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
  • Valid passport with at least one blank page
  • Two passport-size photographs with white background
  • Medical certificate issued by a doctor in the Dominican Republic
  • Police record certificate from your country of origin
  • Bank letter or financial statements proving economic solvency
• Apply for a Visa at the Dominican Consulate
  • Visit the official website of the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find the nearest consulate: https://www.mi.gob.do/mirex/
  • Schedule an appointment and submit the required documents
  • Pay the visa fee and obtain the visa
• Enter the Dominican Republic with the Appropriate Visa
  • Upon arrival, obtain a migration registration at the International Airport
• Apply for a Tax Number (RNC)
  • Visit the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) website: https://www.dgii.gov.do/
  • Fill out the application form (Formulario RNC)
  • Submit the form along with a copy of your passport and visa at the DGII offices
• Open a Bank Account
  • Choose a bank and gather the required documents (passport, visa, RNC, etc.)
  • Visit the bank and open a savings or checking account
• Apply for Provisional Residency
  • Visit the Dirección General de Migración website: https://www.migracion.gob.do/
  • Fill out the provisional residency application form
  • Submit the form along with the required documents (passport, visa, RNC, medical certificate, etc.)
  • Pay the application fee
• Obtain the Provisional Residency Card
  • Once approved, visit the Dirección General de Migración to obtain your provisional residency card
• Apply for Permanent Residency (After one year of provisional residency)
  • Visit the Dirección General de Migración website
  • Fill out the permanent residency application form
  • Submit the form along with the required documents (provisional residency card, passport, etc.)
  • Pay the application fee
• Obtain the Permanent Residency Card
  • Once approved, visit the Dirección General de Migración to obtain your permanent residency card

Important Notes

All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Dominican Republic's consulate in your country of origin.

The residency process may take several months, and it is recommended to hire a lawyer or immigration specialist to assist with the process.

Residency holders must comply with the immigration laws and regulations of the Dominican Republic to maintain their residency status.

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.