1-844-872-8686 info@buyincasalinda.com
Fun Facts About Life in the Dominican Republic

Fun Facts About Life in the Dominican Republic

If you’re in the process of getting ready to move abroad, you’re liking feeling a unique mix of excitement and exhilaration. Embracing expatriate life is a big decision, and settling down in paradise is cause for celebration all around. For nearly 30 years, Casa Linda has welcomed adventurers to the Dominican’s sunny shores and helped them find their perfect house in their island home. From custom villas designed to meet your every need to a safe and exclusive community that makes it easy to find your next adventure, life with Casa Linda is simple. Below, we’ve covered 10 fun facts about the Dominican Republic. Read on and learn what life is like on this beautiful island paradise.

1. Meet the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic is frequently referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the Caribbean” and for good reason. Beyond the endless miles of natural beauty, the Dominican also boasts the strongest economy and infrastructure in Latin America and is the most visited nation in the Caribbean. Each year, the island welcomes approximately 5 million guests to its shores!

2. Beach Lover’s Paradise

If you can’t wait to spend your retirement soaking up the sun and getting sand beneath your toes, you’re in luck! The DR is home to over 200 beaches, and 800 miles of coastline just waiting to be explored.

3. Unbeatable Weather

Snowy days and cold weather be gone! The DR gets over 300 days of sun each year, and the northern end of the island, where Casa Linda is located, is sheltered during hurricane season giving you extra peace of mind.

retire in the dominican republic

4. Easily Accessible

Due to the Dominican’s vast popularity among tourists and expats alike, the island has multiple airports and receives direct flights from over 26 countries, 64 cities, and 90 different airports across North America and Europe. This is particularly advantageous for those looking to relocate permanently, as it makes visiting friends and family back home a breeze!

5. Currency and Language

The official currency of the DR is Pesos, but US dollars are used frequently as well. Similarly, the official language of the Dominican is Spanish, but due to the island having a large expat community, English is increasingly common as well.

6. State of the Art Healthcare

A lesser-known fact about the DR is that it is home to an exceptional healthcare system that is both highly affordable and reliable. The island has several world-class hospitals and medical facilities, as well as highly skilled medical professionals that offer treatment in both English and Spanish.

7. Island Time is Real

If you’re used to punctuality, you may have to adjust your expectations if you plan on staying in the DR for the long term. Dominicans are notoriously easygoing and work on their own time schedule…which is notoriously late. This laid-back nature is simply all part of the life tranquilo!

8. Delicious Exports

Are you a fan of coffee, chocolate, cigars, or rum? You’re in luck! These are some of the Dominican’s biggest exports, meaning they’re readily available to you on the island.

9. Friendliness

Dominicans are known to be incredibly kind and welcoming, making it easy for outside visitors to settle in and feel at home.

10. Thriving Expat Community

If you’re worried about feeling out of place when first landing in the Dominican, you have no need to be concerned. With plenty of fellow expatriates on the island, you’ll have no problem finding new friends to relate to and build a new community with.

Ready To Start Your New Life?

Let’s talk! Contact Casa Linda today to learn how your dream of island living can become an easy reality.

Snowbird Settles South: Embrace Your Life in the Dominican Today!

Snowbird Settles South: Embrace Your Life in the Dominican Today!

Are you ready to say goodbye to dreary winters once and for all? Tired of going back and forth between holiday homes and reality every year? If you’re ready to make the leap to transition to full-time island living, the Dominican Republic is here to open you with open arms. With average daily temperatures of 28°C/82°F, endless sunny days, and a northern part of the island that’s sheltered during hurricane season, there’s never been a more perfect time to call the jewel of the Caribbean home.

As one of the most popular tropical locales among expats from all over the world, the Dominican Republic is the perfect place to start a new life in paradise, with a low cost of living, breathtaking villas available from as low as $185,000 USD with Casa Linda, a world-class healthcare system, and jaw-dropping beauty waiting to greet you around every corner. If you’re one of the many snowbird couples ready to make a more permanent migration, Casa Linda is here to help. Below, we’ll cover a few of the basics when it comes to one of the most important parts of your journey: gaining permanent residency. Read on to learn more!

What is Permanent Residency

If you’ve been a regular winter traveller for quite some time, you’re likely not totally unfamiliar with the concept of permanent residency compared to visitors visas and the like. Where visas will allow you to stay within the country for a set amount of time, gaining PR status means you are entitled to stay within the country indefinitely as a legal, full-time resident. PR status is particularly important where homeownership is concerned, as those with PR status are afforded additional privileges that visas simply do not cover.

Why Gain PR Status?

While getting your permanent residency isn’t a necessity right away, especially if you plan to transition to full-time island living over a longer period of time, if you’re aiming to truly make the shift to residing on the island at all times, you will need to pursue residency in order to remain in your home legally past the typical 3 months allotted by a visitor’s visa.

retire in the dominican republic

PR 101

The following is a basic rundown of the PR process. For those looking for a more in-depth overview, please refer to our resources here.

If you’re planning on pursuing a residency in the Dominican, you can rest easy knowing that, though it is an involved process, it’s fairly straightforward, especially if you have a good legal team on your side. Timeline-wise, your first step will be to obtain a residency visa which allows you to apply for temporary (provisional) residence upon arriving in the DR (NOTE: you must do so within 6 days of arrival). A provisional residency allows you to remain in the country for up to a year at a time and permits you to work while residing in the country if necessary. Your provisional resident can be renewed for up to a total of 4 years, at which point you would typically be eligible to formally apply for PR status.

One of the more complicated parts of the process is staying on top of the many documents that you are required to submit with your application. The required forms are intended to prove that you are capable of being self-sustaining, have good physical health, and have no criminal record. Documents you will be expected to submit include:

  • Bank statements for the last three months.
  • Two frontal photos (2×2).
  • Lab Test (HIV, drug test) and a letter from a doctor stating that you do not have communicable diseases. For those already in the D.R., we provide information on facilities that perform the medical test and provide the medical certificate.
  • Birth certificate (apostille or legalized).
  • Certificate of good conduct from the police (apostille or legalized).
  • Copy of valid passport.
  • Provide the required documentation according to the visa category. (Work, retired, investment, married to a Dominican or a resident; proof that you have been living in the country for a long period). If you are a missionary or NGO you will need a letter confirming your status from your organization.

It’s important to note that you must pay attention to all details on the above documents and ensure that they are sent to the right locations in order to avoid complications. Partnering with a legal team can help expedite this part and make sure you avoid costly mistakes when submitting.

Want More Information?

Casa Linda is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about purchasing your dream home in paradise, PR tips, and everything in between!

Dominican Property 101: Mortgages and More

Dominican Property 101: Mortgages and More

If you’ve been seriously considering homeownership in the Dominican Republic, there’s never been a better time to make your dream of island living a reality. Moving abroad is a wonderful way to enhance your lifestyle and invest in the future you’ve always wanted, and with a little research and pre-planning, owning a home in the DR can become an easy reality. Unlike many other countries that make it exceedingly difficult for foreign nationals to own property and reside within the nation year-round, the Dominican is incredibly welcoming towards expats making it a favourite amongst retirees, veterans and investors.

For nearly 30 years, Casa Linda has helped prospective homeowners just like you find their perfect piece of paradise in the Dominican Republic. If you’re ready to make the best change you’ll ever decide on, we’re here to help. Learn more about purchasing a home in the Dominican Republic with Casa Linda below!

Expat Purchasing 101

If you’re early into the research phase of buying a home abroad, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure as to what you need to be looking for. First and foremost, it’s important to be aware that every country has different rules and regulations where foreign homeownership is concerned, and you’ll want to factor in the difficulty of obtaining residency as well as basic ownership rights when deciding where you want to relocate to. As we mentioned above, the Dominican is uniquely welcoming to outside buyers and investors and offers a wide range of benefits to homeowners, including the same legal rights as natural citizens should you obtain residency. This means that you truly own your land, and have much more freedom than would typically be afforded elsewhere.

In addition to ample rights for foreign buyers, the Dominican also offers one of the stablest governments and economies in Latin America, as well as a solid infrastructure that makes it easy to access daily essentials like high-speed internet, phone lines, cable television, a world-class healthcare system and more. Local shopping centres also feature many of the most popular brands found across North America and Europe, meaning you’ll never have to go without the creature comforts you’ve come to love.

dominican republic mortgages

Buying Property

Purchasing a home in the Dominican Republic is a fairly easy process for foreign nationals due to the government’s openness to external buyers. Financing is straightforward when partnering with international banks, with an average minimum deposit of 30% being required to begin moving forward in the purchasing process. Mortgage terms in the DR last for 20 years and have higher lending rates (as of 2019, rates fluctuated between 4% to 7%) than the US or Canada. For those who plan on remaining in their home country during the buying process, it’s worth noting that, while you will typically need to be present for the signing of all documents in the DR, you may be able to assign someone Power of Attorney if necessary.

Explore Paradise With Casa Linda

Located on the gorgeous north end of the Dominican Republic, Casa Linda is an exclusive gated community that features stunning villas with floor plans starting as low as $185,000 USD. Our homes range from two-bedroom and two-bathrooms, all the way up to 5 bedroom homes, and our team of designers offers endless ways to create a space unlike any other. Whether you choose to build exactly to one of our existing spec models or to upgrade everything to bring your dream home to life, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about purchasing a home in the Dominican Republic, including how Casa Linda can help you get started on the path to paradise!

Looking to Retire in the Dominican? Read This First!

Looking to Retire in the Dominican? Read This First!

Calling all snowbirds! Are you ready to upgrade your winter hideaway? Looking to make a more permanent transition to warmer weather and start a new chapter abroad? Whether you’re looking for the perfect home during the colder months or the ideal place to settle down and live out your retirement in paradise, the Dominican Republic is ready to welcome you to sunny shores! As one of the most in-demand destinations for retirees from around the globe, the DR is a perfect fit for people from all walks of life and backgrounds. With a stable economy, dependable infrastructure, low cost of living and a world-class healthcare system, residents enjoy peace of mind alongside breathtakingly beautiful views and homes.

If you’re ready to take your first steps towards seriously considering full-time expatriate living, Casa Linda is here to help make your Dominican dream a reality. For over 20 years, we’ve built luxury homes on the northern end of the island that makes it easy to bring your perfect vision to life, one room at a time. Below, we’ll give you a few key topics to think about in the early stages of contemplating moving abroad. Read on to learn more!

Where to Start

If you’re like many burgeoning expatriates, you’re likely feeling a bundle of excitement and nerves when it comes to thinking about the new adventure you have ahead of you. Moving abroad is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to live the life you’ve always wanted in your preferred location. With that being said, the process of beginning to plan can often feel a tad overwhelming, if only because it seems hard to know where to start. Before we dive into some more specific aspects, remember to take a deep breath and relax. Yes, there are many details you’ll need to consider, but with enough forethought, you’ll learn how to navigate the hoops and challenges that come with uprooting your normal day-to-day.

This leads us to our first tip: start planning early! It can be easy to put off planning for “another year” when you’re in the thick of working, especially as you close in on retirement, but the reality is, the sooner you form a tangible game plan, not only will you give yourself time to account for all the little details involved, you’ll also have something incredible to look forward to an stay motivated for!

While other countries can make relocating a significant hassle, the Dominican is incredibly welcoming and encouraging of outside investors, which means you’ll have a much easier time settling in. Spend some time doing your homework in advance (just like you may be doing now), and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fast things can come together.

Finances

It should come as no surprise that one of the biggest aspects you need to account for when preparing for your move is your financial standing. Rather than seeing this as a negative, keep in mind that is entirely possible to move to another country and enjoy a wonderful quality of life without having millions in the bank. In fact, many expats that live within the Casa Linda community were pleasantly surprised to learn that they could afford their dream custom home and choose from our exceptional floor plans with prices that start as low as $184,600 USD. Lower home prices, combined with the general lower cost of living in the DR allow each dollar to go farther, meaning you might even be able to upgrade your lifestyle once you move!

retiring in the dominican republic

Health and Wellness

For many retirees, healthcare and medical assistance are a top priority both at home and most certainly when considering moving to a new country. Whether you have an existing condition or health needs or are simply thinking ahead to the future, the world-class medical system in the Dominican Republic alleviates any need for concern. The island is home to top-tier hospitals and medical facilities, as well as highly skilled doctors that offer service in both English and Spanish, meaning you’ll always have the help you need when it matters most.

Lifestyle

Are you a busy bee that likes to keep active and on the go, or are you a little more laid back and looking forward to doing less in retirement? Knowing your preferred lifestyle will make it easier to find the right fit when you move abroad, as well as choose activities that are best suited to your preferences. The Dominican offers everything from fly fishing to beach lounging, so you’ll never have an issue finding the right “something” to occupy your time!

Purchasing Property

Knowing the rules and regulations of your chosen destination when it comes to property ownership and citizenship is essential prior to moving. The Dominican Republic has no rules prohibiting foreign investments and offers a straightforward residency process for those wishing to live on the island full time.

Luxury Villas With Casa Linda

As a premier builder located on the north end of the Dominican Republic, Casa Linda is proud to create dream homes for our buyers. With multiple luxurious floor plans to choose from, as well as plenty of options for customization, living the life tranquilo (laid back and easy going) is simple. Add in a vibrant community, endless activities, and more and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to join us on the island!

Ready to take the first step?

Contact Casa Linda to learn more about purchasing your dream home in paradise today!

Villas and Views, Welcome to Life in the Dominican!

Villas and Views, Welcome to Life in the Dominican!

Picture this: relaxing on the beach during long sunny days, waking to the sound of ocean waves and swaying palm trees, and endless warm weather that’s free of snow, all year round. If you’re ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and answer the call of the island, the Dominican Republic is ready to welcome you with open arms. Known as the jewel of the Caribbean, the Dominican attracts expatriates from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Learn more about what to expect when it comes to life in the DR, including the custom villas available from Residencial Casa Linda below!

The Best Choice You’ll Ever Make

If you’ve been on the fence about moving abroad and waiting for the right moment to take the leap, there’s never been a better time to make your dreams a reality. Starting a fresh chapter in a new country is an incredibly exciting adventure, and once you decide to make the change, all that’s left is to choose where to go.

While there are countless locations around the globe that welcome new residents, it’s no surprise that the Dominican is one mom the most favoured among expatriates. This is in large part due to the country’s stable economy, advanced infrastructure, low cost of living, world-class medical services, and straightforward residency process. Each of these, in addition to breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home, contribute to the Dominican being the perfect location to settle down in.

Meet Residencial Casa Linda

For over 20 years, Residencial Casa Linda has had a reputation as one of the most trusted builders in the Dominican. Nestled on the northern end of the island, our state-of-the-art villas are known for their quality and exceptional designs, and our secure and welcoming community has become home to expats from all over the globe. Casa Linda proudly offers our residents the whole package, from private villas, to the perfect location, to an upcoming VIP Beach Club, and more.

dominican republic dream villas

Find Your Perfect Home

Casa Linda offers homeowners a wide variety of options when it comes to creating your dream retreat in paradise. Our floor plans feature plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy, with a wide range of features designed to help you make the most of your custom villa. Standout floor models include:

Villa Seashell

As one of our most popular models, Villa Seashell includes 3 beds, 3.5 baths, a 12,700-gallon pool and 2462 sq ft to enjoy, and an ultra-modern layout designed to take advantage of the ocean breezes and views. Multiple terraces and balconies throughout the property are perfect for sunbathing, and the spacious living rooms make entertaining guests a charm. Each bedroom has its own full bath for your convenience and leads outdoors to the gorgeous infinity pool and sunbed area. View the floor plan here!

Villa Sunseeker

The Sunseeker model is one of our most versatile floor plans and is available either as a 2 or 3 bedroom home depending on your needs. As the name suggests, Sunseeker is designed to be a bright, spacious home, with sliding glass doors, plenty of counter space as well as a large covered terrace. Bedrooms are spaced on opposites of the home, allowing for complete privacy for guests or for when you want a little you time, and with plenty of floor space, you’ll have no trouble enjoying yourself in paradise!

Learn more about these homes, as well as life with Casa Linda by contacting our team today!