The Dominican Republic offers investors (investing at least US$200,000 in the local economy)​, retirees (with a lifetime monthly pension of at least US$1,500), independent means(people with a stable passive income of at least US$2,000/month)​, and those with Dominican family ties (married to a Dominican or children of residents). There are also specific visa categories like work residency (sponsored by a Dominican employer) and students residency. Each type has its own criteria and leads to temporary residency and permanent residency. ·

The application process has two main stages: first obtaining a Residency Visa from a Dominican consulate abroad, and then applying for the actual residency permit in the Dominican Republic. A new applicant will start with Temporary Residence, which is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually​. After 5 years of holding temporary residency, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency​. Each category (temporary, investor, retiree, etc.) may have specific paperwork – for example, investors provide evidence of their investment through government program, retirees provide proof of pension, etc. The paperwork can seem daunting, but we assist clients in preparing the full application package, obtaining necessary translations/legalizations, and submitting to the authorities to make it as straightforward as possible.

Dominican residency offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to live in the country year-round without worrying about tourist visa extensions or overstay fines. You’ll receive a national ID card (cédula), which makes everyday transactions easier – for example, opening a bank account, signing a lease, getting a local driver’s license, or even getting local rates for attractions. Residency (especially permanent) can also simplify business and property dealings; some banks and institutions prefer or require a cédula for significant transactions. Another benefit is that the DR does not tax most foreign-source income for your first few years as a resident​, making it attractive for retirees or remote workers living off income from abroad. As a resident, you can also import personal goods with certain tax exemptions under laws designed to encourage foreign retirees/investors. Additionally, after a couple of years as a resident, you have the option to apply for citizenship, which can grant you a Dominican passport (this can be useful for travel in Latin America and other benefits). Finally, having residency means peace of mind: you are legally recognized in the country, which can be reassuring in terms of access to local healthcare, ability to work and invest, and overall integration. Many expats find that the cost and effort to obtain residency pay off through these tangible and intangible benefits.

Processing times can vary, but generally after you submit your residency application in the DR, it may take a few months (3–6 months) for approval and issuance of your first residency card. Temporary residency cards are valid for one year and must be renewed annually​. After 5 years of holding temporary status (renewed each year), you can apply for permanent residency​. If you qualify for permanent residency immediately (through investment, pension, etc.), your first permanent card is typically valid for 1 year, and the next renewal will give you a 4-year card​(retirees and certain others renew every 2 years). After 10 years as a permanent resident, you can get a “definitive” or non-expiring residency card (with only annual fee payments)​. It’s important to note that you must keep your residency current – if you let it lapse, you might have to start over. Keep in mind the exact timing can vary and immigration policies can update, so it’s wise to stay in touch with your attorney during the process.

No – there is no strict residency “physical presence” requirement in the Dominican Republic, unlike some other countries. You are not required to live in the DR for a certain number of days per year to maintain your residency. However, keep a few things in mind: Your residency card needs to be renewed on time (annually for temporary, per the schedule for permanent), and renewals often must be done in person in the DR​. If you stay outside the country for extended periods, you may need a re-entry permit if your residency will expire while you’re abroad​. Just remember to plan trips to handle renewals and keep your local address updated with immigration. If you plan to be away during renewal time, talk to us – we can often help arrange the re-entry permit or coordinate your renewal so you remain in compliance.

Yes, as a foreign buyer, you have the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens. There are no restrictions on foreigners owning real estate in the country – you can freely purchase land, houses, condos, or commercial property​. You do not need to be a resident or citizen to buy property; The only formality specific to foreigners is that when registering the title, the registry will note your nationality and passport information for record-keeping​. Of course, it’s important to conduct proper due diligence when buying (to verify clear title, etc., as we discuss below). We can guide you through the property purchase process from start to finish, ensuring your ownership is secured under Dominican law.

The property purchase process in the Dominican Republic is straightforward but includes some local specifics. Once you agree on a price and offer has been accepted, both parties sign a notarized Promise of Sale, which includes the terms, deposit and a closing timeline. Next comes due diligence, where your attorney verifies title, taxes, and legal status. If everything is in order, the transaction moves to closing, where a Deed of Sale (Acto de Venta) is signed, the balance is paid, and the seller delivers the original title. The deed is then registered at the Title Registry, and a new title is issued in your name. A 3% transfer tax (based on government valuation) is paid at this stage. Your attorney typically handles the entire process, including registration and tax payment. The full process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on due diligence and registry timelines. Working with a qualified lawyer is strongly recommended to ensure a clean and secure transfer of ownership. Our firm routinely assists foreign buyers, handling everything from the contract to closing formalities, so you can buy with confidence.

The primary tax on a real estate purchase is the Transfer Tax, which is 3% of the property value. This is paid one time, at the time of registering the property in your name. Aside from the transfer tax, typical closing costs include your attorney’s fees, notary fees. Also, if you’re transferring money from abroad to purchase, check with your bank on any wire fees or currency exchange costs. In summary: for the buyer, the main extra cost on top of purchase price is the 3% transfer tax and attorney professional fees.

It depends on the value of the property. The DR imposes an annual property tax (Impuesto al Patrimonio Inmobiliario, or IPI) on real estate, but only if the combined value of your properties exceeds a certain exempt amount. As of 2025, properties owned by individuals have an exemption around DOP 10 millions. If your property’s assessed value is below that, no annual property tax is due – it’s tax-exempt​. If above, the tax is 1% levied on the value exceeding the threshold. For example, if your property is valued at DOP 12 millions, you’d pay 1% of (10M – 10M) = 1% of 2.0M. There are some nuances: properties held in a company name don’t get the exemption (companies pay a 1% asset tax on property value, which works similarly) and properties under CONFOTUR tourism incentive are exempt from IPI for 15 years.When you buy a property, part of due diligence is to check if the seller was up to date on IPI, and upon transfer, the Internal Revenue office will update the taxpayer info for IPI going forward. We will help you determine if IPI applies to your purchase and handle the registration so that paying it (if required) is straightforward.

Title insurance is not commonly used in Dominican Republic real estate transactions. Unlike in the U.S., where title insurance is routine, in the DR a thorough title search by an attorney and the government’s certification process typically serve the same purpose of ensuring clean title. The property registry system in the DR issues a Certification of Title and can provide a certification showing any liens or encumbrances on the property. Most foreign buyers rely on their attorney’s due diligence rather than paying an ongoing insurance premium. Our priority is to ensure you receive a clean, undisputed title – if we have any doubts in the title research stage, we will inform you and address it before you complete the purchase.

Due diligence is crucial to a safe real estate purchase. The key steps include: verification of the legal and fiscal status of the property, verification of regulations (joint ownership, construction and operating permit), as well as verification in the Dominican cadastral system with an authorized surveyor, if aplicable;If the seller is a corporation, we verify the company’s legal status and that the corporate resolution to sell is in order​. Additional checks include: looking for any restriction or easements (for example, if part of the land is a protected coastal zone or subject to rights of way)​, confirming zoning and permits (that you can use the property as intended, e.g. build a home, operate a business, etc.), and if it’s a condo, checking the condominium rules and dues status​. Basically, due diligence means “trust but verify” – we don’t just take the seller’s or real estate agent word. Our law office will dig into the public records and gather documents (title, survey, taxes, permits) to be certain you are getting exactly what you expect. This process protects you from future surprises and is well worth the time and cost. We will provide you a report of our findings before you proceed to close, so you can make an informed decision.

Deslinde is the legal term for the official land boundary survey of a property. In the Dominican Republic, a new Property Registry Law established that all properties must have an approved deslinde in order for a sale to be recorded at the Title Registry​. Essentially, the property’s boundaries must be clearly marked and registered with the national cadastral system. A deslinde process involves a surveyor mapping the property, placing boundary markers, and the land court approving the survey plan. For a buyer, a completed deslinde is important because it means the property you’re buying is clearly defined – you know exactly what land parcel you’re getting. During due diligence, we compare the on-site situation with the survey plan: we may send a surveyor to confirm that the lot lines on paper match what’s on the ground​We have handled many deslinde processes and can guide this to completion, ensuring the property is properly defined for your ownership.

It’s highly recommended to have a lawyer. While Dominican law doesn’t force you to use an attorney to buy property, going without one is risky – especially for a foreigner unfamiliar with local procedures.In many cases, real estate agents may suggest working with a the same attorney as the seller. While this might seem convenient, we strongly recommend that buyers retain their own independent legal advisor to ensure their interests are fully protected. A lawyer will safeguard your position: drafting and/or reviewing the purchase contracts to include clauses that protect your deposit, conducting the due diligence checks we described, and confirming the seller’s documents are in order. Real estate transactions here involve navigating the Dominican/Spanish-language legal system, and all documents (like the sale contract and title) will be in Spanish. An attorney ensures you fully understand the terms before you sign anything. In our experience, the cost of hiring a competent real estate lawyer is small compared to the value of the investment you’re making – and it can save you from losing much more. Our firm has specialized in assisting foreign buyers for years, and we make the process transparent and safe. So while not mandatory, having a trusted, independent attorney is effectively your insurance for a successful property purchase.

Yes. Foreign investors are allowed to own up to 100% of a Dominican company​. The Dominican Republic’s laws provide equal treatment for foreign and local investors, meaning you do not need a local partner to start a business.

Foreigners can establish several types of legal entities. The most common are: Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or S.R.L.), Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or C por A), and Simplified Corporation (Sociedad Anónima Simplificada or S.A.S.)​ . All offer limited liability protection for owners. An S.R.L. (LLC) is popular for small-to-medium businesses – it requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and modest minimum capital (around DOP 100,000)​. Corporations and S.A.S. are used for larger ventures or when you need special share structures. You can also register a branch of a foreign company or operate as a sole proprietorship, but most expats prefer forming a local company for liability and operational benefits. Consult with us to choose the optimal entity type for your venture – we’ll explain the differences and help pick the structure that fits your needs.

The timeline to set up a company is usually a few weeks (often 2–4 weeks for all formalities, assuming all documents are in order). We can guide you through each step of incorporation, preparing the paperwork and liaising with authorities so your company is formed correctly and efficiently.

No, you are not required to have a Dominican partner or director in most businesses. Foreign individuals can be the sole shareholders and can also act as the managers or directors of the company​. (For an S.R.L./LLC you will need at least two shareholders, but they can both be foreigners, and one person can own 99% and another 1%, for example.) There is also no requirement that directors be Dominican residents, except in special regulated sectors. You will, however, need a registered address in the Dominican Republic for the company.

After incorporation, a company must comply with certain ongoing obligations. These include annual tax filings (the corporate income tax return) and monthly tax declarations if applicable (e.g. VAT/ITBIS reports, payroll withholdings). Companies must also renew their business registration with the Chamber of Commerce and pay an annual fee (often based on company assets or revenue). If there are changes in the company (new shareholders, address change, etc.), these should be recorded with the Mercantile Registry. Additionally, proper bookkeeping in Spanish and in Dominican pesos is required for tax purposes​. Labor laws require that employees are kept enrolled in social security and that labor regulations (like the Labor Code provisions on hours, overtime, etc.) are observed. While these compliance tasks are not overly complex, they do require local knowledge. Our firm provides ongoing corporate compliance services to handle annual filings, renewals, and ensure your company remains in good legal standing in the DR.

Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in the Dominican Republic. Most major banks are accustomed to working with expats, especially in areas with foreign investment. Requirements vary, but typically include your passport, proof of address, and possibly a reference letter from your home bank. Some banks allow non-residents to open accounts with just a passport, while others prefer you have a residency card (cedula). As a non-resident, your account options may be limited (e.g., no online access or checkbook), but these restrictions ease once you have legal residency. Banks will ask about the source and purpose of funds due to international compliance rules. We assist clients with document preparation and introductions to local banks to streamline the process.

The Dominican Republic maintains an open financial system. You can freely bring in or send out money for personal or business use, and foreign investors are legally guaranteed the right to repatriate capital and profits. There are no capital controls, but banks will request documentation for large transfers under anti-money laundering laws. Cash amounts over US$10,000 must be declared at the border, though not taxed. Most transfers are done by wire, which take 2–5 business days. We can help ensure smooth transactions and assist with the necessary paperwork.

Financing is possible but can be limited for foreigners, especially without residency or local credit history. Some banks do offer mortgages for foreign buyers, usually with stricter requirements. For business loans, local companies may qualify if backed by strong collateral or financials. Many buyers opt for developer financing, where payment plans are offered directly by the seller—terms vary. Over time, building credit through smaller loans can help. We can guide you through available financing options and refer you to trusted lenders.

The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Daily expenses are usually paid in pesos, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted for large transactions like real estate, cars, or tourist services. Real estate prices are often quoted in USD, though payment can be made in either currency. Dual-currency accounts are also available at most banks.

Dominican inheritance law applies to all assets located in the Dominican Republic, regardless of the deceased's nationality. Foreigners have the same legal rights as Dominican citizens when it comes to inheriting property. However, Dominican law follows a civil law system with forced heirship rules, meaning that a defined portion of your estate must pass to certain close relatives, such as children or a spouse. This limits how much of your estate you can freely distribute through a will. While foreign wills are generally recognized if properly legalized and translated, they remain subject to these local inheritance rules. The inheritance tax in the DR is relatively low (3% of the appraised value). If you own assets in the country, we strongly recommend proactive estate planning to ensure legal compliance and avoid complications for your heirs.

While not strictly required, having a Dominican will can significantly streamline the inheritance process for your beneficiaries. A foreign will is valid if it meets the legal formalities of the country where it was executed and is properly translated and legalized. However, using a local will avoids delays and procedural complexities before Dominican courts. A will drafted under Dominican law, in Spanish, ensures clarity and faster execution, especially when it comes to transferring property titles or other local assets. It also allows you to name a local representative to manage the process on behalf of heirs abroad. We can draft or review your estate documents to ensure they reflect your intentions while complying with Dominican law.

Forced heirship is a mandatory legal principle in Dominican inheritance law that reserves a portion of your estate for close relatives. Only the remaining portion—called the freely disposable share—may be left to others, such as friends or charities. Even if you have a foreign will, Dominican law will enforce these rules for assets located in the country. This often surprises foreigners used to more flexible systems. To avoid unintended outcomes, it’s important to understand how forced heirship could affect your wishes and to structure your estate plan accordingly. Our firm can assist in navigating these requirements to protect your intentions while respecting the law.

Trusts are not traditionally part of Dominican inheritance law, but a legal framework does exist under Law 189-11, primarily for commercial and investment purposes. Personal or family trusts are still relatively uncommon and not widely used for estate planning. Foreign or offshore trusts may hold Dominican assets, but they may still be subject to forced heirship restrictions, depending on how the structure is viewed under local law. Many expats instead use corporate structures, such as an S.R.L. (limited liability company), to hold real estate—allowing heirs to inherit the company shares rather than the property directly, which can simplify the transfer process. Other tools, such as life insurance or donation, can also form part of a strategic estate plan. We work closely with international advisors to help structure Dominican assets effectively, ensuring legal compliance and smoother cross-border wealth transfer.

Not initially. One of the perks for foreigners is that the Dominican tax system is primarily territorial. This means only income earned within the Dominican Republic is subject to Dominican income tax for new residents​ . Our firm’s tax advisors can help coordinate your tax strategy so you remain compliant while taking advantage of the tax benefits of residency here.

A Dominican company owned by a foreigner has the same tax duties as any local company. The corporate income tax is 27% on net profits. Dividends paid from profits are subject to a 10% withholding tax. Companies must also collect and remit 18% VAT (ITBIS) on most sales of goods and services. There are withholding taxes on payments to individuals and foreign providers, and a 1% annual asset tax on total assets, though this is offset if income tax is paid. Employers must enroll staff in social security and contribute approx. 21% of salary in payroll taxes, while 12% is withheld from employees. Filing includes monthly VAT and withholding reports, and annual income tax returns. We assist foreign-owned companies with tax compliance, accounting, and setup to ensure full regulatory adherence.

In addition to income and property taxes, expats should be aware of the following: ITBIS (VAT): 18% on most goods and services, typically included in prices. Selective Consumption Tax (ISC): Applies to alcohol, tobacco, sugary drinks, and luxury items. Import Duties: Charged on personal goods, vehicles, and larger online purchases unless exempted. Inheritance Tax: 3% on Dominican assets inherited by heirs. Donations: 27% on certain large donations, though this can sometimes be structured mitigate charges. Everyday tax burden is relatively moderate, but we recommend consulting before major purchases or structuring cross-border transfers. Strategic planning can help minimize unnecessary tax exposure