Moving to Aruba?

[lizzardo]

There is a nice 'network' of ex-pats living on the island.
We have a kind of 'radar' and everyone is very helpful
and friendly. If you are thinking of moving to Aruba -
please post here and we'll try to answer your questions.

There is one organization on the island called 'International
Friends of Aruba' which has a bunch of ex-pats of
all types. They have playdates for people with kids
and other events for those without.

This is a wonderful place to live!

[Beethoven and Stella]

Hello my name is Manuela and my husband Max .We are a young italian couple
and we would like to know more about open a business in Aruba.
I have already visit the web about the commerce chamber of Aruba but the email adress to ask question maybe is wrong !!!!
Somebody can send me the write adress a have this businessinfo@arubachamber.com
FRIENDLY MANUELA AND MAX FROM
ITALY

[lizzardo]

Your best bet is to come to Aruba look around the place
and see if you like it. Perhaps stay for a few months
to get a feel of the island. While you are there, contact
a local attorney that specializes in setting up businesses.

[Ron B]

Originally Posted by lizzardo

Your best bet is to come to Aruba look around the place
and see if you like it. Perhaps stay for a few months
to get a feel of the island. While you are there, contact
a local attorney that specializes in setting up businesses.

As a small business owner myself that is planning on opening a branch of my business on the Island in the future I agree with this statement. Plus I must also add.

Do your research. take your time to understand Aruban tax codes and laws. It helps to have an Aruban attonery and account to help with this process.

[lizzardo]

Yes - you need a good lawyer and accountant. I don't really know
the ins and outs of opening a business there but it's much
different than in the US. Do not assume 'it's just like in the US'.

Also labor laws are different and you have to know how it
works paying your help and creating work contracts for them.
If they don't have residency, you might have to consider
arranging work permits which is an entirely other issue.

Just like with the start up of any kind of business -
you have to do your homework, make sure you
have the funds in the bank as a cushion and
ask questions from everyone.

Good thing to do is to contact other businesses doing
what you are doing and network with them.

[schexc]

My wife and I would like to retire in Aruba and are thoughts are to initially purchase a vacation home, utilizing the extended stay option for 180 days of the year, and then eventually filing as a retiree. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has gone through this procedure or has any input on doing so. I appreciate all you r comments in advance.

[fordst]

Would be glad to share my thoughts and experiences on this subject. Please email me and we can set up a time to chat on the phone.
steventford@comcast.net

[Manzanita]

Would never re-locate & live in Aruba! I spent my entire life & raised in "resort" communities. Aruba becomes so special when I work & save to make an annual visit.
NT

[fordst]

Manzanita, we do not live in Resorts! I live on the north end in a gated community quiet and peaceful away from all the tourism!

[classiclincoln]

I posted this last week, but think it was in the wrong thread. We have started looking at areas where we may want to buy a winter place and are starting a list of things US citizens need to think about when buying something on the island. Is there an on line resource available? We have plenty of time, since we are looking to buy something in the summer of 2017. Just got home from a week there and spent a few days driving around the neighborhoods looking at places. Will be spending 2 weeks there in December, 2016 and plan on meeting with realtors during our stay.

Thanks in advance!

[Daphne]

Hi there classiclincoln

Daphne from VisitAruba.com here.

you can have a look at Aruba Real Estate search, advice and services - ArubaRealestate.com and if you have any questions just drop us a line via that site and we'd be happy to help you out in your search.

Happy Holidays from Aruba!!

[classiclincoln]

Great info, thanks.

Covers most of what I'm looking for and is a good start.

[classiclincoln]

Have started doing some more preliminary research. Looks like there is no MLS service there; you have to work with multiple real estate agents to see various properties.

Plan on posting something in the fall to set up meetings with people from the forum that are there so we can chat.

Can't wait!!

[classiclincoln]

Took a look at the post that Daphne made and saw it's pretty much a list of companies which will be helpful once we buy and are there. We're going to be in Aruba for 2 weeks starting on December 2 and would like to do a few things:

1. Look at properties - It appears that we're going to need to meet with multiple real estate agents to do this because there is no Multiple Listing Service on the island. Would like some clarification, recommendations and anything else we need to know.

2. Meet with some US ex pats on the island - Have some specific questions that we'd like answered and are looking for what we'll need to know before we buy. We don't know what we don't know.

I know it's a bit early, but we want to start scheduling things for when we're there. If anyone can help, please contact me through the site or email me directly - classiclincoln at comcast dot net.

Thanks in advance!

[classiclincoln]

We're going to be in Aruba for the first 2 weeks of December looking for a vacation home. Would like to chat with some US ex pats living there so we can get the information we need and also want to meet with some realtors to look at properties.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[DennisDY]

Hi Classic!

My wife and I just purchased a vacation home in Aruba. We used Miriam Engeln from Century21. We highly recommend her. Contact me if you have any other questions.

Dennis