ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba recorded 242 permits for new business establishments during the first six months of 2026, pointing to continued activity across the island’s private sector.

According to figures released by the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry, 104 new business permits were issued during the second quarter alone.

The new businesses span a wide range of sectors, including real estate, construction and technical installations, vehicle rentals, restaurants, food retail, clothing and accessories and e-commerce.

Of the second-quarter permits, 69 were issued to VBA companies, 18 to sole proprietorships, 16 to branch offices and one to an NV company.

The data also shows activity in Aruba’s designated town centres. Twelve of the 242 new businesses were established in the revitalisation areas of Oranjestad and San Nicolas, with six in each location.

Noord/Tanki Leendert recorded the largest number of new establishments, followed by Oranjestad East and Oranjestad West.

The government has linked part of the town-centre activity to fiscal incentives introduced at the beginning of 2026 to encourage investment and the reuse of properties in historic commercial areas.

Officials say reducing administrative barriers and simplifying the process of starting a business remain priorities as Aruba seeks greater economic diversification.

The latest figures follow a record 880 new-business permits issued in 2025, suggesting that entrepreneurial activity remains an important part of Aruba’s economic landscape.

The growth in new ventures could provide additional opportunities for employment, investment and local commercial development as Aruba moves beyond its traditional dependence on tourism.