Sole Proprietorship (EZ)

However, the requests under the “Business Establishment Ordinance” received before October 1, 2022, will be evaluated according to the old guidelines.

For more information, you may consult the following brochure (in Dutch):

Brochure beleidsrichtlijnen vestiging bedrijven ingaande 1 oktober 2022 

A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure chosen to start a business. It is an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual with no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses and liabilities.

The Sole Proprietorship is reserved for locals (Arubans) or people who are considered local. When the owner of the Sole Proprietorship is born in Aruba with the Dutch nationality and at least 18 of age, he/she is exempted from the business license requirement and can make an appointment to register the sole proprietorship at the Aruba Chamber. Registration is completed within 36 hours when presenting at the Chamber with the correct documents.

In case the owner was not born in Aruba but is considered local, first he/she should apply for a business license at the Department of Economic Affairs.

Aruban born Dutch nationals do not require a business license. Any partner that does not comply with that requirement needs to apply for a license before business activities can start.

For additional information on business license application for a Sole Propietorship (EZ), contact the Helpdesk (582-1181 ext. 250) at the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry.

Source: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aruba.