Your life in The Dominican Republic starts here
Make your move to The Dominican Republic
Warm Caribbean weather, very affordable property and a territorial tax system make the Dominican Republic accessible. A dedicated retirement route leads quickly to permanent residency.
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Photo: Ydelki Graph / Pexels
At a glance
The Dominican Republic, in brief.
How The Dominican Republic compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. The Dominican Republic ranks among the best for property affordability (1st of 75) and cost of living (13th of 77) and tax friendliness (19th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Basic
- Safety
- Some concerns
- Climate
- Warm (~26°C)
- English
- Limited
- Expat community
- Moderate
Pensionado $1,500/mo, fast PR, dual
Territorial, 25% top, 2yr new-resident break
Life in The Dominican Republic
Im Annamarie Gaglione, a 20 something year old originally from New Jersey, United States.Author of Jersey Girl Gone Caribbean blog and a full time student studying political science.…
Health insurance in The Dominican Republic
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
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Your move plan
The Dominican Republic, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about The Dominican Republic into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in The Dominican Republic.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The The Dominican Republic moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in The Dominican Republic
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in The Dominican Republic share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All The Dominican Republic stories
- Santo Domingo
Jen
I’m Jen, a storytelling island mom-wife who writes for Drinking the Whole Bottle. I've been published on the Huffington Post, Matador Network,…
- Punta Cana
Ilana Benady
I’m the co-author of Expat FAQs, Moving to and Living in the Dominican Republic, Culture Smart: Dominican Republic, and Aunt Clara’s Dominican…
- Dominican Republic
Pauline Wren
Pauline Wren, a retired teacher and psychotherapist. For the last nine years I have been running a project to bring together poor…
Fresh from The Dominican Republic
Latest articles.
Festivals and Celebrations: A Year-Round Guide for Expats in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a vibrant nation known for its lively festivals and rich cultural heritage. These festivals reflect the unique blend of Spanish,…
How To Open A Bank Account In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is known for being one of the Caribbean's most visited destinations. With its gorgeous weather, geographically diverse landscape and welcoming culture,…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In The Dominican Republic
If you are fully resident in the Dominican Republic, you will have to go to Santo Domingo in person for a medical exam and…
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