Aruba’s digital nomad visa program, called “One Happy Workation” was launched in 2020. This program allows US citizens (remote workers, digital nomads and freelancers) to live and work remotely from Aruba for up to 90 days (3 months).
The One Happy Workation program does not allow US citizens to work for Aruban employers and clients, only foreign.
Aruba currently ranks 30th in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index of destinations for remote workers.
Aruba: Quick facts
How Can US Citizens Access the Program?
Citizens of the United States who want to be part of the “One Happy Workation” program in Aruba have two options—either be employed in a company in the US or be self-employed with a business registered in the US.
How to Apply for the Aruba Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the “One Happy Workation” program, you have to fill out the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card online. You should specify “One Happy Workation” as the purpose of your visit.
This card is mandatory for travel to Aruba, so everyone traveling there should complete and obtain approval for the ED card before their trip.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the Aruba Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the digital nomad visa, you will need to present the documents listed below:
- You should have a passport that has validity for the entire stay in Aruba.
- Two passport-size photographs. You should submit two recently taken photos of yourself in passport-size format.
- A return flight ticket. You need to present a return ticket as proof that you will go back to your home country. The ticket has to show the date you plan on leaving Aruba.
- Proof of accommodation. You need to show that you have a place to stay by presenting a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement.
- Financial status. You need to prove that you have enough money to cover the expenses of your stay in Aruba. As such, you must have at least $5000.
- Health insurance. You may need to have travel health insurance or international health insurance for digital nomads, depending on how long you will stay in Aruba.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you come from a country with a high risk for yellow fever transmission, you need to be vaccinated at least 10 days before your travel to Aruba.
How Much Should I Pay for the Aruba Digital Nomad Visa?
Until recently, the country did not implement a fee for US nationals and a number of other countries. However, starting from July 1, 2024 all travelers arriving by air will be required to pay an amount of $20 fee.
*You only have to pay this fee once for the entire year. This means that if you travel to Aruba more than once during a year, you won’t have to pay again.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Aruba?
Digital nomads living in Aruba don’t have to pay any income taxes because they are not considered residents during their stay.
On the other hand, long-term residents do pay taxes. They pay a personal income tax rate which is collected from different sources of income, like labor, pensions, interest, and dividends. See the table below.
| Tax rates in Aruba | |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 52% |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 25% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 3% |
Living Costs for Digital Nomads in Aruba
Living costs in Aruba are largely on par with average costs in many Western countries, including the US. A single person in Aruba can live comfortably with about $2,000/month (including rent), but this naturally depends on your preferred lifestyle, location, and type of accommodation you rent.
See the examples below to have a general idea of living costs in Aruba.
| Accommodation (Rent): | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From $600 to $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From $500 to $665 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From $1,111 to $1,665 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From $950 to $1,340 |
| Groceries | |
| Milk | $1.76 |
| Rice | $3.54 |
| Eggs | $4.29 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.04 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2.75 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.70 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.62 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 apartment) | From $140 to $300 |
| Transportation | |
| Local transport | $1.67 – $3.00 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.77 – $6.00 |
| Gasoline (1l) | $1.24 – $1.66 |
Best Places for Digital Nomads in Aruba
Best places that digital nomads will love in Aruba are:
- Eagle Beach – perfect for nomads who love urban environments, soft sand, and turquoise waters. Eagle Beach also has numerous resorts and co-working places.
- San Nicolas – for nomads who want to live a more laid-back lifestyle. The Baby Beach area has clear water so that you can take a swim anytime you want to relax from all the work you do all day.
- Savaneta – a great place for nomads who love art and history. This place is known for its art galleries, cafes and restaurants.
- Noord – for nomads who enjoy luxurious things. The Palm Beach area of Noors is famous for its high-end resorts and designer stores.
- Malmok – for nomads who want to work in a quiet place and still be close to the beach. The only downside of Malmok is that there are fewer shops and restaurants than in other areas of Aruba.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get the Aruba Digital Nomad Visa?
There isn’t a specific processing time for the Aruba digital nomad visa since this can vary depending on where you’re applying from. However, it typically can range from 15 days to more.
Can I Stay Longer Than 3 Months Under the One Happy Workation Program?
No, the One Happy Workation program allows you to stay in Aruba for 90 days (3 months) only. However, the duration of your stay depends on the availability of hotels or rentals for the dates you choose before traveling to Aruba.
Can I Take My Pet With Me?
Typically, you can bring your pets (cat or dog) with you to Aruba while you are part of the “One Happy Workation” program. However, there are some specific entry requirements that apply in such situations and you should also check to see if your place of accommodation welcomes pets.