Moving to Aruba from the US: a step-by-step guide

Why move to Aruba?

While Aruba makes for a great vacation holiday, it’s also a great place to live. Aside from the warm climate, safety, and the fact that English is widely spoken everywhere, it’s also home to a thriving community of remote workers, retirees, and expats. For Americans, all of this makes it an attractive place to settle down.

Of course, you can’t just land with a suitcase and declare yourself a local. If you want to make Aruba your new home, there are a few key steps to take.

Sorting out residency

Americans can stay up to 90 days in Aruba visa-free, but if you’re planning a real move, you’ll need a residency permit. Applications go through Aruba’s DIMAS office and require proof of income, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and a valid passport. Retirees can apply under the “pensionado” category, as long as they can show proof of pension income.

The process can take a few months, so start early. Residency is the first big step to living in Aruba long-term as a US citizen.

Finding a place to live

Picking the right neighborhood for you in Aruba to live depends on what you're looking for. If you want to be in the heart of it all - near Palm Beach or Eagle Beach - you’ll pay a premium for easy beach access and nightlife. If you’d rather stretch your budget and enjoy a more local feel, residential areas like Santa Cruz, Paradera, or San Nicolas might be better fits.

And yes, Americans can buy property in Aruba. Just remember to budget for notarial fees, closing costs, and property taxes.

Working on the island (or remotely)

If you’re moving to Aruba for work, you’ll need both a residency and a work permit, which employers usually arrange. Common industries for expats include tourism, healthcare, and hospitality.

Many Americans, though, keep their US-based jobs and work remotely from Aruba. With reliable internet and coworking-friendly cafés, the island is well-prepared for digital nomads. There’s even a short-term option called the “One Happy Workation” program, which allows Americans to live and work remotely in Aruba for up to 90 days.

Navigating healthcare

Healthcare in Aruba is well-regarded, but health insurance is mandatory for US citizens moving to Aruba. Long-term residents can eventually qualify for Aruba’s national health insurance system (AZV), but until then, private coverage is required. Consider it your bridge into the local healthcare system.

Understanding the cost of living

The cost of living in Aruba for US citizens depends heavily on lifestyle. Groceries can cost 20–30% more than in the US due to import fees, and utilities like water and electricity are also pricier. Eating out at tourist restaurants can drain your wallet quickly, but local eateries are affordable and delicious, and if you know where to go, Aruba can be relatively cheap.

Joining the community

Settling into daily life is often easier than newcomers expect. English is widely spoken, and there’s already a strong American expat community of retirees and remote workers. Beyond that, Aruba’s culture values family, community, and outdoor living, so integration comes naturally. 

Life in Aruba is slow but peaceful, and for Americans especially, relocating to Aruba offers the best of both worlds: Caribbean island beauty and a built-in sense of home.

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