A total of 639 new business permits will be issued in the first three quarters of 2025.

ORANJESTAD – The Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) reports that a total of 639 new business permits were granted during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting continued growth in Aruba’s entrepreneurial activity and a more efficient permitting process.

Between June and September 2025, DEACI received 872 applications for various types of business permits. Of these, 382 applications were processed and approved, 367 are in process, and 123 could not be processed due to missing documentation or payment.

Among the approved permits, 237 were for new businesses. These included:

  • 22 sole proprietorships
  • 46 branch offices
  • 166 VBA (limited liability companies)
  • 3 NV (public limited companies)

The most common business sectors among new permits were real estate, small clothing boutiques, construction companies, and hair and beauty salons.

From January to September 2025, the breakdown of new business permits by quarter is as follows:

  • Q1: 201 new permits
  • Q2: 201 new permits
  • Q3: 237 new permits

Since the introduction of the new Vestigingsbeleid (Business Establishment Policy) in October 2022, the business permit process has become significantly more efficient. The reforms reduced unnecessary requirements, introduced digitalization of the entire application system, and stimulated economic activity, particularly in the city centers of Oranjestad and San Nicolas. The policy aims to ensure that business permits are issued within two weeks.

Entrepreneurs who want to start a business or change an existing business permit are encouraged to apply online through the DEACI portal.

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever expressed his appreciation to the DEACI team making sure that business permits are provided promptly and effectively and for continuously gathering all information regarding the business permit procedure.