ORANJESTAD, Aruba – Aruba Grants 242 New Business Permits during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest figures from the Directorate of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEZHI). The government says the results show that entrepreneurial activity continues across several sectors of Aruba’s economy.
During the second quarter of 2026 alone, a total of 104 permits for new businesses were issued. Of these, 69 were for VBA companies, 18 for sole proprietorships, 16 for branches, and one for an NV company. The most represented activities included real estate, construction and technical installation, holding companies, vehicle rentals, coffee shops and restaurants, food retail, clothing and accessories, and e-commerce.
According to the government, the figures demonstrate that business activity continues to diversify across different parts of the Aruban economy.
Between April and June 2026, DEZHI recorded a total of 753 entries in its system related to business permits and company changes. This total included 245 administrative withdrawals, which were internal government actions rather than applications submitted by clients.
During the same quarter, 562 ministerial decisions were signed. These included both applications submitted during the quarter and applications that were already being processed from earlier periods.
Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever said the figures should be viewed in the context of an economy that continues to create opportunities for private initiative.
He emphasized that commerce remains an essential engine of the economy and that every new business represents someone willing to invest, take initiative and generate economic activity. According to Wever, the government’s role is to create the right conditions, remove unnecessary barriers and make the process of starting a business clearer, more accessible and more efficient.
Aruba Grants 242 New Business Permits while the government also continues focusing on the revitalization of downtown Oranjestad and San Nicolas. Of the 242 new businesses registered between January and June 2026, 12 were established inside officially defined city-center areas under the ROPV framework. Six opened in downtown Oranjestad and six in downtown San Nicolas.
The businesses included holding companies, real estate activities, food establishments, administrative offices and other business services.
The government said these developments also suggest that fiscal incentives introduced on January 1, 2026, are beginning to have an effect. The policy is intended to create a clearer investment climate for the historic centers of Oranjestad and San Nicolas while encouraging the reuse of buildings for housing, restaurants, cafés, offices and retail.
Geographically, business activity was recorded across the entire island. Noord/Tanki Leendert registered the largest number of new establishments with 78, followed by Oranjestad East with 50, Oranjestad West with 42, Paradera and Santa Cruz with 25 each, Savaneta with 13, San Nicolas South with six, and San Nicolas North with three.
Since October 2022, the government has implemented a new business establishment policy focused on simplifying requirements, digitalizing procedures and reducing administrative barriers.
Following a record year in 2025, when 880 new business permits were issued, the government says it remains focused on strengthening the conditions needed for entrepreneurship, investment and economic diversification.
Minister Wever also thanked the DEZHI team for its work in processing applications and implementing the Vestigingsverordening Bedrijven in a professional, transparent and efficient manner.
