MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE ASKING THIS QUESTION. ACCORDING TO TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IS THE THIRD BEST COUNTRY TO SPEND YOUR RETIREMENT. THIS IS INFLUENCED BY MANY FACTORS. THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THESE ARE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SAFETY, A STABLE ECONOMY, DEVELOPED INFRASTRUCTURE, A FRIENDLY CLIMATE, AND AN EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY FOR TOURISM. THE BEST EXAMPLE OF THIS SOLUTION ARE AMERICANS AND CANADIANS, OF WHOM THERE ARE THE MOST IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. INCREASINGLY, YOU MEET PEOPLE FROM EUROPE, INCLUDING OUR COMPATRIOTS.
To begin discussions about an extended stay in the Dominican Republic, it should be noted that under Law 875 on visas, visa-free travel applies. It allows a person to legally stay in the country for 30 days. However, this does not mean we cannot stay longer. If the legal 30 days are exceeded, we must pay the appropriate amount during departure. It depends on the number of excess days we spent in the Republic. In this case, we pay 2,500 DOP (Dominican Pesos) for a stay of up to 90 days, which is approximately 200 PLN. Staying in the country for one year costs us 8,000 DOP and for 10 years 70,000 DOP. Each additional year costs 5,000 DOP.
The second and probably easiest option is a one-time investment in the country with a minimum amount of 200,000 USD. In this case, such an investment can be the purchase of real estate, which allows us to obtain residency. Based on such a transaction, we receive a certificate of property purchase from the institution responsible for investments. The document must then be submitted to the relevant authorities. The residency procedure itself is simple and usually takes up to 3 months. The acquired residence permit allows us to stay in the Dominican Republic indefinitely. It is worth noting that such residency can be converted into citizenship after a few years. It opens the way for us to enter all of Latin America.
THE LAST SOLUTION IS RESIDENCY BASED ON INCOME OR PENSION. A PASSIVE INCOME OF $2,000 PER MONTH FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS IS SUFFICIENT. THEN THE PATH TO ACQUIRING RESIDENCY OPENS UP FOR US. OF COURSE, THIS INCOME MUST BE DOCUMENTED. IN THIS CASE, IT IS BEST IF IT WERE CONTRACTS OR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INCOME. THE SECOND INCOME RESIDENCY OPTION REQUIRES DOCUMENTED PENSION INCOME OF AT LEAST $1,500 PER MONTH. HERE, AS A DOCUMENT CONFIRMING SUFFICIENT FUNDS, BANK STATEMENTS FROM THE LAST 3 MONTHS ARE ADEQUATE.
The above-mentioned methods of obtaining a residence permit are the most popular and at the same time the easiest ways to obtain residency in the Dominican Republic. It is an open country that encourages people through its policies to take advantage of its benefits. As Casa Dominicana, we are happy to accompany you and help you prepare all documents and present the entire process from A to Z. The process of applying for a residence permit should begin in Poland and is not possible while staying in the Dominican Republic.
The co-owner of Casa Dominicana, Leszek Gimel, has been living in the Dominican Republic for 8 years. He has had the opportunity to go through many stages related to living on site. For questions regarding health insurance, school matters for children, or for example purchasing a car, we strongly recommend contacting Leszek directly. For all formal matters related to the Dominican Republic, we are supported by cooperating experts on behalf of the Polish-Dominican Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to this, we offer a comprehensive approach with assistance in relocating or permanently residing in the Dominican Republic – the land of eternal summer.
Jędrzej Pacak
