The Dominican Republic - tips for future residents

General facts:

• Unless you have got an assignment & contract from abroad by an international company, it is at least as difficult -- if not harder -- to get a job in the Dominican Republic as in your home country.
• Dominican companies are very reluctant to employ foreigners -- they simply fear that the cannot afford them paying according to their skills.
• Companies rather prefer to create two or three new jobs for less educated and less well paid Dominicans instead.
• There are some exceptions though: Dominican companies run/owned by foreign managers sometimes prefer to employ foreigners in key positions or in jobs where locals cannot meet the requirements.
• Such jobs are mainly found in the wide range of tourism and service related industries- such as:
  • Hotel Front desk
  • Hotel Sales & Guest relations
  • Tourguide & Representative
  • Translation & Interpreting Services
  • Pilots & Flight Engineers
  • Obscure sales jobs in timesharing & realestate operations
• But Beware -- You are either employed according to Dominican salary/work conditions ( which means you have almost no rights and less pay than in similar posotions at home) or read again from top !

Being employed

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Being your own Boss

• If you have some money to invest and good ideas -- there are plenty of opportunities over here
• Though, do not expect a loan from a Dominican bank based on your good ideas
• Do expect to find Dominican partners who bring in little knowledge but their money to start your good ideas -- but beware of crooks !
• Don't worry about permits and licenses to start your business except for attorneys, dentists and doctors and some tourism related businesses ( see further below).
• Simply get yourself a taxnumber (numero RNC) and a patente at the local office of Rentas Internas -- and off you go !
• If you are making a rather upscale investment you will also have to register a company which is usually done with the help of a Dominican lawyer -- expect a minimum cost of US$ 2,500 to 4,000 for such registration.
• Also note the following:
  • Some larger investments may qualify for special goodies like tax reductions and start up programs subsidized by the government -- ask the Foreign Trade Department in your home country or the Ministry of Commerce & Trade in Santo Domingo.
  • Tourism related businesses like travel agencies, tour operators, lodging, catering etc. require an additional permit to be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism.
  • Expect a lot of basic requirements and regulations which are constantly changed or amended; at least the new generation in the Ministry of Tourims has very qualified and helpful staff for foreign business startups.

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Here are some business ideas -- still worth considering:

• Building and renting apartments:
  • Close to the tourist areas for Dominicans who look for work/work in the hotels
  • In the cities in the interior with fast growing population attracted because of the tourism boom
• Home inspection
• Janitorial services
• Dry cleaning
• All of the above mainly in Santo Domingo
• Arts & Entertainment alternatives like:
  • Music Halls, Ballrooms for social events especially in the interior
  • Rent of stage, audio, video and lightning equipment
  • Music recording and production facilities
  • Professional video editing and production
  • Cinemas in the cities in the interior, close to tourist areas
• Internet related businesses like:
  • ISP (mainly in the interior)
  • Webdesign & Webhosting
  • Internet Cafes
  • Internet Terminals for rent
• Food and Fashion Franchises
  Those are booming lately, mainly in Santo Domingo -- hurry a few are still open
• Catering Services

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