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How long does it take to get a residency?
Provisional residencies can be obtained by law firms for clients
in 4 to 6 months. Provisional residency is granted for a year
and only at the expiration of that year can the application for
permanent residency be filed. It takes approx. 2-3 months after
filing for the permanent residency to be granted. Therefore,
minimum time for a permanent residency = 4 months + 12 months
+ 2 months = 18 months
What If I extend my stay over the 30 period tourist card?
If you decide to extend your stay in the Dominican Republic,
you need to visit the nearest Migration Department in Santo Domingo
to request an extension. You will need to pay from about US$5
to US$100 depending on the length of your stay. The fee can also
be paid at the airport upon departure. Recent
legislation was passed in 2008, but in most cases has not yet
been enforced for those over-staying less than 18 months as the
government recognizes many foreign investors and retirees own
property here and where their duration of stay may be 6 months
or longer. Regardless, the fines are minimal.
What kind of businesses
can be incorporated?
Dominican law only recognizes three kinds of business forms. These
are a corporation of at least seven shareholders and an individually
owned company or a partnership.
What about shipping furnishings and personal belongings?
To relocate your household goods, you will want to contact a
company who will handle shipping your property to the Dominican
Republic. Make sure you contact several moving companies, and
choose one who has a lot of experience moving people to the
Dominican Republic. If your vehicle is 5 years old or less,
it is possible for you to ship your vehicle to the Dominican
Republic, but many people chose to purchase a vehicle when
they arrive. Shipping your car can be expensive. However,
as a “catch 22” cars in the Dominican Republic are
often expensive to purchase, and used cars are often not well maintained. Recommendation
is to calculate shipping a new car or finding a reputable used
car dealership. (Most
are located in the Capital of Santo Domingo).
What tax will I have
to pay on my personal effects and household items? Law
168 of 1967 authorizes new legal residents and Dominicans who have
lived abroad for at least two years to bring in their household
goods tax free. You will pay hardly any taxes on household goods
and personal effects (or nothing at all) if you go through the
process of getting your residency prior to arriving condition.
The process is not as complicated as that of importing a vehicle,
and is recommended. Note that not all items are exempt, and some
items will be taxed if they are in excess of what the bureau considers
normal for a household
What are the requirements for relocating a pet?
(Form 7001)– This
is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA
accredited Veterinarian. Must be issued within 10 days of the
flight.
A Rabies Vaccination with certificate, and Vet
health certificate are required for entry. Make sure your
Vet has the most current USDA forms. Also make sure your Vet
sends all the forms directly to the USDA at:
It is also advisable to purchase a Pet Passport ($7
USD) from specifying your country destination. This document
is not necessary, but is well received by the entry country. It
also holds all your pets documents very nicely. Order at:
Don’t forget to include a check for the processing
fee ($24.00 in 2008).
The process only takes a few days.
Once your pets papers arrive, you can book your flight.
American and Delta Airlines are the only 2 U.S. airlines that accommodate
pet travel.
Also, check on the weight and breed restrictions for flying with
your pet in the cabin.
Many destinations / airlines do not allow pet cargo
shipment at all due to extreme temperatures in the cargo (i.e.
Caribbean= too hot/ Switzerland = too cold). If this is
the case you will need to secure services through a Specialty
Pet Travel Company like: http://www.petrelocation.
com
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