Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba

Aruba is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Caribbean, known for its crystal-clear waters and warm weather. Aruba was also one of the first countries to offer the Digital Nomad Visa. This means that if you are a remote worker, you can apply for this visa.

This type of visa was developed as a response to the growing digital nomad community, who’s members look for a flexible and nomad lifestyle, that lets them travel to anywhere in the world and continue working. In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this visa, how to apply, what benefits it has, and so much more.

Who is this visa aimed at?

The Digital Nomad Visa is essentially at the growing community of remote workers, also known as digital nomads. This lifestyle has grown considerably in the last few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely and have a flexible lifestyle.

With the new Visa for digital nomads, the people who meet the requirements to apply will be able to work and live for a certain period of time in this wonderful destination.

How does the Digital Nomad Visa work?

The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba is simple and fast. Applicants must submit a series of documents, including a motivation letter, and remote and health insurance tests. It is also necessary to pay an application fee and provide proof of sufficient financial resources enough for your stay on the island.

Once the application has been approved, digital nomads can enjoy a unique experience in Aruba. The island has a wide variety of living options, from hotels and apartments to villas and private houses. Digital nomads can also enjoy the natural beauty of the island and many outdoor activities, such as water sports, hiking, and cycling.

Digital nomads that have the Visa for Digital Nomads in Aruba must meet certain employment requirements, such as working for a company that does not belong to Aruba or owning a business abroad. Also, digital nomads cannot work for companies or individuals in Aruba.

Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba

• The Visa for Digital Nomads in Aruba lets independent professionals work remotely while enjoying a paradisiacal environment in the Caribbean.
• Aruba has an excellent telecommunications infrastructure and high-speed Internet services, which makes it a great place for digital nomads.
• The island offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to villas and private houses.
• Digital nomads can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, such as water sports, hiking, and cycling.
• Increase your productivity.
• Expand your communication skills.

Disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba

• The Visa for Digital Nomads in Aruba lasts for up to 180 days, which means that digital nomads should plan their stay carefully according to this time frame.
• The visa has certain requirements and conditions that must be met, which can be a tedious process for some.
• It can only be requested by US citizens.

Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba?

• The Visa for Digital Nomads in Aruba is aimed at American independent professionals who work remotely and want to enjoy a Caribbean environment while working.
• It is also aimed at those looking for a change of scenario and a more flexible lifestyle.
• This visa can also be an option for those who want to expand their networks with other digital nomads around the world and meet new people, make new contacts, etc.

Requisites to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba

The first thing you should know is that this visa, (also known as ‘One Happy Workation Program’ according to the official Aruba page), is only aimed at those who have the American nationality and meet the following requirements:

• Valid passport.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Proof of accommodation during your stay. It can be a hotel or a lease.
• Valid health insurance during your stay time.
• Proof of sufficient income to support yourself in Aruba.
• Yellow fever vaccination card.

Once you have all these documents at hand, the next step you should take will be to approach the closest Aruba embassy to begin the formal application for your visa.

How long does the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba last?

Even though Aruba is a great destination to travel to and enjoy wonderful beaches, the main disadvantage of this visa is its duration period. It only lasts for 90 days that can only be extended once, which means a total of 180 days. It might be enough to enjoy a lot of what this isle has to offer.

Why is Aruba one of the best destinations for Digital Nomads?

As we told you before, Aruba is one of the best destinations for remote workers because of its warm weather, wonderful beaches, excellent telecommunication infrastructure, and high-speed internet services. It is also a safe and friendly place for tourists and digital nomads.

On the other hand, there are also more advantages of living in Aruba with a Digital Nomad Visa, and they are the following:

Tax exemption

One of the most important advantages of living in Aruba with a digital nomad visa is the exemption of income tax from outside the island. This means that digital nomads can keep their income abroad without having to worry about paying additional taxes in Aruba. This advantage can be very attractive to those who are looking to maximize their income while working remotely.

Healthy lifestyle

Another advantage is the healthy lifestyle of the island. Aruba has countless outdoor activities you can do, such as water sports, hiking, and cycling, which you can practice during the whole year, thanks to its warm and sunny weather. It also has a lot of healthy food.

How do Digital Nomads connect to the internet in Aruba?

Digital nomads need to be connected to the internet all the time, and fortunately, there are many ways to do so in Aruba. Almost all hotels, resorts, and apartments have free WiFi service. But other options offer data plans for cellphones and other devices, so you can be connected to the internet anywhere on the island.

eSIM card with mobile data for Aruba

The eSIM card is one of the best options to connect to the internet in Aruba. With this technology, you can buy the eSIM and activate it with an app. Once you do that, you will get a high-speed connection, without having to change your SIM card! Easy-peasy.

On the other hand, the Holafly eSIM card has reasonable prices, and many data plan options. It also connects to the best cellular network in Aruba, the Digicel network.

SIM card to have the internet in Aruba

Another option is to use a local SIM card to connect to the internet. Some providers offer cheap and low-priced data plans that let you connect to the internet with a physical SIM card.

Pocket WiFi to get internet in Aruba

Finally, you can use Pocket WiFi to connect to the internet. It is a portable device that enables a private network for you and your friends to connect to at the same time. Some providers offer unlimited data for Aruba. But it is very expensive, and it is not a great option if you are traveling alone.

Other countries that offer the Digital Nomad Visa

Many countries started offering this type of visa, to join the digital nomad revolution. Aruba is one of the first countries to offer this benefit. But others offer the Digital Nomad Visa, and they are the following:

• Germany
• Eel
• Old and bearded
• Aruba
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Brazil
• Cape Verde
• Cyprus
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Dominica
• Dubai
• Ecuador
• Arab Emirates
• Spain
• Estonia
• Norway
• Georgia
• Grenade
• Greece
• Hungary
• Indonesia
• Iceland
• Cayman Islands
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malaysia
• Malt
• Mauricio
• Mexico
• Panama
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Romania
• Thailand

Frequent questions about the Digital Nomad Visa in Aruba