The most comprehensive resource for foreign entrepreneurs
Starting a company in the Dominican Republic can feel complex when you don’t know the local system, fiscal rules, or language.
This 2025 complete guide explains every step, cost, timeline, and mistake to avoid — designed specifically for international investors.
📌 1. Why Start a Company in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is one of the most attractive business destinations in the Caribbean.
Key advantages:
- Strong economic growth (+5% in 2024)
- Favorable taxation
- Growing foreign investments
- Political stability
- Strategic location (USA–LATAM gateway)
- Affordable, bilingual workforce
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
The DR offers a simple, fast, and cost‑effective company setup process compared to many offshore or Latin American jurisdictions.
📌 2. Company Types in the Dominican Republic
Foreign entrepreneurs mainly choose between 3 structures:
🏢 2.1. SRL — Limited Liability Company
The most common company type.
✔ Pros:
- Perfect for SMEs, services, commerce
- Limited liability
- Simple procedure
- Flexible governance
❗ Cons:
- Maximum of 50 shareholders
- Best for small to medium companies
🏢 2.2. SAS — Simplified Joint‑Stock Company
The most flexible and modern structure.
✔ Pros:
- Maximum freedom in bylaws
- Ideal for startups, investors, holdings
- Flexible capital rules
- Any nationality allowed
- Excellent for expansion
🏢 2.3. SA — Traditional Joint‑Stock Company
The most complex, for large-scale projects.
✔ Pros:
- Designed for projects > $1M USD
- Strong corporate governance
- Suitable for international operations
❗ Cons:
- Heavier compliance
- More complex accounting
📌 3. Step-by-Step Process to Create a Company (2025)
There are 7 essential steps to create a company in the DR.
Step 1 — Choose & Register the Commercial Name
- Checked via ONAPI
- Duration: 24–48 hours
- Mandatory for all legal procedures
Step 2 — Draft the Bylaws (in Spanish)
Defines:
- Share capital
- Number of shareholders
- Corporate structure
- Activities (business purpose)
- Registered address
❗ Must follow Dominican law — professional drafting recommended.
Step 3 — Register at the Commercial Registry
Required documents:
- Bylaws
- Shareholder list
- Passport copies
- Local address
Processing time: 5–10 days.
Step 4 — Obtain the RNC (Tax Identification Number)
The RNC is mandatory for:
- invoicing,
- tax filings,
- opening a bank account.
Time: 3–5 days.
Step 5 — Open the Corporate Bank Account
Banks apply strict compliance rules, especially for foreigners.
Common requirements:
- Passport
- Bylaws
- Commercial Registry
- RNC
- International bank reference
- Proof of address
- Initial deposit
Time: 1 to 4 weeks depending on the bank and profile.
Step 6 — Tax Activation
Necessary to:
- file monthly VAT (ITBIS),
- receive payments,
- operate legally.
Time: 2–5 days.
Step 7 — Accounting & Fiscal Obligations
All Dominican companies must file:
- Monthly declarations (VAT, expenses, payroll)
- Annual tax return
Consistency is essential to avoid penalties.
📌 4. Total Timeline
| Step | Duration |
| Name registration | 1–2 days |
| Bylaws | 1–3 days |
| Commercial Registry | 5–10 days |
| RNC | 3–5 days |
| Bank account | 7–30 days |
| Tax activation | 2–5 days |
⏳ Total time: 2 to 6 weeks depending on the bank
📌 5. Average Costs (2025)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Company registration | $350–$500 |
| Notary & legal documents | $150–$250 |
| Bylaws drafting | $100–$150 |
| RNC | Free |
| Bank account | $0–$150 |
| Professional services | $700–$1,200 |
💰 Total: $1,300 to $2,000 USD
📌 6. Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Choosing the wrong structure
❌ Poorly drafted bylaws
❌ Forgetting tax activation
❌ Using unreliable “local contacts”
❌ Missing monthly obligations
❌ Underestimating banking requirements
💡 With M&J’s Invest, we handle and secure every step for you.
📌 7. Why Work With M&J’s Invest?
✔ We simplify everything
✔ We write all legal documents
✔ We manage all registrations
✔ We handle the banking process
✔ We activate tax status
✔ We guarantee full compliance
✔ We speak French, English & Spanish
📌 8. Conclusion
Starting a company in the DR is a high‑potential business opportunity, thanks to:
- strong economic growth,
- favorable tax environment,
- steady tourism,
- dynamic real‑estate market,
- political stability.
With proper guidance, a foreign entrepreneur can be operational in 2 to 4 weeks.
