How to Retire in Aruba – The Ultimate Guide
Have you been thinking about retiring in the Caribbean? Is your heart set on Aruba – the “One Happy Island” in the southern Caribbean? We put together this guide for readers looking to retire in Aruba.
This guide covers all aspects of retiring on this warm and welcoming island, from how you can go about applying for residency on the island as a retiree or pensioner to how you can find homes for sale in Aruba and condos for sale in Aruba suitable for your retirement in the tropical sunshine.
Discover how to retire in Aruba in our guide
Contents
Can I Retire in Aruba?
Benefits – Why Retire in Aruba?
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Aruba?
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Aruba?
Find Out More About Retiring in Aruba
Can I Retire in Aruba?
Non-resident foreign tourists can stay in Aruba for up to 90 days (or 180 days in the case of citizens of the USA and the Netherlands).
Those looking to stay longer must apply to DIMAS (Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services of Aruba) for a residence permit.
Retired with Guaranteed Income
To qualify as “retired with guaranteed income”, applicants must be at least 55 years of age with:
- a guaranteed pension income, or
- a guaranteed gross income from an annuity with an annual yield of at least AFL 50,000, or
- interest from an investment fund with an annual yield of at least AFL 50,000.
This income must be from an authorized commercial bank located in one of the following countries:
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands,
- OECD member state/candidate
- UNASUR member state,
- CARICOM member state,
- A southern Mediterranean country with which the EU has an economic cooperation agreement or association agreement within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
Residence permits are typically issued for a period of 1 year and may then be extended.
Retired or Interest Rate Earner Without Guaranteed Income
To qualify as “retired or interest rate earner without guaranteed income”, applicants must be at least 18 years of age with:
- a demonstrable income of at least AFL 100,000 per year from an asset, a bank balance or investments,
- a demonstrable income of at least AFL 100,000 per year from leases from real estate investments in one of the following countries:
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands,
- OECD member state/candidate
- UNASUR member state,
- CARICOM member state.
Residence permits are issued for a period of 1 year and applicants must then re-apply.
Benefits – Why Retire in Aruba?
Aruba is an idyllic retirement destination.
Located in the southern Caribbean just 30 miles off the coast of South America (well outside the hurricane belt), the small island offers year-round warmth, beautiful white sand beaches studded with unique divi divi trees and a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages, from golf at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course to snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, English is widely spoken and Aruba is easily accessible from North America.
As a member country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island benefits from modern utilities and healthcare facilities.
How Much Does it Cost to Retire in Aruba?
While the standard of living in Aruba tends to be very high, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other islands in the Caribbean.
Buying Real Estate for Your Retirement & Applying for Residency
The Government of Aruba welcomes foreign investment and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers buying property on the island with a view to moving to Aruba.
In fact, foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as citizens, whether purchasing freehold property land or lease land which is owned by the government (and is a very common form of property ownership in Aruba).
A wide selection of property is available on the island from moderately priced condos by the beach to luxury homes for sale in Aruba overlooking the golf course.
To discover property for sale, browse Aruba real estate on our website.
For more detail on applying for residency and the purchase process, please see our guide to buying property in Aruba.
Where are the Best Places to Retire in Aruba?
Where are the best places to retire in Aruba? Well, that very much depends on your personal preferences.
For beach lovers looking for a condo close to the sea, the Eagle Beach and Palm Beach areas are very popular choices.
For those who prefer the privacy of a private home or villa – in particular golf lovers – be sure to take a look at prestigious Tierra del Sol in Malmok in the north of Aruba.
Buyers looking for a base in the island’s small capital, look no further than Oranjestad.
Find out More About Retiring in Aruba
Would you like to find out more about retiring in Aruba or perhaps you would you like to browse property for sale which would be suitable for your retirement?
We would be delighted to help. You can explore Aruba real estate on our website or contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist, to begin your property search and to discuss your options in more detail.