I got a request recently for a family that wanted something very specific — and I understood exactly where they are coming from and why.

They wanted to live beachside. Stay within a few hours of North American time zones so they could keep working remotely. Have the flexibility to take extended trips to see family in the U.S. — sometimes for months at a time. And still, eventually, have the option to become EU citizens.

On paper, it might sound challenging. When families start talking about European citizenship, there are mass market options everyone in my industry knows about — Portugal, Spain, Malta. But then there are niche solutions tailored to specific family situations. This family didn’t want to live in Europe full-time. Their work (and work hours), clients, and extended family are all still in North America.

They just wanted a better setup — sun, ocean, flexibility — without cutting off the possibility of a European future.

And there’s a way to do exactly that.

I’m writing this to show you that certain solutions exist along paths that aren’t obvious or direct. You just need to know where to look.

The Request

When they first explained their plan, it was very specific: “We love the Caribbean vibe. We want our kids to grow up near the ocean. But we also want to be able to see our families in the U.S. without a 10–12 hour flight every time.”

Once I learned about their situation, I could see exactly why this mattered so much. The golden visa programs or a complex European immigration process isn’t suited for their situation. They just wanted something that worked for how they actually live right now — something that wouldn’t pull them out of their careers or isolate them from family.

That’s when I brought up Aruba.

Why Aruba Checks Every Box

Aruba doesn’t often come up in conversations about residency or citizenship, but it should. Or maybe it’s being kept secret by others.

It’s a small island in the southern Caribbean, a 4–5 hour flight from many U.S. cities, and it shares North American working hours. You can live on the beach, work remotely, and still be in reach of your family without long-haul flights or massive time zone differences.

But the real advantage isn’t just lifestyle — it’s what Aruba represents legally.

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

That means when you naturalize there, there is no “Aruban” passport. You get a Dutch passport. And a Dutch passport is a full EU passport, with all the rights that come with it: freedom to live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Union.

Basic Residency Requirements

The process is structured and straightforward. For retirees age 55 and older, you need proof of annual income of at least $56,200 from pension or other legal sources. For self-sufficient individuals age 18 and older, you need stable passive income of approximately $55,500 annually from a bank in an OECD country, Mercosur member, or Caribbean Community member. Showing more is always better for income-based programs.

Standard documentation includes:

• Valid passport and identity documents
• Clean criminal record (police certificate from your country)
• Proof of accommodation in Aruba
• Bank references showing financial self-sufficiency
• Medical certificate (issued within 30 days of application)

Permits are valid for one year and renewable annually. Keep in mind, you’re NOT permitted to work locally under these categories — the entire point is that you’re financially self-sufficient.

For the family I mentioned, this worked perfectly. They planned to spend winters and part of the spring in Aruba, and the rest of the year visiting family or traveling elsewhere.

The Path to EU Citizenship

Because Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, long-term residents can apply for Dutch citizenship after meeting the naturalization requirements.

Here’s what that path requires:

• Five years of continuous legal residence in Aruba with a valid residence permit
• Absence limits: no more than six consecutive months or eight months total in any given year
• Basic Dutch language knowledge (A2 level)
• Clean criminal record throughout the residency period
• Renunciation of previous citizenship (with exceptions based on origin country) — this is IMPORTANT to know

The formal application is submitted through the Cabinet of the Governor in Aruba. Once naturalized, you receive a Dutch passport, granting full EU citizenship and visa-free access to over 190 destinations worldwide.

Why This Route Works

This approach flips the usual logic on its head. You don’t need to move to Europe today to start building toward European citizenship.

You can:

• Live near the beach in a tropical setting
• Stay synced with U.S. and Canadian working hours
• Visit family easily without marathon flights
• Work toward a second passport in the EU — one that opens the entire European continent to you later

No high-entry fees. No major relocation. Just time, consistency, and a well-structured plan.

What You Should Know Before You Start

• Dual citizenship rules: Understand Dutch rules on dual citizenship — they can be restrictive, though exceptions exist.
• Residency renewal: Keep up with annual renewals.
• Physical presence: The limits on time spent outside Aruba are real; plan your travel accordingly if you plan to naturalize.
• Tax implications: Speak with a qualified tax attorney. If you’d like, we can connect you with professionals in our network.

The Family That Made It Happen

That family I mentioned? They’re doing it. They found their rhythm — part-time Aruba, part-time U.S., and a long-term option leading toward EU citizenship.

It’s not a loophole or a hack. It’s just a smart, well-aligned plan.

You can live beachside, stay in your time zone, visit family easily — and still be working toward one of the strongest passports in the world.

If you want to explore options like this for your own family, send me an email at Mike@TotalFreedom.io. We’ll connect you with the right people in our network to help you take the next step.