license applies. The liquor needs to be in a bottle of more than nine (9) liters (wholesale).

Liquor store license (Article 14 Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to sell, on a small scale, liquor and alcoholic beverages only at the location to which the license applies, for example, at a supermarket (liquor department) or a rum shop. This license is not granted to rum shops anymore. The sales area at a supermarket has to be six (6) m2 and is allowed to stay open until 6:30 PM (according to the law). After this hour, the sales area needs to be closed and locked.

Ice cream parlor license (Article 18 Licensing Ordinance)
This license gives you the right to sell, on a small scale, non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products to be consumed at the point of sale.

Restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs need to apply for restaurant, coffeehouse and beerhouse licenses.

Buffet license (Article 46 Licensing Ordinance)

A buffet license is required to sell food and beverage during a sports, charitable or social event organized once or several times. For example, the sale of food and beverages during a concert for certain hours on one or several days.

A buffet license is a temporary license granted by the Minister of Public Health according to Article 46 of the Licensing Ordinance.

In case of a commercial event, the Director of the DWJZ can, based on a mandate by the Minister of Public Health, grant the license on his or her behalf. You can apply for this license by filling out a form at the DWJZ.

Exemptions for the hospitality industry

Exemptions can be granted to the hospitality industry based on the Licensing Ordinance for the following activities in the establishment or at the location:

Exemptions can be granted to the hospitality industry based on the Licensing Ordinance for the following activities in the establishment or at the location:

To apply for one or more of the aforementioned exemptions, you have to contact the DWJZ.

What to do before applying for a food & beverage license

 

Nuisance license    (Article 1 Nuisance Ordinance in conjunction with Article 1 Nuisance Decree)

If the establishment causes a bad smell, vapor, smoke, noise or any other nuisance, damage or danger to the environment, it is mandatory to apply for a nuisance license. The Nuisance Ordinance lists the establishments for which this license is necessary.
The Minister of Justice will grant a nuisance license based on the Nuisance Ordinance (AB 1988, No. GT 27) and Nuisance Decree (AB 1995, No. GT 20). Also, you can apply for a nuisance license by filling out a form available at the DWJZ.

Submission of a license application form

You need to submit the following documents together with the application form (not a letter):

  • an extract from the population register (not older than three (3) months);
  • a certificate of good conduct issued by the Public Prosecution Service (not older than three (3) months);
  • a copy of the construction drawing of the building on a scale of 1:100 with all measurements;
  • a copy of the building permit;
  • three (3) copies of the building permit, including the map stamped by the DOW;
  • if applicable, a copy of the nuisance license (if there is a gas cylinder in the establishment, you will have to apply for this license);
  • a business license in case of a legal entity;
  • a copy of the land registry extract;
  • a copy of the deed granting the leasehold;
  • if the location is situated on leasehold land or rented land: proof of the designated use;
  • a copy of the lease or proof that you are the owner of the establishment (notarial deed);
  • in case of an application for a members’ club license, a list of all members, including their names and addresses, and a copy of the regulations and articles of formation;
  • in case of an application for a legal entity (such as a corporation, limited liability company, foundation or cooperative association), proof of registration with the Chamber of Commerce of Aruba, and certificates of good conduct of all members of the management (not older than three (3) months); and
  • a copy of your driver’s license, passport or ID. If applicable, copies of each member of the management.

Contact Directorate of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ)

Departamento di Legislacion y Asunto Huridico (DJWZ)

Schotlandstraat 53
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 527 5100
Website: www.overheid.aw
E-mail: [email protected]

Food handlers’ license

Food handlers offal under the Contagious Diseases Division of the Directorate of Public Health of Aruba. This Division is in charge of testing all people who work with food and beverages.

Testing

Each year, people who work with food and beverages have to present themselves at the Directorate of Public Health, Contagious Diseases Division, to undergo a test. This Division checks for diseases (via feces) and tuberculosis.

Test results will determine whether this person can continue working with food and beverages and can be issued a health certificate (officially known as the green card), because he or she is free from salmonella, shigella, campylobacter of tuberculosis.

If one of these tests turns out positive, this person is not allowed to work. This person has to either visit his or her doctor or specialist for treatment.

The nurses at the Contagious Diseases Division have to visit the person’s family or those who have had direct contact with the person concerned. The person needs treatment from the doctor or specialist.
After treatment, he or she needs to repeat the test. If the test turns out negative, he or she will obtain his or her health certificate. This is the only way for the person to continue work.

Salmonella, shigella, campylobacter

These diseases are transmitted by eating food contaminated with bacteria. This may happen, for example, when an infected person, after a toilet visit, does not properly wash his or her hands and then prepares food or drinks for another person. Symptoms of these diseases are diarrhea, vomit, pain or stomachache.

Tuberculosis

This disease is transmitted by coughing. It is transmitted when a person contaminated with the tuberculosis bacteria is sick and has mucus in his or her lungs. Symptoms of this disease are coughing up mucus, blood in the mucus, night sweats and weight loss for no apparent reason.

Requirements for obtaining a health certificate (officially known as the green card)

  • Appointment only online at: www.dvg.aw.
  • The health certificate is valid for one (1) year.
  • A valid ID or a driver’s license combined with an extract (AWG 5.00) from the population register.
  • You have to pay an amount of AWG 30.00 at the Directorate of Public Health (“DVG”); payment only online or swipe.
  • No picture is needed; the person must be physically present.
  • The test at the laboratory costs AWG 40.00 and must be paid at the laboratory.
  • The applicant has to undergo a thorax test every five (5) years.
  • 10 workdays after having delivered the stool (feces) at the laboratory, the person must pick up the health certificate in person.
  • The certificate of health is issued only on Fridays.
  • The health certificate has to be kept at the workplace in a visible place.

Contact Directorate of Public Health (DVG)

Departamento di Salud Publico
Departamento di Alimento y Higiena

Dr. Oduberstraat 1
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 522 4222
Website: www.dvg.aw
Email: [email protected]
Office hours

Importation of supplements, medications and chemical products for commercial use

Importation of supplements for commercial use

To import supplements for commercial use, you must submit the necessary documents to the Inspectorate of Public Health (“IVA”), Medication Division.

You have to follow the same procedure as described above for all supplements sold in pet shops, sex shops and vitamin shops.

The following documents must be submitted:
  • a written application containing the name, brand and ingredients of the supplements;
  • pharmacological information of the supplement with dosage information;
  • a sample of the original packaging as presented in the store and also the artwork of the product you want to bring on the market;
  • in a folder: the label on an A-4 white paper, the packaging of the supplement and also a description of the supplement enclosed in the packaging;
  • proof that the supplement is subject to control by the authorities of the country of origin (Certificate of Free Sale);
  • an original certificate of analysis (the composition of quantity and quality of the product); and
  • an original copy of the health certificate issued by the Inspectorate of Public Health.

If you are submitting the application for the first time, you have to include the following additional documents:

  • a copy of registration of your business with the Chamber of Commerce;
  • an extract from the population register of the director or the owner;
  • a copy of a valid ID (passport, driver’s license).

If you are not born in Aruba, you have to submit the following additional documents:

  • your original work and residence permit;
  • a copy of registration of your business with the Chamber of Commerce;
  • an extract from the population register (AWG 5.00) of the owner;
  • a valid copy of the passport of the applicant.

Medications can be sold as follows:
Free Sale: they can be sold without a doctor’s prescription
Pharmacy Only: they can only be sold at the pharmacy
Prescription Only: they can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription

To import medications, you are required to submit your application through the Bureau of Internal Services (“BID”), which will send this application to the office of the Minister of Health, who in turn will send it to the Inspectorate of Public Health of Aruba (IVA) for advice. You have to submit the aforementioned documents before the IVA will issue advice to the relevant Minister, and the DWJZ will issue the permit.

After receiving the permit to import medication, the medication you wish to import must be assessed and registered by a commission before being entered in the medication register. The Directorate of Public Health is responsible for the medication register. You have to pay the sum of AWG 500.00 for each type of medication you want to register.

The registration of medication is valid for five (5) years. For a new registration, you have to pay the sum of AWG 250.00.

Importation of chemical products for commercial use

To import chemical products for commercial use, you have to submit an application six (6) months in advance, including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which is available for the manufacturer of the product or chemical at the Inspectorate of Public Health (IVA). This sheet describes the content of the product. If you submit the application together with all the documents required, the process to obtain a permit to import a chemical product could take 1 or 2 weeks. For each chemical product, you have to submit a separate application.

Acetone

The Aruba Police Force (“KPA”) will investigate each application to import acetone. It will seek information via Interpol to screen the interested party and the business. Also, the place of establishment has to be suitable for the process and product storage. Afterward, the Aruba Police Force (KPA) will send an investigation report to the Attorney General. This process will take at least six (6) months.

Contact Inspectorate of Public Health Aruba (IVA)

Inspectie Volksgezondheid Aruba (IVA)
Schotlandstraat 45
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 526 2171 | 526 2160
Website: www.iva.aw
E-mail: [email protected]
Office hours

Requirements for opening a pharmacy

To open a pharmacy, you have to meet the following requirements:

  • you need a contract with the AZV;
  • you must employ at least one (1) pharmacist and three (3) pharmacy technicians;
  • the pharmacist must have a degree from the Netherlands, Europe or the United States of America (USA), and a pharmacy technician from Aruba. The degree of the USA has to be equivalent to the one of the Netherlands. A commission consisting of three (3) pharmacists will approve this. With the introduction of “AruBIG” (Individual Healthcare Professions Register of Aruba), the Directorate of Public Health will authorize the degree;
  • you will have to submit a floor plan;
  • the place of the establishment will be inspected various times: physically and through documents;
  • the application must be directed to the Minister of Health and delivered at the Bureau of Internal Services (BID) in Wayaca. It will forward this to the Inspectorate of Public Health Aruba (IVA);
  • the IVA will assess whether you comply with the requirements to open a pharmacy.

The following national ordinances contain information about the importation of medicines, opening a pharmacy and the importation of chemical products:

Contact Inspectorate of Public Health Aruba (IVA)

Inspectie Volksgezondheid Aruba
Afdeling Geneesmiddelen

Schotlandstraat 45
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 526 2171 | 526 2160
Website: www.iva.aw
E-mail: [email protected]
Orario di trabou

Street vendor license

Street vendor licenses are for salespeople who sell on or next to a public road.

Street vendor license types:

Street vendor license as a profession (you are not allowed to have any other income)

  • The license is valid for one (1) year.
  • You need approval from the Minister for the spot/parcel.
  • Limited to two (2) places.
  • Application: the Minister of General Affairs will send the application to the Aruba Police Force (KPA) for advice.

2. Street vendor license for a specified period of time or a specific event, for example:

  • Carnival, sale of t-shirts during March 18, World Series, etc.
  • One (1) day: sale of roses next to the road on Valentine’s Day, etc.
  • Application: Aruba Police Force (KPA).

Requirements for a street vendor license

  • Application letter to the Minister of General Affairs. 
  • The District Police will handle this application.
  • Extract from the population register (AWG 5.00).
  • Copy of a valid ID or passport.
  • Stamp of AWG 4.00 (you can buy this at the Post Office).
  • Certificate of good health (issued by DVG).
  • Certificate of good conduct.
  • Proof of payment of the “precario” costs for the street vendor spot (DIP).
  • Picture of the truck or stand. The vehicle/stand must be movable and may not stay on the sport when it is not being used.
  • The DTI and the Fire Department have to give approval with a view to fire safety.
  • An extract issued by the Chamber of Commerce.
  • The deed granting the leasehold of the parcel of land.
  • If it concerns leasehold land, you need the permission of the DIP.
  • If it concerns property land, you need the permission (letter) of the landlord. 

Costs involved

  • A total of AWG 507.50 per year.
  • Payment at the Aruba Police Force (KPA) is possible by swipe or via the Aruba Bank (with proof of payment).
  • You have to renew your license every year.
  • You have to apply for a new one three months before your license expires.
  • As a street vendor (profession type 1), you have to move from one place to another. The license is valid for 2 hours or a maximum of 3 hours at each point of sale.
  • You have to submit the application to the police station in the district where you are a street vendor. If it concerns more than one location, the police of the other location will give advice.

Event license

Licenses for all kinds of events on the road or on public land, for instance: concert, walking march, public parties, sports activities, camping and beach wedding.

  • The application should be submitted to the Aruba Police Force (KPA).
  • The application form is available at the Aruba Police Force (KPA).
  • Copy ID of the applicant.
  • Stamp of AWG 4.00 (available at the Post Office).
  • The application should be submitted 12 workdays before the date of the event.
  • The costs depend on the type of event has and have to be paid for by the organizer.
  • There are additional costs for public toilets, tents, chairs, tables, generators, etc.

After the submission of all the aforementioned documents, the licensing process will start. You will receive a call to pick up the decision regarding the license as soon as this is ready. You will have to visit the police station to pick up your license with this document.

Nursing home license

Nursing home: care for four (4) or more persons; providing shelter, guidance, treatment or nursing.

The Minister of Public Health will grant this license after having received:

  • an application form, which can be obtained at the DVG, Elderly Care Division (“DOZ”);
  • an extract from the population register (AWG 5.00);
  • a copy of the articles of association;
  • a drawing, description of the location and layout of the parcel on a scale of 1:100 (drawing of each space and its purpose);
  • a copy of the fire and liability insurance; and
  • a policy plan (describing the activities; it must be adjusted every four years (Art. 14, paragraph 1).

The DVG will forward the application to the Elderly Care Division (DOZ) for the following:

  • fire safety certificate (adequately insured)/Fire Department;
  • a certificate of the hygienic condition of the parcel, DVG, Food and Hygiene Inspection Division (“DWKH”) (this is the Division responsible for healthcare); and
  • certificate of inspection of electricity, gas, and safety of the parcel (nursing home), Department of Technical Inspection Services (DTI).

People who are employed must submit:

  • a certificate of good conduct (judicial document) (<2 months);
  • a health certificate (<1 month) for personnel handling food;
  • an extract from the population register (<3 months); and
  • a copy of a valid identification document.

Contact Directorate of Public Health (DVG)

Servicio Cuido di nos Grandinan

Dr. Oduberstraat 2
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 522 4345
Website: www.dvg.aw
Email: [email protected]
Orario di trabou

Watersports license

The Directorate of Shipping of Aruba (“DSA”) is responsible for this license.

Documents to be submitted when applying for a watersports license based on Art. 18 National Ordinance on Public Waters and Beaches:

  • Application on stamped paper.
  • The application must specifically mention the activities and area where the activities will take place and/or the desired location. It will be sent to the DIP for advice.
  • A completely and truthfully completed information document (available at the DSA).
  • Copy of registration with the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Copy ID legal representative.
  • Copy of boating license.
  • Copy of sailing permit.

After approval of the Minister of Public Transportation, but before issue of the license:
A copy of the required liability insurance (in accordance with Art. 19 National Ordinance on Public Waters and Beaches), which includes damage to the company and the passengers covered by an insurance company.

Contact Directorate of Shipping Aruba (DSA)

Directie Scheepvaart Aruba (DSA)
Italiestraat 20, segundo piso (ariba di Andina Ice)
Telephone: +297 583 5192

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