living in the dr
Everything you need is already here.
Foreign buyers have always been welcome in the Dominican Republic. You have the same property rights as a Dominican citizen - and a whole infrastructure built to support the expat life.
you're not on your own
The DR has been welcoming expats for decades.
One of the biggest concerns people have about moving abroad is whether the practical side of life will work. Healthcare, banking, staying connected, getting around - will it all be there?
On the north coast of the Dominican Republic, the answer is yes. This is a region with a long-established expat community and a full range of services to support it. Here's what's available.
"We did our research carefully.Β The DR stood out for its value, modern conveniences, and the warmth of the people"
Tanya & Haywell, Toronto, Canada - Casa Linda Owners
your rights
Same rights as a Dominican citizen.
Foreign buyers in the Dominican Republic have the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens. You can own your villa outright, in your own name, with a title system similar to Canada and the US.
The DR government has made it a priority to welcome and support foreign investment and residency. The process is straightforward, the taxes are low, and the legal framework is solid.
There's also an entire police force - CESTUR - dedicated specifically to the safety and support of tourists and expats. Local mayors are actively involved in community life. This is a country that wants you here.
practical information
The things you need to know.
Here's a practical overview of what expat life looks like on the north coast - from healthcare to banking to staying connected.
Healthcare
Healthcare in the DR is affordable and genuinely good. Private health insurance for a couple runs approximately $1,000 - $2,000 per year depending on coverage - a fraction of North American costs. Hospitals are modern and well-equipped, with English-speaking doctors and specialists. Dentistry, plastic surgery, naturopathy, and physiotherapy are all well catered for.
Banking & Currency
The DR currency is the Dominican Peso. Opening a local bank account requires your passport, a letter of recommendation from your home bank, and a personal reference (which we can provide). You can open an account in US dollars, pesos, or both. Banking is straightforward and well-established on the north coast.
Clubs & Social Groups
The north coast has a remarkably active social scene. From churches to book clubs, theatre groups, gardening clubs, sports leagues, and much more - whatever you enjoyed at home, you'll find people here doing the same thing. The community is large, diverse, and genuinely welcoming. Most new owners are surprised by how quickly they find their people.
Gated Communities
For owners who split their time between the DR and home, or who travel frequently, a gated community provides real peace of mind. Casa Linda is 24/7 gated and secured. While you're away, your villa is watched over, maintained, and kept in good condition - without you having to think about it.
Schools
There are three excellent international schools on the north coast, catering to children from age three through high school. American and Canadian curricula are followed, with English as the instructional language. For owners with children or grandchildren who visit, this is good to know.
Consulates
Canada has two consulates in the Dominican Republic - one in Santo Domingo and one right in Puerto Plata, just 20 minutes away. The United States consulate is in Santo Domingo. Most countries have consular representation in the DR.
staying connected
You won't feel cut off.
One of the things expats are always relieved to discover is how connected life in the DR actually is.
Social Media & Community
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are how the expat community organizes itself here. Events, buy/sell groups, local news, restaurant recommendations - there are active groups dedicated to expats in the SosΓΊa and Cabarete area and they're genuinely useful from day one.
Internet & Communication
Good internet is widely available on the north coast. Most villas at Casa Linda have reliable broadband. Video calls, streaming, remote work - it all works. You won't be out of touch with family back home.
Shopping & Services
The north coast has supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores, international restaurants, and a full range of everyday services. Amazon delivers to the DR. Most things you need from home are either available locally or easily ordered in.
residency
Thinking about making it official?
The Dominican Republic has one of the more straightforward residency processes in the Caribbean. Many Casa Linda owners choose to pursue residency after spending time here - it opens up additional benefits and simplifies daily life considerably.
Residency isn't required to own property or to stay up to three months per year.Β But if you're considering a longer-term move, it's worth understanding your options early.
We have a dedicated page walking through the residency process in detail.