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All nationalities purchase a US$10 tourist card (e-ticket) online or at the airport. Entry is generally visa-free for most passports for up to 30 days, extendable.
Available to any nationality; categories include employee, retiree, investor, or family reunification. Requires background checks, medical certificate, and category-specific proof such as employment contract or pension income.
Granted after holding provisional residency for at least 2 years. Requires continuous presence, clean criminal record, and proof of financial self-sufficiency.
Open to any nationality investing a minimum of US$200,000 in a Dominican business or real estate. Grants provisional then permanent residency on renewal.
The Dominican Republic allows citizens of most countries to enter via the e-Ticket system paying a $10 tourist fee on arrival, valid for 30 days and extendable up to 120 days by paying an overstay fee. Long-stay expatriates apply for provisional or permanent residency through the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), with a relatively accessible income-based path. The country is increasingly popular with retirees and digital nomads attracted by beaches, warm climate, and low cost of living.
Foreign nationals require a work permit (Permiso de Trabajo) issued by the Ministry of Labor to be legally employed by a Dominican employer; the employer bears responsibility for the application. Dominican labor law mandates that 80% of a company's workforce must be Dominican nationals, limiting the proportion of foreign employees. Self-employed expats and business owners can operate through registered companies without this restriction.
Spouses and dependent children under 18 of residence permit holders can apply for dependent residency valid concurrently with the principal applicant. Dependents wishing to work must obtain their own work permit through the Ministry of Labor.
The Dominican Republic has a progressive income tax from 15% to 25% on residents worldwide income above DOP 867,124 annually. However, retirees and pensioners qualifying under the special residency program enjoy significant tax exemptions on foreign-source income. Corporate tax is 27% and ITBIS (VAT) is 18%. The country has tax treaties with Canada and Spain.
The Dominican Republic has both public and private healthcare systems; expats are advised to use private hospitals and clinics, which are of acceptable quality in major cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago. Comprehensive international health insurance is essential as public facilities are underfunded. Medical costs at private hospitals are moderate by North American standards.
Opening a bank account requires a valid passport, residency card (cedula), and source of funds documentation; major banks like Banco Popular, BHD Leon, and Scotiabank Dominican Republic serve expats. The Dominican Peso (DOP) is freely exchangeable at numerous cambios. USD is widely accepted in tourist and business areas, and digital banking is growing.
The Dominican Republic offers a Retiree / Pensioner Residency requiring proof of monthly income of at least USD 1,500. An Investor Residency requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in an approved economic activity. Law 158-01 on Tourism Incentives provides income tax and property tax exemptions for 15 years on qualifying tourism real estate investments.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retiree / Pensioner Residency | — | No | No |
| Investor Residency | — | No | No |
| Law 158-01 Tourism Incentive | — | No | No |