for us Dominicans, leaving our country often means dealing with a ton of paperwork just to travel anywhere. It's like needing a permission slip for every trip. I can stay in the US for example, up to 3 months, and if I overstay my welcome, I would be eligible for a visa cancelation no questions asked! Americans and Europeans enjoy passport privileges, so you guys are all talking from the "easy-pass lane"!
After a certain point, if you're still lingering in the DR after 120 days, you're not just passing through — you're settling in. It's like crashing at a friend's place for a few days versus moving in rent-free for months. And just like anywhere else in the world, if you're making a home or a living here, you've gotta play by the local rules
No doubt Dominicans are excluded from the world community, by visa requirements which most can never fulfill.
Even married to a Canadian with proof of financial solvency, in many cases travel visas are not issued.
The excuse "We assume that you will not return to your country after expiry of your visa". return air tickets also did not help.
Many don't want to apply for permanent residency, just travel and visit.
However, visa requirements for Dominicans are the result of overstay and illegal work by many, who now screwed it up for all Dominicans.
Living here I see the Dominican attitude of doing whatever they want, fkuk the laws, zero consideration for others, no clue of public comportment.
There are a few exceptions but the majority operates as stated above.
Your government wants affluent foreigners/tourism to stay and enables tax collection through overstay fines.
Most are from the US, CAN, EU.......with some Russians Eastern EU sprinkled in.
Money is gained in Russia and E. EU, China by corruption and crime, that's the government structure.
Real estate purchases and money laundering are the easiest ways.
Refugees from Haiti or other Latin (except drug money) countries don't bring money and are just a burden on the DR.
The overstayers form US, CAN, EU have money and are zero burden, but a net gain.
The drunks and whoremongers are dying out, a thing of the past to a large extent.
Playing by the local rules as Dominicans are doing is skirt the law, screw foreigners by overcharging whenever possible, cry discrimination.
When IN US, CAN, EU Dominicans are treated with respect, helped and not overcharged.
The mentality of average Dominicans will not be changed in our lifetime.
The educated elite which also travels and knows the world will remain a small percentage of the DR population.
I can only hope that foreigners wake up from their unrealistic Tropical Fantasies.
Live here at lest 3-5 years full time, then decide if real estate purchases for gringo prices in USD and monthly maintenance payments in USD are worth it
for lifestyle or ROI.
I live with Dominicans in a Dominican neighbourhood.
It's not for everyone for me only part of the year as I can not stand it full time.
I have many options in N. America and EU, with infrastructure, laws, and much better prices on food and consumer goods.
For those with play money, play and buy in the DR.
For most 500K to one Million USD is NOT a smart financial investment in the DR, with many other attractive options off island.
I understand that you may be a very decent person trying to make a living in the DR.
You can also advertise and pay for your business on dr1.