The most complete guide for foreign entrepreneurs and investors

The Dominican Republic is one of the most attractive countries in the Caribbean for foreign investors: a growing economy, business‑friendly laws, simple incorporation procedures, moderate taxation, and no restrictions on foreign ownership.

This 2025 guide explains exactly how to create a company as a foreigner, step by step.

🟦 1. Can a foreigner create a company in the Dominican Republic?

👉 Yes — without restrictions.
Foreigners can create a company with or without residency, and without needing a local partner.

This makes the DR one of the most open business environments in Latin America.

🟦 2. Main types of companies

1️⃣ SRL — Limited Liability Company

The most common structure for entrepreneurs.

Benefits:
✔ Limited liability
✔ 2 partners minimum
✔ Ideal for small businesses, services, real estate, rentals
✔ Simple taxation
✔ Low minimum capital

👉 Best option for most foreign investors.

2️⃣ SAS — Simplified Joint Stock Company

More flexible and modern.

Advantages:
✔ Can be created with one single shareholder
✔ Attracts investors & startups
✔ Flexible share structure
✔ Perfect for real estate, Airbnb, consulting, e‑commerce
✔ Limited liability

👉 The top choice for serious investors.

Other structures (less used):

• SA (Corporation)
• Individual enterprise
• NGOs
• Cooperatives

These are heavier, more expensive, or less flexible for foreigners.

🟦 3. Step-by-step process to create a company (2025)

Step 1 — Commercial name registration (ONAPI)

⏳ 1–3 days
💰 $30–50 USD

Step 2 — Drafting incorporation documents

Includes:
✔ bylaws
✔ incorporation act
✔ shareholder ID
✔ capital declaration

⏳ 2–5 days
💰 $200–500 USD depending on service

Step 3 — Official registration (Chamber of Commerce + DGII)

Company receives:

• Commercial registry certificate
• RNC (tax ID)
• Activity classification

⏳ 3–7 days
💰 $80–200 USD

Step 4 — Opening the corporate bank account

Requirements:
✔ RNC
✔ Bylaws
✔ ID of shareholders
✔ Proof of address
✔ Activity explanation

⏳ 3–15 days

Step 5 — Tax activation & accounting setup

Monthly obligations:

• VAT (ITBIS) filing
• Withholding reports
• Salary taxes (if any)
• Electronic invoicing compliance

👉 A certified accountant is mandatory.

🟦 4. Total time required

👉 With a professional service: 7–10 days.

🟦 5. Costs (2025)

Administrative costs:

$260–550 USD

Professional service:

$600–1,200 USD

Accounting (mandatory):

$40–150 USD/month

🟦 6. Corporate taxes (2025)

• Corporate income tax: 27%
• VAT (ITBIS): 18%
• Dividend tax: 10%

🟦 7. Advantages of starting a business in the DR

✔ 100% foreign ownership allowed
✔ Fast and simple incorporation
✔ Growing economy (+4–5% yearly)
✔ Bilingual workforce
✔ Ideal for real estate + rentals
✔ Access to US markets via CAFTA‑DR
✔ Great ecosystem for entrepreneurs

🟦 8. Best sectors for foreign entrepreneurs

✔ Real estate & Airbnb
✔ Construction & renovation
✔ Import & commerce
✔ BPO / call centers
✔ E‑commerce
✔ Tourism & hospitality
✔ Solar energy
✔ Professional services

🟦 9. Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Choosing wrong structure
❌ Not hiring an accountant
❌ Poor tax compliance
❌ Creating a company without business plan
❌ Not preparing documents for banks
❌ Using unlicensed intermediaries

🟦 10. Why work with M&J’s Invest?

✔ SRL/SAS creation in 7–12 days
✔ Custom bylaws
✔ ONAPI + Chamber of Commerce + DGII
✔ Bank account preparation & support
✔ Full accounting integration
✔ Tax optimization
✔ Support in FR / EN / ES
✔ WhatsApp assistance 7/7

🇺🇸 Conclusion

Starting a company in the DR is fast, accessible, and highly profitable when done correctly.
With full professional support, your company can be active in under 10 days.