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About Residence by Investment Law in Bonao, Dominican Republic

Residence by investment in the Dominican Republic is a national legal framework that allows foreign nationals to qualify for temporary or permanent residence by making a qualifying investment in the country. Although there is no city specific program in Bonao, applicants who live in or invest in Bonao follow the same Dominican national rules and process their files primarily with central government agencies. The investment can take several forms, including establishing or expanding a Dominican company, investing in approved projects, or purchasing real estate that meets program criteria. This pathway does not grant citizenship by investment. Instead, it grants a migratory status that can be renewed and may lead to permanent residence and eventual naturalization under separate rules.

The process is administered by the Dirección General de Migración and supported by other agencies such as the national investment promotion authority, tax authorities, and local chambers of commerce. Applicants should expect document legalization and translation requirements, due diligence on the origin of funds, an immigration medical exam, and background checks. People based in Bonao typically travel to Santo Domingo or Santiago for certain steps such as medical exams and in person immigration appointments, while company setup or property purchases can be handled locally in Monseñor Nouel province with the assistance of local professionals.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer to choose the correct residence category and confirm that your investment qualifies. Dominican law distinguishes between standard temporary residence, investor residence, rentier or retiree residence, and other special regimes. An attorney can assess your goals, timeline, and documentation to align you with the best route.

You may need help structuring the investment. If you are forming a company to qualify, counsel can incorporate an SRL or SA, draft bylaws, register the company with the chamber of commerce, obtain a tax number, and advise on corporate governance. If you are buying real estate, a lawyer can conduct title due diligence, verify surveys and boundaries, review the promise of sale and deed, escrow funds, and coordinate closing and tax payments.

You may need guidance on compliance. Dominican anti money laundering rules require documenting the lawful source of funds and performing know your client checks. A lawyer can prepare affidavits, banking evidence, and declarations to satisfy regulators and banks. They can also guide you through tax registration and filings tied to your investment.

You may need representation before authorities. Counsel coordinates the residency visa at a Dominican consulate, schedules and attends Dirección General de Migración appointments, arranges the required medical exam, submits filings, monitors case status, and handles renewals or category changes.

You may need family planning and employment advice. Attorneys prepare dependent applications for spouses, children, or parents, advise on work authorization, local labor law if you will hire staff, and compliance with social security and payroll obligations.

You may need risk management. Lawyers help avoid common pitfalls such as incomplete apostilles and translations, purchasing property without a proper survey and title, using an investment that does not meet program criteria, or missing renewal deadlines that can jeopardize status.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration framework. Residence by investment operates under the Dominican Republic’s General Immigration Law No. 285-04 and its implementing regulations. The Dirección General de Migración administers residence permits, including categories for investors, rentiers, retirees, and other special cases. Most applicants first obtain a residency visa at a Dominican consulate before finalizing their residence card in country.

Foreign investment regime. Law No. 16-95 on Foreign Investment guarantees national treatment for foreign investors and the right to repatriate capital and profits, subject to tax and exchange regulations. Depending on the sector, additional regimes may apply, such as the Free Zones Law No. 8-90 and the Tourism Incentives Law No. 158-01 for projects with CONFOTUR qualification.

Corporate law. Company formation is governed by the General Law of Commercial Companies and Individual Enterprise of Limited Liability No. 479-08 and its amendments. The most common structures for investors are the SRL and the SA. Registration occurs through the relevant Cámara de Comercio y Producción and the tax authority, Dirección General de Impuestos Internos, which issues a tax identification number.

Anti money laundering. Law No. 155-17 on money laundering and terrorist financing imposes strict source of funds documentation and customer due diligence on financial institutions, notaries, real estate brokers, and others. Applicants must be prepared to show clear, lawful origin of investment funds.

Real estate and property registry. Property transactions and title registration are governed by Law No. 108-05 on Real Estate Registry. A valid survey known as deslinde is critical for secure title. Buyers typically pay a property transfer tax calculated as a percentage of the higher of the purchase price or the assessed value. Holding real estate can also trigger annual property tax above a statutory threshold.

Taxes. The Dominican Tax Code, administered by DGII, covers income tax, withholding, VAT known as ITBIS, and capital gains. Investors who operate a company or earn rental or business income must register and comply with filing and payment obligations. Some projects qualify for sector specific tax incentives through CONFOTUR or Free Zone regimes.

Local practice in Bonao. While immigration files are centralized, supporting steps can be completed locally in Bonao, including notarial services, company registration with the Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Monseñor Nouel, municipal permits for business premises, and coordination with local banks. Police background certificates for Dominican residents are issued by the Procuraduría General de la República and can be requested online and picked up or validated locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is residence by investment in the Dominican Republic and does Bonao have a separate program

Residence by investment is a national pathway that allows you to qualify for Dominican residence by making a qualifying investment, such as establishing or expanding a business or acquiring eligible real estate. Bonao does not have a separate program. Applicants in Bonao follow the same national rules and interact with central agencies, though many steps can be coordinated locally with a lawyer or service provider.

What kinds of investments qualify for investor residence

Qualifying investments generally include creating or capitalizing a Dominican company that generates economic activity and jobs, investing in approved projects, or in certain cases purchasing real estate that meets program and valuation criteria. The precise categories, documentation, and minimums are set by regulation and agency policy and are updated from time to time. A lawyer can confirm whether your specific investment qualifies and obtain any needed certifications from the relevant authorities.

Do I need to apply for a residency visa before I travel

In most cases you must first obtain a residency visa from a Dominican consulate in your country of residence. After entering the Dominican Republic with that visa, you complete the residence process with the Dirección General de Migración, including medical exams and biometrics. Some applicants already in the country may be eligible for an in country change of status, but this is discretionary and not always available.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary with the category, completeness of your file, background checks, and whether you use standard or expedited services. As a general guideline, the combined consular visa, medical exam, and residence adjudication can take several months. Timelines can lengthen if documents require apostilles and sworn translations or if additional evidence is requested.

Can my spouse and children be included

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can usually apply as dependents of the main investor. You will need marriage and birth certificates, proof of dependency for older children, and police clearances for adult dependents, all duly apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator in the Dominican Republic.

Does buying any property automatically qualify me

No. Not all property purchases qualify. The investment must meet program thresholds and evidentiary requirements and you must document the lawful source of funds. Independent legal due diligence on title, surveys, liens, and taxes is essential. If your goal is to qualify for investor residence through real estate, consult counsel before signing a promise of sale so the transaction can be structured to meet program rules.

Can I work or run a business with investor residence

Investor and standard temporary residence generally allow you to live and work in the Dominican Republic. If you will employ staff, you must comply with labor law, register with the social security system, and observe occupational and payroll rules. Your lawyer can coordinate registrations and employment contracts.

What are my tax obligations as a new resident investor

Tax treatment depends on your residency status, the nature of your income, and whether you hold investments through a Dominican company. You may need to register with DGII, file returns, withhold payroll taxes, and pay ITBIS on taxable sales. Some sectors benefit from incentive regimes. Obtain personalized tax advice to avoid double taxation and to coordinate with any tax treaties or home country rules.

How do renewals and the path to permanent residence work

Temporary residence cards are typically valid for one year and must be renewed before expiration. After meeting residence period and compliance requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. The exact timeline depends on your category and policy in force at the time of application. Maintaining your qualifying investment and clean compliance history helps your progression.

Can investor residence lead to Dominican citizenship

Naturalization is possible but is a separate process subject to residency duration, good conduct, and other statutory conditions. In general, applicants become eligible for naturalization after a period as permanent residents, subject to legal requirements that can change. Residence by investment is not citizenship by investment, and there is no automatic or guaranteed citizenship outcome.

Additional Resources

Dirección General de Migración. The national immigration authority that issues residence permits and conducts medical exams and biometrics. Offices are located in Santo Domingo and regional cities.

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Dominican consulates abroad issue residency visas and can advise on required documentation and appointment procedures.

ProDominicana. The national export and investment promotion agency that can issue certifications related to investment projects and facilitate investor services.

Dirección General de Impuestos Internos. The tax authority responsible for issuing tax identification numbers, receiving tax filings, and administering transfer and property taxes.

Procuraduría General de la República. Issues the certificate of no criminal record for applicants who have resided in the Dominican Republic.

Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Monseñor Nouel. Local chamber of commerce in Bonao for company registration, mercantile certificates, and compliance services.

Colegio de Notarios and local Notario Público offices. Provide notarization of documents required for filings and real estate transactions.

Colegio de Abogados de la República Dominicana. Professional body where you can verify a lawyer’s standing before engaging services.

Next Steps

Define your objective. Decide whether you will invest through a company, purchase real estate, or use another qualifying route. Clarify your timeline, family composition, and budget so a lawyer can align the category and steps.

Engage qualified counsel. Retain an immigration and investment lawyer familiar with residence by investment and with local practice in Bonao. Verify credentials and request a written scope of work, timeline, and fee schedule.

Collect documents early. Obtain passports, police clearances from countries of residence, civil status documents for dependents, bank statements, and proof of funds. Arrange apostilles and then sworn Spanish translations in the Dominican Republic.

Structure the investment. If forming a company, complete incorporation, open bank accounts, register with the chamber of commerce and DGII, and prepare business plans and capitalization proof. If buying property, complete due diligence, execute a compliant contract, and plan for transfer taxes and title registration.

Apply for the consular residency visa. Work with your lawyer to prepare the residency visa package at a Dominican consulate. After issuance, enter the country within the validity window to continue the process.

Complete the in country process. Schedule the immigration medical exam, submit filings to the Dirección General de Migración, attend biometrics, and respond to any requests for evidence. Keep copies of all receipts and approvals.

Plan for compliance and renewals. Track residence card expiration dates, maintain your qualifying investment and proper records, file taxes as required, and update civil documents when changes occur. Your lawyer can calendar renewals and advise when you become eligible for permanent residence.

Stay informed. Regulations and minimums can change. Before committing funds, obtain an up to date legal opinion on eligibility and process so your investment strategy aligns with current law and policy.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.