Aruba Student Residence Permit in 2026

An adult foreign national who will follow full-time study in Aruba generally needs the DIMAS student temporary residence permit. The student category is for study; it is not an unrestricted employment permit.

Eligibility

The DIMAS student page states that the applicant must:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be financially solvent or have the school or another accepted person as guarantor; and
  • attend full-day study at an accredited educational institution.

DIMAS currently lists examples including the University of Aruba, Instituto Pedagogico Arubano, EPI, the International School of Aruba, Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital and Xavier School of Medicine. Applicants should verify that the intended programme/institution is accepted for the specific application.

Documents

The published DIMAS list includes:

  • rental agreement or confirmation of appropriate housing;
  • judicial documentation;
  • certificate of registration;
  • declaration from the educational institution;
  • evidence of student solvency; and
  • private insurance covering the study period.

Additional identity, legalization/translation or sponsorship documents may be required depending on the case.

Work rights

DIMAS is explicit: the student permit allows study and work experience as a trainee, but it does not provide permission for ordinary paid work. Do not assume that enrolment creates a general part-time work entitlement.

If a student wants ordinary paid employment, the correct work-residence rules should be checked separately.

After graduation

DIMAS says that if the student wants to remain in Aruba after finishing study, the new request is handled as an administrative first-time application. In other words, the student permit does not automatically convert into a post-study work or permanent status.

Processing time

DIMAS FAQ gives a general legal handling period of 12 weeks and allows an additional 12-week decision period where DIMAS formally notifies the applicant of complications. The practical timeline depends on a complete file and any route-specific checks.

Family and long-term residence

A student’s family position should be checked under family residence, not assumed from the student permit. Time in student residence may be relevant when documenting long legal residence, but indefinite residence has its own 10-year/120-month and continuity requirements.

Application approach

Prepare admission/enrolment evidence, solvency or guarantor evidence, housing, judicial documents and private insurance before starting the DIMAS online application. Use the current portal instructions and current payment order for fees because the general student page does not publish one universal fee figure on the page itself.

Return to the Aruba residence hub or browse the Caribbean region.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Aruba