Corporate Law

Corporate law in Aruba

From incorporating your company to protecting your stake in it — the corporate backbone for local and international business on the island.

Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with its own civil-law system, closely modelled on Dutch law. For founders and investors that means company structures and governance rules you already recognise, delivered in a stable, English-friendly Caribbean environment. We guide local entrepreneurs and international clients through the full corporate life cycle — from choosing and forming the right vehicle to governance, transactions and disputes.

Foreign investors typically incorporate a VBA (a limited-liability company comparable to the Dutch BV) or an NV before a civil-law notary, register with the Chamber of Commerce, and obtain a business and directors' licence plus any sector permits. Certain services also trigger client-due-diligence obligations under the anti-money-laundering rules (LWTF), supervised by the Central Bank of Aruba. We map the steps, timeline and costs up front so there are no surprises.

What we help with

Corporate services, end to end

Who we act for

Foreign investors and Dutch and US entrepreneurs setting up or buying an Aruban company, existing local businesses that need governance or restructuring, and minority shareholders who want their rights protected after the 2021 modernisation of the Civil Code.

Frequently asked

Corporate Law — your questions

Which company form should I use in Aruba?

Most foreign investors use a VBA (limited-liability company, similar to the Dutch BV), but an NV can be a better fit depending on tax, liability and governance goals. We advise on the right vehicle before incorporation.

How long does it take to set up a company?

Incorporation before the notary and Chamber of Commerce registration can be arranged quickly; the overall timeline depends on the required business/directors' licence and any sector permits. We give you a realistic schedule at the start.

What protection do minority shareholders have?

Since the 2021 reform of Aruba's Civil Code, a minority shareholder can invoke the right to exit (uittreding) for a court-guaranteed cash buy-out, and the right of inquiry (enquête) before the Joint Court of Justice, which can suspend directors or resolutions and appoint an interim director.

Do I have to comply with anti-money-laundering rules?

For certain services (company formation, holding assets, real-estate transactions) the LWTF requires client due diligence and record-keeping. We set up a compliant process so your business meets its obligations from day one.

Building or restructuring an Aruban company?

Tell us what you are planning. We will set out the structure, steps and costs in plain language, so you can move with confidence.

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