When relocating to the Dominican Republic, there are usually two big questions: Where are you going to live, and what will you do for work? With a villa or condo from Casa Linda, you can look after the first question! If you want to change up your current line of work and want to get as much time in the Caribbean sun as possible, a great way to make a living abroad is to work as a freelancer.

There are plenty of different jobs you can do self-employed, regardless of where you live. Whether you want to make a few bucks on the side or plan to build a booming business, here are a few ideas to get you started in the DR’s gig economy!

Photographer

What better way to spend your time on the North Coast than to travel around taking photos? As a freelance photographer, you can spend your days shooting beachside weddings, engagement photos, and portraits, or explore your new country as a landscape photographer!

You can work on commission, list your photos on stock image websites, sell prints for wall art collections— the sky’s the limit! Get started by posting your photos and accepting commissions through social media. You can also open a website showcasing your portfolio, and put your business cards in our local shops.

Commission Painter

Are you a skilled artist? You can put your talent to good use by offering your services as a painter on commission! You can take several different routes as a commission painter, including creating artwork for home gallery walls, family and pet portraits, wedding portraits, and more.

If you’ve created a few pieces you’re particularly passionate about, try to get your fine art into some of our local art galleries in Sosua, Puerto Plata, or Cabarete, or sell them to local coffee shops, restaurants, or fine art collectors. With all of the natural beauty in the DR, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found for your canvas!

Freelance Writer/Blogger

Blogging is one of the mainstays of the gig economy. From your laptop screen, you can locate plenty of freelance writing jobs on websites like Indeed, Upwork, and LinkedIn. You don’t even need to stick to listings in the DR, as many freelance opportunities accept applicants worldwide—you can probably start working before you relocate!

Tutor

If you have an educational background or good teaching skills, you can find plenty of work in the DR as a private tutor!

The curriculum in our local schools is very similar to the United States, so you’ll generally be able to work within the parameters of your educational background. You’ll find more job opportunities with a TEFL certification, but it’s not a requirement to be a tutor in the DR.

Teaching spoken English is also a great way to get regular educational work. While many people in Cabarete, Sosua, and Puerto Plata speak English, Spanish is more widely spoken in the other surrounding towns and regions. You can also find online English teaching positions that connect you to students in other countries!

Your Freelancing Checklist for Relocating to the Dominican Republic

Before you can begin working as a freelancer in the DR, it’s important to make sure you have all your legal bases covered. When deciding what to do for work, make sure to…

• Check your Visa requirements for potential programs or tax exemptions you may qualify for
• Consult with a tax professional to determine whether you will need to pay both US and DR taxes on your income
• Acquire the necessary work permits and/or business licenses for your line of work

 Relocate to the Dominican Republic with Casa Linda

If you’re tired of the standard 9-5, relocating to the Dominican Republic offers a great opportunity to switch to gig work! Whether you decide to take jobs locally or widen your reach online, being self-employed will allow you to spend time doing work you love with paradise as your backdrop.

Are you ready to start planning your move? You can find your brand-new home with our team at Casa Linda. Whether you want a luxury villa or a modern townhouse, we’ll help you find the Caribbean home of your dreams!

Contact us today to learn more about our floor plans, prices, and community.