What is the "residence number" on the Aruba ED Card?

Written by Logan Matthew Arends, Travel Law and Immigration Compliance Consultant
December 16, 2025
What is the residence number on the Aruba ED Card?

When you complete the Aruba ED Card as a resident of the country, a field called “residence number” may appear, which causes a lot of confusion. It is not a passport number, a house number, or a document from your country of origin.

In reality, the residence number is an official identifier that the Government of Aruba assigns only to people who have legal residency in the country. It is used to link your ED Card with your local immigration record and confirm that you are returning as a resident, not as a tourist.

If you see this field when filling out your ED Card, it means the system is treating you as a resident of Aruba. In this guide, I explain who has this number, where to find it, and how to complete it correctly to avoid issues when returning to the country.

Key note: If you are a tourist and do not reside in Aruba, this field should not appear on your form.

Who has a residence number in Aruba?

The residence number does not exist for tourists or for people who only visit Aruba for vacations or business. It is an internal number in the immigration and registration systems of Aruba, reserved for those who have a resident connection with the country.

In general terms, the following people have a residence number:

  • Citizens of Aruba who habitually reside in the country.
  • Foreigners with a valid residence permit (work, study, family reunification, temporary or permanent residence).
  • People registered with DIMAS or other competent authorities as legal residents.

If your situation in Aruba is only that of a temporary visitor, this number does not apply to you and the ED Card system should not ask you for it.

Where to find your residence number

Depending on the type of permit and when you obtained it, your residence number may appear on different official documents. It does not always come with the label “residence number,” but it is usually identified as a resident-registration number or something similar.

Some places where you may find it are:

  • Your residence card (physical or digital), where it may appear as a registration number, resident ID, V-number or another similar designation.
  • Documents issued by DIMAS, such as your permit approval letter or renewal decisions.
  • Official notifications or letters from the Government of Aruba about your immigration status.
  • Other local identification documents linked to your residency.
Specialist’s tip: If you have more than one number on your documents, the correct one is usually the one that appears repeatedly in your residence procedures (DIMAS, renewals, official letters).

How to correctly complete the residence number on the ED Card

If the ED Card form shows you the “residence number” field, the goal is for you to provide the same number that the Government of Aruba already uses to identify you as a resident. To do this correctly:

  • Confirm that you are filling out the ED Card as a resident. For example, as “resident returning to Aruba” or a similar category.
  • Locate your number on your card or residence documents. Use the number that appears on your permits and official communications.
  • Copy the number exactly as it appears. Keep letters, dashes, leading zeros, and the full format.
  • Review before submitting the form. Make sure it matches the number on your most recent documents.

Entering the residence number correctly helps make your return to Aruba as a resident smoother and reduces the likelihood of additional checks at immigration control.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even though it is just a single field, it is very common to see errors when completing it. Some of the most frequent ones are:

  • Using the passport number. The passport is entered in another section of the form. The residence number is a different identifier.
  • Entering the house or apartment number. It is not related to your physical address; it is an administrative registration number.
  • Entering the ID number from your country of origin. That number belongs to your home country’s system, not to Aruba’s resident registry.
  • Making up a number just to move forward. This can create inconsistencies in your file and cause issues when you return or renew your status.

To avoid these mistakes, the safest option is to take a few minutes to find your residence number in your official documentation and, if you still have doubts, contact DIMAS directly before submitting your ED Card.

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Frequently asked questions about the residence number on the ED Card

No. That field only appears when the system recognizes you as a resident of Aruba. Tourists who travel only for vacations or business should not see it.

Yes. If the system shows you this field, it is because it is using your resident profile. In that case, you must enter the official number under which you are registered with the authorities in Aruba.

This is not recommended. The residence number is a different identifier. If you cannot find it in your documents, the best option is to contact DIMAS or the competent authority so they can tell you which number to use.

It could create inconsistencies in your resident record and lead to additional checks or delays when you return to the country.

You can check your residence approval letters, official communications from DIMAS, or contact Aruba’s immigration authorities directly so they can confirm which number you should use.

If you have a valid residence status, it is important to follow the official instructions for your entries and exits from the country. If you are unsure about your current category (tourist vs. resident), the safest option is to check with DIMAS or your legal advisor.
Logan Matthew Arends
Written by

Logan Matthew Arends

Travel Law and Immigration Compliance Consultant

I am a UK-based specialist in travel and tourism law, immigration and border documentation, and consumer protection in travel services. As Senior Content Editor for Aruba ED-Card procedures at ED-Card-Aruba.com, I focus on turning complex regulations into clear, practical guidance so travellers know exactly what they need before they fly. My work combines legal expertise and user-experience thinking to make digital travel platforms safer, more transparent, and easier to use.

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