259 New Business Permits Granted in Q3 2026, Up 9% from Same Period in 2025
ORANJESTAD — The Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector reports that during the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, a total of 259 permits were granted for the establishment of new businesses in Aruba.
This represents an increase of 22 permits compared to the 237 granted in Q3 2025—a growth of approximately 9%. The 259 new permits issued across July, August, and September also mark the highest quarterly total recorded when compared to all four quarters of 2025, confirming sustained entrepreneurial confidence and commercial initiative in Aruba's economy.
Quarterly Breakdown & Application Processing
To open a business or modify an existing business permit, applicants must submit a request under the Vestigingsverordening Bedrijven (Business Licensing Ordinance). During Q3 2026, the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) received 579 requests of various types. Of these:
- 156 were fully processed’
- 275 remain in process’
- 148 could not be processed due to missing documentation or proof of payment.
Additionally, 494 ministerial decrees regarding establishment permits were signed during the quarter. This figure encompasses both new applications received between July and September and previously submitted applications that reached final approval.
Key Figures & Business Types
Of the 259 new business permits granted:
- 192 were awarded to Limited Liability Companies (VBA);
- 53 to branch offices;
- 13 to sole proprietorships;
- 1 to a Public Limited Company (NV).
Monthly distributions included 106 permits in July, 64 in August, and 89 in September.
The top commercial sectors represented among new businesses include real estate, holding company, construction, technical installation (electricity and plumbing), food retail, clothing and building materials (including e-commerce), and personal care services (beauty, massage, and hairdressing). This diverse composition highlights balanced growth across multiple segments of the local economy.
Quarter-over-Quarter Surge
The third-quarter results are particularly notable compared to Q2 2026, during which 104 new business permits were issued. The jump to 259 permits in Q3 represents a quarter-over-quarter surge of 155 permits, or approximately 149%.
Across the first six months of 2026, 242 permits were issued. Combined with Q3's 259 permits, the total for the first nine months of 2026 reaches 501 new business permits.
Since October 2022, a modernized business licensing policy has streamlined the permit process by eliminating redundant requirements, digitizing application workflows, and facilitating commercial enterprise.
Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever. extended his appreciation to the team at the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) for their dedication in administering the Vestigingsverordening Bedrijven efficiently. The government remains committed to refining administrative processes, removing unnecessary barriers, and fostering a business-friendly environment that stimulates trade and investment.
