Do you know that the Dominican Republic is the home to the largest foreign-born population among Caribbean nations? Attracting expats with its alluring combination of leisure and opportunity, the “Mother of the Lands” is home to over 450,000 immigrants.
Our team at Remitly has created this relocation guide to help you decide if the Dominican Republic is right for you. You’ll find information about visas, cost of living, housing options, and job opportunities, plus some practical steps to get started in planning your move.
Why move to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic’s tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive option for expats. Add to that high quality of life, easy residency process, and a growing economy, and it’s easy to see why more and more people want to move here. Let’s look at some of the country’s selling points.
1. Affordable cost of living
Compared to other Caribbean countries, the cost of living in the Dominican Republic is very affordable. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll find that most things here are reasonably priced, including housing and groceries.
This makes the country an ideal destination for retirees or remote workers looking for high quality of life. The laid-back, stress-free culture means it’s easy to find work-life balance and enjoy your leisure time without breaking the bank.
2. Rich culture and friendly community
With a blend of European, African, and native Taino influences, the Dominican Republic boasts a rich culture that appeals to expats from all around the world. The music, food, and cultural activities on offer will keep you busy trying out new experiences.
The DR has a friendly and social community that welcomes expats with a warm embrace. This makes it easy for newcomers to settle in and feel at home quickly in their new environment.
3. Stunning beaches and nature
With almost 1,000 miles of coastline, the DR has a wealth of stunning beaches to explore. Many areas remain relatively untouched, offering pristine sandy beaches and nature in its purest state.
The country is also home to lush rainforests and incredible biodiversity. It hosts a wide variety of animal life and is a good spot for whale watching between December and March.
Understanding the Dominican Republic visa process
Depending on the purpose of relocation, the Dominican Republic offers different types of visas and residence permits to expats. Below are some of the most common. Generally, prospective residents should start by applying at their local DR embassy for a temporary residence visa, then enter the country and apply for the relevant long-term residence permit.
Note: all prices listed in this section and throughout this article are given in US dollars, which at the time of writing, have a conversion rate with the local currency of 1 USD = 59 DOP.
Types of visas and permits available
There are several interesting residence permits that allow long-term stay in the country.
Investor residence permit
If you are a business owner looking to invest in the Dominican Republic economy, the investment residence permit is designed for you. Before applying, you need to be prepared to invest at least $200,000 USD in local businesses, real estate, or any other approved sector.
Retiree residence permit
If you receive a retirement pension and want to retire in the Dominican Republic, a retiree residence permit is what you’ll need. To be eligible for the retiree visa, you must have a monthly pension of at least $1,500, plus an additional $250 per dependent coming with you. You’ll be required to provide a medical certificate, among other documents.
Renter residence permit
The Dominican Republic’s renter residence permit is suitable for remote workers with a steady income of at least $2,000 from a foreign company. To be eligible, you need to provide proof of employment, like a certified letter from your employer.
Other visa and permit types
The permits above are some of the most popular for expats, but depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a range of other options. The Dominican Republic offers diplomatic visas, student visas, dependent visas, tourist visas, business visas, and more. Visit their immigration page to find out which is right for you.
Visa requirements
If you’re moving to the Dominican Republic, here are the general visa requirements:
- Passport (valid for at least six months) and photocopies of your passport data page and any previous Dominican Republic visas
- Completed visa application form
- Photo (2×2 inches, on a white background)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, pay slips, or title deeds)
- Clean criminal record (issued by authorities in your country of origin)
- Visa application letter (giving your personal information and the purpose of moving to the Dominican Republic)
Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, there may be additional requirements.
Visa application steps
- Complete the visa application form. Ensure all information is correct and matches your passport.
- Set up an appointment (if required).
- Submit the visa application, along with all requested documents, at the nearest Dominican Republic embassy. Pay the required visa application fees.
- Await visa decision.
- Once approved, pick up your visa from the same embassy you applied at.
- Travel to the Dominican Republic within 60 days and apply for the appropriate residence permit.
Transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residency
Temporary visas typically last for up to a year. To continue residing in the Dominican Republic, you need to renew it as soon as it expires. When you have maintained your temporary visa for five years, you can apply for a permanent residency visa.
Cost of living in the Dominican Republic
Here are the monthly expenses you can expect in the DR (given in USD, as of June 2025).
Rent
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $450 a month, while a similar apartment outside the city center costs around $250 monthly.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $900 a month, while a similar apartment outside the city center costs about $450 monthly.
Groceries
The cost of groceries here is very reasonable, especially if you purchase fresh produce.
- A gallon of milk costs $4.75
- A loaf of bread costs $1.50
- A pound of rice costs $0.60
- A dozen eggs cost $1.70
- A pound of chicken fillets costs $2.40
Utilities
The tropical climate reduces the cost of your utility bills in the Mother of the Lands—you won’t have to heat your home. Expect to spend about $65 a month for basic utilities (electricity, water, gas, etc.) in a small apartment.
Transportation
Public transportation in the Dominican Republic is also quite affordable. A one-way bus ticket costs approximately $0.60, or you can purchase a monthly pass for $35. If you drive your own car, the price of gasoline is about $4.90 a gallon.
Managing your finances in Dominican pesos and US dollars
If you’re relocating to the Dominican Republic on a budget, you can save a lot of money if you compare prices for everyday items to find the cheapest places to shop and the best services for phone and internet. Try using a budgeting app to track your finances when you first arrive.
Pro tip: Although the Dominican peso (DOP) is the official currency, US dollars are also accepted in tourist areas. However, you’re likely to get an unfavorable exchange rate and be gouged by foreign transaction fees if you regularly pay in USD. It’s better to open a local bank account and operate in the local currency.
Working in the Dominican Republic
If you know how to navigate the local job market, you can find a rewarding job in the DR. There are opportunities for expats in various sectors.
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- Education: There’s a high demand for English teachers in the Dominican Republic. The minimum requirement is a TEFL certification and sometimes a bachelor’s degree. English teachers earn from $700 to $2,000 monthly. Some schools come with added benefits like housing.
- Tourism: As one of the most visited spots in the Caribbean, the DR also offers plenty of jobs in tourism. You can work in guest services, operations, or management. If you’re multilingual, you could work as a tour guide. Expats with top-notch cooking skills can become chefs in tourist areas.
- Tech: Companies in the Dominican Republic constantly search for professionals skilled in programming languages and IT services.
- Healthcare: In both public and private healthcare, doctors and nurses are highly sought after. If you have relevant experience, you can get a role in hospital administration or healthcare management.
In order to interact with people and assimilate into the local work environment and culture, you need to be a fluent Spanish speaker. You also need to obtain a work visa and a residency permit.
Exploring the Dominican lifestyle and culture
Dominicans have a vibrant lifestyle and culture that offers exciting experiences for newcomers.
Food
The de facto national dish of the Dominican Republic is La Bandera (The Flag). It consists of white rice, red beans, and stewed meat. It’s often served with a side of salad or fried plantains known as tostones. Other must-try dishes are Sancocho and Chivo Lineiro.
Music
The Dominican Republic is famous for its vibrant music and dance culture. Merengue and bachata are two of the iconic dances that are popular in the region.
Merengue is a fast-paced, energetic dance that started in the middle of the 19th century. It blends African, Taíno, and European influences. It features side-to-side steps, hip movements, turns, spins, and different footwork variations.
Local customs
When you enter a room, it’s good practice to greet everyone (especially those older than you). Use formal titles like Señor and Señora unless the person says it’s okay to address them by their first name.
When you’re offered food, it’s considered impolite to reject it. If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, it’s polite to try everything served and compliment the cook. Don’t pick a seat at the table; wait to be assigned one.
Superstitions and folk beliefs are part of life in the Dominican Republic. Mothers will often go to a brujo or witch doctor to obtain protection charms known as resuguardos for their newborns. Tuesday the 13th is considered an unlucky day.
Must-visit locations
Zona Colonial is the top must-visit attraction in the Dominican Republic. Located in Santo Domingo, it’s the oldest inhabited European settlement.
Avid beachgoers should check out Bávaro Beach and other popular beaches in Punta Cana.
For nature lovers, Jaragua National Park is guaranteed to be an instant hit.
Festivals and holidays
The Dominican Republic is home to vibrant festivals and holidays that showcase its rich culture, history, and traditions. Some of the popular ones are Carnaval de La Vega and Carnaval de Cabral, which involve the use of devil masks.
Easter is also a big holiday, as are Christmas and New Year. Mother’s Day is a highly cherished celebration, too.
Other useful information
Healthcare
In the DR, you can use either public or private healthcare. The public system can come with long wait times. Private healthcare has shorter wait times and better facilities, and you may be able to find English-speaking doctors.
Education
Public schools are free but are often underresourced, and the language of instruction is Spanish. Most expat families opt for private schools, which offer better quality. Many provide Spanish-English bilingual education and have smaller class sizes.
Banking
To set up a bank account as a foreigner in the Dominican Republic, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of address of your home country or the Dominican Republic
- Bank statements as proof of income
Driving
To drive in the Dominican Republic, you can use your home country’s driver’s license for 90 days. After that, you’ll need to get a Dominican driver’s license as a legal resident.
The process is simple:
- Provide your passport and residency permit
- Undergo a vision and blood test
- Pass a written exam and a practical driving test
FAQs
Is the Dominican Republic a good place for Americans to live?
The DR’s affordable cost of living and stable economy make it an attractive option for expats looking for a tropical beach vibe.
How can I send money to the Dominican Republic?
Use Remitly’s safe and affordable money transfer service to send money to friends and family in the DR or to yourself to ease your relocation process.
Is the Dominican Republic safe?
The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is high, leading the US Department of State to issue a travel advisory. This is certainly something to keep in mind, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t live a comfortable life there.