Satisfaction surveys: new policy for business permits

In October 2022, Minister Geoffrey Wever introduced the new policy for business permits, the so-called ‘location policy 2022’. The goal of this modernization policy is to eliminate “red tape”, stimulate more businesses to open in Aruba and thus grow Aruba’s economy and reduce barriers to investment, by thinking about economic spin-offs and new job opportunities, as well as increasing revenue for government spending.

Various changes have been made to the business permit policy to make it more efficient and effective. 1. Digitize the service: apply online, upload documents, track processes, receive notifications and download the permit. 2. Reduced barriers: Widened the category of locals by making it possible for more non-citizens in Aruba to open a business without having to apply for a director’s permit, and also reduced the residency period that a person born in the USA and European Union must have to receive a director’s permit. 3. Service: Improved service and simplified process by requiring less paperwork; DEZHI consults digital information from Census and Chamber of commerce for customer convenience. 4. Less restrictions: It stimulates investment in the center of Oranjestad and San Nicolas, stimulates the diversification of Aruba’s economy through the six promising sectors, plus gives small companies, which meet the criteria, the possibility to establish in their own homes (residential zones).

Many improvements have been made, but we must continue to innovate to make the system as effective as possible, and as cost-effective for the user”. The intention was originally to process permit applications in less than 2 weeks. “Although many improvements have been made, there is still room for more, but it depends on several factors”, according to Minister Wever.

The location policy 2022 is almost 1 year in implementation and feedback is an important part in monitoring the implementation. To this end, the Afdeling Vestiging of DEZHI of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has prepared a customer satisfaction survey regarding the business permit management.