Dominican Republic - resident
Dominican Republic Rentista Residency by Passive IncomeResidencia por Inversion en Calidad de Rentista
A residency for foreigners with stable foreign-source income of at least USD 2,000 per month. Like the retiree visa, it qualifies under Law 171-07 for expedited permanent residency and generous import-tax exemptions.
Who this visa is for
- Individuals living off rental or dividend income
- Trust beneficiaries with stable foreign payouts
- Entrepreneurs drawing income from a foreign company
- Couples combining passive income sources
- Applicants who prefer a non-retirement passive-income route
Requirements
- Foreign-source income of at least USD 2,000 per month
Certified by the paying entity and apostilled.
- Proof that funds originate outside the Dominican Republic
- Valid passport with NM1 business visa
- Medical exam at a DGM-authorized center
- DGM-approved guarantee insurance policy
- Apostilled birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate
- Apostilled police clearance
- Registration at personal.migracion.gob.do
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application filing fee | approx. USD 500 | RD$28,800. |
| Residency card issuance | approx. USD 60 | RD$3,500. |
| Medical and insurance costs | approx. USD 150 to 300 | Varies by provider. |
Application steps
- Get the NM1 business visa
Apply at a Dominican consulate abroad.
- Certify foreign income
Obtain an apostilled letter from the paying entity proving USD 2,000 per month.
- Create a DGM online account
Register at personal.migracion.gob.do and start the Rentista application.
- Do medical exam and buy insurance
Both must be with DGM-approved institutions inside the DR.
- Submit full dossier at DGM
Pay RD$28,800 filing fee and RD$3,500 card fee.
- Renew and convert to permanent
After the 1-year card, apply for permanent residency under Law 171-07.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Rentista ResidencyResidencia por Inversion en Calidad de Rentista
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What income qualifies?
Stable foreign-source income of at least USD 2,000 per month from rentals, dividends, investments, or similar.
Can I use salary from a foreign job?
Employment income counts only if it qualifies as permanent and comes from a foreign company; Pensionado is the preferred route for retirees.
When can I get permanent residency?
Law 171-07 lets rentistas apply after just 1 year of residency.
Are there tax breaks?
Yes, including exemptions on household imports and partial vehicle import tax, plus favorable treatment of foreign income.
Can I naturalize as a Dominican citizen?
Yes, permanent residents under Law 171-07 can apply for citizenship relatively quickly, typically after 6 months of permanent status.