Dominican Republic

When relocating to the Dominican Republic, count on SDC International Shipping to make the process smooth and stress-free. Whether retiring or repatriating, our team is equipped with the expertise needed to ensure safe and efficient transport of your belongings.

As a licensed international moving company approved by the Federal Maritime Commission, we specialize in safely moving personal belongings, vehicles, and more from the United States to the Dominican Republic.

What’s on this page?

01 | International Household Moving to the Dominican Republic
02 | International Car Shipping to the Dominican Republic
03 | Dominican Republic Customs and Regulations
04 | International Moving to the Dominican Republic Checklist
05 | International Shipping Options to the Dominican Republic

International Household Moving to the Dominican Republic

People moving from the USA to the Dominican Republic typically fall into two categories: returning Dominican citizens and retirees. The country offers an affordable cost of living, a relaxed lifestyle, and an easy path to permanent residency.

If you’re moving to the Dominican Republic:

Pack Smart: Remember that it’s a tropical climate, so consider which items are essential. While thick blankets and heavy coats might not be necessary, investing in quality outdoor furniture and appliances for an outdoor kitchen can enhance your experience.
Furniture and Appliances: Our movers will carefully prepare your furniture and household items to ensure they arrive in great condition. Using our professional packing service is highly recommended for clients looking to protect their belongings with international moving insurance.
- Packing Service: https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/packing-service/
- Moving Insurance: https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/marine-insurance/
Hobbies and Equipment: If you enjoy fishing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Just make sure all fishing equipment is clean and prepared for transport.

American appliances and electronics are generally compatible, so feel free to include your devices. Get a Free Quote for Your Move: https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/comparing-international-moving-quotes/

GET A FREE QUOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL MOVING

International Car Shipping to the Dominican Republic

You can ship a car to the Dominican Republic under certain conditions:

Tax Exemptions: Returning Dominican citizens who have lived abroad for three years may qualify to import a car without incurring taxes. The vehicle must be five years old or newer and have been owned by the individual for at least six months.
Standard Import Tax: If you don’t meet the exemption requirements, a 20% import tax is applied to the car’s value, including shipping and insurance costs.
Insurance Options: We strongly recommend shipping insurance to protect your car during transit. Consider insuring it for the current replacement value in the Dominican Republic.
Additional Vehicles: You may also send motorcycles, provided they are crated for transport, and you hold a motorcycle license. The Dominican Republic has a modern road infrastructure, so a standard vehicle is suitable for most needs.

Learn More About Car Shipping Options

Dominican Republic Customs and Regulations Requirements

The Dominican Republic offers a welcoming and streamlined residency process for American retirees looking to enjoy its tropical lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know:

Residency Requirements for Retirees:
To qualify for the retirement residency (Pensionado visa), you must demonstrate a stable monthly income from a pension, typically from a government, official institution, or private company. The minimum income required is relatively affordable, with an additional amount needed for each dependent. This income must be verifiable and transferable to a Dominican bank account. Key documentation includes:

A valid U.S. passport (minimum 18 months validity).
Proof of pension income (e.g., certification from the pension provider).
A clean criminal record from your country of origin or residence for the past five years.
A medical certificate confirming good health.
Additional documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, translated into Spanish and legalized/apostilled.

The process begins by applying for a residency visa at a Dominican consulate in the U.S. Once in the Dominican Republic, you must finalize the application with the General Directorate of Migration within 60 days of arrival. Retirees can often fast-track to permanent residency without needing a temporary residency period, provided all conditions are met. Permanent residency requires periodic renewals (initially after one year, then every two to four years), and after two years, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship, which requires Spanish fluency and cultural knowledge.

For updated customs information, refer to the Dominican Republic Customs Authority.

International Moving to the Dominican Republic Checklist

Prepare these essentials when planning your move:

Legal Documents: Gather notarized and Spanish-translated versions of birth certificates, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, and a police clearance report.
Financial and Tax Planning: Meet with a financial advisor in the Dominican Republic to understand local tax implications. Additionally, check with your U.S. bank about international transfer options and ensure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees.
Learning Spanish: Spanish is the official language, so learning some basic phrases will greatly enhance your experience in the country.

Contact Us for Expert Advice on Moving to the Dominican Republic: https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/contact-us/

International Shipping Options to the Dominican Republic

SDC International Shipping provides a range of shipping options to suit your needs. Here’s what to consider when planning your move:

Port of Entry: Most shipments enter through Caucedo Port, close to Santo Domingo, and are delivered by truck to your final destination, even if you’re moving to the north shore.
Container Shipping: Full container loads are the preferred shipping method, as less-than-container loads (LCL) often approach the cost of a 20-foot container, making a full load more practical.
- 20-Foot Container: Suitable for smaller households or partial shipments.
- 40-Foot Container: Ideal if you’re moving a larger household or wish to include a vehicle in the shipment.
Vehicles and Large Items: Vehicles and boats that don’t fit into containers may be shipped separately using Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service.