Yes, you can buy property in Aruba remotely, without ever setting foot on the island. Foreign buyers regularly view homes virtually, sign through a Power of Attorney, and close the whole purchase from abroad.

The notary handles the legal transfer and holds your funds in escrow, so your money is protected even when you’re thousands of miles away. Most remote purchases run the same 8 to 10 weeks as an in-person one.

I get this question a lot, usually from someone sitting at their kitchen table in Toronto or Amsterdam, coffee going cold, wondering if it’s really possible to buy a place somewhere they’ve only seen in photos. It is. We’ve helped plenty of buyers do exactly that. But I want to be honest with you about how it works, and about the one part I’d think twice on.

Why remote buying works here at all

The reason this is even possible comes down to Aruba’s open ownership rules. Foreigners buy with the same rights as locals, no residency requirement and no special permits. So there’s nothing about being overseas that legally blocks a purchase: Can Foreigners Buy Property in Aruba? | Aruba Lifestyle Realty

The other piece is the notary. In Aruba, a civil-law notary handles the legal transfer, not a lawyer the way US buyers might expect. The notary civil lawyer is a neutral party who works for the transaction itself, verifies the title is clean, and holds your deposit in escrow. That neutrality is what makes buying from a distance safe. You’re not wiring money to a seller or an agent. You’re sending it to a regulated professional whose job is to protect the deal.

How a remote purchase actually happens

Virtual viewings first. We walk you through properties on video, in real time, and we’ll go where the listing photos won’t, the noise from the road, the state of the roof, the view that’s a little less open than the wide-angle shot suggested. You get to ask questions as we go, like you’re standing there with us.

The written offer. Once something feels right, we draft the offer for you. Price, deposit, any financing conditions, closing date, contingencies. Aruba is a negotiation market, so the asking price is a starting point.

The deposit. When the seller accepts and both sides sign the sales agreement (koopovereenkomst), you place a deposit, typically 10 percent, into the civil lawyer notary’s escrow account. Held by the notary, governed by the Central Bank of Aruba. Released only at closing.

Due diligence. This is where the civil law notary does the legal heavy lifting, checking title, liens,  whether the land is freehold or long lease, and that taxes are current.

Closing by Power of Attorney. You don’t need to fly in to sign. You grant a Power of Attorney to your notary or agent, and they sign the transfer deed on your behalf. The balance is paid, the notary registers the new ownership with the Cadaster, and the property is yours. Welcome to Aruba – Aruba Lifestyle Realty

What you’ll need to send from abroad

The paperwork is straightforward, just handled by courier and email instead of in person: two photo IDs (usually passport and driver’s license), proof of funds or a financing pre-approval, and a Tax Identification Number that we help you obtain. The notary will also ask for Source of Funds and Source of Wealth declarations. If you’re buying through an overseas company rather than in your own name, there’s a little more, such as your Articles of Incorporation, shareholder registry and Ultimate Beneficiary Owner forms.

One thing worth starting early: opening an Aruban bank account as a foreigner can take a few weeks, so if you’ll need one, begin before you need it. (You can only open an account if you own real estate on Aruba)

The honest part, the bit I’d think about

Here’s where I’ll slow you down for a moment.

Buying a home you’ve never physically stood in carries a real risk, and I’d rather say that plainly than sell around it. Photos flatter. Video is better but still framed by whoever’s holding the phone. And once the deed is registered, there’s no easy undo.

So a fully sight-unseen purchase is possible, and sometimes it’s genuinely the right call, but I’d want you to lower the risk where you can. That might mean a longer, unscripted video walk-through where you pick what we point the camera at. It might mean someone you trust who’s already on the island going to look for you. And for a first purchase especially, I often suggest one short trip before closing if it can be arranged, three to five viewings in a single long weekend, since the island is small enough to see a lot quickly.

If none of that is possible and you still want to move, we can do it. I’ll just make sure you’re going in with clear eyes rather than a brochure version.

A few costs to plan for

Beyond the purchase price, budget roughly 7 to 8 percent for closing costs, transfer tax, notary fees, and registration. Financing as a non-resident is possible through local banks, though usually at a higher down payment (often 50 to 60 percent), which is why many international buyers finance from home or pay cash. What Does It Actually Cost to Buy a House in Aruba? | Aruba Lifestyle Realty

So, is it right for you?

Remote buying in Aruba is legal, safe when it runs through the notary civil lawyer offices, and something we do regularly. The mechanics are the easy part. The judgment, whether this specific property, at this price, bought this way, actually fits how you plan to live or invest, is the part worth taking your time on.

If you’ve been circling the idea and want an honest, no-pressure conversation about whether it makes sense for your situation, we’re here. Some of those conversations end with “let’s do it,” and some end with “not this one, not yet.” Both are good outcomes.

🌴 Bo kas, bo estilo di bida.

By Brad Croes & Ellen Aartsen, Aruba Lifestyle Realty

Updated September 2026