By Edward M. Erasmus
Introduction
Free Zone Aruba is pleased to announce an important milestone in the continued development and diversification of Aruba’s economy. The National Decree on Service Activities, published by the Government of Aruba, has officially entered into force and will apply to permitted activities in the Aruba Free Zone as of 1 January 2026.
This landmark decree authorizes a broad range of innovative and knowledge-based services to operate from within the Aruba Free Zone, opening the door to new sectors that are currently limited or not yet present in Aruba. With this development, services are firmly positioned as an additional economic pillar, complementing Aruba’s existing strengths in trade, logistics, and tourism.
A Dynamic Platform for Global Services
The Aruba Free Zone has long provided a dynamic and business-friendly platform for companies serving international markets. Under the new legislation, this role is significantly expanded. Innovative service providers can now establish operations in the Free Zone and leverage Aruba’s strategic geographic location, stable business environment, and strong international connectivity.
These permitted services go well beyond traditional trading and manufacturing activities. They are designed to attract forward-looking companies operating in high-value, globally oriented sectors, while ensuring alignment with international standards and Aruba’s broader fiscal framework.
Eight Core Sectors Now Permitted
The National Decree outlines the service activities that may be conducted within the Aruba Free Zone, grouped into eight core sectors:
- Image and audio technology
- Aviation and maritime navigation
- Other engineering services
- Support for postal services
- Information, communication, and art
- Securities trading
- Professional, scientific, and technical activities
- Human health and social work
Within these categories, a wide variety of specialized and future-oriented activities are permitted, including artificial intelligence applications, data services, engineering design, fintech-related trading activities, research and laboratory services, e-medicine, and international healthcare services.
For a detailed overview of the specific sub-activities and applicable technical requirements, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official annex (PDF) available on Free Zone Aruba’s website.
Supporting Innovation While Safeguarding the Local Economy
The selection of permitted service activities is carefully designed to promote economic diversification without undermining Aruba’s existing tax base. Only activities that do not compete with regular domestic business activities—or that currently occur in Aruba to a very limited extent—are eligible to operate under the Free Zone regime.
By attracting companies and start-ups engaged in innovative and internationally mobile services, the Free Zone contributes to:
- Economic diversification
- Knowledge development and transfer
- New, high-quality employment opportunities
- Sustainable growth in government revenues
Strengthening Aruba’s Position as an Innovation Hub
With the National Decree on Service Activities now in effect, the Aruba Free Zone further strengthens its position as a hub for innovation, international business solutions, and sustainable economic growth. This expansion creates exciting opportunities for companies seeking a stable, well-regulated, and internationally connected base from which to serve global markets.
Free Zone Aruba looks forward to welcoming new service-oriented businesses and working together to build a more diversified and resilient Aruban economy.
