The most complete guide for foreign residents & investors
Obtaining Dominican residency is one of the smartest moves for entrepreneurs, investors, families and retirees who want to settle, invest or work legally in the Dominican Republic.
This 2025 full guide explains the entire process clearly and professionally.
🟦 1. Types of Residency in the Dominican Republic
There are 3 main residency categories:
1️⃣ Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal)
Most common for newcomers.
✔ Valid for 1 year
✔ Renewable
✔ Allows you to:
- live legally
- work
- open a bank account
- invest
👉 Ideal first step for most expats.
2️⃣ Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente)
Accessible after holding a temporary residency or directly for special categories.
✔ Valid for 4 years
✔ Renewable
✔ More stable
✔ Ideal for families and long‑term residents
3️⃣ Investment Residency (Residencia por Inversión — VIP Program)
The fastest way to become a resident.
✔ Fast‑track process
✔ Direct permanent residency
✔ 45–90 days processing
✔ Perfect for investors and entrepreneurs
Requirements (one of the following):
- Real‑estate investment ≥ $200,000 USD
- Business investment ≥ $350,000 USD
- Passive income ≥ $1,500–2,000 USD/month
👉 The most efficient option for investors.
🟦 2. Benefits of Obtaining Dominican Residency
✔ Legal security
Live, invest, work and travel freely within the country.
✔ Easier banking
Residency dramatically simplifies bank account approval.
✔ Tax flexibility
Some foreign‑source income is not taxed (depending on status).
✔ Smooth property acquisition
No restrictions for foreign buyers.
✔ Perfect for relocation
Families, retirees, entrepreneurs, digital nomads.
🟦 3. Required Documents (2025)
For Temporary Residency:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Criminal record (apostilled)
- 4 photos
- Application form
- Local medical insurance
- Proof of income (bank statements, company papers, contracts)
For Permanent Residency:
- All temporary residency documents
- Dominican medical examination
- Bank letter
- Proof of economic solvency
For Investment Residency:
- Proof of investment (property purchase, business capital, bank statements)
- International bank reference
- Criminal record (apostilled)
- Passport
- Financial documentation
🟦 4. Step‑by‑Step Residency Process
Step 1 — Prepare your documents (in your home country)
Apostilles, translations, police records, financial proofs.
⏳ 1–3 weeks
Step 2 — Apply for the Residency Visa (at Dominican Consulate)
Mandatory before traveling to the DR for residency.
⏳ 2–8 weeks
Step 3 — Enter the Dominican Republic with your residency visa
You have 60 days to complete the process.
Step 4 — Submit your residency application to Immigration (DGM)
Biometrics, fingerprints, document verification.
Step 5 — Medical Examination
Blood tests + X‑ray.
⏳ 24–72 hours
Step 6 — Receive your Residency Card
- Temporary (1 year)
- Permanent (4 years)
- VIP Investment Residency
⏳ Total: 1–6 months depending on type
🟦 5. Real Processing Times (2025)
| Residency Type | Time |
| Temporary | 2–4 months |
| Permanent | 3–6 months |
| Investment (VIP) | 45–90 days |
🟦 6. Residency Costs (2025)
Temporary Residency
$800–$1,200 USD
Permanent Residency
$1,200–$1,800 USD
Investment Residency
$2,000–$3,500 USD
Additional fees:
- Apostilles: $50–$150
- Translations: $20–$30/page
- Medical: $100–$200
- Insurance: $50–$150
🟦 7. Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them)
❌ Missing apostilles
❌ Applying without a residency visa
❌ Poorly translated documents
❌ Using an unlicensed local “fixer”
❌ Underestimating consular delays
❌ Not meeting financial requirements
👉 These mistakes can delay your residency for months.
🟦 8. Why Work With M&J’s Invest?
✔ Full A‑to‑Z management
✔ Apostilles + translations + consulate
✔ Document preparation
✔ Fast‑track investor processing
✔ Accompaniment to every appointment
✔ Assistance in FR / EN / ES
✔ Tax optimization
✔ WhatsApp support 7/7
We make relocation simple, legal and stress‑free.
🟦 9. Conclusion
Dominican residency is an excellent strategic choice for:
✔ investors
✔ entrepreneurs
✔ retirees
✔ digital nomads
✔ families
The process is simple, fast and secure with proper guidance.
