Work permits and visas in Aruba

Aruba, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attracts foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities. Navigating the immigration system is a crucial step for anyone planning to work on the island. This typically involves understanding visa requirements based on nationality and securing the necessary work authorization before commencing employment.

The process for obtaining permission to live and work in Aruba involves coordination between the prospective employee and the sponsoring employer. It requires careful preparation and submission of documentation to the relevant Aruban authorities, primarily the Directorate of Alien Affairs, Integration and Policy (DIMAS). Compliance with regulations is essential throughout the application process and the duration of stay and employment.

Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers

Entry requirements for Aruba depend on the applicant's nationality and the intended duration and purpose of stay. For individuals planning to work, a specific authorization process is required in addition to any necessary entry visa.

• Short-Stay Visa: Nationals from certain countries require a short-stay visa (valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period) to enter Aruba for tourism or short business trips. This visa does not permit employment. Aruba is part of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and its visa policy aligns closely with the Schengen area rules, although it is not part of the Schengen Area itself.
• Long-Stay Visa (MVV - Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf): Nationals from certain countries who intend to stay longer than 90 days or for specific purposes like work may need an MVV. This is essentially an authorization for temporary stay, which is a prerequisite for applying for a residence permit upon arrival in Aruba. The need for an MVV depends on the applicant's nationality.

It is critical to determine whether an MVV is required based on the individual's nationality before initiating the work permit process.

Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures

Foreign nationals who are not residents of Aruba generally require a work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) to be legally employed on the island. The responsibility for applying for the work permit rests primarily with the prospective employer.

Key Requirements:

• Employer Sponsorship: A valid Aruban employer must sponsor the work permit application. The employer must demonstrate that there is no suitable candidate available within the local labor market for the position.
• Job Offer: A signed employment contract or a formal job offer detailing the position, salary, and terms of employment is required.
• Eligibility Criteria: The applicant must meet specific criteria, which typically include relevant qualifications, experience, and a clean criminal record.
• Documentation: A comprehensive set of documents is required from both the employer and the employee.

Required Documentation (Common Examples):

Document Type	Provided By	Notes
Application Form	Employer	Official form from DIMAS
Proof of Company Registration	Employer	Chamber of Commerce extract
Proof of Financial Stability	Employer	Demonstrating ability to pay salary and cover potential repatriation
Vacancy Advertisement Proof	Employer	Evidence of efforts to recruit locally (e.g., newspaper ads)
Employment Contract/Offer	Both	Signed agreement
Passport Copy	Employee	Valid passport, often with minimum validity period remaining
Birth Certificate	Employee	Often legalized or apostilled
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)	Employee	Often legalized or apostilled
Education Certificates	Employee	Diplomas, degrees, often legalized or apostilled
Professional References/CV	Employee	Demonstrating qualifications and experience
Police Clearance Certificate	Employee	From country of origin and any country of residence in recent years
Medical Examination	Employee	Required upon arrival or as part of the process
Passport Photos	Employee	Meeting specific requirements

Application Procedure:

1. Local Labor Market Test: The employer must typically advertise the position locally for a specified period to demonstrate that no qualified local candidates are available.
2. Application Submission: The employer submits the work permit application and all supporting documents to DIMAS in Aruba.
3. Processing: DIMAS reviews the application. This involves checking the documentation, verifying the labor market test results, and assessing the applicant's eligibility.
4. Decision: If approved, DIMAS issues the work permit. If required, the employee may then need to apply for an MVV at the Dutch representation in their country of residence before traveling to Aruba.
5. Arrival in Aruba: Upon arrival, the employee must register with the authorities and may need to undergo a medical examination and complete the process for obtaining a residence permit based on the approved work permit.

Processing Times and Fees:

Processing times for work permits can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the completeness of the application, and the current workload of DIMAS. It can typically take several months (e.g., 3-6 months or longer) from submission to approval. Fees are associated with the application process, payable to DIMAS. Specific fee amounts are subject to change and are published by the Aruban authorities.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Obtaining permanent residency in Aruba is a separate process from securing a temporary work permit. It typically requires a significant period of legal residence and employment on the island.

Pathways often involve:

• Holding valid temporary residence permits (often linked to work permits) for a continuous period, usually several years (e.g., 5 years).
• Demonstrating stable employment and financial self-sufficiency.
• Having a clean criminal record.
• Potentially demonstrating integration into Aruban society, which might include knowledge of the local language (Papiamento) or culture.

The specific requirements and application process for permanent residency are handled by DIMAS and are subject to Aruban immigration laws and policies.

Dependent Visa Options

Foreign workers who obtain a work and residence permit in Aruba can typically apply for permits for their immediate family members to join them.

Eligible dependents usually include:

• Spouse or registered partner.
• Minor children (under 18 years old).

The application process for dependent permits often requires:

• Proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates).
• Proof that the primary permit holder has sufficient income and adequate housing to support the dependents.
• Copies of the primary permit holder's valid work and residence permits.
• Dependent's passport copies, birth certificates, and potentially police clearance certificates depending on age.

Applications for dependents are usually submitted concurrently with or shortly after the primary applicant's work and residence permit application.

Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees

Maintaining legal status in Aruba requires strict adherence to immigration regulations by both the employer and the employee.

Employer Obligations:

• Ensure that all foreign employees possess valid work and residence permits before they begin working.
• Comply with the terms and conditions specified in the work permit (e.g., position, salary).
• Notify DIMAS of any changes in the employee's situation, such as termination of employment, change in position, or change of address.
• Adhere to Aruban labor laws regarding wages, working hours, and employment conditions.
• Maintain accurate records of foreign employees' immigration status.

Employee Obligations:

• Hold a valid passport and necessary permits (MVV, work permit, residence permit).
• Only work for the sponsoring employer and in the position specified on the work permit.
• Not engage in any other form of employment or business activity unless authorized.
• Notify DIMAS of any changes in personal circumstances (e.g., change of address, marital status).
• Leave Aruba upon the expiration of the permit unless an extension or change of status has been approved.
• Comply with all Aruban laws and regulations.

Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties, including fines, deportation, and bans on future entry into Aruba for both the employer and the employee.