Living in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is quickly becoming, for its privileged climate and the affordable price of real estate properties, in one of the preferred places to live for many European and American seniors, who can see how their purchase power goes beyond what it does back home.

However, it is important not to forget that relocating to Dominican Republic isn't the same as spending a week enjoying the "All Inclusive" hotels of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. This is a far more serious decission, and we must not forget that the quality of utilities services that the country offers, is not the same as in a developed country.

But if this little caribbean paradise is the land of your dreams, then go ahead: Entry formalities aren't really complicated in this country.



First of all, entry visas are not necessary for nationals of developed countries, and one can legally apply for a job having entered as a tourist in Dominican Republic. However, unemployment is quite high so you shouldn't expect plenty of job offers. Salaries are low, as well.

What you eventually need is a resident card, whose application procedure takes a few months to process, therefore it is important to apply as soon as possible.

When you finally get yours, you will also be given another document, an ID card called "cedula" tha mus be renewed annually. The resident card you obtain the first time you apply for it is provisional, so after one year you must repaat the whole process to get the permanent resident card.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the main touristic hotspot in the Dominican Republic. Its miles and miles of beaches with the thinnest, whitest sand you can imagine, made it a first class tourist attractive, and all along the coastline dozens of resorts and hotels from the leading international hotel groups. Working usally with the "All Inclusive" formula, and ranging from luxury to more affordable ones, but always of great quality. In any travel agency, you are sure to find packages and flights to Punta Cana.


Celebrities such as Julio Iglesias and Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta made heavy investments in this area and are partners, among other projects, in the spectacular International Airport of Punta Cana, built completely in wood and with roofs made with palm leaves.

The name of the region is due to the promontory of the same name, around which lie the beaches of Playa Bávaro and others like Cortecito, Ubero Alto and Macao. The tropical climate in Punta Cana ofrecoffers constant temperatures, averaging 26 ºC, in a range of 12º from the 20 ºC in winter to a maximum of 32 ºC in summer.


Being so far away from every main city (200 miles away from Santo Domingo, and 40 miles from Higuey, the little capital of the province of La Altagracia, where it administratively belongs), Punta Cana is indeed a place to relax, practice water sports and enjoy the beach or the hotel's amenities. The only place of a certain arhitectonic interest is the Basilique of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, in Higüey.

Non-alcoholic drinks

Not everything is rhum and chilled beer in Dominican Republic: tropical fruit juices are a delight; for example those made from guanábana (Soursop) juice, chinola (passionfruit), tamarind or delicious combinations such as Morir Soñando, with orange juice, ice cubes and condensed milk (or evaporated milk plus sugar).


Of course the ubiquitous soft drinks like Coca-Cola are present here, together with a local brand, Red Rock.

Dominican Republic is also renowned because of its coffee, from the arabica variety, soft and aromatic, with medium body and medium to high acidity. The coffee bush is cultivated in mid-mountain areas, and always under the shadow of bigger trees. Santo Domingo is one of the main Dominican coffee brands.