Aruba’s New Vacation Rental Registration: What Owners Need to Know (2026)

On 16 October 2026, Aruba’s Council of Ministers approved an action plan to register and regulate all vacation rentals on the island. Vacation rentals are not being banned, but every owner who rents to tourists – through Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com or directly – will need to take action. Here is a clear overview of what has been announced so far and what it means for you.

1. Registration will be mandatory

Every property used as a vacation rental must be registered, even if it already has permits. The government will open a registration window of three months and will announce the start and end dates in advance. Registration on its own is not a permit and does not automatically legalize a property, but properties that are not registered will not be covered by the transitional tolerance policy and cannot qualify for legalization later.

2. The key date: 1 November 2026

Properties that are already operating as vacation rentals before 1 November 2026 will be assessed as existing units. Note that this is a reference date, not the date registration opens. Keep proof of your rental activity, such as booking overviews, platform payouts and tourist levy returns.

3. Not operating yet? The transitional arrangement

If your property is not yet rented to tourists on 1 November – for example because it is being built or renovated – it may still qualify if you can show concrete, binding commitments made before that date, such as a financing agreement, a construction or renovation contract, or a signed management agreement. A plan or idea alone is not enough. During the transition, opening new rentals, adding units or expanding properties is not allowed.

4. Your zone matters

Properties will be assessed according to their zoning under Aruba’s spatial development plan (ROPV). Tourist zones and town centres (green) are the most favourable; residential areas (yellow) will be reviewed case by case; nature, beach, rural, airport and industrial areas (red) are not eligible for general legalization. The assessment will also look at fire and building safety, parking, noise, wastewater and the impact on the neighbourhood.

5. Taxes that already apply today

Vacation rentals in Aruba are subject to a tourist levy of 12.5% of the gross rental income (including cleaning fees) and an environmental levy of US$3 per room per night. Both are declared and paid monthly, and owners must keep a guest register. A property manager can be designated to handle these filings.

What owners should do now

• Collect proof of your rental activity or of your binding commitments before 1 November 2026.

• Check your property’s ROPV zone and ask DIP for written confirmation.

• Document fire safety and parking.

• Make sure your tourist levy and environmental levy filings are up to date.

• Register as soon as the government opens the registration window.

How Umbrella can help

Umbrella Corporation manages vacation rentals, long-term rentals and commercial properties across Aruba. We prepare and file your registration, handle the monthly tourist levy and environmental levy filings, and help you build the documentation for your property – with support from our network of trusted lawyers where needed. Request a free property assessment or call / WhatsApp +297 732-8511.

This article is general information based on the Government of Aruba’s announcement of 16 October 2026 and is not legal advice. Registration dates, quality standards and the tolerance policy are still to be published. Source: Government of Aruba.