Business Types
Discover how Free Zone Aruba can benefit your business. A wide range of activities are eligible for free zone status, including:
International Trade
Light Industry
(Green) Technology
Additional Permitted Activities
Global Services
Or a combination of the above
Not sure if your business qualifies? Contact us to explore the possibilities.
International Trade
International trade in finished goods has long been the cornerstone of Free Zone activity in Aruba. The safe, secure, and strategically located Free Zone offers an ideal environment for global commerce.
Examples of popular trade activities:
- Bulk import and export
- Freight consolidation and distribution
- Retail sales to tourists
- Drop shipments / indent trade
- E-commerce and online sales
Light Industry
Light industry in the Free Zone focuses on small- to medium-scale production and assembly of consumer-ready goods. These activities are less resource-intensive than heavy industry, offer faster turnaround times, and are ideal for companies seeking efficiency, flexibility, and international reach.
Typical light industry activities include:
- Food and beverage processing
- Consumer electronics assembly
- Furniture and light manufacturing
- Healthcare, cosmetics, and personal care products
- Printing, packaging, and labeling services
By locating in the Free Zone, light industry companies benefit from duty exemptions, streamlined logistics, and direct access to global markets
Green Technology
Aruba is committed to becoming a leader in sustainable development. The government actively supports investment in Green Technology, creating an ideal environment for innovation and clean energy businesses.
Several renowned institutions have already taken advantage of Aruba’s Green Gateway initiative.
Green Free Zone activities include:
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Showcasing clean technologies
- Research and development
- Renewable energy projects
- Sustainable aquaculture and agriculture
Additional Permitted Activities
In addition to trading and manufacturing, companies admitted to the Free Zone are also allowed to conduct the following supplementary activities: headquarters operations, pure holding company activities, distribution and other service activities, maritime activities, and other approved service activities.
These activities are recognized as part of the Free Zone regime and must meet the applicable substance and compliance requirements..
The core income-generating activities must take place in Aruba and can be specified as follows:
Headquarters activities:
- Taking the relevant management decisions;
- Incurring expenses on behalf of group companies;
- Coordinating the activities of group companies;
Holding activities:
- The mere holding of participations, with dividend and capital gains as the only income;
Distribution and other service activities:
- the transportation and storage of goods;
- managing inventories;
- taking orders;
- providing advisory services and other administrative services;
Maritime activities:
- organizing crew, including hiring, paying, and supervising crew members;
- maintenance of ships;
- supervising and monitoring supplies;
- determining the ordering of goods and how they are to be delivered
- organizing and supervising voyages;
The core income-generating activities are considered to take place in Aruba if the company:
- has adequate tangible assets in Aruba;
- employs, directly or indirectly, an adequate number of full-time qualified employees locally, appropriate to the nature and scale of the company’s activities;
- has an adequate minimum amount of annually recurring local operational expenses, appropriate to the nature and scale of the company’s activities.
Global Services
The Free Zone Aruba provides a dynamic platform for companies offering global services. Under the new legislation, innovative and knowledge-based services are eligible to operate from within the Free Zone, opening exciting opportunities for businesses that serve international markets.
These services go beyond traditional trading and manufacturing, allowing companies to leverage Aruba’s strategic location, stable business environment, and international connectivity.
At present, the final list of permitted service activities is still under review. Once approved, this list will be published and made available to all stakeholders.
By enabling a broader range of service-oriented activities, the Free Zone strengthens its position as a hub for innovation, international business solutions, and sustainable economic growth.
