Reviewed August 2026. The Public Works Department (DOW) administers building-permit applications. Government guidance says a permit is required for building and for many renovation or extension projects. Confirm the requirement before design is finalised or work begins.

Start with the scope, not the contractor quote

Write down what will change: footprint, roof, walls, structure, drainage, electrical capacity, plumbing, pool, boundary, access and intended use. Photos and an existing plan help, but they do not replace approved drawings. Send the scope to a qualified Aruba architect, engineer or DOW and ask which approvals are required.

Four approvals that owners often confuse

• Government building permission: the DOW process for the proposed construction or alteration.
• Land or title conditions: restrictions connected to ownership land, long lease, easements or the deed.
• Association approval: condominium or HOA rules may require separate consent even when government permission exists.
• Utility and technical acceptance: a larger connection, relocated meter or specialist installation may have its own requirements.

One approval does not automatically replace another. Put every required consent on the project schedule and do not release construction stages simply because one party has agreed.

Residential application documents

The Government of Aruba’s January 2026 review of 2025 applications lists the following documents for residential construction. Treat this as a starting checklist and ask DOW for the latest form and submission rules.

• Two copies of the construction or specification drawing
• Two copies of the site or situation plan
• Two copies of structural drawings and calculations
• One copy of the notarial deed or Ministerial Decree
• One copy of an identity document
• A completed DOW form
• The stated application payment; verify the current amount before submission

A practical owner process

• 1. Verify the existing situation. Compare the site with the deed, cadastral information and approved drawings. Resolve unexplained additions before designing around them.
• 2. Appoint accountable professionals. Record who produces drawings, calculations and submissions and who answers DOW questions.
• 3. Freeze a coordinated design. Structural, architectural, drainage, pool and utility plans should describe the same project.
• 4. Submit a complete package. Keep a digital copy, proof of submission, payment receipt and reference number.
• 5. Track questions and revisions. Record each request, response, drawing revision and approval condition.
• 6. Build against approved documents. Variations should be assessed before construction, not documented only after completion.
• 7. Close the file. Retain the permit, stamped plans, engineering records, warranties, invoices and final photographs for insurance and a future sale.

Before buying a renovated property

Ask the seller for approved plans and permits for additions, guest houses, enclosed patios, pools and major structural changes. Compare the documents with what is physically present. If they do not match, ask the notary and a qualified technical adviser what investigation or correction is needed before you commit.

Contract controls that protect an overseas owner

• Detailed scope tied to the drawing revision
• Price, exclusions, taxes and allowance items
• Stage payments linked to inspected progress
• Written variation approval and spending limits
• Responsibility for permits, inspections and utility coordination
• Insurance, safety, site access and key control
• Defect list, warranties and document handover before final payment

For the physical upkeep that follows a project, use the annual Aruba home-maintenance checklist. You can also browse local home and property services; inclusion is not an endorsement, so verify qualifications, insurance, references and written terms.