| Dominican Republic Residency and Passports |
|
|
|
| Written by OffshoreWorld | |
| Thursday, 22 January 2009 | |
|
Dominican Republic-Working and Living
An affordable, fun lifestyle on the north coast of Dominican Republic is an inviting possibility for those who work over the internet, or people who are semi-retired looking for part time residence in a tropical paradise. (As long as you are looking to enjoy the real Dominican Republic beyond the walls of the many all-inclusive resorts established here.) Playa Dorada, the all-inclusive resort complex just east of Puerto Plata, offers a 72 par, 18 hole golf course, perfect for relaxing after the business is done for the day. The course was designed by golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. and was founded in 1984. With hotels nearby, the course has 4 greens by the ocean, and wide fairways. Also designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. is the Playa Grande Championship Golf Course, said to be one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. The course encompasses more than 370 acres, was established in 1997, and resides high on 100-foot bluffs above the ocean. Of the 18 holes, 10 are along the sea-cliffs, similar to Pebble Beach. Complementing the course is Playa Grande Beach, an impressive welcoming sight.
Dominican Republic- Driver’s License
To operate a motor vehicle in the Dominican Republic, you must possess a valid driver license. A Dominican Republic driver license is required when your tourist card expires after 90 days. Dominican residency must be acquired before you are able to get a Dominican driver license. Documents required for a Dominican Republic driver license: 1. Blood, vision and driving test with Dominican residency 2. Foreigners possessing a valid foreign driver license have the possibility to rewrite the license.
Dominican Republic- Residency and Passports
Because residency and passports are closely related, they will both be covered here, with passport information after the residency info. The process for obtaining both permanent residency and citizenship in Dominican Republic is a simple, inexpensive process, considering the waiting period and the costs involved compared to other countries. For these reasons and others, it is an economical way to acquire a second passport that is legal and official. Permanent relocation is not a requirement as well, so it easy to enjoy the benefits. If you are looking to work, or establish a business in the Dominican Republic, a DR passport is a must. Also permitted is dual citizenship, so renouncing your current passport is not necessary. (More reasons for obtaining a second passport are covered below! I have yet to find a negative reason for obtaining a second passport from a peaceful country!) Dominican Republic-Residency Residency status in Dominican Republic is required for foreigners choosing to work or live permanently in the country. Residency in Dominican Republic comes with benefits: 2) The acquisition of one involves a number of business transactions in the DR, including buying real estate, applying for credit and establishing bank loans 3) Eligibility for reduced tuition at Dominican Universities 4) Able to work legally 5) Able to take advantage of Law 14-93, Art. 13 and able to import most household goods duty free. There are two types of residence available in Dominican Republic: 1) Provisional residence (arranged for the present with possibility to change later). 2) Permanent residence; may be applied for after one year of provisional residence. To start the process, two trips will be needed to Santo Domingo. Medical tests and the application process on the first trip, and after your residence is approved, another for a residence card and cedula (papers). It is necessary to plan your trip several weeks in advance as well as the required documents for a smooth process. The Provisional Residency application requires the following documents: 1) Two copies of the residency visa or the tourist card 2) Birth certificate (a true copy translated into Spanish by a Dominican official translator) 3) Marriage certificate (if applicable) 4) Notarized letter of guarantee from a Dominican person or corporation or a permanent resident 5) Affidavit regarding the solvency of the guarantor backed by evidence of solvency such as bank deposits, property titles, etc 6) Work contract (if the applicant works in the country) 7) A certificate of good behavior from the Dominican authorities 8) Medical exam performed in the Dominican Republic ((blood test and chest x-rays) 9) 4 photos 2 x 2 (front) 10) 2 photos 2 x 2 (profile) 11) Completed application forms This process usually takes 3 to 4 months at Immigration, at which point provisional residency is granted for year. The applicant may apply for permanent residency once the provisional residency expires. Permanent Residency involves 3 steps: 1) Application for residence visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2) Once applicant acquires residence visa, provisional residency application must be filed with the Immigration Department. This process with the Immigration Office usually takes 4 months before provisional residency is granted for a year. 3) Once the provisional residency is expired, applicant may then file for permanent residency at the Immigration Department. The Permanent Residency Application requires the following documents: 1) Three photocopies of the provisional residency card 2) Affidavit by two residents of the Dominican Republic regarding the good morals and good behavior of the applicant 3) Notarized letter of guarantee from a Dominican person or corporation or a permanent resident 4) Notarized letter of guarantee from a Dominican person or corporation or a permanent resident 5) Notarized letter of guarantee from a Dominican person or corporation or a permanent resident 6) Notarized letter of guarantee from a Dominican person or corporation or a permanent resident 7) A certificate of good behavior from the Dominican authorities 8) Medical exam performed in the Dominican Republic ((blood test and chest x-rays) 9) 4 photos 2 x 2 (front) 10) 2 photos 2 x 2 (profile) 11) Completed application forms The Permanent Resident Card is valid for 2 years, and is renewable for 2 years. DR Immigration requires that your birth certificate be translated and notarized. This may be accomplished by a Dominican Consulate abroad, before your initial visit. A police report is welcomed, though not required. If a police report is not available from your place of residence, a Dominican report may be obtained. Other requirements include: 1) Letter of request 2) Form 509-Ref duly completed 3) Letter of guarantee from a Dominican citizen or company 4) Police record 5) Health certificate, including HIV test and chest x-ray. (The Immigration Office in Santo Domingo will be able to accomplish this. There is a fee for the service.) 6) Proof of funds i.e. bank statement, work contract (around US $10,000 is recommended) 7) Photos 2”x2”; 7 from front, 3 profile (side) 8) Photocopies of passport 9) Certification from the General Immigration Office of the applicants last date of entry in the country. Dominican Republic-Citizenship Dominican passports for foreigners involve three steps: 1) Acquiring provisional residence card from the Immigration Office 2) One year of temporary residence to permanent residence status 3) Applying for naturalization, citizenship and passport A foreigner may become a Dominican citizen after continuous residence in the country for a minimum of two years. The requirement for residency is reduced to 6 months if the following are applicable: 1) The foreigner has fixed domicile in the country 2) The foreigner owns real estate, or a business in the country, or 3) The Foreigner has married a Dominican citizen Note: Trips up to a year made abroad with intention of return to DR are not considered an interruption of continuous residency in the country. Good things become possible with a second citizenship in the Dominican Republic. You will be able buy and rent property anywhere you choose without excessive taxes; invest in mutual funds or unit trusts; expand the options and greater advantages of business opportunities offshore; worldwide employment; avoid the logging of your existing passport. Lasting a lifetime, your citizenship can be extended to your spouse and children as well.
Dominican Republic-Passports
Some questions to ask yourself before reading about passports: -Is your personal prosperity, wellbeing, and freedom enhanced or inhibited by the current passport you carry? -Is the country of your current passport making you more visible when traveling? Or does it help you maintain a low profile and privacy? -In times of turmoil, does the passport you carry increase, or decrease your safety? -Why not have two passports and dual citezenship? The country of your passport’s origin says a lot about you when traveling. It is a government issued document, and therefore political. What is your countries status in the world? Peaceful? Continued military involvement in foreign affairs? What about domestically? How does your country of residence tax you? Are you working for yourself, or your government? And most importantly: What do YOU believe? Chances are, you are not responsible for the actions of the government whose passport you carry. Americans should take extra consideration. Voting with your feet is perhaps the most powerful way to ensure your vote counts; it is also the first step for preserving your personal prosperity. Self patriotism may be the most profitable, enjoyable, fulfilling way to enjoy your time on Earth, rather than allowing yourself to get sucked into revolving political problems that continually manifest in different forms. Another point to remember: Of every 10 lawsuits filed in the world, 9 of them are filed in the United States. In the U.S. chances of being sued is about 1 in 3 if you are a business owner or licensed professional. For those of you who are American and observant, the legal system has proved to be expensive, not in your favor and the lawyers always win. It is not that effective, and is out of control. Combine the risk of lawsuit with taxation, and as an American, you have two very powerful, convincing reasons to CYA and your assets by obtaining dual citizenship, a second passport, or withdrawing citizenship completely. Any individual concerned with the current state of the world or their home country should consider obtaining a second passport from a country like Dominican Republic. Any American citizen concerned with the condition of the United States should seriously take into account the advantages of obtaining a second passport. Also realize the fact that your passport is the property of your government, and may be confiscated at any time. This simple fact should be a wake up call to any American, and any one who values the basic freedom and right of travel and movement beyond the borders of their home country. The advantages are many. First are OPTIONS and SAFETY, which in return provides FREEDOM from the possibilities of the financial crisis, non-stop expensive wars, non-payable national and personal debt. Possessing a second passport may be a crucial key to protecting your family from oppressive governments, dwindling standards of living, and the survival of your family. Having an American passport while traveling abroad has its risks as well. History is full of stories of people with American passports singled out and hunted down. Traveling with a U.S. passport may not be as safe as traveling with a second passport issued by a low profile country, keeping the traveler far away from controversy, or undesired and unnecessary situations. A second passport is an asset, an ultimate escape plan. It is an important step for anyone wishing more financial security, more freedom when traveling, and possible residency outside the U.S. Another advantage of possibly giving up U.S. citizenship is voting with your feet by severing the tie with the tax authority. The opportunity of avoiding the taxation demanded by the U.S. and protecting your assets is considerable enough to get a second passport. A second passport will allow you to move unsupervised, unmonitored and will grant you freedom to travel, borrow, invest and participate in any currency transactions. If any of these freedoms are inhibited by your current residency status or passport, you are at a clear disadvantage. A second passport is an essential tool for those wishing to keep a low profile for any reason; nationality, religion, race or for the simple reason of privacy, and the greater mobility that comes with it. It could be considered an insurance policy, and therefore may possibly save your life from future economic instability, war, politics or terrorism. Consider the advantages of a second passport and dual citizenship. Dominican Republic’s citizenship program is simple and easy, and holder’s of the country’s passport are able to travel to many countries and territories with out a visa. Want it fast?
Caporaso & Partners Law Office
|
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 19 February 2010 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Add your ARTICLE /URL / LINK
Books for Expats
Offshore Insurance
| International Health |
| Per Trip Travel |
| International Student |
| Expat Life |
You are here :Home 
Articles Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Residency and Passports
Articles Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Residency and Passports
Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Offshore World resources and international real estate listing.
