DR FAQs

The Dominican Republic occupies roughly two thirds of the island known as Hispaniola. It is southeast of Cuba, northeast of Jamaica, and Puerto Rico is a short plane hop away. The country enjoys both Atlantic and Caribbean coasts rimmed with soft white sand beaches, and is centered by towering green foliaged mountains bisected by fresh water streams and waterfalls. Called the "DR" by locals, the island nation measures 18,712 square miles and is twice the size of New Hampshire. Click here for a map.

If you studied your history books well, or are old enough to remember, the country's time under the oppressive dictator General Rafael Trujillo was far from a happy one. His corruptive rule ended in 1961, and now the island country practices democracy with a duly elected president every four years. Does corruption still exist? Sure, on some levels, but much less seriously than it does in any Central American country.

The legislative system is divided between the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. There are 30 Senators representing each of the districts, plus the national seat; 120 Deputies occupy the Chamber.

It would be remiss not to mention Hispaniola's other half, Haiti. Though occupying the same plot of land, the two countries are worlds and cultures apart. Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the Caribbean, and still suffers from the effects of the infamous Papa and Baby Doc. The DR, though also poor, maintains a young urban society that is upwardly mobile. Haitians speak French -- Dominicans speak Spanish. Haitians are not well liked by Dominicans, but to say that the DR suffers because of Haiti's tribulations would be in error -- it's rather like saying when Florida sneezes, California gets a cold.

That said, the Dominican Republic has one of the lowest trade, and balance of payment, deficits in the world ... and one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean. They are also ranked fourth worldwide for their number of Free Trade Zones.

No special visas are required of North Americans, nor most Europeans. You do, however, need a tourist card costing $10 which is good for a stay of up to 90 days. Your airline will usually supply you with one before departure. As always, if traveling alone with a child, be sure to have a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent with you. A departure tax of $10 is collected from all international visitors at the airport -- the fee must be paid in US dollars, so be sure to keep a little cash aside.

Not only can a foreigner purchase property easily, but s/he will find some of the best and cheapest deals in the Caribbean. Compare asking prices with say, St. Martin, Antigua, the Bahamas, or Turks and Caicos, and be prepared to be amazed.

Local lawyers handle all transactions, and Title Insurance is available depending on the development and property under consideration. Just bear in mind that the Dominican Republic is not as up to date on real estate matters as many of her Caribbean sisters ... but weigh this against the huge home purchase savings, coupled with a considerably lower cost of living, and the DR wins hands down.

Whenever dealing in real estate, whether at home or abroad, you should only do business with reputable brokers and lawyers. Don't do abroad what you wouldn't think of doing at home. Ask your candidate for references, and check them out thoroughly. After all, these are the people responsible for ensuring that you hold free and clear title, and that all necessary legal documents are properly registered. A reputable broker and lawyer protect your interests, guaranteeing you'll sleep soundly at night.

The Dominican Republic offers one of the easiest, and least costly residency programs in the Western hemisphere. After you have obtained your Tourist card (as explained under "visas"), you may begin your residency procedures which are handled by a lawyer. Start the proceedings upon arrival and you should have your immigration card within 90 days, before your Tourist card expires.

With immigration papers in hand, you're allowed to stay in the country, and even work legally, for six months while you wait for your identity card, or Cedula, to be processed.

Your Cedula is good for one year at which time you may renew it for a second year. Once you've passed the two year mark, you may apply for Dominican citizenship and a second passport -- it's legal to hold both a US and DR passport simultaneously. The best news of all? You can obtain a second passport legally, in a relatively short period of time, with minimal fuss, for less than $3000.

US $1 equals approximately 33.85 Dominican Republic Pesos