RESIDENCY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
A residence strategy designed around your situation.
We identify the appropriate immigration category and organize each stage with clear expectations.
DGM CATEGORIES & CODES
Which category fits your situation?
Codes are shown only when they form part of the official DGM terminology. Special investment routes are identified by program name.
Ordinary temporary residence (RT-9)
For foreign nationals seeking temporary residence under the ordinary category.
The initial validity is one year, and the documents are confirmed for each case.Employment temporary residence (RT-3)
For applicants whose Dominican employment relationship supports their immigration process.
The employment documents and the employer’s supporting records must meet current requirements.Religious temporary residence (RT-4)
For members of recognized religious organizations carrying out authorized activities.
The sponsoring organization and the applicant’s role must be properly documented.Dependent temporary residence (RT-7)
For dependents of holders of employment residence RT-3 or religious residence RT-4.
The dependency and the principal holder’s immigration status must be documented.Ordinary permanent residence (RP-1)
For eligible applicants changing from ordinary temporary residence to permanent residence.
The residence history, renewals and current requirements must be verified.Definitive residence (RD-1)
For permanent residents who meet the conditions for an extension to definitive status.
The DGM publishes a ten-year validity period for this extension.Special investment programs
These include routes for investors, retirees or pensioners, persons of independent means, and certain foreign managers or technicians.
The DGM lists these routes by program name without a separate RT/RP code for each one.THE PROCESS
An organized route, step by step.
Case assessment
We review your personal situation, nationality and objectives.
Document preparation
We organize records, translations, apostilles and legalizations.
Consular stage
A residence visa may need to be requested at the appropriate Dominican consulate abroad.
Application in the DR
The local application and authorized medical evaluation are completed after arrival.
DOCUMENTS
Prepare in advance.
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Criminal-record certificate
- Evidence of income, investment or family connection
- Applicable medical documentation
- Required translations, apostilles and legalizations
PROPERTY & RESIDENCY
Buying property and obtaining residency are separate processes.
A foreign national may purchase property with a valid passport and purchase agreement. Ownership does not automatically grant immigration status.
KEY QUESTIONS
What to clarify before starting a Dominican residency application.
An early review helps identify the correct immigration category, the consular stage and the documents that should be prepared outside the Dominican Republic.
Is a residence visa the same as a residence permit?
No. A residence visa is a consular step that may be required to enter for settlement purposes. The residence permit or card is processed separately with the General Directorate of Migration under the applicable category.
Which foreign documents may need special preparation?
Civil records, police certificates and supporting documents may require an apostille or legalization. Documents not issued in Spanish may also need an accepted translation.
When can a residence renewal begin?
The DGM states that temporary or permanent residence renewals may begin up to 45 days before the card expires. Preparing early helps avoid expired documents.
Does buying property automatically grant residency?
No. A real-estate purchase and immigration status are separate legal matters. An investment matters only when it meets the conditions of an applicable immigration route.
Does temporary residence always lead to permanent residence?
No. Eligibility depends on the category, renewal history and the official requirements in force when the application is made.
Why is a case review necessary before issuing a checklist?
Nationality, purpose of residence, family ties, employment, income and investment can all change the route and the required evidence.