Have you been considering moving abroad and embracing the adventure of settling into an island paradise? Whether you’re tired of dealing with brutal winters that leave you chilled to the core or simply want a change that allows you to explore a new side of life, the Dominican Republic is an ideal place to relax, unwind, and create the life you’ve always wanted in paradise. For over 20 years, Casa Linda Quality Communities has welcomed expatriates from all over the world to our beautiful shores and helped them find the perfect home on the island. As one of the most trusted builders in the Dominican, our team knows just how important it is to feel at home when you move abroad. While relocating can be incredibly exhilarating, it’s also a major change that can often lead to feeling a tad anxious without the proper knowledge on hand.
To help you feel more at ease and prepared to settle in faster, below, we’ve made a shortlist of six of the most frequently asked questions we’re often asked by newcomers. Read on the learn a little more about what you can expect when living in the Dominican Republic.
- Is the Dominican Republic Safe?
Understandably, safety is often one of the top concerns for couples moving abroad. Fortunately for those worried about relocating to a safe destination, you can rest assured that the Dominican Republic is a very safe and stable country, with minimal risks for you to fret over. Generally speaking, most expats find that if they demonstrate the same level of caution they would in their home country (locking doors, avoiding unsafe areas at night and not wearing overly fancy items when walking about after dark, etc), there is little risk to them personally. To help you feel comfortable at home within our community, Casa Linda also employs 24/7 security to add an extra layer of protection that you can trust.
- What is medical care like?
Healthcare is another major concern for expatriates, and, despite any misconceptions, you’ll be pleased to learn that the DR has a top-tier healthcare system that includes state-of-the-art facilities and hospitals, alongside exceptional doctors and medical professionals that offer assistance in both English and Spanish. For those with current medical conditions or concerned for the future, you’ll be able to find almost all of your same prescriptions here, and newcomers are often pleased to find that medical care is much cheaper and efficient than they are accustomed to back home.
- Is it easy to become a resident/buy a home?
The Dominican Republic is incredibly welcoming to foreign buyers as far as buying real estate, and the residency application process (which is necessary for those looking to reside here full time), is relatively straightforward. Many expatriates are pleased to find that, once they’re fully settled in and have their permanent residency (PR), they have just as many rights and perks as natural citizens.
- Do I need to speak Spanish?
On the northern end of the island, where Casa Linda’s community is located, the short answer is no. However, given that Spanish is the official language here in the Dominican, we do highly recommend that you take the time to learn at least a small conversational basis of terms and remain open to expanding your knowledge as you continue to live here. Doing so will greatly enhance your experience and allow you to get the most out of your time here.
- What about hurricane season?
While the Dominican Republic is an island, the northern end of the island is fortunate enough to be very sheltered during hurricane season meaning that it rarely, if ever, sees dangerous weather. While you will encounter the odd rainy day, for the most part, you can expect lots of sun and hot temperatures on a daily basis!
- Will I have the same comforts as back home?
You’d be surprised to learn how much the Dominican is like home, only warmer. With high-quality infrastructure that includes dependable cable, high-speed internet, reliable electricity and all modern comforts, you’ll always have access to your favourite comforts.
How can Casa Linda help me make my tropical dream a reality?
Residencial Casa Linda is the premier builder on the north end of the island. With stunning custom villas and an incredible community available, we make it easy to bring your vision of island living to life. Learn more by contacting our team today!
