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D o m i n i c a n R e p u b l i cRETIREMENT DON'T WAIT UNTIL RETIREMENT TO START PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT Secure your property today, enjoy it along the way, generate rental income, and retire with confidence when the time comes GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENT WHY THE NORTH COAST? WHY THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC? HEALTHCARE & PEACE OF MIND UNDERSTANDING RESIDENCY OPTIONS BUYING PROPERTY SAFELY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 01 02 03 04 05 06 VISITING BEFORE YOU RETIRE
TABLE OF CONTENT U.S. & CANADIAN TAX CONSIDERATIONS PROPERTY TAXES & OWNERSHIP COSTS A SMARTER WAY TO PLAN YOUR RETIREMENT 07 08 09 10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY THE DOM.REP ?The Dominican Republic has become one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the Caribbean, offering a unique combination of economic stability, natural beauty, and investment potential. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, the country continues to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and community development, creating a strong foundation for long-term growth. One of the greatest advantages for international buyers is the security of property ownership. Foreigners enjoy the same legal property rights as Dominican citizens, with no restrictions on purchasing, owning, selling, renting, or passing property on to their heirs. Combined with a modernized title registration system and proper legal due diligence, buying real estate in the Dominican Republic is a straightforward and secure process for international buyers. Beyond the investment opportunity, the Dominican Republic offers an exceptional quality of life at a fraction of the cost of many North American cities. Many Americans and Canadians discover they can live well, stay active, and enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle they have always dreamed of all while spending less than they would at home. 01
02 CABARETE IDEAL FOR: Beach lovers Water sports enthusiasts Digital nomads Active retireesWHY THE BENEFITS: Walkable lifestyle International community Restaurants and entertainment Strong rental market SOSÚA IDEAL FOR: Full-time residents Snowbirds Retirees seeking convenience BENEFITS: Excellent healthcare access Established expat population Shopping and services Central location PUERTO PLATA IDEAL FOR: Buyers seeking value Long-term residents Cultural experiences BENEFITS: International airport Major hospitals Shopping centers Historic downtown NORTH COAST ?
HOSPITAL CITY DISTANCE FROM CABARETE DRIVE TIME BEST FOR Puerto Plata 35 km (22 mi) 40 min Emergency Care & Advanced Specialties Cabarete 0 km Local Emergency & Primary Care Santiago 70 km (43 mi) 1 hr 15 min Advanced Specialties, Surgery & Diagnostics Santiago 72 km (45 mi) 1 hr 15 min Advanced Specialties, Surgery & Diagnostics Santo Domingo 220 km (137 mi) 3.5 hrs Advanced Specialties, Surgery & Diagnostics Santo Domingo 220 km (137 mi) 3.5 hrs Advanced Specialties, Surgery & DiagnosticsHEALTHCARE & PEACE OF MIND 03 ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONCERNS FOR RETIREES IS HEALTHCARE The Dominican Republic offers modern private healthcare facilities, highly trained physicians, and treatment costs that are often significantly lower than those found in North America.Centro Médico Bournigal Centro Médico CabareteHospital Metropolitano (HOMS)Clínica Unión Médica del Norte CEDIMAT Hospiten Santo Domingo Healthcare Tip: Most retirees living in Cabarete, Sosúa, and Puerto Plata use local hospitals for routine and emergency care. For specialized treatments or complex surgery, many choose hospitals in Santiago, while Santo Domingo offers the country's most advanced medical centers and subspecialty care
Length of Stay Approximate Overstay Fee (USD) 30–90 days US$60 3–9 months US$95 9–12 months US$120 12–18 months US$155 18–24 months US$190VISITING BEFORE YOU RETIRE 04 VISITING THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Many future retirees choose to spend part of the year in the Dominican Republic before making a permanent move. This allows them to experience the lifestyle, explore different communities, and become familiar with the country before applying for residency. STAYING LONGER THAN 30 DAYS Many visitors decide to stay longer than originally planned. If you remain in the Dominican Republic for more than 30 days, you are required to pay an overstay fee when departing the country. The fee is based on the total length of your stay and can be paid at the airport. Visitors can enter the Dominican Republic as tourists without obtaining a visa in advance for short stays. Most visitors are admitted for up to 30 days, and the entry fee is generally included in the cost of most airline tickets. Tourist are also required to complete the Dominican Republic's electronic entry and exit form (e-Ticket) before traveling Please Note: Overstay fees are established in Dominican Pesos, so the U.S. dollar amounts shown above are approximate and will vary depending on the current exchange rate.For the most up-to-date information, visit the Dominican General Directorate of Migration
05 While residency is NOT REQUIRED to purchase or own real estate in the Dominican Republic, many foreign property owners eventually choose to become residents. Residency can simplify daily life by making it easier to open local bank accounts, obtain a Dominican driver's license, register a vehicle, and establish long-term ties to the country. Pensionado Residency The Pensionado Residency Program is designed for retirees who receive a lifetime pension from a government agency, military service, or a private retirement plan outside the Dominican Republic. IDEAL FOR: Retired government employees Military retirees Americans and Canadians collecting retirement income POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Legal residency Access to local banking services Dominican driver's license eligibility A clear pathway to long-term residence Rentista Residency The Rentista Residency Program is intended for individuals with stable, recurring passive income from sources other than a pension.UNDERSTANDINGRESIDENCY OPTIONS Temporary Residency Temporary Residency is often the first step for individuals planning a gradual move to the Dominican Republic. It is well suited for future retirees who split their time between their home country and the Dominican Republic while preparing for full-time retirement. IDEAL FOR: Rental property income Investment income Dividends Interest income Trust distributions Other documented passive income Many foreign property owners begin with Temporary Residency before transitioning to permanent residency.
06 Purchasing real estate in the Dominican Republic is a straightforward process when you work with experienced professionals and follow the proper legal procedures. Foreign buyers enjoy the same property ownership rights as Dominican citizens, making it possible to purchase, own, sell, rent, and pass property on to heirs without restrictions. The key to a successful purchase is conducting proper due diligence. Working with a qualified real estate professional and a licensed Dominican attorney helps ensure that the property has a clear title, all taxes are current, and there are no outstanding legal issues before closing. The Buying Process BUYING PROPERTY SAFELY IN THE DR Step 1|Define Your Goals: Determine your budget and identify the type of property that best fits your needs. Consider: Full-time retirement Vacation home Step 2|Find the Right Property: View properties either virtually or in person and compare communities based on lifestyle, amenities, healthcare, and investment potential. Step 3 |Make an Offer: Once you've found the right property, your real estate agent will help negotiate the purchase price and terms. Step 4|Due Diligence: The attorney will verify Title ownership, Property boundaries, Property taxes, HOA obligations, Existing liens or encumbrances Step 5|Closing: After all legal requirements have been satisfied: Final documents are signed. Funds are transferred. Ownership is registered in your name. A new Certificate of Title is issued. Congratulations you are now the legal owner of property in the Dominican Republic! Rental investment Future retirement property
07 One of the many advantages of owning property in the Dominican Republic is the relatively low cost of ownership compared to many areas of Canada and the United States. Property Transfer Tax When purchasing property, buyers generally pay a 3% transfer tax based on the government's assessed value of the property. Certain exemptions may apply, particularly for first-time purchases of qualifying newly built properties. Annual Property Tax (IPI) The Dominican Republic levies an annual property tax, known as IPI (Impuesto al Patrimonio Inmobiliario), on residential real estate above a government-established value threshold. Properties below the exemption threshold generally do not pay this annual tax. Because exemption amounts and tax rates may change, consult your attorney or tax advisor for current information. PROPERTY TAXES & OWNERSHIP COSTS Other Ownership Costs Homeowners Association (HOA) fees Property insurance Utilities Property management fees Maintenance and repairs IMPORTANT: TAX LAWS AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THIS GUIDE IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED ATTORNEY OR TAX PROFESSIONAL REGARDING YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. If you plan to rent your property, professional property management services can help maintain your investment and coordinate guest services while you're away.
08 Owning property in the Dominican Republic can be an excellent investment, but it's important to understand that purchasing property abroad may have tax implications in your home country. For U.S. Citizens U.S. citizens are generally required to continue filing U.S. income tax returns regardless of where they live. Depending on your circumstances, additional reporting requirements may apply for: Foreign bank accounts Foreign financial assets Rental income Investment income TAX CONSIDERATIONS For Canadian Citizens DISCLAIMER: THIS GUIDE IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR TAX ADVICE. TAX LAWS CHANGE REGULARLY, AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL'S FINANCIAL SITUATION IS DIFFERENT. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND CONSULTING YOUR ACCOUNTANT OR TAX ADVISOR BEFORE PURCHASING PROPERTY OR RELOCATING TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Because every situation is unique, professional advice is essential before relocating or investing abroad. Canadian tax obligations depend largely on your residency status for tax purposes. Factors that may affect your tax situation include: Whether you remain a Canadian tax resident Foreign property ownership Rental income Investment income Capital gains
09 Many buyers assume they should wait until retirement before purchasing a home abroad. In reality, some of the most successful retirees begin planning years in advance. By purchasing a property early, you can enjoy today's prices while creating a smooth transition into retirement.A SMARTER WAY TO PLAN YOUR RETIREMENT Step 1|Buy Today: Secure your retirement property while you're still working and able to comfortably finance your purchase. This allows you to lock in current market prices before future appreciation. Step 2|Enjoy It Along the Way: You'll become familiar with the community long before you move permanently. Use your property as: A vacation home A winter escape Step 3|Generate Rental Income: When you're not using the property, short-term vacation rentals can help offset ownership costs. Depending on your property and location, rental income may help cover: HOA fees Utilities Some owners even generate positive cash flow while waiting to retire A place to visit family and friends A future retirement home Property management Maintenance Insurance Step 4|Retire with Confidence: By the time retirement arrives, many owners have Built equity Benefited from property appreciation Reduced or paid off their mortgage Established rental income Already settled into the community Instead of searching for a retirement home later, you're already living the retirement lifestyle you've been planning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Financing options are available in some cases, although many foreign buyers choose to purchase with cash or obtain financing in their home country. Your real estate professional can help you explore available options. While lifestyle choices vary, many retirees find they can live comfortably for US$1,500–US$2,500 per month as a single person or US$2,500–US$4,000 per month as a couple. Like any country, safety depends on the area and practicing common-sense precautions. Many retirees enjoy a safe and active lifestyle in established communities on the North Coast, including Cabarete, Sosúa, and Puerto Plata. Absolutely. The North Coast has a strong vacation rental market, making it possible for many owners to generate income while their property is not occupied. Can I finance property in the Dominican Republic? 3 What is the cost of living? 4 Is the Dominican Republic safe? 2 Can I rent my property when I'm not using it? 10
My name is Sabrina Khouri, and I'm your North Coast Real Estate Advisor with RealtorDR. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or you're ready to purchase your retirement home, I'm here to help guide you through every step of the process from understanding the local real estate market to connecting you with trusted attorneys, residency specialists, and other professionals. Let's Connect Sabrina Khouri North Coast Real Estate Advisor RealtorDR I look forward to helping you discover everything the Dominican Republic has to offer and welcoming you to the beautiful North Coast.BOOK A CONSULTATIONFOLLOW ME SOCIALLET'S START PLANNING YOUR DR RETIREMENT Thank you for taking the time to explore The Dominican Republic Retirement & Relocation Guide I hope this guide has given you valuable insights into what life on the North Coast has to offer and helped you take one step closer to making your retirement dreams a reality. sabrina@realtordr.com (862) 420-9844 | 809-443-4301 WhatsappFor Homes + Local Hotspots + Island living