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Doing Business with Dominican Republic

A comprehensive guide to doing business, exporting, investing, and manufacturing in Dominican Republic.

Foreign Direct Investment with the International Trade Council / Company Incorporation / Company Formation

ProDominicana (Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic)

PRO DOMINICANA logo with blue and red circular design - International Trade

Tel: +1 809 530 5505
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.prodominicana.gob.do

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Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA)

DGA Aduanas logo: Dominican Republic customs - International Trade

Tel: +1 809 547 7070
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.aduanas.gob.do

National Chamber of Commerce

Cámara de Comercio y Producción de Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce and Production logo - International Trade

Tel: +1 809 682 2688
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.camarasantodomingo.do

Ministry of Economy Information from the International Trade Council - a Peak-body - international chamber of commerce

Ministerio de Economía, Planificación y Desarrollo (MEPyD)

Ministry of Economy of the Dominican Republic (MEPyD) logo - International Trade

Phone: +1 809 688 7000
Email: [email protected]

Basic Statistics about Dominican Republic

  • Type of Government: Representative democracy
  • Population: Approximately 11 million
  • GDP: Around $100 billion USD
  • Corporate Tax Rate: 27%
  • Personal Income Tax Rate: Progressive, up to 25%
  • Major Exports: Gold, medical instruments, tobacco, ferro-nickel
  • Major Imports: Petroleum, vehicles, machinery, natural gas

Exporting to Dominican Republic

Exporting to the Dominican Republic involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

  1. Conduct Market Research

    • Identify demand for your product in the Dominican Republic.
    • Understand local consumer preferences and competition.

  2. Verify Export Regulations

    • Ensure compliance with your country’s export regulations and Dominican import requirements.
    • Check for any specific product certifications or standards needed.

  3. Find Local Partners

    • Establish relationships with local distributors or agents.

  4. Prepare Export Documentation

    • Include commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
    • Ensure documents meet Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) requirements.

  5. Logistics and Customs Clearance

    • Work with a customs broker to facilitate the clearance process.
    • Pay necessary duties and taxes.

Key Contacts

Investing / Incorporating in Dominican Republic

Incorporating a company in the Dominican Republic involves several legal steps:

  1. Register Company Name

    • Reserve the name with the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI).

  2. Draft Bylaws and Register

    • Prepare the articles of incorporation and submit them to the Chamber of Commerce.

  3. Obtain Tax ID (RNC)

    • Register with the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII).

  4. Social Security Enrollment

    • Enroll employees in the Social Security Treasury (TSS).

Costs

  • Name Registration: Approx. USD 50.
  • Incorporation Fees: Vary by social capital.

Manufacturing in Dominican Republic

Setting up a manufacturing plant in the Dominican Republic is highly beneficial due to the “Free Zone” (Zonas Francas) incentives:

  1. Identify Suitable Free Zone

    • Research industrial parks with necessary infrastructure.

  2. Apply for CNZFE Permit

    • Obtain approval from the National Council of Free Zones for Export (CNZFE).

  3. Legal Registration

    • Incorporate the manufacturing entity as an LLC or Branch.

  4. Recruit Local Talent

    • The Dominican Republic offers a skilled workforce for textiles, electronics, and medical devices.

Key Contacts

Trademark Registration in Dominican Republic

Protecting your intellectual property is managed by **ONAPI**:

  1. Preliminary Search

    • Check for existing registrations in the ONAPI database.

  2. Filing Application

    • Submit applicant details, mark representation, and classes according to the Nice Classification.

  3. Publication

    • The mark is published for public opposition for a period of 45 days.

  4. Certification

    • If no opposition, a certificate is issued, valid for 10 years.

Key Contacts

Commercial Dispute Resolution in Dominican Republic

Commercial disputes can be settled through the judicial system or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):

  1. Negotiation & Mediation

    • Amicable settlement facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce.

  2. Arbitration

    • Use the Center for Resolution of Controversies (CRC) for faster, private rulings.

  3. Litigation

    • Filing a lawsuit in the Civil and Commercial Courts.

Key Contacts

Our Members Include Leading Organizations in Dominican Republic

Gonzalez Tapia Abogados - member of the international trade council
Guzman Ariza - member of the international trade council
Messina International - member of the international trade council
Ramos Morel, Abogados - member of the international trade council
C9BusinessSolution logo: Productivity and profitability for Dominican Republic businesses. - International Trade

Ask our Experts on Doing Business in/with Dominican Republic

If you’re looking to do business or invest in Dominican Republic, we can provide expert guidance, market insights, and valuable connections to help you navigate the local landscape. Contact us today to discover how we can assist in making your venture a success.

CONTACT US

Important Disclaimer: The International Trade Council is not affiliated in any way with the International Trade Centre. The International Trade Centre is a joint subsidiary organ of the United Nations (acting through UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization. The International Trade Council is an independent peak-body chamber of commerce acting on behalf of its member businesses and governments. If you are looking for the International Trade Centre, please visit www.intracen.org.