Dominican Republic Residency 2025: Visa Types, Requirements & Process

Why Get Dominican Republic Residency?

While property ownership doesn't require residency, becoming a legal resident offers significant advantages:

• Extended stays: Live in the DR year-round without visa runs
• Tax benefits: Territorial tax system—foreign income is not taxed
• Banking access: Open local bank accounts and obtain credit
• Path to citizenship: After 2 years of permanent residency
• Healthcare: Access to the public health system
• Business opportunities: Legally operate businesses and work

Residency Visa Categories

1. Investor Visa (Inversionista)

The most popular option for real estate buyers. Requirements:

• Minimum investment: US$200,000 in approved investments (real estate qualifies)
• Processing time: 45-90 days
• Valid for: 1 year (temporary), then renewable or convert to permanent
• Work authorization: Yes

Purchasing a qualifying property through Sadeghi Group can establish your investment requirement for this visa category.

2. Retiree/Pensioner Visa (Pensionado/Rentista)

Designed for retirees with stable income:

• Income requirement: US$1,500/month from pension, Social Security, or investments
• Additional dependents: +US$250/month per dependent
• Processing time: 45-90 days
• Work authorization: No (but can own businesses and receive investment income)

3. Rentista (Private Income) Visa

For those with investment or rental income:

• Income requirement: US$2,000/month from investments, rental income, or other passive sources
• Documentation: Bank statements, investment account statements proving income
• Work authorization: No

4. Business Owner Visa

For entrepreneurs establishing businesses in the DR:

• Requirement: Register and capitalize a Dominican corporation
• Minimum capital: Varies by business type
• Work authorization: Yes, for your own business

5. Work Visa

Sponsored by a Dominican employer:

• Requirement: Job offer from registered Dominican company
• Employer responsibility: Company handles most documentation
• Tied to employment: Visa valid while employed

Step-by-Step Residency Application Process

1. Gather documents in your home country:
   • Birth certificate (apostilled)
   • Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
   • Police background check (apostilled)
   • Passport copies
   • Passport-sized photos
2. Have documents translated: Official Spanish translation by certified translator
3. Obtain provisional residency: Apply at Dirección General de Migración with all documents
4. Medical exam: Complete health screening at approved clinic in DR
5. Receive temporary residency card: Valid for 1 year
6. Renew or convert: After 1-2 years of temporary residency, apply for permanent residency

Required Documents Checklist

Standard requirements for most residency applications:

• ✓ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• ✓ Birth certificate with apostille
• ✓ Police clearance certificate with apostille (from countries lived in past 5 years)
• ✓ Marriage certificate with apostille (if applicable)
• ✓ Medical certificate from DR-approved physician
• ✓ Eight 2x2 passport photos
• ✓ Proof of income or investment (category-specific)
• ✓ Proof of address in Dominican Republic
• ✓ Completed application forms

Apostille note: Documents must be apostilled in the country of origin, then translated to Spanish by a certified translator in the DR.

Costs and Timeline

Government Fees

• Application fee: Approximately US$500–800
• Residency card: US$100–200
• Annual renewal: US$200–300
• Permanent residency conversion: US$500–700

Legal and Processing Fees

• Immigration attorney: US$1,500–3,000 (full service)
• Document translation: US$200–400
• Apostille services: US$100–300 (varies by country)

Timeline

• Document preparation: 2-4 weeks
• Application processing: 45-90 days
• Total from start to card: 3-6 months typical

Path to Dominican Citizenship

Permanent residents can apply for naturalization after:

• Standard path: 2 years of continuous permanent residency
• Married to Dominican: 6 months of residency
• Language requirement: Basic Spanish proficiency
• Dual citizenship: Dominican Republic permits dual citizenship

Dominican citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70+ countries and full property and business rights.

How Property Investment Supports Residency

Purchasing real estate creates a direct path to investor residency:

• Property worth US$200,000+ qualifies for investor visa
• Rental income can support rentista visa qualification
• Property ownership establishes proof of ties to the country
• Multiple properties can build toward qualification thresholds

Sadeghi Group assists clients in selecting properties that meet visa requirements while maximizing investment returns.

Start Your Residency Journey

Combining property investment with residency planning creates the optimal path to Dominican Republic living. Our team coordinates with immigration attorneys to align your property purchase with visa requirements.