Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic visa guide: tourism, business and residence

  • 7 visa types
  • checked 25 October 2026

How visas for the Dominican Republic work

Under Law 875 of 1978 on visas, foreigners entering the Dominican Republic need a visa unless their country has a visa waiver agreement. Visas are requested at Dominican embassies and consulates and decided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), whose Visa Division answers in 10 to 20 working days. Holders of residence or visa-based categories then complete their residence procedure with the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) within 30 days of arrival.

MIREX's official consultation tool shows, for each nationality and passport type, whether a visitor may enter for tourism without a consular visa, for example under Decree 690-07 of 18 December 2007, and which Dominican consulate has jurisdiction for other purposes. Decree 691-07 also lets foreigners holding permanent residence or a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, the Schengen area, Canada or the United Kingdom enter for tourism with a passport and a tourist card.

MIREX's consular fee table sets USD 100 for a single tourist visa and student visa, USD 150 for a single business, multiple tourist or dependency visa, USD 200 for multiple business, work-related business (NM1) and residence visas, and USD 250 for the investment residence visa. Residence visas cover family reunification, retirees with a pension of at least USD 1,500 a month, rentistas with at least USD 2,000 and investors certified by the competent bodies.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday: check MIREX's consultation tool; visa-exempt nationals enter for tourism only, others apply for a tourist visa (TS or TM).

Meetings and business trips: business visa (NS single, NM multiple for one year).

Employment with a Dominican company: business visa for work purposes (NM1), then residence or a temporary permit at the DGM.

Studying: student visa (E), valid one year with several entries.

Retiring with a pension of USD 1,500 a month or living on income of USD 2,000: residence visa for pensioners or rentistas.

Investing through CEI-RD, free zones, border or tourism projects: residence visa for investment.

Joining a spouse or parent: residence visa for family reunification, or dependency visa for dependants of visa holders.

Visa types for the Dominican Republic

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Tourist entry and tourist visa (Visa de Turismo TS / TM)

    Nationals of countries exempted by decree, such as those covered by Decree 690-07, may enter the Dominican Republic without a consular visa for tourism exclusively; MIREX's consultation tool shows the rule for each nationality.

    Validity: TS: 60 days, one entry. TM: 60 days, two entries

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Business visa (Visa de Negocios NS / NM)

    Business trips to the Dominican Republic require a business visa, since visa-free entry covers tourism only.

    Validity: NS: 60 days, one entry. NM: one year, several entries
  • Investor visa Residence visa for investment (Visa de Residencia por Inversión RS, Ley 171-07)

    Investors under Law 171-07 can apply at a Dominican consulate for a residence visa for investment.

    Validity: 60 days, one entry; residence then formalised at the DGM

Study and training

  • Student visa Student visa (Visa de Estudiante E)

    Foreigners who will study at a university or institution in the Dominican Republic, or do an internship under an agreement between institutions, apply at a Dominican consulate for the student visa (E).

    Validity: One year, several entries

Work

  • Work visa Business visa for work purposes (Visa de Negocios con Fines Laborales NM1)

    The business visa for work purposes (NM1) is for people who will stay in the Dominican Republic for a year under a fixed-term contract with a public or private company, a multinational, a free-zone company or an international or public body.

    Maximum stay: One year without having to leave the country

Family

  • Family reunification visa Residence visa for family reunification (Visa de Residencia RS) and dependency visa (DPM)

    Spouses, free-union partners and direct dependants who want to live with family in the Dominican Republic apply at a Dominican consulate for a residence visa for family reunification (RS, USD 200), valid 60 days for one entry.

    Validity: RS: 60 days, one entry. DPM: one year, several entries

Residence

  • Retirement visa Residence visa for pensioners, retirees and rentistas (Visa de Residencia RS, Ley 171-07)

    Under Law 171-07, pensioners and retirees with a pension of at least USD 1,500 a month and rentistas with income of at least USD 2,000 a month can apply at a Dominican consulate for a residence visa (RS).

    Validity: 60 days, one entry; residence is then formalised at the DGM

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?

It depends on your nationality and passport. MIREX's consultation tool shows whether you may enter for tourism without a visa; holders of US, Schengen, Canadian or UK multiple-entry visas or residence can enter for tourism with a tourist card. Business, study, work and residence always require a visa.

Where do I apply for a Dominican visa?

At the Dominican embassy or consulate nearest to your residence or designated for your jurisdiction. MIREX's consultation tool shows, for each nationality and passport type, whether a visa is needed and which Dominican consulate has jurisdiction.

How long does a Dominican visa take?

MIREX gives a response time of 10 to 20 working days. It advises not to buy non-refundable tickets until the visa is issued.

Can I enter with a US or Schengen visa?

Yes, for tourism. Under Decree 691-07, holders of permanent residence or a valid multiple-entry visa from the US, Schengen area, Canada or the UK can enter with a valid passport and a tourist card.

What happens after arriving on a residence visa?

You have 30 days to present yourself at the Directorate General of Migration to formalise your residence or temporary permit and complete its additional requirements.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.