Thinking of making the move to island living and kissing goodbye long winters for good? The Dominican Republic is waiting to welcome you with open arms! If you’re one of the many people that’s ready to make a significant change to your lifestyle and embrace life in paradise, Casa Linda Quality Communities is here to make moving to the Dominican Republic easy and hassle-free. Below, we’ll take a quick look at some of the need-to-know facts about relocating to the DR, specifically where residency requirements are concerned. Read on to learn more!
Why Move to the DR
The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise unlike any other, and with countless perks to offer, it’s no surprise that the island has become a popular destination for snowbirds and expatriates from all over the world. Affordable housing and cost of living, long sunny days, warm temperatures, alongside a dependable economy and world-class healthcare system make the Dominican an easy choice for most, and a safe bet for those looking to relocate somewhere long term! Some of the most commonly asked questions about moving to the DR include:
Do You Have to Become Resident
In the simplest of terms: if you plan on staying in the country for more than 3 months at a time consistently, yes. Gaining residency status will make things far easier for all parties involved. Without permanent residency (PR), you are only entitled to visit for 3 months at a time, and once you gain your PR, you’ll get access to several key benefits that makes life easier overall.
Is Getting My PR Hard?
It depends on your perspective. Overall, obtaining residency in the Dominican is generally much easier and quicker in comparison to other countries, but you can expect that there is some work involved. You’ll need to stay on top of paperwork and key documents, but with the right legal assistance, you should be able to navigate the process easily. The general PR obtainment process tends to look something like this:
Once you arrive in the DR with the intent to remain indefinitely, you will need to apply for temporary residence within 6 days of entering the country. This 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.
Once that year passes, you’ll be able to renew your provisional residency for up to 4 years, at which point you will likely be eligible for PR status. During your provisional time, we highly recommend collecting the documents you’ll need for your PR application, including:
- 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.
It’s worth mentioning that documentation is the most important part of the PR process, and if you want to succeed you not only need to make sure all forms are completed correctly, but that they are also sent to the correct places.
Working with a skilled immigration lawyer will make it easier to sort through all documents and avoid costly errors, as well as help you stay on top of the overall progress of your application.
PR Perks
Aside from being able to legally live in the country, receiving permanent residency gives you access to a variety of perks including a better tax structure (say good by to a 50% surcharge on estate taxes!), allows you to work and conduct business within the country, and gives you the same rights as native citizens legally.
Want More Information?
Casa Linda is here to help! If you’re ready to live your dream life in paradise and build the beach villa that you’ve always wanted. Contact us today.
