Introduction to
Dominican Republic tax planning guide

With its beautiful beaches, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture, the Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular destinations for expats seeking a fresh start in the Caribbean.



In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Dominican Republic from a personal tax perspective, including tax residency, income tax, special tax regimes and tax return obligations. 



TaxPilot recommend that you organize your affairs in good time to get ahead and make the most of favorable tax treatment while making sure you’re meeting your tax return obligations.

TAX SYSTEM

HOW YOU’RE TAXED IN Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic follows a residence taxation model. If you are resident, you will pay tax worldwide incomes. If you are non-resident, you will pay tax on local incomes only.

Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
Non-Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
RESIDENCY

YOUR RESIDENT STATUS IN Dominican Republic

You’ll be considered tax resident if you satisfy any of the following criteria:
Physical presence

if you are present in Dominican Republic on more than 182 days during the tax year.

HIGHEST RATE

INCOME TAX IN Dominican Republic

Residents are subject to progressive tax rates and the highest rate of tax levied on employment income and self employment income is 25%.
Global comparison
56%
World highest
25
%
Dominican Republic
0%
World lowest
OPTIMISATION

SPECIAL TAX REGIME IN Dominican Republic

Providing that you are an expat, foreign incomes and gains will be exempt from Dominican Republic taxation for two years. Dominican Republic can be a very tax efficient place to live in and as such, Global Tax Consulting recommends seeking personalized tax planning advice to take advantage of the special tax regime.

Foreign income

Exempt from DR taxation.

Special tax status

Applied for two years.

OTHER TAXES

PERSONAL TAXES IN Dominican Republic

Asset tax

Tax on property and share sales

Wealth tax

Tax on value of owned assets

Death tax

Tax on assets passed to heirs

Social tax

Tax to contribute to state welfare

 * It is recommended that you review your affairs and structure accordingly so that you do not end up creating an unexpected tax charge and paying more tax than necessary.
INTERNATIONAL TAX

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS IN Dominican Republic

If you receive incomes overseas while you are living in Dominican Republic, you may find the source country, as a starting point, continues to tax the income which may cause double taxation unless you are using special tax regime.

Double taxation agreements can be used to mitigate double taxation and receive tax free income. As such, the more double taxation agreements a country has, the better, as agreements will ensure you’re not taxed twice and even better, ensure your income is tax free.  

At present, Dominican Republic as two double taxation agreements signed.

Global comparison
140
World highest
2
Dominican Republic
0
World lowest
COMPLIANCE

TAX OBLIGATIONS IN Dominican Republic

What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The tax year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December.
What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The deadline to file your tax return and settle your tax liability is 31 March following the end of the tax year.
Do you need to make advance payments of tax?
No you will not be required to make advance payments of tax.