402 new business permits issued in the first 6 months of 2025.

Of the 634 applications received, DEACI processed 245 permits and granted them correspondingly. There are 234 applications in process, and DEACI did not process 155 applications due to missing documents and/or payment.

Of the 634 applications received and the permits granted, 201 were for new business permits issued between May and June 2025. 

The breakdown of the 201 new permits is as follows:

• 27 for a sole proprietorship;
• 30 for a branch;
• 139 for a VBA (Limited liability companies);
• 3 for a corporation (NV);

2 for a partner in a general partnership (VOF).

The commercial activities for which more new permits were issued are real estate activities, holding companies, construction companies, restaurants and other hospitality establishments, and hair and beauty salons. A total of 402 new business permits were issued in the first six months of 2025.

To open a business or amend a business permit as required by law, you must apply to the website of the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce, and Industry (DEACI). This permit is issued under the responsibility of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Since the implementation of the new business license policy, efforts have been made to accelerate the issuing of permits by eliminating various requirements, digitizing the entire permit application system, and stimulating multiple economic sectors, including investment in downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas. The goal of the new business policy is also to issue permits within two weeks.

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever thanks DEACI for ensuring that business permits are issued efficiently and promptly, and for continuously collecting all information related to the business permitting process.