How to apply for Dominican Republic residence in 2025 — permits, visas & renewals
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9/24/2025
How to apply for Dominican Republic residence in 2025 — permits, visas & renewals
The Dominican Republic residence process in 2025 is managed by the General Directorate of Migration (Dirección General de Migración, DGM). Foreigners can obtain temporary or permanent residence to work, invest, retire, or reunite with family. This guide explains permits, visas, renewals, requirements, and what has changed in 2025.
Key terms to know
- DGM — Dirección General de Migración, the immigration authority in charge of residence permits.
- Cédula — Dominican national identity card, issued after residence approval.
- Residencia Temporal — temporary residence permit valid for 1 year, renewable.
- Residencia Permanente — permanent residence available after years of legal stay.
- Investor/retirement visa — special residence category for investors or pensioners.
Residence permit categories in 2025
| Category | Eligibility | Duration | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary residence | Work, family reunification, students | 1 year | Renewable annually |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years on temporary residence | Indefinite | Card renewed every 4 years |
| Investor visa | Minimum investment of USD 200,000 | 2 years | Renewable; faster path to permanent |
| Retirement visa | Foreign retirees with minimum USD 1,500 monthly pension | 2 years | Renewable; includes tax benefits |
Step-by-step residence process in 2025
- Obtain a visa de residencia from the Dominican consulate in your home country.
- Enter the Dominican Republic and register at the DGM.
- Submit documents: passport, visa, birth/marriage certificates, police clearance.
- Undergo a medical examination (blood tests, chest X-ray).
- Receive provisional residence card within weeks.
- Complete biometrics and obtain the cédula national ID card.
- Renew temporary permits annually until eligible for permanent residence.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- Visa de residencia from Dominican consulate
- Birth and marriage certificates, apostilled and translated
- Police clearance certificate from country of origin
- Medical exam results
- Proof of income or investment (bank statements, contracts)
- Accommodation proof in the Dominican Republic
- Application forms issued by DGM
- Payment receipts of application fees
Costs and timelines
In 2025, temporary residence applications cost around USD 300–400, plus USD 150 for medical exams. Permanent residence fees range from USD 600–700. Investor and retirement visas cost slightly more due to additional document checks. Processing times range from 3–6 months for temporary residence and up to 12 months for permanent status.
Renewals and transition to permanent residence
Temporary residence permits must be renewed annually. After 5 years of continuous legal stay, applicants may apply for permanent residence. Investor and retirement visa holders can qualify sooner under fast-track procedures. Permanent residence requires renewal of the residence card every 4 years, but the legal status is indefinite.
What changed in 2025
- New digital platform introduced by DGM for online application submissions.
- Stricter medical requirements, including proof of vaccination records.
- Investor visa thresholds raised to USD 200,000.
- Faster issuance of cédula identity cards after residence approval.
Did you know?
The Dominican Republic is home to the highest mountain in the Caribbean — Pico Duarte, which rises 3,098 meters above sea level. This natural wonder attracts climbers and nature lovers worldwide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to legalise and translate foreign documents properly.
- Missing annual renewal deadlines, resulting in fines.
- Confusing tourist visa extensions with residence permits.
- Not providing proof of sufficient income for retirement visas.
FAQ about Dominican Republic residence
- How long before I can apply for permanent residence? Usually after 5 years on temporary residence.
- Can retirees apply for residence? Yes, retirees with at least USD 1,500 monthly income qualify.
- Does the Dominican Republic allow dual nationality? Yes, both residence and citizenship permit dual nationality rights.
- Is an investment route available? Yes, with a minimum of USD 200,000 investment.
Expert opinion
“Dominican Republic residence in 2025 is increasingly digitalised. The new investor and retirement thresholds make the country attractive to foreigners seeking a Caribbean base with generous rights.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team
Next steps
Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.
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