When traveling to Aruba, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Aruba, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings and negotiations
• » Tour a company facility
• » Consult
• » Facilitate training

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Aruba?

Many foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States, many European countries, and other select countries, are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a Short-Stay Caribbean Visa from a Dutch Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. The Short-Stay Visa is valid for all Caribbean islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten). Frequent business travelers may also be eligible for the Caribbean Carpet program, which includes a longer visa validity period and simplified application process. All other foreign nationals must obtain a Short-Stay Caribbean Visa at a Dutch Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival. Please check your eligibility for a visa waiver prior to travel.

What types of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Aruban law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Aruba, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Repairs and maintenance
• » Installation of technical equipment

On a case-by-case basis, foreign nationals may engage in certain professional and technical activities without obtaining work authorization, although strict preconditions, such as possessing an after-sales agreement and obtaining permission from the Departmento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero, may be required. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether an assignment exemption is applicable.

If I am traveling to Aruba for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Aruba. The most common Aruban work permits are:

• » Temporary Work Permit (short-term work authorization)
• » Work Permit (highly skilled work authorization)
• » Work Permit for Professionals (work authorization for specialized, high-level positions)

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

Exemptions from obtaining work authorization may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please check with immigration counsel regarding available options.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.