Benefits of investing in the Dominican Republic and who may qualify for Permanent Residency in the Dominican Republic
Do you think that an “investor” is someone who invests hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars and buys dozens of properties? Actually, that’s not the case. We have good news for you: if you invest in real estate in the Dominican Republic for at least $200,000 through a registered company, you can obtain residency and take advantage of an expedited citizenship (passport) program.
Benefits of obtaining residency:
Visa-Free Entry: Enter the country without needing a tourist card or visa and without showing a return ticket.
Legal Stay: Stay legally with a personal identification card (Cédula de Identidad Personal).
Driver’s License: Apply for a Dominican driver’s license.
Reduced Taxes: Pay taxes at the resident rate, which is much lower.
Labor and Business Rights: Work and conduct business in the Dominican Republic.
Security and Stability: Enjoy a stable political and social environment, ensuring a peaceful and safe life for you and your family.
Citizenship: After six months of permanent residency, you may be eligible to apply for Dominican citizenship.
Access to Health Services: Benefit from a quality healthcare system with affordable costs.
Education: Take advantage of reduced fees at local educational institutions and access to exchange programs.
International Travel: Travel to over 70 countries without a visa, including CARICOM member countries.
Participation in Government Programs: Access benefits and assistance programs offered by the Dominican government.
Tropical Climate: Enjoy warm weather year-round, ideal for a relaxed lifestyle and outdoor activities.
Quality of Life: Enjoy a high standard of living with relatively low costs compared to other islands in the region.
A residence permit for foreigners investing in the Dominican Republic is valid for one year. Beneficiaries may obtain citizenship within a short period after acquiring the residence permit through their investment.
Requirements
– Valid passport for at least six months.
– Residence visa.
– Letter of Incorporation to the Foreign Investment Program.
– Foreign Investment Certificate.
– Original birth certificate.
– Four recent photographs (2×2) with a white background.
– Certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin or residence of the last five years.
– Marriage certificate, declaration of singleness, or proof of cohabitation, apostilled or legalized.
– Guarantee policy with Seguros Reservas.
– Medical examinations at an institution authorized by the DGM.
Procedures to follow
The process is divided into two parts. First, the investment is registered at the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (PRODOMINICANA), which issues a foreign investment certificate. Once the certificate has been issued, the process continues before the General Directorate of Migration.
To avoid paperwork, language barriers, difficulties due to unfamiliarity with the country and its pace, and potential communication issues, as well as to save time and simplify the process, it is possible to use the services of a lawyer specializing in migration law. This professional will manage the entire process, overseeing all stages, details, and nuances. While these support services will incur additional cost, including inevitable fees for certificates, analysis, etc., the process can also be handled independently. If the latter option is chosen, the following steps will be required:
1. Procedure at CEI-RD
a) Go to https://servicios.prodominicana.gob.do/
b) Register the user.
c) Upload the necessary documents.
d) Legal and financial assessment of the documents submitted by the interested party.
e) Issuance of the certificate of foreign investments and/or technology transfer.
Costs: RD$3,500 (Adults and children under 10 years).
Processing Time: The process takes 15 business days.
Department offering the service: Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic
Address: Av. 27 de Febrero esq. Av. Gregorio Luperón, frente a la Plaza de la Bandera, Santo Domingo, R.D
Phone: +1 809-530-5505
Email: [email protected]
2. Procedure at the GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION:
a) Access the DGM services portal (https://personal.migracion.gob.do).
b) Register a user and password, or log in if you already have one.
c) Select the service:
- Choose “LIST OF APPLICATIONS”.
- Select the location-office to receive the service.
- Choose the requested service from the “LIST OF SERVICES”.
- Complete the “INFORMATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR APPLICANT”.
d) Scan and upload documents in JPG format.
e) Take the medical exam within three days after payment.
f) Attach company documents (commercial registration, assembly, and bylaws).
g) All documents must be original, notarized, legalized, and apostilled.
Costs:
One-time file payment: RD$42,000 (Adults and children under 10 years).
DGM medical exams: RD$6,300 (Adults) and RD$4,200 (Children under 10 years).
Processing time: The process takes 90 business days.
Department offering the service: Foreign Investment Division.
Address: Autopista 30 de Mayo, Esquina Héroes De Luperon, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Phone: 809-508-2555 Ext. 2016 / 2037
Email: [email protected]
Now you have one more reason to buy your property in the Dominican Republic and enjoy all the benefits of this country as official residents. Enjoy the hospitality of this country and thank the government for valuing its investors, offering great advantages to facilitate and improve your quality of life.
