Imagine working from a white sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, enjoying warm sunshine every day. Aruba, with its One Happy Workation program, offers a great opportunity for digital nomads to live and work in this Caribbean paradise for up to 90 days. While Aruba doesn’t currently have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, the One Happy Workation program serves as an attractive option for remote workers looking for a temporary stay.
What is the Aruba Digital Nomad Visa?
While Aruba does not offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa like other countries, it has developed the One Happy Workation program. This initiative allows digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers to stay on the island for up to 90 days without requiring a visa for most nationalities. Remote workers can enjoy an extended vacation while keeping up with their professional commitments. For stays longer than 30 days, some nationalities may need to apply for an extension through the Dutch Caribbean visa scheme.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Aruba
Aruba is an excellent destination for digital nomads seeking a mix of work and vacation. Here are the key benefits:
- Tax-Free: As a digital nomad in Aruba, you are not required to pay local income taxes since you are considered a non-resident during your stay.
- Variety of Workspaces: Whether you prefer an elegant beachfront hotel, a cozy café, or a fully serviced timeshare, Aruba offers an array of working environments. Digital nomads can find ideal accommodations and workspaces tailored to their needs.
- Activities and Attractions: Aruba is known for its rich history and numerous attractions. From exploring ancient ruins dating back to 2500 B.C. to enjoying water sports, snorkeling, and Segway tours, the island offers endless possibilities for adventure during your downtime.
- Affordable Living: Despite being a Caribbean island, Aruba offers reasonably priced living options. For a single person, estimated monthly expenses (without rent) are around $1,033.47 USD. Monthly rental costs vary depending on location, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center costing about $681.25 USD.
- Fast Internet: Aruba provides reliable high-speed internet, essential for digital nomads. The average broadband speed on the island is 89.81 Mbps, which is suitable for remote work and video conferencing.
- Exquisite Culinary Scene: Aruba’s food scene is diverse, influenced by over 90 cultures and nationalities. You can enjoy local dishes like Keshi Yena, Stoba, Pastechi, and fresh seafood, or explore international cuisine at a variety of restaurants across the island.
Health and Safety Requirements
Aruba takes health and safety seriously, especially after the pandemic. If you plan on working remotely in Aruba, here are a few things you should know:
- Health Insurance: While Aruba does not mandate specific health insurance for digital nomads, it is advisable to have comprehensive international health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay.
- COVID-19 Regulations: Depending on the global health situation, Aruba may require digital nomads to present a negative COVID-19 test before entry. Always check the latest updates on Aruba’s official tourism website before your trip.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, especially routine ones like tetanus and hepatitis, and consider discussing any specific tropical vaccinations with your doctor before traveling.
Coworking Spaces in Aruba
Although Aruba is a small island, it offers various coworking spaces and remote work-friendly cafes that are ideal for digital nomads. Here are a few options:
- Outpost Aruba: A professional coworking space located in Oranjestad, providing high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and flexible membership plans.
- Moomba Beach Café: A popular beachfront café offering a relaxed atmosphere with Wi-Fi, making it a favorite spot for digital nomads who prefer a casual work setting.
- The Lobby: Situated in Oranjestad, this stylish café is perfect for remote workers, with great coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of seating for productivity.
How to Apply for the One Happy Workation Program
The application process for the One Happy Workation program is simple. Here are the steps:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of Employment: You must demonstrate that you are employed or self-employed with a business based outside of Aruba.
- Accommodation Booking: The program is linked with hotels and resorts on the island, and you’ll need to book your stay through one of the participating accommodations to be eligible for the program.
For those needing longer stays or who come from countries not exempt from a Dutch Caribbean visa, a separate application for a Dutch Caribbean visa may be required for stays beyond 30 days.
Challenges of Living in Aruba
Living in Aruba as a digital nomad is a dream come true for many, but there are a few challenges you might encounter:
- Limited Local Transportation: While Aruba is a small island, public transportation options are somewhat limited, and many digital nomads prefer to rent a car or use taxis to get around. Car rentals can cost around $50 per day.
- Adjusting to Island Life: Aruba’s laid-back lifestyle can be both a blessing and a challenge. While the slower pace of life is perfect for relaxation, it might take time to adjust if you are used to fast-paced urban living.
How Long Can You Stay?
Digital nomads are permitted to stay in Aruba for up to 90 days under the One Happy Workation program. For longer stays or different visa requirements, applicants may need to explore visa options such as the Dutch Caribbean visa.
Who Can Apply?
Most nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries, do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. If your stay exceeds 30 days, you may need to apply for an extended stay under the Dutch Caribbean visa scheme. Nationals from countries like Bolivia, China, and Peru may need to apply for a visa if they plan to stay beyond this period.
Cost of Living in Aruba
Living in Aruba can be affordable, depending on your lifestyle. Here are some typical costs:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $681.25 USD per month, while outside the city center, rent is around $510.42 USD.
- Dining: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $14.50 USD, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $85 USD.
- Utilities: Monthly utility costs (including electricity, water, and garbage services) for an 85 m² apartment are around $147.11 USD.
- Internet: The average cost of broadband internet per month is approximately $67.36 USD.
Success Stories from Digital Nomads in Aruba
Many digital nomads have successfully made Aruba their temporary home base. Lisa from the UK, a content writer, shared her experience: “Aruba’s stunning beaches and excellent internet allowed me to stay productive while soaking in the island’s beauty. The One Happy Workation program made the entire process so easy.”
John from the US, a software developer, adds: “Being able to work from a tropical paradise like Aruba was a dream come true. The fast internet and tax-free stay made it an ideal place to work remotely.”
In conclusion, while Aruba does not currently have an official Digital Nomad Visa, the One Happy Workation program offers digital nomads the perfect chance to work remotely while enjoying the island’s beautiful scenery, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle for up to 90 days. With no local income tax for remote workers, affordable living options, various working environments, and the island’s warm hospitality, Aruba is the perfect destination for those looking to combine work and leisure in a tropical paradise.
If you’re ready to start working remotely from Aruba, take advantage of the One Happy Workation program and begin planning your stay today.