Moving to Dominican Republic Checklist 2025: Complete Relocation Guide

Relocation Timeline Overview

Phase 1: Research & Planning (6-12 Months Before)

☐ Choose Your Location

• Visit first: Spend at least 2-4 weeks exploring regions
• Consider: Cost of living, healthcare access, expat community, climate
• Top expat areas: Sosúa, Cabarete, Puerto Plata (north); Punta Cana (east); Santo Domingo; Las Terrenas (Samaná)

☐ Understand Visa Requirements

• Tourist visa: 30 days, extendable to 120 days (fine-based system)
• Residency options:
  • Retirement visa (pensionado): $1,500+/month income proof
  • Investor visa: $200,000 investment
  • Rentista visa: $2,000/month passive income
  • Work visa: Employment sponsorship required
• Timeline: Residency applications take 3-6 months
• Read our complete residency guide →

☐ Budget Your Move

Plan for these major expenses:

• Housing deposit: 1-3 months rent (typically $500-$2,000)
• Shipping container: $2,000-$8,000 (20-40ft container from U.S.)
• Immigration fees: $500-$1,500
• Vehicle import: 20-50% of vehicle value in duties
• Emergency fund: 3-6 months expenses recommended

☐ Research Healthcare

• Identify hospitals near your target location
• Get quotes for Dominican and international health insurance
• Arrange any needed procedures before moving
• Stock up on specialty medications
• Read our healthcare guide →

Phase 2: Preparation (3-6 Months Before)

☐ Secure Housing

• Option A: Rent first (recommended for newcomers)
  • 1-year lease gives time to learn the area
  • No large capital commitment immediately
  • Flexibility to relocate if needed
• Option B: Buy immediately (if you know the area well)
  • Lock in pricing before residency demand increases
  • Rental income potential from day one
  • Establishes investor visa qualification

☐ Gather Documents

You'll need authenticated/apostilled copies of:

• Passport: Valid for 6+ months beyond planned stay
• Birth certificate: Apostilled and translated
• Marriage certificate: If applicable, apostilled and translated
• Police clearance: From any country you've lived in 5+ years
• Income proof: For residency (bank statements, pension letters, etc.)
• Medical certificate: Some visa types require health exam

Tip: Get multiple copies of everything. Dominican bureaucracy often requires originals at multiple offices.

☐ Plan What to Ship

Worth Shipping

• Quality furniture (expensive/hard to find locally)
• Electronics and appliances (120V compatible)
• Personal items with sentimental value
• Kitchen equipment and specialty items
• Sports equipment, hobby supplies

Buy Locally Instead

• Basic furniture (available and cheaper)
• Bedding and linens
• Large appliances (voltage/humidity compatibility issues)
• Cars (unless vintage—import duties are high)

☐ Choose Shipping Method

• Full container (FCL): $3,000-$8,000, 20-40ft containers
• Shared container (LCL): $1,500-$3,000, pay per cubic foot
• Air freight: $5-10/lb, for essentials and valuables only

Timeline: Ocean shipping takes 3-6 weeks from U.S. East Coast. Plan for customs clearance delays (1-2 weeks additional).

☐ Financial Preparation

• Open account at bank with good international access: Charles Schwab, Fidelity (no foreign ATM fees)
• Get travel credit cards: No foreign transaction fees
• Set up Wise (formerly TransferWise): Best for currency exchange
• Notify your banks: Prevent fraud blocks on DR transactions
• Keep U.S. bank accounts: You'll still need them for pensions, investments

Phase 3: Final Prep (1-3 Months Before)

☐ Notify Important Parties

• IRS/tax authorities (change of address)
• Social Security Administration (if receiving benefits)
• Investment accounts and pension administrators
• Creditors and subscription services
• Professional licenses (maintain or surrender)

☐ Handle U.S. Obligations

• Taxes: U.S. citizens must file regardless of residence; consult expat tax specialist
• Voting: Register for absentee ballot if desired
• Mail: Set up mail forwarding service (Earth Class Mail, Traveling Mailbox)
• Driver's license: Some U.S. states allow keeping license without residency

☐ Medical Preparation

• Complete pending procedures/surgeries
• Dental checkup and any needed work
• Eye exam and extra glasses/contacts
• Get prescriptions for 3-6 months supply
• Vaccination records (may be requested)
• Medical records copies (digital and physical)

☐ Digital Setup

• VPN subscription: Access U.S. streaming services, banking
• Google Voice or similar: Keep U.S. phone number for free
• Cloud storage: Back up important documents
• WhatsApp: Primary communication app in DR

☐ Book Initial Accommodation

If your permanent housing isn't ready:

• Book Airbnb or hotel for first 1-2 weeks
• Location near your target area to house-hunt
• Consider furnished short-term rental for first 1-3 months

Phase 4: Arrival & First Month

☐ Immigration & Entry

• Tourist card: $10, purchased at airport or included in ticket
• Customs declaration: Declare items over $200 value
• First 30 days: No visa action needed
• After 30 days: Pay extension fee or begin residency process

☐ Get a Dominican Phone Number

• Major carriers: Claro, Altice (Orange)
• What you need: Passport, DR address
• Prepaid vs. contract: Prepaid easier initially
• Cost: $20-$40/month for data + calls

☐ Open Dominican Bank Account

• Major banks: Banco Popular, Banco Reservas, Scotiabank, Banco BHD León
• Documents needed: Passport, proof of address (utility bill or lease), reference letter from existing bank
• Note: Some banks require residency; others accept tourists
• Recommendation: Start with Banco Popular (most expat-friendly)

☐ Set Up Utilities

Electricity (EDENORTE, EDESUR, EDEESTE)

• May transfer from previous tenant or establish new
• Deposit typically required (1-2 months average bill)
• Important: Get an inverter with batteries for power outages

Water

• Often included in condo HOA
• Houses: Municipal water + private cistern/pump common
• Drinking water: Delivered bottles (5-gallon botellones) are standard

Internet

• Providers: Claro, Altice (fiber available in many areas)
• Speeds: 50-300 Mbps available in developed areas
• Cost: $35-$75/month
• Installation: Can take 1-2 weeks—order early

☐ Get a Driver's License (if driving)

• International Driving Permit valid for 90 days
• DR license available with residency
• Process: INTRANT office, eye test, written test (in Spanish)
• Alternative: Many expats use taxis/motoconcho initially

☐ Register with Your Embassy

• U.S.: STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
• Canada: Registration of Canadians Abroad
• Receives emergency alerts and consular assistance

☐ Begin Residency Process

If staying long-term:

• Hire immigration lawyer (recommended, $500-$1,500)
• Submit application within first 60 days ideally
• Process takes 3-6 months
• Can remain legally while application pending

Phase 5: Settling In

☐ Join Expat Community

• Facebook groups: "Expats in [Your City]" groups are very active
• InterNations: Events and meetups
• Local clubs: Rotary, Lions, yacht clubs, golf clubs
• Classes: Spanish lessons, yoga, water sports

☐ Learn Basic Spanish

• You can get by with English in tourist areas, but Spanish dramatically improves quality of life
• Options: Private tutors ($10-20/hour), language schools, online (italki)
• Goal: Conversational within 6 months makes daily life much easier

☐ Establish Local Services

• Doctor/clinic: Find a GP for routine care
• Dentist: Regular checkups much cheaper in DR
• Lawyer: For ongoing legal needs
• Accountant: Especially if U.S. citizen (FBAR, FATCA compliance)
• Property manager: If you'll travel frequently

☐ Get to Know Your Neighborhood

• Introduce yourself to neighbors
• Find your preferred supermarket, pharmacy, hardware store
• Locate nearest hospital and police station
• Explore local restaurants and services

Quick Reference Checklist

Before You Leave

• ☐ Valid passport (6+ months)
• ☐ Apostilled birth certificate
• ☐ Apostilled police clearance
• ☐ Income documentation
• ☐ Medical records
• ☐ 3-6 month medication supply
• ☐ Housing secured (rent or purchase)
• ☐ Shipping arranged
• ☐ U.S. mail forwarding
• ☐ Banks notified
• ☐ Health insurance arranged
• ☐ VPN subscription
• ☐ Emergency contact list

First Week in DR

• ☐ Phone/SIM card
• ☐ Cash exchanged (pesos)
• ☐ Register with embassy
• ☐ Bank account opened
• ☐ Internet ordered

First Month

• ☐ Utilities in your name
• ☐ Begin residency application
• ☐ Find doctor/clinic
• ☐ Join expat groups
• ☐ Start Spanish lessons

Start Your Dominican Republic Journey

Moving to the Dominican Republic is a significant but manageable transition. With proper planning and this checklist, you can navigate the process smoothly and start enjoying your Caribbean life.