Applying For A Digital Nomad Visa In Aruba And Its Advantages

Sometimes when we finish our work day, we want to relax and enjoy the beach. Aruba will not only allow you to work in beautiful places but also give you the opportunity to relax as you most enjoy after a long day. As a tourist country, Aruba’s economy mainly revolves around tourism, attracting many foreigners. Being in a tourist country will guarantee you do not have a dull time as a digital nomad in Aruba.

Aruba is known as the "happiest island on earth," and more than 90 distinct ethnic groups and ethnicities are represented in this 120,000-person country. Despite maintaining Dutch autonomy, Arubans still choose to embrace the native culture of their homeland. While visiting the country, your safety won’t be a problem since Aruba has a low crime rate.

Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba opens up a world of opportunities for travelers and people seeking unique experiences while working remotely. This Caribbean paradise is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and the visa program offers several advantages to those looking to make the most of their remote work lifestyle.

Aruba's Digital Nomad Visa program welcomes individuals from various countries, allowing them to work and live in this tropical haven. Unlike traditional vacationers who frequent hotels and resorts, digital nomads have the freedom to explore Aruba at their own pace and create their own unique experiences.

Aerial from kite surfing on Aruba island

What is the Life of a Digital Nomad Like? 

A digital nomad is a person who travels frequently and uses technology to conduct business remotely from locations other than their country of residence. They travel extensively and enjoy many cultures and social interactions. Working remotely and constantly travelling make up the digital nomad lifestyle. 

Living a digital nomad lifestyle is lovely because you can make it a unique experience. It brings with it a great deal of freedom. You have a say in where you live, how often you work, and how you spend your days. Before you can have this freedom, a digital nomad visa is required. A digital nomad visa is a permit or arrangement that gives individuals permission to live and work inside the borders of another country for a set amount of time. Usually, digital nomad visas will give you at least a 6-month stay.

Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency.

Digital Nomad Visa IN Aruba 

In response to the rise of digital nomads and remote workers who prefer the beauty of the outdoors to the monotony of the office setting, Aruba is now accepting visitors to work remotely from its coastlines. The country's new short-stay visa program allows visitors to stay for a maximum of three months. This is a fantastic chance for individuals to stay longer and work on the area's white sand beaches.

The time it takes to process a digital nomad visa in Aruba varies depending on the country where the application is submitted. The digital nomad visa fees can also vary depending on the country of application. Some nations, such as the USA, will not be required to pay visa fees. 

A personal income tax rate is imposed on tax residents of Aruba and levied from various income sources, including wages, pensions, interest, and dividends. As you are not regarded as a tax resident, since you only stay up to 90 days with a digital nomad visa in Aruba, you are not required to pay any taxes to Aruba.

I hope that in the future, Aruba allows digital nomads a chance to truly live there for a longer period of time.

Flag of Aruba against the Sky

How can I apply for a digital nomad visa in Aruba?

The application for the digital nomad Visa in Aruba is simple; I will briefly list the requirements for this process. 

The following documents are required to apply for a digital nomad visa for Aruba: 

• You need a valid passport;

• You must have two recent passport-size photos;

• A return ticket stating the date of your return from Aruba;

• You will require proof of accommodations, which can be a hotel reservation, lease, or rental agreement;

• Health Insurance. You may want to apply for foreign health insurance for digital nomads or travel health insurance, depending on the duration of your stay;

• You must prove that you will have sufficient income to cover your expenses during your stay;

• Yellow fever immunization certificate, you should get the immunization a minimum of 10 days before your trip. 

Once you have all the documents, you need to schedule a physical appointment at the nearest Dutch embassy to apply for the digital nomad visa. Depending on the country of application, visa costs vary. Some nations will not be required to pay the visa cost. The waiting period for approval varies.

Related content: The Benefits Of A Digital Nomad Visa In Greece

Aruba Digital Nomad Visa for United States Citizens 

One Happy Workation, a program offered by Aruba to citizens of the United States, enables digital nomads to work remotely for 90 days. Remote employees, digital nomads, and freelancers can participate in the program introduced in 2020. 

To be eligible for the program, US citizens must either work for a company in their home country or be self-employed with a company that is registered there. To visit, they can apply online at the Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card website and choose "One Happy Workation." There are no fees, and processing is instantaneous. US citizens are also exempt from paying double taxes.

The advantages of working as a digital nomad in Aruba 

The first advantage as a digital nomad in Aruba is that you are not regarded as a tax resident during your stay and are exempt from paying any taxes in Aruba. You also have a fantastic work atmosphere as a digital nomad in Aruba, whether you're searching for a classy beachfront hotel or a handy and pleasant full-service timeshare complex. You will always be able to discover the ideal lodging in Aruba and enjoy great meals.

One of the key advantages of working remotely in Aruba is the chance to wake up to warm sun, gentle waves, and the caress of the Caribbean wind every day. Picture yourself under the shade of palm trees, your "office" right on the beach. This idyllic setting not only promotes relaxation but also inspires creativity and productivity.

Aruba offers a range of fun activities and things to do during your downtime. From water sports like windsurfing and diving to exploring the island's rich cultural heritage and vibrant local markets, there's always something exciting to discover. The island's diverse food options and delicious local products add to the overall experience.

For those seeking guidance or assistance during their stay, local agencies and guides are readily available to help digital nomads make the most of their Aruban vacation. Whether it's organizing an island tour, suggesting hidden gems, or providing logistical support, these services ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Keshi Yena, a portion of traditional food in Aruba - The island's diverse food options and delicious local products add to the overall experience.

Aruba has a very sophisticated culinary scene. It's a kaleidoscope of international cuisine with influences from over 90 different cultures and nations. You can find countless snack and snack bar establishments and a broad range of restaurants and cafés all over the island. Stomas, Pastechi, Keshi Yena, Sopis, and Pisca Hasa are some of Aruba's many traditional dishes that set it apart from other Caribbean islands. 

Aruba has a slightly lower overall cost of living than the USA. Supermarket shopping will be very similar to what you spend in the USA and restaurants. You can expect to pay half the rent costs in the USA, which brings your total cost of living down by a reasonable amount.

While digital nomads enjoy the freedom of working remotely from various corners of the globe, Aruba's Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent balance of work and play. It allows individuals to tap into the benefits of both a vacation and a productive workspace, fostering a lifestyle that blends relaxation, fun, and the thrill of new experiences.

Related content: Living Abroad With A Digital Nomad Visa In Malta

Magnificent flamingos on Flamingo beach, Aruba

CONCLUSION 

Aruba is an ideal place to live as a digital nomad, even though Aruba's digital nomad visa program could be improved as it is not one of the best ones out there. You can find a variety of entertaining activities to engage in once your workday on the laptop is over. The island has many attractions to explore and unique activities to enjoy, such as snorkelling to see the fish and corals, taking a Segway tour, visiting the museum, and many others. 

The digital nomad visa in Aruba allows you to be a tourist while working for a meagre three months without being charged extra taxes. You can live safely on a paradisiacal Caribbean island, enjoying various cultures and lifestyles. The best part is that the requirements are much simpler than other digital nomad visas. Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba is an enticing proposition for remote workers and travellers seeking a change of scenery. With its stunning sun, water, waves, and wind, along with a range of activities, Aruba provides the ideal backdrop for a unique blend of work and relaxation. So, why not consider the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba as your next remote work adventure? Don't hesitate to contact us if you wish to stay longer in Aruba and become a resident.