Expert: Andy Mendyk - 5/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Andy, i don't speak English very well. we are a Venezuelan family which want to invest and live in Aruba. is that possible and  what do we have to do? we also want to buy a house there.

ANSWER: Hello Juan! There are many things you must do to be a resident on the Island.
For starters, you must own a home, show financial responsibility that you have income to properly support you and/or your family.
If you plan on working, you must obtain a job and have a work permit for temporary residence on the island.
There are a few more restrictions such as a clean health and criminal record.
DINA (Dept. of Immigration and Naturalization Aruba) should be contacted for further requirements and information, as things change regularly.
Many people wish to relocate their, and it was difficult, if not impossible to do so. Good Luck!!

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QUESTION: what do suggest me to do then?
we want to invest there too.


ANSWER: Juan..first you must go there, contact a real estate agent. Shop around for a home. Once purchased, with proper documentation, go to DINA (immigration) for the proper papers and any questions you may have.
If there is any delay, you can always rent out your home for income in the meantime.
Owning a home there is the first step needed to gain residency. Nothing else matters until you do this!

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QUESTION: what if i want to buy a lot and build my own home. we also want to build condos for sale. we are eleven (11) my father, mother, three brothers and a sister, my sisters husband and tree childs and me. Do you think it is possible Andy?

Answer
Land can not be bought in Aruba. It is leased from the government for 30 year terms. Starting major projects as you have described makes your move more difficult. Applying for residence stauts with 11 people makes it even more difficult!
Aruba is trying to slow down on people moving there. I would start with the home purchase for you and immediate family, and then work on bringing the others after you, yourself has been established.