Among the different types of immigration permits available for foreigners in the Dominican Republic the most common is the Provisional Residence. This permit is available for foreigners who would like to have legal residence in the country to live, study, work or do business in the Dominican Republic. Once you have a Provisional Residence permit you will also receive a Dominican ID card, also known as Cédula.
The Ordinary Residence process consists of two phases: first, the Provisional Residence, permit granted for 1 year; second, the Permanent Residence, permit issued once the Provisional Residence has expired and is granted for 2 years. Both permits are issued by the General Immigration Department.
In order to apply for the Provisional Residence, the applicant must have a guarantor. A guarantor is a Dominican person, company or legal resident who is economically solvent and must be responsible for the applicant’s moral conduct and economic conditions.
During the Provisional Residence application process the applicant must travel twice to the Dominican Republic. During the first trip a simple medical exam will be done and during the second trip the applicant must pick-up the residence card through our VIP service.
“This service is only available to those individuals who register under the name and identity of the person who will be requesting the document or legal service.”
Legal Fee: US$1,225.00
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
1. Two complete passport copies of the applicant.
2. Original birth certificate legalized in the Dominican Consulate where the document was issued. If document is not in Spanish we will proceed to translate.
3. Employment letter, if applicable.
4. Certificate of study, if applicable.
5. Original letter of guarantee signed by the guarantor, legalized by a Dominican Consulate if it will be signed abroad or by a Notary Public if it will be signed in the Dominican Republic.
6. If guarantor is a physical person: Copy of Cédula, Dominican ID and documents that demonstrate the guarantor is economically solvent (i.e. Vehicle registration year 2000- current, title deed, bank statement, etc).
7. If guarantor is a company: Copy of Dominican tax ID (RNC) and company bylaws.
eLexPersona.com’s total legal fee for the Provisional Residence service includes the payment of the corresponding fines if you have been in the country for more than 3 months without a valid residence permit. If you have exceeded the 3 month limit, the difference of fees will be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times must I travel to the Dominican Republic during the Provisional Residence application process?
You must travel twice, first to get a medical exam done by the General Immigration Department and second to pick- up the residence card.
2. What is the difference between a Provisional and a Permanent Residence?
Both permits form part of the Ordinary Residence. The Provisional Residence is valid for 1 year and is a requirement to apply for the second permit, Permanent Residence, which is valid for 2 years.
3. How long does the Provisional Residence application process last?
Usually the application process takes between 5 and 6 months. The process begins with the medical exam, then all the documentation is compiled, the documentation is filed at the General Immigration Department and then the corresponding fees are paid. we proceed to deposit the file and pay the taxes. The emission of the residence card entirely depends on the General Immigration Department.
4. What happens if I do not have a guarantor?
Without a guarantor you will be unable to apply for the Provisional Residence process. The guarantor must be a Dominican citizen, company or legal resident that is economically solvent and will be held responsible for the applicant’s moral conduct and economic conditions.
5. Do I have to pay for immigration taxes?
Yes, immigration taxes are paid based on the applicant’s last entrance to the country. eLexPersona.com’s total legal fee for the Provisional Residence service includes the payment of the corresponding fines if you have been in the country for more than 3 months without a valid residence permit. If you have exceeded the 3 month limit, the difference of fees will be charged separately.
6. What should I do if there is no Dominican Consulate in my country?
You should travel to the nearest Dominican Consulate. If documents, issued or signed abroad, are not legalized by a Dominican Consulate, the documents will not be valid in our country.
