Expat Support & Info
Foreign buyers and expats have always been welcome in the Dominican Republic. You have the same rights as a Dominican citizen with regard to property ownership.
The DR Caters to Expats With a Variety of Services
The DR Government
- Simple residency process
- Entire police force (CESTUR) devoted to tourism/tourists
- Local mayors very involved in community and local culture
- Low taxes
- Fully owned real estate/titles
Healthcare
- Affordable healthcare (approx $1600/year for a couple) can be purchased from local companies.
- Hospitals are modern, well equipped and have English speaking doctors/specialists. Dentistry, plastic surgery, naturopathy and physiotherapy are also well catered here.
Banking & Currency
- Currency in the DR is the Peso. In order to open a DR bank you will need the following: your passport; letter of recommendation from your own bank (this is generally a standardized form); and a personal recommendation from a person known to the bank (this can be provided by us). You may then open a bank account in dollars or pesos or both.
Clubs & Social Groups
- The North Coast abounds with social groups. We are a large community with diverse interests. From churches to book clubs, theater groups, gardening clubs, sports themed activity clubs, and much, much more. Whatever activities you enjoy in your home country, you’ll find new friends here to do them with too.
Gated Communities
- For owners who don’t make the DR their permanent home or who travel a lot, a gated community provides piece of mind. It’s great knowing that someone is watching over your property, doing maintenance, cleaning, paying the bills, etc.
Schools
- There are three excellent international schools catering to kids from age three to high school. American and Canadian curriculums are followed with English spoken as the instructional language.
Consulates
- Most countries have consulates in the Dominican Republic. Canada has two, one in Santo Domingo, the other in Puerto Plata. The United States consulate is located in Santo Domingo.
Social Media
- The age of Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have changed the way we communicate. Events, buy/sell, groups, concerts and almost everything else is advertised on specialized pages devoted to expats in the Sosua/Cabarete area.