Dominican Republic Visas and Immigration
The Domincan president has signed a bill that will provide even further incentives for retirees and investors to relocate to the Dominican Republic’s fantastic and affordable locations. Right now, taxes are low and real estate prices can not be beat, but incentives like reduced capital gains tax, and un-restricted importation of your property will make the process of retiring or relocating to the Dominican Republic much simpler.
For right now though, Dominican residency makes it much easier to obtain bank loans, buy real estate and import most household goods duty free, so it is an important thing to consider if you plan to retire or otherwise relocate to the Dominican Republic. There aren’t restrictions on foreign purchase of land, houses, and condos, however, the process of clearing the title search, and paying the transfer tax will be greatly simplified if you have a visa. Of course, you are issued a 30 to 60 day tourist visa upon entering the country.
A residence visa must be applied for and obtained before obtaining a provisional residence card, the final document certifying valid Dominican residency. The principal advantage is the ability to import household goods, under Law 14-93, which is a big savings for anyone planning to relocate to the Dominican Republic.
The Documents you’ll currently need to submit for a residency visa are:
- 1.An original birth certificate of the applicant, translated into Spanish.
- 2.Three 2" x 2" frontal photos of the applicant’s face.
- 3.Completed Visa application Form 509.
- 4.Criminal record available from the police department nearest your previous home.
- 5.Letter of guarantee from either a Dominican citizen, or legal resident.
- 6.If you’ve bought a house already, a copy of the purchase agreement, or any other documentation proving the applicant’s financial solvency in the Dominican Republic.
- 7.Likewise, if you’ve already purchased property, copy of the Presidential authorization should be obtained.
- 8.Results of a medical examination certified by a Notary Public and authenticated by the Dominican consul.
The above documents should be assembled and presented to the Consular Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An interview will then be scheduled with the intelligence office for both the applicant and the guarantor. After the interview the documentation will return to the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs for further review. Without any omissions or administrative problems, the process should take between 2 & 3 months.
Livtopia’s Concierge will be happy to inquire further about obtaining a residency visa, or to provide assistance with the Provisional Residence Card.