Permanent Residency - Big Deal? No!

judypdr

Active member
Jul 23, 2011
558
1
38
73
Costambar
So I just got back from another annual trip to Santo Domingo for my residency -- this time supposedly to switch from temporary to permanent residency. But guess what? It's only good for one year! How stupid is that? So I have to renew my permanent residency again next year? I am soooo disappointed. I thought I was getting four years. Imagine how bummed I am! Please please please migration, figure out how i can renew here in Puerto Plata? It is so hard and so expensive (must stay overnight) to go and such a huge hassle. OK, I'm done whinning! Just frustrated! LOL
 

Cdn_Gringo

Gold
Apr 29, 2014
8,671
1,133
113
No one seems to have it good with immigration. Not the tourists who can't extend and not the residents who can renew but with the most inconvenient process possible.
 

Cdn_Gringo

Gold
Apr 29, 2014
8,671
1,133
113
I haven't applied for residency anywhere else so I have nothing to compare the DR process with, however as far as renewals go, I believe the process could be much more streamlined. Full vetting with initial application and muchos documentos of course, but a renewal, if you haven't left the DR since the last renewal, come on, a buena conducta, a simplified form, and a fee is all that should be needed - turn in those three things and get your new card, too easy.

Yes, foreigners should be able to renew residency/cedula in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Punta Cana, a pilgrimage to pay homage should not required.
 

malko

Campesino !! :)
Jan 12, 2013
5,545
1,327
113
I haven't applied for residency anywhere else so I have nothing to compare the DR process with, however as far as renewals go, I believe the process could be much more streamlined. Full vetting with initial application and muchos documentos of course, but a renewal, if you haven't left the DR since the last renewal, come on, a buena conducta, a simplified form, and a fee is all that should be needed - turn in those three things and get your new card, too easy.

Yes, foreigners should be able to renew residency/cedula in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Punta Cana, a pilgrimage to pay homage should not required.

And even if u have left the dr since last renewal..... i do it everytime.
 

sanpedrogringo

I love infractions!
Sep 2, 2011
2,911
0
0
It's kind of lame that it's only good for a year, but on the same note, you have a year to plan and look forward to a night in the city. I'm not poking fun, but make the most of it and find a decent hotel and restaurant for your time in La Capital. Imagine what it would be like if you had to fly back to your home country and file the paperwork there. With all of the other problems in DR, I don't see this at the top of their priority list to change or amend.
 

cavok

Silver
Jun 16, 2014
9,531
4,046
113
Cabarete
That makes no sense at all. Must be a very recent change. There are one or two other residency/online renewal threads where in just the past couple months temporary residents were celebrating getting their permanent residency and not having to renew for another 4 years(?).
 

william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
4,329
113
After two years residency you can apply for citizenship....

No more renewals, EVER

Took me nine years to figure this out.
I offer it for free.

I am in process 
PM me if you need a name to help.
 

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller
That makes no sense at all. Must be a very recent change. There are one or two other residency/online renewal threads where in just the past couple months temporary residents were celebrating getting their permanent residency and not having to renew for another 4 years(?).

It used to be two years for the first permanent residency then a 4 year cycle.....it still is.....Residencia dominicana por un período de dos años la primera y las siguientes por cuatro años. Carnet de residencia permanente

https://www.migracion.gob.do/Menu/SubList/26
 

cavok

Silver
Jun 16, 2014
9,531
4,046
113
Cabarete
It used to be two years for the first permanent residency then a 4 year cycle.....it still is.....Residencia dominicana por un período de dos años la primera y las siguientes por cuatro años. Carnet de residencia permanente

https://www.migracion.gob.do/Menu/SubList/26

Well, that's a new webpage since it includes a link to apply online. Are you sure the requirement to apply for permanent has always been only two years? Like I said before, it's hard to understand how so many temp residents have renewed every year for 4 years before applying for permanent residency - including many DR1 members as well as some friends of mine.
 

Hector L

New member
Jun 11, 2010
155
0
0
Ok.  You have convinced me I need to apply for a residency card.  I am here 6 months+ per year.   Can I do this on my own or do I need a lawyer?    Where do I start.  I know there is an on line application but it is in Spanish.  I can stumble my way through it but would be more comfortable in English.
 

bob saunders

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
32,504
5,932
113
dr1.com
Would I be right to assume that you mean "after two years PERMANENT residency?

Depends, if you are married to a Dominican you can apply after 6 months of residency, temporary or permanent. I am glad my process is over. Going through customs was very easy with a Dominican Cedula. The girls working for West Jet are always friendly but when I showed them my Cedula they both gave me a big hug and congratulated me. Thankfully my Spanish has improved to just above basic. LOL.
 

botemon

Active member
Jun 28, 2008
223
31
28
Would I be right to assume that you mean "after two years PERMANENT residency?

Yes...after your perm for two years you can apply for citizenship. I am on my 3rd perm (9 years here when the rules were easy...not married to a Dominican) and it is good for 4 years. I have about 1.5 years left to get my butt going on the citizenship. No more BS after that. That said...I have always felt that if we have an interest in living here, like owning a home.....they should just give the darn thing to us! Here you go....have fun and thanks for shopping in the Dominican Republic!!!! Respectfully.
 

william webster

Platinum
Jan 16, 2009
30,247
4,329
113
Bateman
You can go now.... I initiated in July 2008....and am good to go.

No more waiting if you don't want to.... I have a specialist 
 

judypdr

Active member
Jul 23, 2011
558
1
38
73
Costambar
Update...checked again with Guzman firm and confirmed that permanent is only good for one year first time...then four years. But they also said I have to do the whole medical exam again with with each permanent residency renewal. I just don't understand the logic behind the government's making the residency process so difficult and why it takes so long. I had assumed it was to prevent Haitians from easily obtaining residency but with the whole regularization process, that no longer makes sense. Other than fees for the government, which it seems would barely cover the cost of the bureaucracy, and the fees to the lawyers, who obviously have a vested interest in making it difficult, what is the point. Nothing has changed for me since I first applied. In fact, I haven't left the country or anything else. I would just like to understand the point. Any insights?
 

windeguy

Platinum
Jul 10, 2004
42,211
5,966
113
Neither you nor I have any insight into why permanent residency is so temporary.  My next renewal should be citizenship..... Perhaps it is just for the money. 
 

Expat13

Silver
Jun 7, 2008
3,255
50
48
The first problem is they never learned the definition of the word "permanent" it's as permanent as the smell of a beer fart!

:confused:
 

La Profe_1

Moderator: Daily Headline News, Travel & Tourism
Oct 15, 2003
2,294
870
113
Neither you nor I have any insight into why permanent residency is so temporary.  My next renewal should be citizenship..... Perhaps it is just for the money. 

Recently, I had a discussion with a highly placed Dominican about the locking of passports after thirty days, not only for those entering on tourist cards but also those entering with visas that were valid for longer than 60 days. The reply was, "Es un negocio."

In other words, it's all about the money that can be charged. Don't really think it is about legality at all.