It took me about 3 months in total to get my residency. I can give you an email address to my attorney in Puerto Plata or you can use the one on this board in the legal message board who happens to be a nice fellow and seems to run a very efficient business.
Took only one trip to the Capital after I gave the attorney all my paper (birth certificate, letter from Police saying I wasnt wanted in 20 states, x number of pictures and I also gave letters of credit from a bank, a brokerage house and a letter of recommendation from 2 banks.
On my next trip down it was completed.
I then changed my name from Scott to Escott because the Dominicans have a hard time pronouncing SC of Scott and call me ES Cott. I didn't change it legally but enjoy the new pronunciation.
I am also a qualified drinker so let me know where in P. P. you open so I can visit and help your economy
Regards