The Independent Means Visa in the Dominican Republic, also known as the Pensionado Visa, offers permanent residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources, providing an opportunity to establish residency in a Caribbean paradise with a favorable tax regime.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in the Dominican Republic provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a tropical setting while enjoying attractive tax benefits and a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle.
Overview
A fast-track to permanent residency for qualified individuals with passive income in the Dominican Republic
Eligibility Requirements
Stable passive income from a foreign sourced pension
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Permanent residency, renewable every 4 years
Months to Visa
6-8 months
Physical Presence Requirement
None
Availability
High
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application in person at the Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Migration
Overview
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.
Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 6-8 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with an additional income requirement of US$250 per dependent.
What types of income qualify as passive income?
For this visa, passive income must be from a foreign sourced pension. However, check out the Dominican Republic Rentista Visa (another Independent Means Visa from the Dominican Republic) which is more flexible on the income sources it allows.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The initial permanent residency permit must be renewed after 1 year, then every 4 years thereafter.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Dominican citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Dominican citizenship after holding permanent residency for at least 2 years, subject to meeting other requirements such as Spanish language proficiency.
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of property ownership in the Dominican Republic or a long-term rental agreement
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through police clearance certificates from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 5 years
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in the Dominican Republic+Proof of Income or Wealth: Bank statements for the last 12 months; Proof of pension or other stable income sources; Investment statements or proof of other passive income.
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
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