The Insider's Guide to Buying Property in Aruba
Welcome to the 7th Heaven Properties guide to buying property in Aruba, your essential companion for navigating the enchanting appeal of the “One Happy Island”.
Known for its world-class beaches, adventure-filled lifestyle and welcoming culture, Aruba offers a varied property market with everything from affordable condos by the beach to lavish luxury villas.
Discover the beauty of this island in the sun-soaked southern Caribbean, find out why property buyers are investing in real estate in Aruba and delve into the real estate market with a showcase of property listings and blog posts highlighting the Aruba’s unique qualities and advantages.
From the ins and outs of buying property in Aruba to an essential overview of relevant taxes, this is your ultimate go-to resource.
Overview - The Aruba Real Estate Market
Aruba: The Happy Island Beckoning Homebuyers
Aruba, known as the “One Happy Island,” is an idyllic gem in the southern Caribbean Sea. This captivating oasis, boasting powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and mesmerizing landscapes, presents a magnificent setting for those seeking their dream home in the Caribbean.
Wind-Kissed Shores and Thrilling Aquatic Adventures
Aruba’s world-class beaches, such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, are not only visually stunning but also provide an extraordinary playground for water sports enthusiasts. The island’s renowned trade winds make it a windsurfing and kite surfing haven, attracting visitors and residents alike to indulge in adrenaline-fueled activities in its azure waters.
A Flourishing Tourism Sector and Vibrant Lifestyle
Aruba’s thriving tourism industry and strong economy contribute to a high standard of living for its residents. Homebuyers are drawn to the island’s friendly, multicultural society, rich culinary scene, and diverse cultural events. The island’s Dutch influence is evident in its colorful architecture, adding a unique charm to Aruba’s vibrant streets.
Aruba’s Real Estate Market: A World of Possibilities
The real estate market in Aruba is teeming with opportunities for property buyers. From modestly priced apartments in resorts by the beach to luxurious villas alongside the golf course, the island offers a diverse range of real estate options. With no restrictions on foreign ownership, Aruba’s property market is accessible and welcoming to international buyers.
Popular areas for property investment include the Eagle Beach area, the Palm Beach strip, the upscale residential neighborhoods of Malmok and Tierra del Sol, and the tranquil surroundings of Savaneta. Each location offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Aruban charm and modern amenities, catering to varying tastes and preferences.
Caribbean Golf Paradise: Tee Off in Style
Aruba is home to several acclaimed golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise in the Caribbean. The island’s championship courses, such as Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club and The Links at Divi Aruba, offer lush greens, breathtaking views, and challenging play for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
Experience Aruba’s Unique Blend of Heritage and Contemporary Culture
Aruba’s rich cultural heritage, with influences from across the globe, creates an eclectic and fascinating blend. The island’s calendar is filled with vibrant celebrations, such as the annual Aruba Carnival, kitesurfing and windsurfing tournaments and music festivals, where residents and visitors immerse themselves in sport, music, and dance.
A Connected Island: Easy Access and Modern Infrastructure
Aruba’s strategic location, just off the coast of South America, makes it easily accessible via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Europe, and South America. The island’s well-developed infrastructure, including modern healthcare facilities, international schools, and reliable telecommunications, adds to its appeal for property buyers seeking a seamless transition to island life.
In summary, Aruba is an irresistible destination that attracts property buyers with its diverse real estate market, stunning natural beauty, high standard of living and wide range of activities, inviting those seeking a piece of paradise to call their own.
“Aruba is an irresistible destination that attracts property buyers with its diverse real estate market, stunning natural beauty, high standard of living and wide range of activities”
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
- Can foreigners buy property in Aruba?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Aruba and the Government of Aruba welcomes investment from overseas buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Aruba and the buying process for foreign buyers is the same as Aruban citizens. Foreigners can buy property on either freehold property land or on lease land which is owned by the government. In the case of lease land, a lessee is required to pay an annual fee for lease rights.
- Buying process
Buying property in Aruba is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Begin your property search.
- Find your perfect property and make an offer.
- Once a Sale / Purchase Agreement has been agreed and signed, you will need to pay a 10% deposit to a Notary.
- The Notary will normally contact you again within 6 weeks to sign the deed and make the final payment.
- Pay all required taxes.
- Fees & taxes
Notary Fees
Notary fees amount to 2% of the purchase price.
Transfer Tax
Upon completion, there is a one-time Transfer Tax of up to 6% of the purchase price depending on the value of the property.
Property Tax
There is also an annual property tax of 0.4% and land tax of US $0.85 per sq m or US $0.08 per square foot.
Latest Real Estate Listings in Aruba
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Residency & Citizenship
- How long can a foreign citizen stay in Aruba?
Citizens of the USA, Canada, EU and many South American nations may visit Aruba for up to 3 months without a visa.
- How do you become a resident of Aruba?
Non-citizens wishing to live in Aruba are required to apply for a Residence Permit. In the case of retirees aged 55 and over, the permit does not allow the applicant to work in Aruba so applicants must be able to demonstrate a guaranteed income from an annuity with an annual yield of at least the equivalent of Afl 50,000. Residence permits are issued for a period of 1 year and can be renewed thereafter. Citizens of the Netherlands, Curacao, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba may apply for a declaration exempting them from the requirement for a permit.
Individuals who have legally resided in Aruba with a temporary residence permit for at least 120 months may apply for a permanent residence permit which is valid for an indefinite period.
- How do you become a citizen of Aruba?
Individuals aged over 18 who have been a permanent resident in Aruba for 5 years and have a good understanding of Dutch may apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Find out more: DIMAS
Mortgages in Aruba
Looking for financing to fund the purchase of property in the Caribbean?
Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in Aruba real estate to apply for a mortgage.
Our partner – a very well respected international financial organization – offers mortgages for qualifying non-residents buying, building or improving a second home in Aruba.
For more information, see our page on: Caribbean mortgages.
How to Get There
There are numerous direct flights to Aruba from the USA, Canada and Europe. International flights arrive at Reina Beatrix International Airport which is located in Oranjestad on the western coast of the island and has recently benefited from a complete renovation as part of the island’s $1 billion island revitalization program.
There are direct flights to Aruba from North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
From North America you can fly to Aruba from various cities in the USA and Canada. There are over 100 non-stop flights from the USA to Aruba each week.
Airolineas MAS, Aserca Airlines, COPA Airlines, Insel Air, the Dutch Antilles Express and Tiara Air Aruba also operate flights from the Caribbean and South America.
From Europe, fly to to Aruba via Amsterdam. Alternatively, fly to Bonaire or Curacao and take a connecting flight to Aruba.
- Amsterdam to Aruba 11h 40m
- Toronto to Aruba 7h 55m
- New York to Aruba 4h 50m
- Miami to Aruba 2h 55m
- Bonaire to Aruba 45m
- Curacao to Aruba 25m
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