Living and Investing in the Dominican Republic
Why the Dominican Republic Attracts Global Investors
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispaniola and is the most visited destination in the Caribbean. Its combination of beaches, mountains, colonial heritage, and friendly lifestyle makes it a favorite for both tourists and real estate investors.
Official Language: Spanish
Total Population: Around 11 million inhabitants
National Tree: Mahogany Tree
National Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
Main tourism hubs: Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete, Las Terrenas, and Samaná.
Did You Know?
- This tropical country is the second largest nation in the Caribbean. It measures 48,484 km² (18,719 sq miles), making it approximately 20% larger than Switzerland.
- The Puerto Plata region on the North Coast enjoys a privileged location facing the Atlantic and is historically less exposed to major hurricanes, which adds peace of mind for homeowners and investors.
- The capital city of Santo Domingo was the first capital of the New World and its Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lake Enriquillo, in the southwest, is one of the lowest points in the Caribbean at 39 meters below sea level and is known for its saltwater and crocodile population.
- The Dominican Republic has an extremely diverse topography: white sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests, desert-like plains, fertile valleys, and mountain ranges such as the Cordillera Central.
- There are 12 National Parks in the Dominican Republic, offering unique opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, canyoning, and eco-tourism.
- Pico Duarte, located in the Cordillera Central, is the highest mountain in the Caribbean at 3,088 meters (10,128 feet) above sea level.
- Popular destinations such as Sosúa, Cabarete, and Las Terrenas have positioned the Dominican Republic as one of the top real estate investment opportunities in the world. Reasonably priced villas, condos, and lots appeal to a wide array of investors and budgets.
Dominican Republic Distance Chart from Major International Cities
Thanks to its strategic location, the Dominican Republic offers excellent connectivity to North America, Europe, and the rest of Latin America, which supports stable demand for vacation rentals and second homes.
| City | Hours | KM | Miles | Nautical Miles |
| USA - Miami, FL | 1:52 | 1,349 | 838.3 | 727.9 |
| USA - New York, NY | 3:13 | 2,491 | 1,548 | 1,344 |
| Mexico City, Mexico | 4:00 | 3,106 | 1,930 | 1,676 |
| Paris, France | 9:14 | 7,160 | 4,450 | 3,864 |
| Madrid, Spain | 8:39 | 6,702 | 4,164 | 3,616 |
| UK - London, England | 9:03 | 7,013 | 4,357 | 3,784 |
| Caracas, Venezuela | 1:25 | 946 | 588 | 510 |
| Moscow, Russia | 12:04 | 9,358 | 5,815 | 5,050 |
| Canada - Toronto, ON | 3:47 | 2,934 | 1,823 | 1,583 |
Dominican Temperature Chart
The Dominican Republic enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, one of the reasons why North Coast destinations such as Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabarete attract visitors and long-term residents in every season.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 28.9 (84.0) | 29.6 (85.3) | 29.4 (84.9) | 29.3 (84.7) | 31.2 (88.2) | 32.3 (90.1) | 32.6 (90.7) | 32.6 (90.7) | 32.7 (90.9) | 32.3 (90.1) | 30.6 (87.1) | 29.1 (84.4) | 30.9 (87.6) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 23.2 (73.8) | 23.1 (73.6) | 23.6 (74.5) | 24.6 (76.3) | 25.6 (78.1) | 26.3 (79.3) | 26.9 (80.4) | 26.8 (80.2) | 26.7 (80.1) | 26.2 (79.2) | 24.9 (76.8) | 23.6 (74.5) | 25.1 (77.2) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 17.5 (63.5) | 17.3 (63.1) | 17.8 (64.0) | 19.9 (67.8) | 20.0 (68.0) | 20.3 (68.5) | 21.1 (70.0) | 20.9 (69.6) | 20.7 (69.3) | 20.1 (68.2) | 19.1 (66.4) | 18.1 (64.6) | 19.4 (66.9) |
| Rainfall mm (inches) | 175.3 (6.90) | 140.0 (5.51) | 128.7 (5.07) | 115.1 (4.53) | 129.0 (5.08) | 51.0 (2.01) | 69.8 (2.75) | 66.7 (2.63) | 63.7 (2.51) | 111.0 (4.37) | 228.5 (9.00) | 231.8 (9.13) | 1,510.6 (59.47) |
| Avg. rainy days | 12 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 116 |
About Dominican Republic Politics
Much like the United States, the Dominican Republic has a President and a bicameral Congress: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
The Senate has representatives for each province plus the National District, and the president is elected by universal suffrage to a four-year term.
Although there are several political parties, only a handful play a significant role at the national level.
History
The early inhabitants of the island were the Taínos, who had a well-structured society when the Europeans arrived in the 15th century. Since then, Spanish, French, African, and later American influences have shaped a rich cultural blend.
Today, the country is home to more than 10 million people and is known for its music, gastronomy, and warm hospitality.
Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial
UNESCO World Heritage City, known as the First City of the New World.
Attractions:
- Casa de Nicolás de Ovando (First Governor in the New World)
- Alcázar de Colón (Christopher Columbus’ son’s house)
- Fortaleza Ozama
- Puerta del Conde
- Museo de las Casas Reales
La Vega, Dominican Carnival
- 3 to 4 day street party
- Tribes representing all regions of the Dominican Republic
- Dance, music, tradition, and culture
- Each tribe designs costumes based on regional history and tradition
- Over 100 tribes from across the country participate
Santiago de los Caballeros, Centro León
- Museum
- Exhibitions
- Concerts
- Workshops
- Art collections
Jarabacoa, Pico Duarte
- Highest mountain in the Caribbean
- Named after founding father Juan Pablo Duarte
- Trips to Pico Duarte usually last a weekend via mule, horse, and/or hiking.
Barahona, Lake Enriquillo
- Only lake in the Caribbean below sea level (129 ft / 39 m below)
- Saltwater lake inhabited by crocodiles
- Isla Cabritos, within the lake, is home to crocodiles and flamingos
| Neighboring City | Distance in Time | Distance in KM (est.) | Distance in Miles (est.) |
| Luperón | 48 min | 48.6 | 30 |
| Santiago de los Caballeros | 1:03 | 60.9 | 37 |
| Imbert | 27 min | 27.5 | 17 |
| Sosúa | 22 min | 23.8 | 14 |
| Cabarete | 34 min | 38.6 | 23 |
| Capital: Santo Domingo | 3:00 hours | 212 | 131 |
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