Aruba

One Happy Workation

The One Happy Workation is Aruba's remote work program, launched in September 2020 by the Aruba Tourism Authority. It allows remote workers, digital nomads, and self-employed professionals to live on the island while continuing to work for employers or clients located outside of Aruba. The program does not create a new visa category -- it operates within Aruba's existing immigration framework, meaning there is no separate application process or program-specific fee. It is primarily marketed to US nationals, though citizens of other visa-exempt countries (including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Schengen Area members) may also participate.

• Must be employed by a company or self-employed with a business outside of Aruba
• All remote work must be for entities located outside Aruba
• Valid passport for the duration of stay (recommended 6 months validity beyond departure, not more than 10 years old)
• Proof of sufficient financial means (USD 150-200 per person per day for hotel stays, or USD 100 per person per day when staying with family or friends)
• Valid health or travel insurance with minimum USD 15,000 medical coverage
• Proof of return or onward transportation
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental agreement, or property ownership)
• Primarily available to US nationals; citizens of other visa-exempt countries should verify their eligibility and maximum stay with DIMAS

• Valid passport
• Completed and approved online ED Card (submitted within 7 days before travel at edcardaruba.aw)
• Proof of return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)
• Valid health/travel insurance with minimum USD 15,000 coverage
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country

The minimum recommended stay is 1 week. US nationals may stay up to 90 days without requesting an extension. Other nationalities receive a standard 30-day admission, which can be extended through DIMAS. The total tourist stay cannot exceed 180 days per calendar year for any nationality.

The program does not offer a formal renewal. Participants must depart before their maximum allowed stay expires. US nationals may apply to DIMAS for an extension beyond 90 days (up to 180 days per calendar year) if they own property in Aruba or have a local guarantor.

Family members may accompany the primary participant under the same tourist admission rules. Each person, including infants, must have their own valid passport and completed ED Card. Children under 12 travelling with a parent or guardian are exempt from visa requirements if the parent is visa-exempt. No separate dependant permit, additional fees, or specific income requirements apply beyond the standard per-person financial means requirement.

Participants are not considered tax residents of Aruba and are not subject to Aruba income tax during their stay, provided their income is sourced entirely from outside Aruba. Persons staying 90 days or fewer under this program and earning no Aruba-source income have no Aruba tax liability.

The One Happy Workation has a simplified entry process with no separate visa application:

1. Choose a participating accommodation and book a workation package (over 30 properties are available, from boutique hotels and major resorts to private villas)
2. Complete the online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card at edcardaruba.aw within 7 days of departure, selecting "One Happy Workation" as the purpose of visit
3. Pay the USD 20 Sustainability Fee during ED Card completion (applies to all non-resident air arrivals; children under 8 are exempt)
4. Upon arrival, present your documents to the immigration officer for admission

No additional application forms, processing wait time, or program-specific fees are required beyond the USD 20 Sustainability Fee.

Participants may not work for or receive income from any Aruban company or individual. A separate work permit from DIMAS is required for local employment. All remote work must be performed for entities located outside Aruba.

• Participating accommodations include properties from Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Ritz-Carlton, as well as private villas and condominiums
• Packages may include special rates, complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to local experiences
• Coworking spaces are available on the island, including Impact Hub, Workspace (in Oranjestad), and Piso3
• Amounts exceeding USD 11,000 must be declared to customs upon entry and exit
• The program does not provide a path to permanent residency

Links

• https://www.aruba.com/us/one-happy-workation
• https://www.aruba.com/us/plan-your-visit/getting-to-aruba/immigration-regulations
• https://www.aruba.com/us/plan-your-visit/getting-to-aruba/online-ed-card
• https://www.gobierno.aw/en/department-for-the-integration-management-and-admission-of-foreign-nationals-dimas-0

Other Digital Nomad Visas in North America