Settling in the Dominican Republic: The Residence Visa
To settle permanently in the Dominican Republic, you need to apply for a resident’s visa. The overall cost of the application varies between 1,000 and 2,000 USD, depending on the type of visa.
The following documents are generally required:
- Two copies of all pages of your passport
- Birth certificate translated into Spanish
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) translated into Spanish
- Letter of good conduct from country of origin
- Dominican Republic certificate of good conduct
- Photos (front and side views)
- Copy of employment contract or proof of purchase of property on the island
- A letter of guarantee from a Dominican citizen or resident
- Medical certificate (HIV, tuberculosis and drug tests)
Steps to obtain a Residence Visa in the Dominican Republic
There are several stages in obtaining a residence visa for the Dominican Republic. The first is to apply for a residence visa at the Dominican consulate in your home country. Once you have obtained your visa, you have 60 days to plan your trip to the Dominican Republic and complete the process with the immigration department. During your stay, you will need to submit a complete file with all supporting documents. In general, your residence card and identity card will be ready in 4 to 5 months.
There is a fast-track method for obtaining a residence visa. To be eligible, you must prove a monthly income of at least 1,500 USD from a foreign investment or retirement pension, or invest 200,000 USD by purchasing a property in the Dominican Republic. Investing in a banking institution or company registered in the Dominican Republic also entitles you to a fast-track visa. Beneficiaries of this method are exempt from import duties on household goods, dividend and interest tax, and enjoy a 50% reduction on property and capital gains tax.
From temporary to permanent resident
If you do not meet the criteria for the fast-track program, you can obtain a provisional or temporary residence card. This first card must be renewed the following year to obtain a permanent residence card. The documents required for these renewals are the same as for the first application.
Dominican Republic residence visa for the whole family
Expatriates holding a Dominican visa can also apply for dependency visas for family members. For children under the age of 18, we require the child’s birth certificate and the identity papers of both parents.
Benefits of permanent residence
Obtaining a Dominican Republic resident visa offers many advantages:
- Easy entry: You can enter the country without needing a tourist card and without having to present a return ticket at the entrance.
- Legal residence: You can reside legally with an identity card.
- Driver’s license: You can obtain a Dominican driver’s license, whereas non-residents can only drive for 90 days with an international license.
- Tax advantages: Benefit from tax advantages, including low inheritance tax.
- Quality of life: Experience a fantastic lifestyle in spectacular surroundings, with a high standard of living and relatively low costs compared with other islands in the region.
Perez Real Estate: your partner for visa procedures
In addition to offering you exceptional properties in Bayahibe, Punta Cana and Las Terrenas, we can also help you with all your real estate needs.
Perez Real Estate is at your side to guide you through the entire Dominican Republic residency visa application process. Our team of experts will help you gather the necessary documents, fill out the required forms, and navigate the paperwork, ensuring a hassle-free move to the Dominican Republic.
