Guide to Residency in the Dominican Republic

Obtaining a residency visa in the Dominican Republic is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in the Dominican Republic gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Gather Required Documents
  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 18 months.
  • Birth Certificate: Obtain a legalized or apostilled birth certificate.
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable): If married, provide a legalized or apostilled marriage certificate.
  • Health Certificate: Get a health certificate from a Dominican doctor stating you are free of contagious diseases.
  • Good Conduct Certificate: Request a police good conduct certificate from your country of origin or where you have resided for the last five years.
  • Proof of Income: Provide evidence of your financial solvency, such as a letter from a bank or financial institution.
  • Photos: Have several recent 2x2 inch front-facing photos with a white background.
• Apply for a Provisional Residency
  • Visit the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) website or office to obtain the latest information on the application process.
  • Complete the residency application form, which can be downloaded from the DGM website.
  • Submit the application form along with all the required documents to the DGM.
  • Pay the application fee, which can vary depending on the type of residency you are applying for.
• Apply for a Tax Number (RNC)
  • Visit the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) website or office for information on obtaining a Tax Number (Registro Nacional del Contribuyente, RNC).
  • Fill out the RNC application form, which can be found on the DGII website.
  • Provide a copy of your identification document, such as your passport.
  • Submit the application form and identification document to the DGII.
  • Wait for the RNC to be issued, which may take a few days.
• Medical Examination
  • Schedule a medical examination at a clinic authorized by the DGM.
  • Attend the medical examination, which will include a general health check, blood tests, and chest X-rays.
  • Obtain the medical examination results, which must be submitted to the DGM as part of your residency application.
• Attend the Residency Interview
  • Once your application is reviewed, you will be called for an interview at the DGM.
  • Attend the interview with all original documents and any additional information requested by the DGM officials.
• Receive Provisional Residency
  • If your application is approved, you will be granted a provisional residency card, which is typically valid for one year.
  • Collect your residency card from the DGM office.
• Renew Provisional Residency
  • Before your provisional residency expires, you must apply for renewal.
  • Follow the renewal process, which may require updated documents and another medical examination.
  • Pay the renewal fee and submit the application to the DGM.
• Apply for Permanent Residency
  • After holding provisional residency for the required period, usually one year, you can apply for permanent residency.
  • Prepare and submit a new set of documents similar to the initial application, including updated financial proof and a new health certificate.
  • Attend any additional interviews or provide further information as requested by the DGM.
  • Once approved, collect your permanent residency card from the DGM office.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the process can change. It is important to check with the Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Migration (DGM) or the nearest Dominican consulate for the most current information and requirements. Here are some useful links: - General Directorate of Migration (DGM): http://www.migracion.gob.do/ - Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII): http://www.dgii.gov.do/ These websites may not have an English version available, so it might be necessary to use a translation service or seek assistance from someone who speaks Spanish.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Dominican Rep?

"In order to visit the Dominican Republic, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in the Dominican Republic, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable residency fee. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. The application process also involves an interview with a Dominican immigration official. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one member living in the Dominican Republic.