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Dominican Republic

North America

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination, offering beautiful beaches, affordable living, and a welcoming culture. Citizens from over 100 countries can enter visa-free for 30 days, extendable up to 120 days. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, the country has become a popular hub for remote workers who use tourist extensions or pursue residency through pensionado, rentista, or investor programs. The path to citizenship is relatively fast at just 2 years of permanent residency.

8
Visa Types
108
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist Card (Visa-Free Entry)

Most visitors from over 100 countries can enter visa-free with a tourist card, which is typically included in airfare. Allows 30 days of stay, extendable up to 120 days.

30 days
Duration
$10
— fee
+$115 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa application required for 100+ nationalities
✓Fast processing at airports
✓Extendable up to 120 days
✓Multiple entries allowed
✓Tourist card fee often included in airfare
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • •Return or onward flight ticket
  • •Proof of accommodation
  • •Proof of sufficient funds for stay
  • •Completed eTicket form online before arrival
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Immediate upon arrival
  1. 1Complete the free eTicket form at eticket.migracion.gob.do before departure
  2. 2For air travelers, tourist card fee is included in airfare
  3. 3For land or sea arrivals, pay $10 USD at the border
  4. 4Present passport and eTicket QR code at immigration
  5. 5Receive 30-day entry stamp
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 3x)

Cost: $70

Process: Extensions can be applied online at migracion.gob.do or at the Migration Department in Santo Domingo. You can extend up to 120 days total. Required documents include passport copy, last entry stamp, return ticket, proof of funds, and a medical certificate.

Renewal: After 120 days you must leave and re-enter to reset the clock. There are no restrictions on how many times you can re-enter per year.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Complete the eTicket form before arriving to avoid delays at immigration
  • •Keep a copy of your return ticket handy for immigration officers
  • •If planning to stay longer than 30 days, apply for extension before the 30 days expire to avoid overstay fines
  • •Overstay fines range from $56 for 1 month to over $1,600 for longer periods
  • •Border runs to Haiti can reset your 30-day tourist stay
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Pensionado Visa (Retiree)

Fast-track permanent residency for retirees with pension income of at least $1,500/month. Leads to citizenship in as little as 2.5 years.

365 days
Duration
$850
— fee
+$1,500 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $1,500/per_month

Alternative: Pension income can be from government, private, or military sources. Additional $250/month required per dependent.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Fast-track to permanent residency (no temporary residency required)
✓Path to citizenship in 2.5 years
✓Tax exemptions for first 3 years on foreign income
✓No minimum stay requirement between renewals
✓Can open bank accounts and purchase property
✓Spouse and dependents can be included
📋 Requirements (8)
  • •Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of pension income of at least $1,500/month
  • •Medical certificate from country of origin
  • •Four passport photos (2x2, white background)
  • •Notarized letter of guarantee from Dominican citizen or resident
  • •All documents must be translated to Spanish by certified translator
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 3-6 months total process
  1. 1Apply for residence visa at Dominican consulate in your country
  2. 2Submit all required documents with apostilles and translations
  3. 3Wait for visa approval (4-6 weeks)
  4. 4Enter Dominican Republic within 60 days of visa issuance
  5. 5Register at Migration Department within 30 days of arrival
  6. 6Undergo medical examination at designated clinic
  7. 7Submit fingerprints and additional forms
  8. 8Receive permanent residency card (45 working days)
  9. 9Apply for Cédula (national ID card)
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Hiring an immigration lawyer is highly recommended for navigating the process
  • •Start gathering apostilled documents early as this can take weeks
  • •The $1,500/month pension requirement is strictly enforced
  • •Consider opening a Dominican bank account to receive pension transfers
  • •Begin Spanish lessons early if planning to apply for citizenship

Tourist Visa

Tourist

Required for nationals from countries that do not have visa-free access. Valid for 60 days from issue date, allows 30 days of stay.

30d
Duration
$85
— fee
+$150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-15 business days
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application fee (single entry)Varies by consulate
$75—
Tourist card feePaid upon arrival or included in airfare
$10—
Additional (estimated)
Multiple entry visaValid for 1 year, multiple entries
$150—
Required Total
$85—
+ Additional (estimated)
$150—
Estimated Total
$235—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Two recent passport photos (2x2 inches, white background)
  • •Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, employment letter)
  • •Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
  • •Return flight ticket
  • •Criminal record certificate from country of residence (apostilled)
  • •Documents may need Spanish translation

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Contact nearest Dominican consulate or embassy
  2. 2Complete visa application form
  3. 3Gather all required documents with translations
  4. 4Submit application and pay fee
  5. 5Wait for processing (10-15 business days)
  6. 6Collect visa from consulate
  7. 7Complete eTicket before traveling

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work legally
  • •Must apply in advance at consulate
  • •Limited validity period (60 days from issue)
  • •Additional documentation required

💡 Tips

  • •Apply well in advance as processing can take 2-3 weeks
  • •Ensure all documents are apostilled and translated to Spanish
  • •Multiple entry visa is better value if planning repeat visits

Rentista Visa (Passive Income)

Special ProgramPopular

Fast-track permanent residency for individuals with proven passive income of at least $2,000/month from foreign sources.

365d
Duration
$850
— fee
+$1,500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months total process
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence visa application feePaid at consulate
$250—
Migration Department processingApproximate total fees including cards
$500—
Medical examinationRequired at designated clinic
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceImmigration lawyer recommended
$1,500—
Required Total
$850—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,500—
Estimated Total
$2,350—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of passive income of at least $2,000/month for 5 years
  • •Bank statements showing regular income deposits
  • •Medical certificate from country of origin
  • •Four passport photos (2x2, white background)
  • •Notarized letter of guarantee from Dominican citizen or resident
  • •All documents must be translated to Spanish

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Apply for residence visa at Dominican consulate
  2. 2Demonstrate proof of $2,000/month passive income for 5 years
  3. 3Submit all required documents with apostilles
  4. 4Wait for visa approval
  5. 5Enter Dominican Republic within 60 days
  6. 6Register at Migration Department within 30 days
  7. 7Complete medical examination and biometrics
  8. 8Receive permanent residency card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Higher income requirement than pensionado ($2,000 vs $1,500)
  • •Must prove income is passive, not active employment
  • •Must maintain income source throughout residency

💡 Tips

  • •This visa is ideal for successful online entrepreneurs with passive revenue streams
  • •Rental income from properties abroad is a common qualifying source
  • •Investment dividends and royalties also qualify
  • •Remote work salary does NOT qualify as it is active income

Investor Residency

Special Program

Fast-track permanent residency through investment of at least $200,000 USD in property, business, or bank deposits.

365d
Duration
$200,750
— fee
+$2,500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence visa application feePaid at consulate
$250—
Migration Department processingApproximate total fees
$500—
Minimum investmentProperty, business, or bank CD
$200,000—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceRecommended for investment structuring
$2,500—
Required Total
$200,750—
+ Additional (estimated)
$2,500—
Estimated Total
$203,250—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of investment of at least $200,000 USD
  • •Property title, business registration, or bank CD certificate
  • •Source of funds documentation
  • •Medical certificate
  • •Four passport photos
  • •All documents translated to Spanish

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Make qualifying investment in Dominican Republic
  2. 2Obtain proof of investment documentation
  3. 3Apply for residence visa at consulate
  4. 4Submit investment proof and personal documents
  5. 5Complete Migration Department registration
  6. 6Receive permanent residency card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •High minimum investment of $200,000
  • •Investment must be maintained
  • •Complex documentation requirements

💡 Tips

  • •Real estate through a Dominican company is the most common investment route
  • •The investment can be spread across multiple properties
  • •Bank CD option is simplest but ties up capital
  • •Work with a reputable lawyer experienced in foreign investment

Temporary Residency (RT-9)

Special Program

Standard one-year temporary residency for those who don't qualify for fast-track options. After 5 years, can apply for permanent residency.

365d
Duration
$650
— fee
+$1,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-6 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Residence visa feeAt consulate
$250—
Migration processing feesIncludes temporary residence card
$300—
Medical examinationAt designated clinic
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceRecommended
$1,000—
Required Total
$650—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,000—
Estimated Total
$1,650—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of financial solvency
  • •Medical certificate
  • •Four passport photos
  • •Justification for residency (employment contract, family ties, etc.)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Apply for residence visa at Dominican consulate
  2. 2Submit required documents with apostilles
  3. 3Enter Dominican Republic within 60 days of visa
  4. 4Register at Migration Department within 30 days
  5. 5Complete medical exam and biometrics
  6. 6Receive temporary residence card (valid 1 year)

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Must renew annually for 5 years
  • •Cannot apply for citizenship until permanent residency
  • •More paperwork than fast-track options

💡 Tips

  • •If married to a Dominican, bank balance requirement drops to RD$150,000
  • •This is the only option if you don't qualify for pensionado, rentista, or investor programs
  • •Keep all renewal documentation organized as you'll need history for permanent residency

Business Visa

business

For short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. Does not permit employment.

60d
Duration
$150
— fee
+$250 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱10-15 business days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Business visa feeSingle entry
$150—
Additional (estimated)
Multiple entry business visaValid 1 year
$250—
Required Total
$150—
+ Additional (estimated)
$250—
Estimated Total
$400—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Invitation letter from Dominican business entity
  • •Proof of business activities in home country
  • •Proof of financial means
  • •Return flight ticket
  • •Two passport photos

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain invitation letter from Dominican business contact
  2. 2Apply at Dominican consulate
  3. 3Submit all required documents
  4. 4Pay visa fee
  5. 5Collect visa and travel

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work or be employed locally
  • •Limited to 60 days per visit
  • •Requires invitation from Dominican entity

💡 Tips

  • •Most Western passport holders can conduct short business trips using visa-free entry
  • •Business visa mainly needed for nationalities requiring visas

Work Visa / Employment Residency

Work

Required for foreign nationals employed by Dominican companies. Valid for one year, renewable.

365d
Duration
$800
— fee
+$1,500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa application feeAt consulate
$300—
Migration processing feesIncludes work residence permit
$400—
Medical examinationRequired
$100—
Additional (estimated)
Legal assistanceRecommended for employer compliance
$1,500—
Required Total
$800—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,500—
Estimated Total
$2,300—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • •Employment contract with Dominican company
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated)
  • •Medical certificate
  • •Employer's company registration documents
  • •Four passport photos
  • •Proof of professional qualifications if applicable

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Secure employment with Dominican company
  2. 2Employer initiates work permit process
  3. 3Apply for work visa at consulate with employment contract
  4. 4Enter Dominican Republic
  5. 5Register at Migration Department
  6. 6Receive work residence permit

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to specific employer
  • •Job change requires new permit
  • •Annual renewal required
  • •Employer must sponsor and comply with labor laws

💡 Tips

  • •Dominican labor law requires employers to maintain 80% Dominican workforce
  • •Foreigners typically fill specialized or management positions
  • •Remote work for foreign companies does NOT qualify for this visa

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalSanto Domingo
CurrencyDOP (RD$)
LanguageSpanish
TimezoneUTC-4
Last UpdatedDec 5, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dominican Republic have a digital nomad visa?
No, the Dominican Republic does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use the 30-day tourist entry (extendable to 120 days) or apply for residency through the rentista program if they have passive income of at least $2,000/month. Many digital nomads do visa runs to Haiti or nearby countries to reset their tourist stay, though technically working on a tourist card is not permitted.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in the Dominican Republic?
Technically, working on a tourist card or tourist visa is not permitted, even for foreign employers. However, enforcement is minimal for remote workers who are not competing for local jobs. For full legal compliance, you would need to obtain residency (pensionado, rentista, or investor routes are most common for remote workers). The rentista visa requires $2,000/month in passive income, which remote work salary does not qualify for since it is considered active income.
What happens if I overstay my 30-day tourist entry?
Overstaying results in fines payable at the airport upon departure. Fines range from approximately $56 (RD$2,500-3,500) for up to 3 months overstay, increasing progressively for longer periods up to $1,660+ for 10 years. As of April 2024, overstay fines must be paid by credit or debit card at the airport. There is no entry ban or criminal penalty for overstaying - the Dominican Republic simply charges an exit fee.
How can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
You can extend your stay up to 120 days total by applying online at migracion.gob.do or visiting the Migration Department in Santo Domingo. The extension fee is approximately $45 (RD$2,500) for 31-90 days or $70 (RD$4,000) for 91-120 days. Required documents include passport copy, entry stamp, return ticket, proof of funds, and a medical certificate. Apply before your 30 days expire to avoid overstay fines.
Can I do visa runs to reset my tourist stay?
Yes, border runs are common and there are no restrictions on how many times you can re-enter per year. Most people cross into Haiti via Elias Piña, Jimaní, or Dajabón, or fly to Puerto Rico, Colombia, or other nearby destinations. Each entry grants a fresh 30-day stay. The land border crossing costs approximately $10 USD for a tourist card.
What is the fastest way to get residency in the Dominican Republic?
The fastest routes are the pensionado (retiree) visa with $1,500/month pension, the rentista visa with $2,000/month passive income, or the investor visa with $200,000 investment. These fast-track programs grant immediate permanent residency without the standard 5-year temporary residency requirement. The entire process takes 3-6 months. Citizenship can then be obtained after just 2 years of permanent residency.
Can I open a bank account as a tourist?
Yes, most Dominican banks allow foreigners to open accounts with just a passport, proof of address, bank reference letter, and proof of income. You don't need residency, though some banks may require it. Banco Santa Cruz and Scotiabank are particularly expat-friendly. However, if you are overstaying your visa (in irregular status), banks will not provide services.
Is health insurance required to enter the Dominican Republic?
Health insurance is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Private hospitals require upfront payment or proof of internationally-accepted insurance before treatment. U.S. health insurance is generally not accepted. Medical evacuation can cost $10,000 or more. The U.S. State Department strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage.
What is the eTicket and is it required?
The eTicket is a mandatory digital form that all travelers must complete before entering or leaving the Dominican Republic. It is free and available at eticket.migracion.gob.do. You receive a QR code that immigration officers scan upon arrival and departure. Complete it within 72 hours of your flight. This replaced the old paper arrival/departure forms.
How long does it take to get Dominican citizenship?
After obtaining permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship after 2 years of continuous residence. The naturalization process takes approximately 6 months and requires passing a Spanish proficiency interview. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of Dominican culture, values, and traditions. The Dominican Republic allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your original nationality.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 5, 2025

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