Choose your business location

The “ROPV” (“Ruimtelijk Ontwikkelingsplan met Voorschriften”/Spatial Development Plan with Regulations) determines the location of your business. The decision of where you want to establish your business is very strategic and important.

Contentso


Find the best place to do business

Find out about the parcels of public land available for doing business by visiting the following website: www.dip.aw.


Information about the permit for a commercial building

Tur persona cu ta desea di construi un edificio comercial, mester haci un peticion pa un permiso di construccion (‘Bouwvergunning’) segun e ‘Bouw- en Woningverordening’.

‘Bouwvergunning’ ta un permiso cu e minister encarga cu obra publico ta otorga pa traha of adapta un construccion (cas of edificio), conforme e ‘Bouw- en woningverordening, Bouw- en woningbesluit, ROP/ROPV, erfpachtsvoorwaarden’ y e condicionnan cu ta para den e permiso di construccion.

Ta haci un peticion pa traha un construccion pa medio di un formulario (‘Bouwaanvraagformulier’) cu ta disponibel na e seccion ‘Toezicht’ di Departamento di Obra Publico di ‘Dienst Openbare Werken’ (DOW).

According to the Building and Housing Ordinance, anyone who wants to build a commercial building must apply for a building permit and comply with the building regulations.

The Government grants this permit to build, renovate and/or rebuild according to the conditions mentioned in the building permit.

You can apply for the building permit by completing a Building Permit Application Form available at the Department of Public Works (“DOW”).

At different stages of construction, the DOW will assess the following:

  • Building line
    After having marked the project on the parcel of land, you have to notify the DOW by submitting a white card. The DOW will assess the marking.
  • Foundation
    After receiving approval of the layout, excavation can begin, and iron bars can be installed in the foundation. At this stage, there is also an assessment by the DOW.
  • Ring beam
    When you reach the ring beam, you have to inform the DOW for an assessment at this stage.
  • Construction of more floors
    If a building has more than one floor, you have to inform the DOW beforehand to assess the iron bars and the ring beam.

Requirements for building a commercial building

  • The parcel of land must be property land or commercial leasehold land.
  • The designated use should be in accordance with the ROP/ROPV and the leasehold agreement of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Planning (“DIP”) (if applicable).
  • The parcel of land should face a road, as approved by the DOW.
  • The parcel of land must have parking lots and must comply with the parking regulations of the DOW.
  • In addition to the building regulations, locations that need a permit (as referred to in Articles 10-18 of the Licensing Ordinance), such as a hotel, coffee house, club, wholesaler, beerhouse, lodging, restaurant or ice cream parlor, will need to comply with the licensing regulations as laid down in the Licensing Decree. It is advisable to request information and to apply for the necessary permits at the Directorate of Legislation and Legal Affairs (“DWJZ”) before the construction phase.
  • The Fire Department has to approve the use of alternative or new construction materials. It is advisable to confirm with the DOW if the construction materials can be used for the purpose of construction before importing them.

The following documents are generally required to obtain a building permit for a commercial building

  • An architectural drawing of the commercial building (4 copies).
  • A site plan (4 copies).
  • Construction drawings and calculations (2 copies).
  • A notarial deed or a ministerial order (1 copy).
  • A valid identification document (1 copy).
  • A completed building permit application of the DOW (the owner of the land or the person authorized should apply for the building permit) .
  • A completed form of the Department of Technical Inspections (“DTI”).
  • An amount of AWG 200.00.

The procedure for obtaining a building permit for a commercial building is as follows

  • • After completing the application form, you will receive proof of submission with the number of the building permit application.
  • • The application will be sent to the building esthetics committee.
  • • Next, the application will be forwarded to the DOW for further processing and, if necessary, also to other departments (for example, the Fire Department).
  • • The application process will take more or less eight (8) weeks for a commercial building. It will take more time if there are changes to the construction plan.

Costs for obtaining a permit

When submitting the application, you must pay a fee of AWG 200.00. To receive the permit (receipt), you must pay the remaining balance, if applicable.

Permits for construction or maintenance works

To carry out construction or maintenance works, you need a construction renewal permit. You can apply for this permit through the websiteof the DOW:

  • The applicant can be a natural person or a company (legal entity).
  • A completed registration form is required. Based on the type of project, you have to choose between housing, commercial or other.
  • To complete and submit this form you also need:
  • a recent extract of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
  • the tax registration number of the company, which can be applied for at the Tax Department (“DIMP”);
  • a copy of the building permit;
  • a list of employees and/or the ones working on the project;
  • a copy of the identification document of each person.

Parking regulations

Function: offices
Offices without counter services max. 3 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Offices with counter services max. 3 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Function: retail stores
City stores and hypermarkets 6 – 10 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Neighborhood and convenience stores 3.6 – 3.8 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Garden stores 2 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Function: Building and public facilities
Education, school 0.72 ppl/job + 0.3 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Medical and social services 2.4 – 3.8 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Doctor’s office (family doctor, dentist, physiotherapy, etc.) 6 ppl/examination room
Nursing home 0.36 – 0.72 ppl/room
Hospital 0.85 – 1 ppl/bed
Library 1.44 – 1 ppl/bed
Bowling/golf course 2.88 ppl/job
Church 0.29 ppl/seat
Museum 1.44 – 2.16 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Movie theater 14 – 28 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Sporting venue 3.5 – 4.3 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Sports field 3.5 – 4.3 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Function: hotel, bar and restaurant
Coffee shop, bar, nightclub 6 – 8.6 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Hotel, motel 0.25 ppl/job + 0.85 ppl/room
Restaurant 10 – 15 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Function: industry, building and transportation
Car showroom 1.15 – 1.44 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Commercial building (strip mall) 1.44 – 4.32 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Auto repair shop, car service building 2.88 – 4.6 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Industry, building and transportation 1.6 – 4.3 ppl/100 m2GFA
Lab 1.44 – 4.32 ppl/100 m2 GFA
Warehouse 0.43 – 1 ppl/100 m2 GFA

Remarks:
Ppl: parking place
GFA: gross floor area (floor’s gross size in m2)

Note:
  • There are no requirements regarding parking in the vicinity of downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
  • It is not permitted to build a commercial building on a parcel of leasehold land. The DIP has parcels specifically designated to be used for commercial activities.

Please contact the DOW for more information about how to obtain a building permit or to renew a building permit.

Contact Dienst Openbare Werken (DOW)

Sabana Blanco 68
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 528 4700
Fax: +297 583 8003
Website: www.dow.aw
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
Ora di trabou

Read more


Information about the procedure for acquiring a parcel of commercial leasehold land

The Minister of Infrastructure is responsible for implementing the policy on the allocation of land for commercial and industrial projects. In Aruba, there are specific spaces reserved for commercial and industrial activities. To obtain the right to a parcel of land for commercial or industrial purposes, the applicant must follow a series of procedures to obtain an option on the parcel of land.

To learn more about the procedure for acquiring a parcel of commercial leasehold land, visitwww.dip.aw.


Some restrictions that apply to commercial leasehold land

Moratorium tourist accommodation

A moratorium on tourist accommodation has been in place since December 1, 2018: this is applicable to each building, design, parcel of land in or on which tourist accommodation for one or more overnight stays is offered in any way against payment.

Therefore, the construction and operation of tourist accommodation require specific permits granted by the Minister of Public Health and Tourism.

Hotel permit

The hotel permit grants the establishment the right to operate a hotel (10 or more rooms for overnight stay) and a restaurant that serves food and/or alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products. To apply for the hotel permit, please visit the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ)

Accommodation permit

The accommodation permit grants the right to accommodate guests in, for example, an apartment or bed and breakfast (4-9 rooms for overnight stay). It also includes the right to operate a restaurant, where non-alcoholic and/or alcoholic beverages, ice cream or similar products can be sold. The products can only be sold to guests of the accommodation. To apply for the accommodation permit, please visit the Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ)

All-inclusive permit

The all-inclusive permit grants the right to rent out accommodation as stated in the permit. As of July 1, 2016, a hotel and/or accommodation permit is required to obtain an all-inclusive permit. An all-inclusive permit falls under the responsibility of the Minister of Tourism (Article 19a, paragraph 1b, Licensing Ordinance). To apply for the hotel permit, please visit the DWJZ.

Beach policy

The Minister of Infrastructure regulates watersports and our beaches for commercial purposes. The general conditions of the “precario” (enjoyment of property) permit for watersports and the use of our beaches for commercial purposes are as follows.

The beach policy contains regulations for:

  • watersports in general;
  • the renting out of beach chairs and parasols;
  • the location to unload and rent a jet ski or another watercraft;
  • purchase spot (P-spot) without watersports activities.

For more information about the beach policy of the Government of Aruba, please click here or visit www.dip.aw.

Operation policy for watersports and the use of beaches
  • The permit holder is responsible for any other permits required when offering watersports activities on site.
  • The permit holder must have third-party liability insurance valid for the entire period that the permit is valid. The third-party liability insurance should cover both material and personal injury that may arise from the commercial activities to which permit applies.
  • The exploitation or execution of the activities must not cause nuisance and/or danger.
  • The permit is personal and non-transferable. It is forbidden to transfer, sell or rent out a “precario” permit to a third party in any way.
  • The DIP should be notified without delay if there is a change in management, regardless of whether it concerns a new manager, company director or operator.
  • The permit holder is responsible for the behavior and actions of its operators and/or employees. Should they not comply with the conditions stipulated, the permit holder is responsible for all the associated legal consequences.
  • The permit holder and his operators and/or employees must be of good conduct at all times.
  • The permit holder must keep the parcel in a good state.
  • Should any damage be caused to the public beach or environment as a result of the exploitation by or on behalf of the permit holder, its operators and/or employees, then the public beach or environment should be restored to its original condition. The restoration measures will be at the expense of the permit holder.
  • The permit holder must at all times take preventive measures against damage to the public beach or environment.
  • The parcel of public land to which a “precario” permit applies must maintain its original state. For instance, no construction of foundations nor any structure is allowed.
  • No promotional, advertising or other commercial materials and/or objects, including sandwich boards, beach flags and banners, may be placed inside or outside the parcel of land to which the “precario” permit applies.
  • Watersports equipment, including life jackets, watersports tubs, banana boats, kayaks and paddleboats that are not in use, should be stored neatly and orderly on the parcel of land to which the “precario” permit applies.
  • The beaches of Aruba are public and must remain accessible to the public at all times. It is prohibited to close the area.
  • A strip of at least 10 meters from the waterline must remain open on the beach.
  • Freedom of movement for pedestrians on the beach should not be hindered or be endangered.
Exceptional conditions for the use of the beach for watersports
  1. The supply of (watersports) materials for display on the parcel of public land to which the “precario” permit applies must take place via an open corridor or the open strip on the beach between the swimming areas.
  2. Watersports activities may take place between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
  3. It is not allowed to leave behind unused watersports equipment between 7:30 PM and 6:00 AM.
  4. The permit holder is obligated to remove the unused watersports materials from the beach before 7:00 PM. These must be stored neatly and orderly on the parcel of public land to which the “precario” permit applies.
Exceptional conditions for the use of beach chairs and parasols or other facilities providing shade
  1. The distribution and provision of beach chairs, parasols and other facilities providing shade must take place on the parcel of public land to which the “precario” permit applies.
  2. Beach chairs, parasols and other facilities providing shade can only be rented out between 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
  3. Only beach chairs, parasols and other facilities providing shade that are currently in use are permitted to remain on the beach.
  4. When not in use, beach chairs, parasols and other facilities providing shade should be folded neatly and stored in a designated cabin within the area.
  5. The beach chairs, parasols and other facilities providing shade must be of high quality, appropriate for a beach setting and free of advertising inscriptions and/or logos.
  6. The parasols offered may only have one or more upright covers. Party tents and other sorts of covers are prohibited.
  7. It must be possible to fold and fasten the parasols provided at all times.
  8. The supply of (watersports) materials for display on the parcel of public land to which the “precario” permit applies must take place via an open corridor or the open strip on the beach between the swimming areas.
  9. The permit allows for watersports activities between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
  10. It is not allowed to leave behind unused watersports equipment between the hours of 7:30 PM and 6:00 AM.
Exceptional conditions for jet skis (drop-off and pick-up)
  1. The designated location only serves as a drop-off and pick-up point for jet ski customers.
  2. The jet skis should remain in the sea during operational hours, which are between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
  3. It is prohibited to park a jet ski on the beach or to launch the jets ski from the beach.
  4. Beach equipment rentals, such as beach chairs and parasols, are not permitted on the premises.
  5. Watersports equipment, except life jackets, may not be placed or displayed. Life jackets should be neatly hung under the cabin.
Exceptional conditions solely for the sale of watersports activities / P-spot
  1. The purchase spot (P-spot) is only a point of sale for watersports activities. Watersports activities are not permitted at the P-spot.
  2. It is not permitted to provide watersports equipment, chairs or parasols at the P-spot.
  3. Watersports activities may only be sold between 7:00 AM and 6:30 PM.

Contact Directorate of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP)

Departamento di Infrastructura y Planificacion
Sabana Blanco 68
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 527 7100
Fax: +297 527 7164
Website: www.dip.aw
Email: [email protected]
Office hours

Agricultural land

As of March 2020, the DIP has begun to promote agricultural activities, such as cultivation supporting food security. The DIP has been doing this by increasing the allocation of agricultural parcels of land in accordance with the ROP and the ROPV.

Districts in Aruba with a high request for cultivation are Sta. Cruz, Savaneta and Noord. Despite the scarcity of available parcels, the DIP still plans to allocate land for cultivation in compliance with the ROP and ROPV.

An agripreneur, who is interested in an agricultural parcel of land must register with the DIP. The registration procedure is as follows:

  • fill out the registration form completely; it can be obtained at the DIP or via www.dip.aw;
  • make sure you have all the required documents;
  • the online payment amounts to AWG 35.00, and you have to provide proof of payment;
  • if you meet all registration requirements, the DIP will contact you to confirm the validation of your registration; and
  • you, as the applicant, are responsible for saving the proof of registration. Saving a hard copy is recommended.

Read more

Contact Directie Infrastructuur en Planning (DIP)

Departamento di Infrastructura y Planificacion
Sabana Blanco 68
Oranjestad
Telephone: +297 527 7100
Fax: +297 527 7164
Website: www.dip.aw
Email: [email protected]
Office hours

Scroll To Top