Last updated on October 27, 2025
No, selling homemade food in Aruba without a commercial kitchen is not allowed. Food preparation for commercial purposes must occur in facilities that meet government-approved health and safety standards.
From Home Cook to Entrepreneur—But Not Without a License
You’ve got the recipes, the passion, and maybe even a loyal following on social media. Starting a food business from your home kitchen in Aruba sounds like a dream come true. But before you fire up the stove, there’s a legal reality to face: Aruba’s food safety laws don’t allow homemade food sales unless the kitchen is certified as a commercial facility.
Aruba’s culinary scene is rich with tradition, from pastechi to keshi yena, and many locals dream of turning their cooking into a livelihood. However, the government places public health at the forefront, and that means regulating how and where food is prepared for sale.
The Law Behind the Ladle
Food safety in Aruba is governed by the Inspectie voor Volksgezondheid (IVA), which operates under the Ministry of Public Health. Their mandate includes overseeing hygiene standards, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance with the Landsverordening Warenwet, Aruba’s food law. This legislation requires that any food sold to the public be prepared in facilities that meet strict health and safety criteria.
Home kitchens, even those kept spotless, typically lack the infrastructure required for commercial food preparation. This includes industrial-grade ventilation, pest control systems, and food-safe surfaces. Without these, your kitchen won’t pass inspection—and without inspection, you can’t legally sell food.
Licensing and Compliance
To operate a food business legally, you must obtain a license through the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI). This process involves registering your business, submitting a plan, and undergoing inspections by IVA. The inspection ensures that your kitchen or production space meets the standards set out in Aruba’s public health regulations.
If your kitchen isn’t certified, your license application will be rejected. Even temporary vendors at markets or events must prepare their food in approved facilities. The rules apply across the board, whether you’re selling cupcakes or catering full meals.
Why It Matters
These regulations aren’t just red tape—they’re designed to protect consumers. Improper food handling can lead to contamination and illness, which is especially risky in a tourism-driven economy like Aruba’s. Maintaining high food safety standards helps preserve public trust and the island’s reputation.
Moreover, the rules ensure fairness. By requiring all vendors to meet the same standards, Aruba prevents under-the-table operations from gaining an unfair advantage over licensed businesses that invest in proper infrastructure.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’re serious about selling food, consider renting space in a certified commercial kitchen. Some restaurants and culinary incubators offer shared kitchen time for small businesses. This allows you to stay compliant while building your brand.
Alternatively, you can explore selling packaged goods, which may have different requirements depending on shelf stability and labeling. However, these still need to be produced in approved facilities and meet IVA’s standards.
Turning your passion into a business is possible—but in Aruba, it starts with respecting the rules that keep everyone safe.
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Sources
Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry Aruba
https://www.deaci.aw/business/starting-a-business/
Ongoing
Landsverordeningen (wetten) – Gobierno di Aruba
https://www.gobierno.aw/nl/landsverordeningen-wetten
Ongoing