Moving to the Dominican Republic is one thing, working here is quite another! Before you embark on the tropical adventure of a lifetime, make sure you acquaint yourself with information on the legalities of working as a foreign national in the Dominican Republic to ensure your transition to your new home goes as smoothly as possible.

You need a business (work) visa. There are two types of work visa for the Dominican Republic: one that allows either one entry for 60 days or multiple entries for one year (but only for a maximum of two consecutive months at a time) or a full-on business visa which is issued for up to one year. With the latter, you will likely be on a fixed term contract and this type of visa will enable you to do everything you need including getting a driver’s license and opening a bank account.

You also need a residency permit. To work in the Dominican Republic for more than 2 months, you must obtain a temporary residency permit for work purposes. This will give you all of the same rights as Dominican citizens under the national Labour Code and will allow you to be registered under the Social Security System. It will also be the means by which you pay your taxes and access any necessary social services, if needed.  For about getting your residency, please read our post:  Getting Your Dominican Republic Residency.

You need a written contract. In order to be hired for work in the Dominican Republic, a written contract must be obtained from your employer which contains the necessary information regarding contract terms, compensation and grounds for termination. The contract must be signed and two copies will be filed with the corresponding Labour Department.

You will be taxed. As a resident of the Dominican Republic working in the Dominican Republic, you will be taxed on your income. Depending on your income,you can expect to pay 15 to 25% income tax.on everything you earn. This will be withheld and paid by your employer. If you are self-employed and your income is Dominican-based, you will be required to pay the taxes monthly on your own.

You have rights. As we mentioned, working legally in the Dominican Republic entitles you to the same labour rights as Dominicans themselves have, which might surprise some foreign nationals in terms of what this entitles them to. This includes the right to unionize, strike, bargain, to a minimum wage, to limited work hours and to specific health and safety regulations. Take some time familiarize yourself with these rights to avoid having them curtailed or, if you will be a business owner hiring Dominicans,to comply with the laws.